The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) recently held its second annual Celebration of Excellence banquet on May 23, a heartwarming event dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements of HCDE employees who have shown a deep commitment to serving the community and empowering students throughout the school year.
The evening began with Superintendent James Colbert Jr. delivering inspiring remarks about the importance of acknowledging the exceptional contributions of HCDE staff. He emphasized the significance of coming together to honor and thank those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.
Forty-one employees from HCDE’s instructional divisions were recognized at the event, including the Employees of the Month for 2023-2024. Each honoree received certificates of appreciation in front of their peers and loved ones, celebrating their hard work and dedication.
One standout employee, Norma Rodriguez, an executive administrative assistant, was praised for her invaluable support across multiple divisions and Department-wide events throughout the year. As the January Employee of the Month, Rodriguez expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the fulfilling nature of working for HCDE.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Brenna Kollmorgen, an occupational therapist with nearly 30 years of service at HCDE. Recognized for her dedication to helping elementary students with disabilities succeed in school, Kollmorgen’s passion and commitment were celebrated by her colleagues. As she prepares for retirement, Kollmorgen reflected on her fulfilling journey and the impact she has made on students’ lives.
Superintendent Colbert closed the event by expressing gratitude to all employees for their unwavering dedication to HCDE and their mission to uplift the lives of Harris County students. Looking ahead, Colbert emphasized the organization’s commitment to excellence and making a positive impact on the world, one student at a time.
For more information about HCDE and its programs, interested individuals can visit the organization’s website.
