Cedar Valley Secretary Wins December STEEL Award

December STEEL 2024Determined to labor “behind the scenes” to help where needed most, a certain secretary at Cedar Valley Elementary School is just too good to go unnoticed.

 

Much to her visible chagrin, Clarissa Acosta found herself in the spotlight recently, winner of a Killeen ISD STEEL Award.

 

She is one of two honorees for the month of December.

 

“Ms. Acosta is an exceptional asset to our team, coming in every day with a smile and a warm demeanor that immediately puts parents and students at ease,” said Cedar Valley Principal Phylicia Miner in her nomination.

 

She has built strong, trusting relationships within our community, so much so that parents often come in specifically asking for her by name,” the principal said.

 

“(Her) proactive nature and initiative are remarkable. She doesn’t just identify issues; she approaches me with well-thought-out solutions, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and problem-solving.”

 

While her children were in elementary school, Acosta began working in KISD as a classroom aide. She moved to Cedar Valley 12 years ago, where she has remained.

 

“I fell in love with interacting with parents and children,” she said. “I believe I’ve been granted a privilege to be in a position where I can help others in so many ways. I think a lot of us have difficult lives and I like to be that beacon of light, that smile, that encouraging word,” said Acosta.

 December STEEL Award

“Something as simple as making sure a student has something to eat, to helping a parent find resources. Every day is different. I get different experiences and I’m ready for it.”

 

As someone intrinsically motivated to help others, the hardworking secretary was confused when a group of administrators squeezed into the school office recently to present the surprise award.

 

“I said, ‘Oh, my goodness, it’s for me.’ I was overcome with emotion. It’s just an honor. I like to do things in the background. To be recognized in this way, it’s amazing, such an honor.”

 

STEEL is an acronym that means Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners.

 

Recipients receive a circular, steel plaque refined and polished in the welding and automotive paint and body shops at the KISD Career Center. The school district honors two employees a month with the award during the school year.

 

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