Made With Pride in Duncanville

November 2018

Each month, Duncanville ISD recognizes a student, teacher and staff member who exemplify what it means to be “Made with Pride in Duncanville.”

All three honorees receive a gift bag, a surprise visit by district leaders and are featured in a video. They are also invited to attend the Duncanville ISD Board meeting where they are recognized for this honor. This month’s Made with Pride in Duncanville honorees include: student Angel Nuncio, teacher Curtis Ferguson and staff member Angela Alvarez.

Angel Nuncio joined PACE High School in early October after spending his 9th grade year of high school on home bound. Many in the Duncanville ISD family may remember a story that was run on him on WFAA TV back in November 2016. Angel has made a smooth transition back to regular school with the help of the smaller environment PACE provides and is the first ever PACE student who is also a member of the award-winning Duncanville Band. He is a true survivor and a model of strength and perseverance.

Curtis Ferguson does a lot for students and teachers at Byrd Middle School. Not only is he famous as in having pictures with Oprah Winfrey and former President George W. Bush, but he is always positive role model for our male students. He is currently our art teacher where he makes cards for our teachers that have celebrated their birthdays, he also runs the Art Club and our boys program "I Am a Man". He is also in charge of our Hispanic Festivities where he does Movie Night for our students, preparing tryouts for our Hispanic Heritage program, and putting together the program. Mr. Ferguson really has the kids heart in mind especially for our young boys.

Angela Alvarez has an “all in” attitude and has been instrumental in helping the Counseling Department meet basic student needs this year. The North Texas Foodbank was relocated from Cockrell Hill to Plano over the summer. Many of the campuses in Duncanville ISD have participated in the Food for Kids program that provides students with backpacks of food to take home over the weekend. When Angela heard that our students might not get to participate in this program she arranged to coordinate with the Counseling Department to send a driver to Plano bi-weekly to pick up food. Another recent occurrence involves the Coats for Kids Program. When I called her to inquire about whether her team would be able to pick up coats and deliver them to campuses she used her common phrase, “We will do whatever we need to do help kids.” Her willingness to assist us as we partner with community stakeholders to meet student needs is very much appreciated.