Featured Alumni

Mark Williams

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
I took many honors and AP classes.  I participated in many extracurricular activities.  My class work in Plano ISD completely prepared me for the university.  I went into Texas with 15 hours of English and 24 hours of Spanish.

What Plano teacher influenced you?  How?
My AP Spanish teacher, Essie Stanford expected only the best from me.  She wouldn’t allow me to slide.  Overall, all my teachers made sure I was doing what I was supposed to do.  My English teachers taught me the art of writing that I am using even today. 

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
College was always expected of me.  I didn’t think any other way.  There was no question that I would attend a university. 

Anything else?
I work on the Hill in Washington DC, and I oversee the legislative staff that works for Mr. Johnson.  I have worked in Washington for 5 years and have had many unique opportunities as a result of my job. I just returned from a congressional visit to Yemen. 

Sarah Smith

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
I would say that Plano schools went above and beyond in preparing me for my post-secondary experience. I received a great amount of experience from writing papers in AP English that enabled me to excel. I benefited from doing science projects in 7th and 8th grade that taught me how to do research on my own, collaborate it, and write a lengthy paper on my findings; this was great preparation for college. I also had the experience of going to a school with a large population where everyone wanted to succeed.  This tested my abilities and prepared for me life in the real world.

What Plano experience influenced you?  How?
Being in the PAL program in the 8th grade was an experience that influenced me. Not only did I get to know the other students in the program, but I got to do many things that helped others. The times I enjoyed most were working with the first graders at Shepard Elementary school.  We were each assigned a particular student that we were to mentor and it felt great to be someone they could talk to and have fun with.    

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I always knew college would be an option; it was deciding where to go and what to study that was the hard part!

Sheryl Bradley

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Plano's rigorous curriculum afforded me the opportunity to earn enough college credit to start college as a well prepared sophomore.

What Plano teacher influenced you?  How? 
My father who was a Plano ISD teacher taught me to never waste any educational opportunity whether in school or out.  I was also greatly influenced by MaryLou Buntyn.  Her compassion for her students mixed with her passion for her subject made her a teacher worth emulating.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
Education was a priority in my family, and it was an expectation from as far back as I can remember that I would attend college.

Jane Capstick

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
The 10 years of PISD more than prepared me for the years to follow graduation from high school.  Because of the high expectations of all teachers, time management was essential.  Meeting the college professors’ standards was an easy transition because of the study habits I developed throughout my years in PISD.

What Plano experience influenced you?  How?
Many teachers encouraged me and other students by letting us know that we could achieve anything we set our mind to as long as we were willing to work for it.  My Weatherford Elementary teachers had a big impact on establishing my success in PISD.  Each year there seemed to be a teacher who always made the students feel a connection with them over and above just being a student.  Over the years I have stayed in touch with these teachers.

Experiences that inspired me were school trips that enabled us as students to interact with teachers on a more personal level.  These trips also broadened my travelling horizons and helped me realize my career path of being an airline pilot to continue my passion for travel.  These experiences included the Weatherford 5th grade trip to Camp Classen, the Wilson 7th grade Texas History Trip, the Vines Humanities European trip, and the PSHS Student Congress  trip. 

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I  always knew that college was the next step after high school.

Matt Truitt

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
PISD is a competitive environment and encourages competition.  I had done science fairs, history fairs, sports, and art competitions while in school.  Also, I took several A.P. classes including A.P. Art 1, A.P. Art 2, Government, Economics, and English.  The A.P. Art classes were very beneficial because I created the portfolio that I needed to use to apply to scholarships at the colleges I applied to.  Also, Plano Senior High is a large school, which prepared me to dealing with a large college. 

What Plano experience or teacher influenced you?  How?
I don’t remember the names of all my teachers, but I’ll do my best here.  In fifth grade, I had a homeroom teacher, I believe named Mrs. Fry.  She was a fun woman who kept things interesting.  I think teachers have to perform in front of a class similar to a comedian at a nightclub. The comedian has to give the perfect delivery to a joke, and the teacher has to deliver the information to a student in a way that engages the student.  Mrs. Fry was great at the delivery.  In tenth grade, I had a world history teacher who challenged us to research beyond the textbook, look at multiple sides of an issue or even a historical event.  I think this was the first time I became aware of critical thinking and starting making my own opinions on issues.  She really made me aware that textbooks are one reference, and that reference can be truthful, but also favor one side of an issue.  We took into account how people from different countries might view who was at fault or considered the “bad” side during a war.  I think this idea of awareness of the views of others has helped me understand cultures better, especially in a world that is more global today than it was when I was a child.   Also, in tenth grade, I had an art teach who influenced me.  I grew up with an Art teacher, and like most young male children, I rebelled against anything similar to my parents…thus I actually stayed away from art during my teen years.  In tenth grade, my art teacher made me realize that art wasn’t just about pretty pictures.  I realized that art has several of the same problem solving skills and challenges as science.  My interest in art grew at that point.  I explored art in eleventh and twelfth grade as well.  In eleventh grade, I had the unusual situation of having my own mother, Janice Truitt, as my A.P. art teacher.  It’s easy to say my own mother inspired me, but it is actually true.  I’m a college professor now, and I think what I learned from my mother while I watched her teach is that a good teacher is there to open a student’s mind to all sorts of possibilities.  I think in art, my mother showed us the techniques and standards but also encouraged experimentation.  That experimentation lead each student to unique conclusions for an assignment.  I learned a lot from my own mistakes, my own successes, but also the successes and mistakes of the other students as well.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
Honestly, in my family, I don’t think it was much of a choice.  It was assumed from an early age, that I would go to college.  This is good and bad.  It is good because since my family had high expectations, it challenged me, and I think I even pushed myself to meet these high expectations.  It’s also bad, because I wonder if I would be valued the same if I wasn’t able to accomplish the grades, the scholarships, and college.  Having said that, I still think that it is crucial for the family to encourage and support a child to do well in school.  I personally think the family has more of an effect on the success of a student than the school or teachers.  I had a good family life, and very supportive parents.  I think this really helped me to succeed.  I teach at a community college now with students from a variety of backgrounds.  Several of my students come from homes that did not have encouraging parents.  Some of my students even came from homes where the parents told them that they shouldn’t go to college or that they weren’t good enough for college.  I see these students struggle to make their dreams come true.  I think these students will succeed in the end, but they struggle much more with self-confidence in their studies that most people I know that came from very supportive families.  So, I think the home life is crucial. 

Anything else?
I think that classes and grades are only one way to be ready for college.  I think students also need to consider experiences that will enrich their lives and make them more well rounded as a person.  I think my extra-curricular activities were just as important as my classes.  I was a gymnast for 4 or 5 years until seventh grade.  I played football for 3 years until eleventh grade.  I also think it is important to find at least one thing that you can build success at while you are young.  So many people have a hard time believing in themselves and gaining self-confidence.  For me, I found success in art, and also I found that I was good at rock climbing when I was in high school.  I think those two activities gave me the mental state to push forward through challenges, because I knew that if I continued to try hard, I could figured out the problem, and I could solve the problem.  I also believe that social development at a young age prepares you better for the real world.  I would encourage students to become members of a group, a club, a team, anything where you need to work with other, provide leadership, struggle together for a cause, communicate with others, and learn a sense of the benefits of hard work and team work.

Chelsea Goldstein

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Since elementary school PACE, I feel like PISD has given me the right path to success. Especially in high school, I gained more than just facts—I learned how to think for myself. My base in math and science coming in to college was substantially better than most of my friends, and I feel like I was very prepared for college level classes. Activities like the debate team especially augmented my high school experience. 

What Plano teacher inspired you?  How?
Mrs. Shorey, my third grade teacher at Brinker, taught me the joy of reading, something I still hold today. Her class inspired me more than any other class that I have taken. Teachers like Mr. McKinney (Humanities), Mr. Moore (Debate), and Mrs. McCollom (English) also made me think outside of the box and learn new things about myself.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I have always known that I would go to college, but choosing which college was difficult. The great part about Plano schools is that college is not a goal; it is an expectation. Duke is a great choice for me because of the good balance between academics and social life. Luckily, because of my good education, I had a range of choices of where to go to school.

Anything else?
I encourage everyone to take advantage of the extracurricular activities that Plano has to offer. It is a shame that funding is being cut in some of the most formative experiences that I had in school. Personally, I would encourage everyone to try out debate. I learned more from debating than I did in any classroom.

Missy Bender

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience? 
PISD prepared me with the academic knowledge that I needed to succeed at the college level, a lifetime appreciation of the arts, and real life leadership opportunities that inspired me to make a difference.

What Plano teacher or experience inspired you?
I was inspired by Connie Seelhorst, my office education teacher at PESH, because she encouraged me to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone.  (Mrs. Seelhorst is still teaching at PESH today and I still get to see her and tell her what she meant to me!)

I also remember a special “aha” moment at College Night at PESH. I knew that I wanted to pursue a business degree, but I did not know where to apply.  That night I picked up information about SMU and its business school.  I remember the excitement that I felt when I left the campus that night because I knew that I had found the school that would prepare me for the future that I imagined.     

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
The first year that I attended Plano schools, 5th grade

Anything else? 
My education in PISD transformed my entire family’s life.  Because my parents were very young when I was born, they were unable to attend college.  While I was studying at SMU my father was diagnosed with cancer, so my mother immediately started attending college while working and raising a family.  My mother earned her degree from SMU, and my two brothers earned their degrees as well. 

Because education transformed the life of my family in one generation I believe that it can do that for others too.    This life-changing experience is what led me to seek the opportunity to serve on Plano ISD’s Board of Trustees.  I want every child in our school system to know that a good education opens the door to a brighter future.

John Skidmore

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
The preparation I received in the PISD is thanks in most part to the fantastic English department, beginning with Hannah Shorey, the first teacher I had at Brinker after moving to Plano in the 3rd grade.   Mrs. Shorey was the first person to teach me the importance of story telling and narrative.  The quality instruction continued into middle school with the PACE program spearheaded by Kelly Callaway, and on into high school where I was taught by Marti Pennix, Craig McKinney, Lynn Gafford, and Clark Terry.  The strength of this department made me into the writer I am today.  As a writer and producer of films, the story is often overlooked, and it remains important to me to be grounded in the narrative.  I only hope that there are limited typos and grammatical errors in the above paragraph or I might be in big trouble.   

What Plano teacher influenced you? 
If I had to single out one individual teacher it would definitely be Lynn Gafford. I had Ms. Gafford during my junior year at Plano West, and she continued to advise me throughout my senior year. Ms. Gafford not only helped me develop my writing, but she also was instrumental in helping me get into NYU.   She also suffered through two Skidmore children, so she should receive extra merit for that.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
My two older brothers, Greg and David, both went to excellent colleges, so it really put the pressure on me.  When I arrived at Plano West, I still had no idea where I wanted to go to college.  All I ever knew was that film was the only constant interest I maintained through my childhood.  While at West, Carla Ford-Rich and Norv Sykes helped me develop this interest through the technical theater and arts departments.  I have my parents to thank for insisting that I go to a college that not only specializes in film, but also offers the opportunity to obtain a well-rounded education too.  New York University not only has one of the best film programs in the country, but it is also a top university as well.

Anything else?
I consider myself fortunate to have gone through the Plano ISD system.  Though I may have made light of it at the time, the education I received was invaluable when I came to school in New York.  I was surprised to see how little the other new students were prepared for college courses, and how much of a leg-up I had because of both the teachers and the programs offered from my time in the Plano school district. 

Desiree Dizon

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
It challenged me to think outside of myself.  I was able to learn about the world around me.

What Plano experience influenced you?
The most influential aspect of my PISD experience was spending time with great teachers.  Susan Bartley, Donna Wenger, and Billie Jean Lee were ALWAYS there to motivate me.  They’ve been looking out for me since I was 12 years old!

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I wanted to go to college ever since middle school.  My family and teachers encouraged me that it would take me far in life.

Anything else?
I am so proud to be from Plano.  It is literally a dream come true to return and contribute to Plano schools.

Cynthia McCutchan

What Plano experience influenced you?  How?
The experience that meant most to me would be my two years in Child Care Management which is now Early Childhood Professions.  In Mrs. Koslan’s class, we not only learned about young children but we taught young children in our fieldsites.  I remember working with a wide range of children from preschool to elementary students.  Now, as the preschool teacher, I have the opportunity to share the joy of teaching with high school students.

I also had a great choir director, Mr. Garms.  I remember feeling so inspired after leaving his class everyday.  He empowered us to do anything we put our minds to do!

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
My dream since I was a little girl was to be a teacher.  I knew early on that I had to go to college to make my dream come true!

Anything else?
My favorite memory is the first child that I taught to read in pre-kindergarten.  His eyes lit up as he put those three letters together and he exclaimed, “I did it . . . I did it . . . I can read!” It still brings tears to my eyes to think about it. 

Where ever the future may lead, I know that I will succeed because of the faith that my former teachers had in me from the very beginning.  As idealistic as it sounds, I am thankful for the incredible opportunity to touch the lives of children.  Each of the students is special and I consider it a genuine honor to have been an influence in their lives.

Stefan Merrill Block

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
The academic environment of PISD schools is famously rigorous and competitive.  Yet, throughout high school, teachers always warned me that college (not to mention the "real world") would be even more difficult, that if I hoped to succeed I had to learn to prioritize, focus and commit while there was still time, while the work was still relatively easy.  Well, the truth is that my PISD teachers prepared me so well for adult life that their stark forecasts never came true; because of them, I've never again had to work as hard as I did in high school. 

What Plano teacher influenced you? How?
I had many, many wonderful teachers in Plano, but two in particular did more than teach me:  Marsha Cawthon and (2006 Texas State Teacher of the Year) Karen Shepherd did no less than reconfigure my sense of myself and what I could accomplish.   

I am friends with both Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Cawthon to this day.  Whenever I visit them, both, like proud mothers, ebulliently list off the accomplishments of their formers students.  Once, interrupting one such pride session, I stopped Mrs. Shepherd to ask if she knew that all of her former students' success was no coincidence, if she understood how much of what we manage to accomplish we owe to her.

"Na," Mrs. Shepherd demurred.  "I'm just blessed with really great students."

It was a nice moment for me, to be able to tell my teacher she was wrong.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I am fortunate enough to have parents who never allowed me to consider, even for a moment, that my education would end with high school.

Mona Sadeghpour

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
I still believe that some of the greatest education I have received to this days took place at Plano Senior High. During 11th and 12th grade I was enrolled in numerous AP and Honors courses, such as AP English, AP Calculus BC, AP Spanish, and others. These courses along with other classes I took at Plano, not only fully prepared me for the challenges of the academic curriculum at my university, but taught me life-long skills such as proficiently learning the Spanish language. For example, the way that I learned Spanish at Plano Senior High stuck with me and I was even able to use some of the notes and lessons that were given to me by my Plano teacher (Mrs. Bennet) when I traveled to Argentina my senior year of college during a study abroad trip! You can’t beat that kind of education.

What Plano teacher inspired you?  How?
I had many teachers at Plano Senior from whom I learned tremendously. I have already mentioned Mrs. Bennet, my Spanish teacher. But, another individual who had a great impact on my education not only at Plano Senior High, but for years to come was my AP IV English teacher, Mrs. Gatzloff. She was loving and passionate in everything she did, from literature to teaching her students. She made me believe in myself and my writing, and encouraged me to continue writing essays and poetry. She was the main reason why I fell in love with literature and why I continued to take humanities courses at UT Dallas (despite the fact that I was a pre-med student.) Her passion inspired me to incorporate the humanities in my pre-professional training as a pre-med and later as a medical student, and was the founding inspiration in helping me initiate a proposal for the Medical and Scientific Humanities major at UT Dallas.

Matt Palesky

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Plano ISD prepared me for the academic level of the courses I am taking. It also helped me decide what my interests were.

What Plano teacher influenced and inspired you?  How? 
Ms. Lindley was my English teacher at Schimelpfenig, Jasper, and Plano, and I enjoyed her very much. She made class fun, but at the same time she made us work to our true potential.

Mandy Muniz

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
All of my classes taught me the skills I needed to be a competent reader and writer.  I also gained study skills and organizational skills that prepared me for the academic rigors of college.  My communication and time-management skills were also keys to my success in college.  All of these skills were introduced and reinforced by the curriculum, instruction and real-world extension opportunities provided by PISD.  By having access to AP classes, I was able to enter college with several credits and I was able to begin college on the sophomore level.  This readiness allowed me to obtain my degree and a teaching certificate in just 4 years.  Being a part of Theatre Major Studies allowed me to focus in on a career pathway and the intensity of the program gave me a distinct advantage over my classmates in college.  I was academically advanced as a writer and performer.  I had a sense of discipline toward note-taking, tactics for studying class material and a focus in performances and test taking that allowed me to be successful.

What Plano experience or teacher influenced you?  How?
The Plano East Theatre Department exposed me to dramatic literature, not only in class study but in production as well. Lisa Hale, my drama teacher at Plano East Senior High, was my inspiration.  She introduced me to career options that let me pursue my love of theatre.  Ms. Hale introduced us to several guest artists.  By bringing professional artists to work with us in stage combat, theatre dance, acting for the camera and auditioning techniques we were inspired and educated by people in the field who exposed us to the latest techniques. Through Ms. Hale and the theatre program, we had access to theatre professionals from SMU, UT Dallas and Collin County Community College as well as former students who came back to Plano East to offer advice and share their experiences.  Ms. Hale arranged field trips to The Dallas Theater Center, Kitchen Dog Theatre, The Undermain, Theatre Three and many other Dallas area theatres. Ms. Hale’s challenging and creative assignments allowed me to see the many facets of a career in theatre and her productions were practical applications of the skills we learned in class.  She took me to audition for scholarships at the Texas Educational Theatre Association Conference and prepared me well for those important auditions.  Those auditions lead to a theatre scholarship and with the combination of that scholarship and my academic scholarship, my tuition was significantly reduced.  She always instilled confidence in me by teaching me the history of theatre and the modern techniques of the profession.  She taught me professionalism and the skills and knowledge I gained in her class, put me head and shoulders above my classmates when I entered college.  She always challenged me to do my best and even asked me to re-do assignments that she knew I had not put my best effort toward.  That level of dedication and personal connection with me made me see the value of education and ultimately encouraged me to choose a career as a drama instructor where I could incorporate my love of theatre and education.  Each day I know I am reaching out to my students and I hope I am inspiring them with the same spirit and dedication of Lisa Hale.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
In PISD, college is presented as an option early in the educational process.  I think I always saw college as an option and was encouraged to pursue a degree.  As I was introduced to the arts and found I had an interest in that field of study, my teachers introduced me to many options in pursuing training or furthering my education.  Mrs. Hale encouraged us to attend summer camps at universities in order to further our education but also to introduce us to different campuses as options for post secondary instruction.

Cameron Dunn

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience? 
The classes were very competitive and challenging. It helped being surrounded by intelligent people to keep me motivated. The wide variety of available extracurricular activities gave me every opportunity to succeed. Also, the many different types of people allowed me to meet some lifelong friends and helped keep everything in perspective. The teachers are world class, so I was always learning to think about topics from different perspectives.

What Plano teacher influenced inspired you?  How? 
Ever since kindergarten, it seemed like there was a new and different teacher that influenced me greatly each year. The most recent that come to mind are Mr. Borowitz, my Senior High English teacher, and the basketball coaching staff at Plano Senior High. I remember Borowitz always encouraging me to actually think about the material rather than just trying to get a good grade. Coach Parlin and Inman helped the team and me accomplish great things when nobody else gave us a chance.

Douglas Martin

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience? 
The simple answer is very well, but allow me to elaborate for a moment.  First, Plano ISD prepared me for college and beyond by the breadth of experiences I had while a student.  I was fortunate in that I was able to consider what a career in medicine might be like while I was still in high school through the Clinical Rotations course.  Beyond the vocational courses, I was encouraged to pursue my interests in science through the science fair and the research course at Vines.  I must admit I cringe when I think back on some of the errors I made, but it was an excellent experience.  Second, I think the overall quality and high level of the coursework helped me a great deal in college.  This helped me directly in college when I received credit for a number of the AP courses I took, but it also helped indirectly in that I feel I was challenged in high school.  Knowing that you have been challenged and succeeded is an enormous boost to your confidence, one that helped me work through the tough times in college and get where I am today. 

What Plano experiences influenced you?  How? 
I sometimes feel as though I’ve only recently started to have what you might call success.  You might even say I’m a bit of a late bloomer (or at least I feel like one sometimes).  Potential is a loaded word, but I’ve realized now that I am deeply indebted to a few individuals who pushed me in directions I might not have ventured on my own in order to live up to my ‘potential.’  Mrs. Wolff was my biology teacher in 9th grade and pushed me to do science fair and to stay involved the next year in her research class.  Mrs. Pollard and Mrs. Walkup were Humanities teachers that did a one semester leadership course that helped me immensely (even if it didn’t show outwardly for a few years).  Mrs. Alexander and Mrs. Chesal sponsored the Whiz Quiz teams at Vines and PESH.  I enjoyed those activities immensely, both for the nerdy challenge they presented and the larger lessons they instilled.  Mr. Figura taught me to read Latin, as well as impressing upon me that rules are inherently… flexible.  Mrs. Kottwitz taught me Calculus and that it is okay to be a bit of a dork.  Mrs. Moon taught me AP Chemistry, quite possibly my favorite high school class and one that has had a major influence on my career.  Without going on for too long, these people (and many others) collectively pushed me and helped me push myself to work harder, try new things, and learn some of the essentials for life after high school.  I am extremely happy with where I am in life, and I wouldn’t be here without the lessons they taught me. 

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you? 
In my family, college was assumed long before I had any idea what college was or that college was not an option for some.

Kristi Gleason

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Plano ISD gave me a strong background in work ethics, critical thinking, and writing.  I had passionate teachers who gave me a solid foundation for learning and opportunities to excel. 

What Plano teacher inspired you?  How?
I think that each one of my teachers prepared me in his or her own special way for where I am today.  A few educators are notable though…Mrs. Loretta Brister is one of the first women who comes to mind (my 1st and 2nd grade teacher…she must have loved us so much that she moved grades with us!)…she stands out all the way back from Davis Elementary as a strong and powerful woman and someone who deeply cares about her students. 

Of course, I can’t go without saying my amazing mother, Mrs. Gleason, who was the best 9th grade Honors English teacher that I could have ever had.  Without her I would be nowhere, and I definitely wouldn’t be very good at English. 

There are so many inspiring teachers and staff from Davis Elementary, Haggard Middle School, Vines High School, and Plano Senior High School that I have known for years, and they are all amazing people.  I would like to thank them all (they know who they are!) for always supporting me from when I was a little girl up until now; it’s nice to know that there are such wonderful people out there believing in and truly caring about me and all the students with whom they interact.    

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I always knew I would graduate high school and then attend college.  There was never another option in my head.  I knew that to get where I wanted to be, I needed to further my education and get a degree. 

Anything else?
I am blessed and lucky to say that I’m living my dream job and doing exactly what I’ve wanted to do since I was a small child.  I am thankful to have an amazing and supportive family and group of friends, and I would never trade my job for anything in the world.  I get to wake up each day and spend my time with the top predator of the ocean and be outside and in the water.  It’s a great feeling to know that I have achieved my dreams.  It has taken hard work, and sometimes I wondered if I was on the right path, but I always had faith that I was doing what I was supposed to, and now here I am. 

Bryan McKown

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
My high school experience at Plano West did extremely well in preparing me for the demands of a collegiate environment.  I honestly felt that coming out of Plano ISD, I was prepared for anything that would be thrown at me in college.  I think the biggest challenge did not come from the class material, but rather having the self-motivation to continue to work just as hard in college as you did during high school.

What Plano teacher influenced you?  How?
Looking back at my high school education, I realize that Carla Ford-Rich had a huge influence on my desire to work in the film industry.  My involvement in her theatre department made me really enjoy surrounding myself with creative people, and working in a creative environment.  She helped me to break out of my shell and learn to become more of a leader, a trait that carried with me throughout college.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I had always planned to go to college, but it was the day my family and I went to drop my brother off at the University of Texas for his freshmen year of college that I decided it would be my priority to make sure I did well in class and positioned myself to follow in his footsteps and get into the college of my choice.  I was only a freshman at the time.  My future aspirations changed during those years, but I always knew that if I continued to try my best and succeed in school then I would benefit from all the hard work once it was time to apply for college.

Anything else?
One of the first things I was always asked when I came to California was why didn’t I have a Texan accent.  I would always explain that I’m not from “Texas,” I’m from Plano.  I think one of the best things about the school district is the diversity of the entire student body.  I may have been born and raised in Texas, but I knew kids from across the country.  Being surrounded by people with so many different backgrounds, ideologies and beliefs may have been the best preparation Plano ISD could give anyone for the shrinking world we live in today.

Jason Walker

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Honestly, I don’t find my college classes much different from my high school classes.  My senior year, I took AP classes for all of my core classes, which really helped.  The format and expectations of all of my courses are almost the same as my high school classes.

Plano West Senior High really lives up to its reputation as a stellar high school.  I don’t feel like I was thrown out to sink or swim in college.  I feel like I was given all the skills that are necessary to be successful in college, and while there is a lot of work to do in college, especially as an engineer, I think that it’s doable.

All in all, the hard work that I put in during high school is really paying off now.  There are tons of concepts being taught that I’m already familiar with.

What Plano teacher inspired you?  How?
Dave Carroll; the man is a genius.  I took his class for honors and AP physics, and it’s really prepared me for what college is all about.  Especially as an engineer, I find that I know more about how to go about solving problems (not always solving them, though) than many of my peers.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
My parents have always expected me to go to college, and I agree wholeheartedly with them.  Basically, once I started thinking about my future career, I realized that college was essential to my success.

Rosalind Bell

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
When I arrived at Harvard, I discovered that I was as prepared for the college experience as any of my peers from across the country. Plano ISD not only provided me with a solid academic backgroung, but taught me valuable lessons about how to study, how to enjoy studying, and how to allow myself breaks from studying.

I have spent my last two post-graduate years living and working in Hungary, Poland, and Japan.  I have seen incredible places, from Transylvania to Tibet, and I consider myself very lucky.  I owe my privileges in large part to my Plano education.

What Plano experience or teacher influenced you?  How?
I had too many wonderful teachers and experiences in Plano to name a single great influence.  I was particularly inspired by my Humanities teacher Mr. McKinney and my English teacher, Ms. Gafford.  These teachers (and many others) taught me to truly love what I was learning.  At the same time, experiences like Student Congress and Drill Team also taught me the importance of having fun and remaining well-rounded.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I never actually questioned whether college was an option.  My friends and I were always encouraged at school and at home and treated like we were capable of reaching any goal we set for ourselves.  We were also encouraged to set high goals.

James Dawson

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Much of what I do in college is predicated on the study habits and base knowledge I picked up in PISD. To be fair, very little of what I learned after 7thish grade was truly “base” knowledge; I often  learned substantially more material from substantially more provoking  teachers in high school than I have in college.

At times, the admissions process feels frustratingly contrived – but  PISD has a special way of ushering you through the process  effectively without making it seem like you are just going through  the motions of some symbolic, bureaucratic machinery. The guidance  department (specifically the demigod Jan Williams of PWSH) tries  harder than a lot of us can even process to make sure we end up where  we belong. But PISD will only help you if you let it help you, and  more people need to do that.

What Plano experience or teacher influenced you?  How?
I must have done something to please the scheduling gods, because I  had quite a few unforgettable and inspiring teachers in high school.  Nancy Lewis and Kevin Moore taught me around 90% of what I know, John  Scott and Teri McIntire are a god and goddess (respectively), and  Doug Darracott knows more about art than any other human being in the  history of the planet. Marti Penix is simply great. Sally Schneider,  Susan Schackman, and Janice Dopman taught me a language that I hope I  never forget. The list goes on.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
Early. Thanks Mom.

Amanda Flack

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
I was in the International Baccalaureate Program in high school.  This intense program prepared me for all academic aspects of college; including the intense writing, the many hours studying, and the various class projects, all of which were essential to my survival through college.  In my personal college experience, in many ways high school was much more difficult than college, which was rare to find among my many acquaintances in College Station.  The only thing I wasn’t prepared for was the social adjustment and being an independent person, but that came soon.

What Plano teacher inspired you?
Mrs. Whitman, my humanities and 10th grade English teacher, was one of my more influential teachers.  Humanities was a wonderful, well-rounded (and my favorite) course that served me in many purposes, outside of the arts.  The projects and presentations helped me throughout high school and college, as well as the creative thinking, all made possible by her.  English was not a favorite subject of mine, but she made it enjoyable, and memorable.  I still remember the papers I wrote and the books we read.  She made a writer out of me.  I have a greater appreciation for culture and art due to her teaching strategies and classes.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I always knew I would go to college, especially when I changed school districts to attend Williams and PESH to provide me a better opportunity and chance to go to college.

Ashley Dohmann

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
I was involved with the International Baccalaureate program at Plano East, which, in my opinion, was actually more difficult than college in many ways.  My high school teachers had very high expectations for us, and we were made to do a lot of work, which definitely eased the transition to college.  The amount of papers I had to write in high school was nothing compared to what I had to turn out at UTD, but my experiences at PESH taught me how to structure my time wisely (so that not every major paper was written at 3am the night before).  I also learned and developed excellent strategies for reading, writing, studying, and note taking which were invaluable during my college experience.

What Plano teacher inspired you?
I had many teachers during my thirteen years in the Plano school system that influenced and inspired me.  I am now a bookworm, and have been ever since my second grade year when Mrs. Dee Phelps showed me how wonderful reading could be.  I was inspired to become a teacher myself; I have many Plano teachers to thank for that decision.  Mr. Grant Clayton taught me that a hilarious (but focused) teacher can, in the right circumstances, be more effective.  Ms. Lee Silva, a biology teacher who has since moved on to teach in Allen, showed me that if you are really excited about your subject, your students will be too.  And because my younger siblings also had the pleasure of her company in the years to come, I learned that new teachers often have to adjust their teaching strategies, because sometimes playing “I have the puck” to review for every test is not… entirely… safe.  Of course many English teachers throughout the years come to mind when I think of my favorites, particularly Theresa Biggs and Marte Lilley, who I now work with.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
College wasn’t just an option for me, it was an absolute necessity.  I had always planned to attend college, although until my senior year I had no idea what my major would be or what might lie ahead.  I’ve never shied away from academia, and in a few years I plan to pursue a master’s degree.  A whole new world is available to a college graduate, endless possibilities that would otherwise be out of reach, even for those who don’t have it all figured out just yet.  For me college wasn’t just an educational experience, it was an opportunity for me to discover my skills, talents, and passions.  Without that experience I would’ve never found out how much I love to teach.

Jason Viel

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Due to the variety of extra-curricular activities offered at PISD, I had the opportunity to participate in several different activities including athletics and various academic clubs.  Balancing these various activities taught me the importance of personal leadership and time management, skills that I used extensively during my college experience.

What Plano teacher inspired you?
Obviously numerous teachers played important roles in my education experience.  However, instead of focusing on one or two teachers that positively impacted my life I want to focus more on the “PISD Culture”.  Starting very early in my education it was evident that the PISD teachers were intent on getting their students prepared for a college education.   From middle school all the way through high school, college was not presented as a possibility but rather a reality and that we needed to prepare for that eventual outcome.

From my experience in the Plano ISD, I have seen how setting the standard high and constantly working to establish a winning culture can positively impact your life.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
Like I said before I remember college being an expectation versus a possibility at a very early age due to the “PISD culture”.  I can’t remember a specific point where it would be an option but I do remember hearing my teachers saying “When you get to college” versus “If you get to college” starting in middle school all the way through high school.

Amy Boardman Shockley

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
Being involved in athletics, Student Congress and several other extra-curricular activities while taking AP classes taught me the importance of time management which truly helped while adjusting to college life. 

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
I remember my second grade teacher, Mrs. Jurgenson, asking the class one day which college we planned to attend.  Not IF we were going to college…that was never an option.  I started preparing for the SAT that day.  I was always VERY advanced.  Although, I could never tie my own shoes until high school.

What Plano teacher inspired you?
Susan Bartley was the biggest inspiration during my formative years at Wilson.  Since the first time I made her laugh in 7th grade science lab, she nurtured my creative spirit (while other teachers sent me to the Dean’s office) and encouraged me to be myself.  She has continued to be a true mentor and friend, and I owe my dedication to science to her!

James Thomas

 How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience?
PISD schools provided me with a solid academic background which made the transition to college one of  ease.

What Plano teacher inspired you?
Numerous staff members played important roles in my life.   However, Ms Mischen and Ms Hardinson (both were English teachers at Plano HS ) were wonderful to me.  Thanks to them, I became a teacher and have loved each minute of my profession.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you?
As a football player, my next step was college.   As a graduating high school senior, my parents’ next step was to kick me out of the house so that I could begin my independent life.   Since I had to leave the house, college was a fantastic choice for me.

Terry Traveland

How did Plano ISD prepare you for your post-secondary experience? 
I learned study skills that were crucial to being successful in college.  Also, I was in many advanced and AP courses.  So, I saved money in college by testing out of several classes and getting the college credit for them.

Participating in extra-curricular activities during high school was a huge part of my success in being accepted by colleges as well as being successful in college.  It taught me to manage my time and resources efficiently.  I also learned leadership skills that I still use every day.  By participating in these activities, I increased my self-esteem and learned skills and values I wouldn’t have learned in the classroom. 

What Plano teacher inspired you?
Mrs. Best, my 10th grade English teacher.  She was a stickler for good grammar and is the reason I am so successful today.  She gave me a C on my first paper.  I had never gotten a C before on anything.  I asked her why she thought my paper was so bad and she replied it was the best one in the class, but wasn’t the best I could do.  She demanded more from me than any other teacher I’d ever had.  She demanded that I try my best.  When I graduated from law school in the top of my class and got a job at the largest law firm in the world, I wrote her a thank you letter and sent her flowers to let her know how much I appreciated her.

When did you first realize that college might be an option for you? 
It wasn’t optional.  My teachers and parents always encouraged me to go to college.  I never considered not going.  They inspired me to do so.  Also, the $20,000 scholarship I received from Beneficial Management Corporation for the community service I did in high school helped a great deal with affording college.