For several years now, Park Place Lexus Grapevine has supported the Southlake/Carroll ISD. Every year, Park Place donates the summer use of a Lexus vehicle to the recipients of the school disctrict’s Teacher of the Year award, and generously supports the Carroll Education Foundation.
This year, there were two Teacher of the Year honorees, one for middle school and one for high school. When presenting the two cars and the award to Mr. Mangham and Ms. Gilley, Park Place Lexus Sales Director Matt Woolsey thanked them for all their hard work and dedication to students of our community.
A former Dragon himself, and someone who grew up in Southlake, Matt chatted with the students, teachers and faculty of the Southlake/Carroll ISD. He thought about community, his community, and just how close a connection he has to the neighborhood, the school district and this event . He commented, “I looked around the room and saw a few of my son’s teachers, several current teachers that are Park Place clients, my former principal Mr. Willingham, Mr. Lowery (former superintendent), and my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Anders. I let them know how proud I was to be a Dragon, how proud I was to be the parent of a couple of Dragons, and how proud I am of Lance and Nichole’s service and dedication to our students.”
Nichole Gilley, teacher of the year for the 7-12 grade range, Carroll High School, is a Dragon too! And, Lance Mangham, award recipient for grades K-6, is a Duke grad, and is currently the accelerated math teacher at Durham Intermediate School (and he was actually Matt Woolsey’s son Austin’s Math teacher last year!)
Lance will be driving a 2013 GS 350 for the summer. Nichole, a 2013 RX350. Nichole is also a driver’s ed teacher and she said she usually drives her current teaching vehicle in June—not this June! Lance mentioned he’s had two cars in the past 22 years, so he’s excited about this summer’s driving opportunity.
Pictured above (L-R): Nichole Gilley, Matt Woolsey, Austin Woolsey and Lance Mangham
The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation was founded in 1998 to provide funds for programs and opportunities that benefit GCISD students and staff. While core educational needs are met through the allocation of tax dollars, the margin of excellence is possible only by contributions and efforts that go above and beyond the minimum. Foundation funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, recognize and encourage staff excellence and expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations. Since its inception, the foundation has funded 875 projects, distributing more than $1.4 million to GCISD, affecting more than half the teachers and all the students.
“Like most Texas schools, our school district is facing unprecedented budget challenges under the current school finance laws. Park Place Motorcars has generously donated resources for the past few years to the Education Foundation whose sole purpose is to provide resources needed to our school district and where 100% of all donations stay within our school district to assist our students and teachers. Not only has Park Place been the featured sponsor for our Celebrating Our Stars Academic Recognition Banquet for several years, but also for the second year donates scholarships to graduates for continuing education. Park Place understands the importance of successful schools in communities and how communities must work together to ensure the success of our schools. Park Place’s support is a shining example of the need for and importance of collaborative efforts between our schools, community, and corporations. Our heartfelt thanks to Park Place!” says Janice Kane, Executive Director.
