January 2026 Panthers and Employees of the Month
The Aransas Pass ISD Board of Trustees recognized the Panthers and Employees of the Month at their January 15th Regular Board Meeting.
January 2026 Panthers of the Month
Azaylia Escobedo is a 1st grade student at Faulk Elementary. Azaylia is a wonderful student. She models classroom behavior as a PAX Leader every day. She listens, follows directions, meets classroom/hallway norms, corrects her behavior swiftly, and is pleasant to all her peers. She always listens to authorities and helps when she's not in my classroom. Azaylia is friendly to her classmates in and out of class. Azaylia is sharp and quickly learns new methods. Azaylia constantly helps her partners and explains how she got her answers to improve comprehension when doing partner work. If her partner is struggling, she tries to clarify things for them or comes to me for aid. Either way, she's attempting to help her peers. Great job Azaylia!
Ashton Free is a 3rd grader at Charlie Marshall. Ashton is always a positive role model for his peers. He is a respectful student that shares positive vibes with all he comes into contact with. Aston starts each day happy and ready to learn. He is a prime example of a CMES student that exhibits Panther PRIDE daily!
Aaron Loera is a 8th grader at A.C. Blunt. We are proud to recognize Aaron as AC Blunt’s Panther of the Month for his outstanding academic achievements and consistent dedication to excellence. Aaron’s friendly smile brightens our classrooms and hallways, creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere for peers and teachers alike. Always supportive and willing to help others, Aaron demonstrates kindness, teamwork, and strong character in all he does. Truly an all-around exceptional student, Aaron is a shining example of what it means to lead with both heart and hard work.
Kestalyn Downing is a freshman at Aransas Pass High and always strives to be the best in everything he does. She is an important leader in ROTC and is a significant presence on our drill teams. She is also a skilled leader on our Color Guards that perform for community and sporting events around the area. She also participates in One Act Theater and maintains an A average in all her classes including English Honors. She has been caught helping other students in class and her teachers say she is a remarkable student who makes a difference in their class. Her attitude, determination, and heart, are the reasons why Kestalyn Downing is Aransas Pass High School’s January Panther of the Month.
January 2026 Employees of the Month
Rosemary Thomas is is our nurse at Faulk who exceeds expectations. She assists Faulk students not only with medical issues but aids parents and staff with supporting students' health and well-being. Nurse Thomas organizes procedures to give students the greatest, real-time care. Mrs. Thomas is a Faulk team member who keeps us smiling every day. Mrs. Thomas, we appreciate your commitment to students, staff, and parents. Your presence on our team is much appreciated!
Carrie Kronk is an exceptional teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students and campus. She arrives early each morning to greet students at the front doors, and this year she has truly stepped up—pushing herself beyond her comfort zone this year. Dependable and always willing to help wherever needed, Mrs. Kronk is someone our campus can truly count on.
Allyson Pollard is the 7th grade math teacher at A.C. Blunt. Ms. Pollard's enthusiasm and energy is contagious, inspiring students to learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Beyond her impact on students, Ms. Pollard continually demonstrates an endless desire to support and care for her colleagues. Thank you, Ms. Pollard, for your dedication, your heart, and the positivity you bring to AC Blunt every day. You make our campus stronger, and we are grateful for all you do.
Jennifer Coley has been an employee of Aransas Pass High School for many years. Her contributions have been vast in the past but this year, she has taken on another roll as our Post- Secondary Advisor and has been making a difference in the lives of our seniors. Mrs. Coley stays late to meet with parents, she organizes events, and she meets every day with seniors to discuss their future and how we can help them meet their goals. Mrs. Coley is also the first one here in the mornings to allow students to come into the building before anyone is on duty. Her love for her students, and her dedication to Aransas Pass High School and our families are all reasons why Jennifer Coley is Aransas Pass High School’s January, Employees of the month.
APISD Administration is proud to recognize Jenna Adame as Employee of the Month for January. She has grown tremendously in learning board meeting procedures, understanding board policy, staying ahead of tasks, and managing the many responsibilities that come with her Role. From preparing and organizing board agendas to anticipating needs before they arise, Jenna has become an essential part of the daily operations of the Superintendent’s Office. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and willingness to learn have made a noticeable impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of our work. The role of a superintendent’s secretary is demanding, fast-paced, and often behind the scenes; but her dedication, growth, and positive attitude do not go unnoticed. I truly appreciate her commitment to excellence in this critical role. Congratulations, and thank you Jenna for all that you do for our district!
The Maintenance and Transportation staff is proud to name Rebecca Moreno as our Employee of the Month. Rebecca is a hard worker, she shows up on time ready to work everyday. Always has a good attitude going forward. She will stay after routes and help out where she is needed. Rebecca knows all the students on the bus. She knows where her students get off the bus. She knows the bus route and all the stops. She has greatly improved her work ethic. All of us are proud to have her as part of the team!