To recognize students and educators who go above and beyond the normal scope to demonstrate the principles of leadership, education, attitude, pride, and service, the student body nominates a student to each area of L.E.A.P.S and one teacher who exemplifies all five principles. This six weeks, Sarah Weldon was awarded and honored with the nomination of the L.E.A.P.S. teacher representative.

As someone who is always willing to be there for each and every one of her students and there to support SEHS through her yearbook contributions and school spirt, Weldon was selected and rewarded through her nomination. When learning of her recognition, Weldon was pleasantly surprised and honored.

“I was super surprised! I don’t ever expect to win because I’m just trying my hardest to be the best for all of our kids, and I fail at that very often,” Weldon said. “I loved the honor, and it made me feel like I am doing something right.”

While striving to be the best version of herself, she has taught her students to do the same. For individuals, including junior Xavyer Mosqueda, the actions she has taken deserves the highest recognition.

“I’ve always seen her as a good role model because of her willingness to help others and give people a helping hand. While she was my coach for golf, she found a way to help anybody on the team that needed it no matter who it was,” Mosqueda said. “To me, that’s what makes a good leader. Someone who is willing to help anybody and everybody no matter the reason or cause.”

Beyond the help she extends to her students, Weldon has also been an excellent model of one key importance in life. Sometimes, individuals can forget to have fun while doing their daily duties while others focus entirely too much on having fun and forget about the work that must be completed as well. Weldon has taught her students to recognize the time allotted for fun and the time for work while showing them the importance in practicing both at the same time.

“I think that’s why the kids like her so much,” freshman Hannah Alvarez said. “She’s cool, and you can joke with her. But she also knows when to get to work.”

Outside of the classroom, Weldon can be seen at many school events taking pictures for yearbook and supporting Springlake-Earth teams and extracurricular activities. For that never-ending school spirit and support she exhibits, many felt she was a great demonstration of L.E.A.P.S.

“She’s always been someone that has been clapping during the fight song or the first one to stand up whenever we do something good on the football field,” Mosqueda said. “It doesn’t matter what program it is, she’s always going to be a huge supporter.”

While supporting, leading in, and being a part of the community she loves, Weldon has shared the importance of L.E.A.P.S. with other teachers and students, including her own children. After seeing her mom receive the L.E.A.P.S. teacher of this six weeks, SEHS alum Sayler Beerwinkle was proud and happy for her mom.

“I thought it was really cool to see that my mom was the overall L.E.A.P.S. teacher. I know she works hard at what she does and really enjoys it, so it’s a plus to be rewarded for it too,” Beerwinkle said. “Her students are lucky to have her as a teacher! I hope they’ll realize she’s trying to help them succeed because once they get to college, it’s a whole different world when it comes to teachers and second chances!”

Weldon hopes that her recognition brings about the importance of L.E.A.P.S. to every student and teacher at SEHS.

“I hope that the kids and teachers both realize why we are giving so much attention to the L.E.A.P.S.,” Weldon said. “I hope that they understand how much we do love them and want the best for them.”