Flower Mound Chamber Awards | November 2022
Liberty Elementary student Elizabeth Johnson, teacher Gina Mulnix and school were recognized at the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce's Tuesday, Nov. 15 luncheon at Lantana Golf Club.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH | ELIZABETH JOHNSON
Elizabeth Johnson is a fifth-grade student and Student Council President at Liberty Elementary School. In her campaign presentation for office last spring, she proposed the idea of a floating cardboard race for fifth grade with the idea of it being both a science project and a creative competition. Already this fall, she has initiated a collaborative discussion with the fifth grade teaching team to further discuss the possibility of bringing the idea to life. She has also quickly learned how to facilitate a meeting under Robert's Rules of Order with the 92 Student Council members each month. Elizabeth has already written and performed a safety skit at one of the all-school assemblies, emceed the annual all school spirit assembly, and led the reciting of the pledges at the annual all school Patriot Day Recognition Ceremony. Her other Liberty activities include the new Circle of Friends organization that encourages meaningful interactions between special education and general education students, and the News Team that reads and records the daily announcements. When not at school, Elizabeth performs and volunteers in the community, and enjoys family activities with her mom, dad, and two older brothers. She loves to read, swing outside, competitive swimming, and musical theater. Her favorite book is the "Percy Jackson" series and the musical. If she could meet anyone, she'd like to meet Dolly Parton, because she’s done a lot for her community, overcame a lot of obstacles, and is very talented. Few people know that she’s dyslexic. She looks up to her friend’s big sister, Atlee Stakes, because she is kind, independent, thoughtful and a great singer. Elizabeth Johnson is both a leader of today and for tomorrow.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH | GINA MULNIX
Gina Mulnix gives all that she has, and then some, in her role as the Academic and Vocational Lifeskills teacher at Liberty Elementary School. In her three years on campus, she has grown a team of three professionals who nurture and educate a group of students with varying needs and grade levels. She has established and maintained a trusted rapport with family members and has been a collaborative teammate to not only the special education team of which she is a part, but the entire school staff team as well. She was awarded a Lewisville Education Foundation grant for more student resources based on an application she authored, has moved and resettled a classroom each of her years on campus, and most recently established a new student group known as Circle of Friends that match special education students and general education students together in peer activities that not only encourage personal interaction but allows for getting to know each other as well, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Additionally, standard practice in her classroom includes cooking opportunities, off-campus field trips, and attending all school activities. Her work ethic stretches beyond the school day and week, often giving whatever time it takes. She stays busy during her free time working with her husband to fix up a house that they plan to retire to in a few years in East Texas to be close to their children and grandchildren. She likes a variety of movies; action adventures, good comedies, and romantic movies. It all depends on her mood. She also enjoys listening to all kinds of music. If she could meet anyone, she would like to meet family members who have gone before her. She would love to see how they lived their lives, and get to know them better. When she was young, she loved trout fishing and camping with her dad and sisters. She looks up to her parents. They are the cornerstone for who she is today. They worked hard, raised her and her sisters the best they could.
SCHOOL OF THE MONTH | LIBERTY ELEMENTARY
Liberty Elementary School is a comprehensive, public elementary school serving students Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Liberty students have access to programs in Dyslexia, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and Speech Therapy. Enrichment opportunities at Liberty include Art, Library Studies, Music, Physical Education, and STEM. Campus-based student groups offered are Liberty Eagle Choir, Circle of Friends, Green Squad, Student Council, and Volleyball Club. Our nationally recognized Parent Teacher Association (PTA) provides a plethora of activities, events, and programs both during the school day and in the evening including assembly presenters, teacher grants, recognitions, family events, Donuts with Dudes, Muffins with Me, fall and spring book fairs, class parties, project and event volunteers, world cultures day, science fair, Reflections program, participation in national and international theme days, graduating seniors breakfast, adult education, and leadership opportunities. Liberty Eagles will soar ever higher with commitment, determination, hard work, and kindness. Liberty’s Student Council has been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals seven times consecutively. Best of Denton County Public Elementary School seven times consecutively. And home to a robust Watch Dogs volunteer program.
Liberty Elementary School is a Flower Mound, Texas elementary school serving Pre-k through 5th graders in the Lewisville Independent School District. Follow Liberty on Facebook and Twitter to see more student experiences throughout the school year or visit Best Schools in Texas for more information about joining the Lewisville ISD family.