English teacher top Louise-Hillje educator
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Chris Barbee Thanks! Louise ISD Superintendent Andy Peters, at left, presents Jim Stanley with a plaque after Stanley was named the Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce's Educator of the Year. The 15-year veteran of the district, who teaches high school English, received the honor during Thursday night's Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce banquet.

English teacher Jim Stanley was named Educator of the Year Thursday night, the honor announced by Louise ISD Superintendent Andy Peters.

Stanley was presented a plaque commemorating the award during the 49th Annual Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Stanley teaches sophomore and senior English and has been with the district for 15 years.

"Some of us think he might be the smartest person in the district," Peters said.

Peters went on to praise Stanley's students' TAKS scores, and called him "a great teacher."

"And if any of your kids have had him, you know what I'm talking about," he said.

Stanley, who drives 70 miles one way, each day, to teach at the school, said receiving the award was "a great honor."

"This is a wonderful community and I'm just proud to be part of it," he said.

The tropical-themed evening featured a rib-eye steak dinner and silent auction, and entertainment by hypnotist Rodney Rash.

Rash had the crowd roaring with laughter when he hypnotized seven audience members and had them perform various strange behaviors, including a wacky version of the game show "Jeopardy."

Emcee Buzzy Kieth introduced outgoing Chamber President Darryl Chromcak, who gave the highlights of Chamber activities during the last year. Those include scholarships, senior citizens day, funding park renovations, the growing Fall Festival, the Chamber holiday lighting competition and participation with Hunts for Heroes and school groups.

New Chamber President John Crowell was introduced, and said he hoped to grow Chamber membership during the coming year.