The Difference Starts With Us: Southwest Prep Begins the 2026–27 School Year
Southwest Preparatory School employees came together to begin the 2026–27 school year with a shared message and a renewed commitment to the students and families we serve: The Difference Starts With Us.
During the district's annual Convocation, employees from across Southwest Prep's campuses and programs gathered to celebrate a new beginning, recognize colleagues, and reflect on the impact every member of the Southwest Prep family can have on a student's life.
Superintendent Christinn Jean centered her Convocation address on a simple but powerful idea: what makes a lasting difference for students is often found in the everyday interactions they have with the people around them.
A teacher who believes in a student. A counselor who listens. A staff member who offers encouragement. A welcoming smile. One more phone call home. One more conversation. One person who refuses to give up.
Those moments are at the heart of this year's theme, “The Difference Starts With Us.”
Jean reminded employees that programs, technology, curriculum, and strategic plans are important, but the people who bring those resources to life are what make a school truly special. Every classroom interaction, hallway conversation, encouraging word, and connection with a family is an opportunity to make a difference.
That commitment extends to every member of the Southwest Prep team — from teachers and campus leaders to counselors, transportation, child nutrition, maintenance, administrative staff, and those serving behind the scenes. Each plays a role in creating schools where students know they matter.
As Southwest Prep begins the new year, the district remains focused on strengthening student achievement, creating safe learning environments, supporting employees, and preparing students not only to graduate, but to succeed in life.
Most importantly, the goal is for every student who walks through our doors to feel seen, safe, challenged, encouraged, and valued.
Convocation also provided an opportunity to celebrate employees whose service and leadership demonstrate those values in action.
Celebrating Years of Service
Southwest Prep recognized employees reaching significant service milestones:
- Bernadette Herrera – 10 Years
- Beverly McComas – 10 Years
- Adrianna Garza – 10 Years
- Angel Cedillo – 15 Years
- Lisa Neal – 15 Years
- Cheryl Wills-Pacheco – 15 Years
- Judyjane Witte – 21 Years and Retirement
Travis Shoemake was honored with the Good Steward Award, recognizing faithful service, integrity, wise leadership, and commitment to the mission of Southwest Preparatory School.
The district also recognized this year's SALT Award recipients for outstanding contributions in their individual areas:
- Christiana Gomez – for her passion in helping students succeed
- Rebecca Allen – for her ongoing professional development
- Sarah Vargus – for her commitment to the students and families of Southwest Prep
- Cheryl Wills-Pacheco – for being a proud ambassador of our schools
- Rose Bononcini – for her unwavering support of her campus
As employees returned to their campuses to prepare for the first day of school, they carried with them a challenge for the year ahead: make a difference, one student, one family, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
Because at Southwest Preparatory School, making a difference isn't the responsibility of just one person.
The Difference Starts With Us.