Published: August 19, 2008 09:31 am         

Hundreds attend annual teachers' breakfast

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

A good soaking rain was welcomed Monday morning and didn’t dampen attendance at the yearly Mineral Wells Merchants Association breakfast. Hundreds of area teachers and Merchants Association members descended on Mineral Wells High School for the annual teacher appreciation breakfast during the downfall – it didn’t seem to soak anyone’s enthusiasm.

“I have one word, ‘Awesome,’” Mineral Wells ISD Superintendent Dr. Ronny Collins said about Monday’s event welcoming teachers back to school.

Last week a group of merchant’s association representatives met with Collins to prepare him for the size and scope of the breakfast. He told teachers Monday that it was “as advertised.”

“It is always good to see this kind of support from a community,” he told the Index.

With clipboard in hand, Genevieve Baeza-Rodriguez monitored the scene. She chaired the merchants association teacher breakfast committee and organized vendors. She said that among the 50 booths were Parker County’s Doss Heritage and Culture Center and Clark Gardens – both trying to extend their exposure as places for educating children.

“Several service agencies came today to pass information to teachers in regards to the child,” she added. “We’ve never had this many before.” Baeza-Rodriguez cited that child-support agencies with booths included Child Protective Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Lutheran Social Services Inc. and Maximus Inc.

Again, Southside Church of Christ Minister William Eudy spoke, welcoming teachers back, giving them a seed of encouragement and letting them know the community loves them and is there for them.

A fixture at the yearly event, retired Col. Willie Casper served coffee in his red Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce jacket. He said he has been at every breakfast since 1971, “except for one year when they didn’t have it.”

Palo Pinto County Treasurer Mary Motley organized the feast and beverages. She said that Eventide Water donated 1,000 bottles of Parker County water and Chicken Express donated tea.

After eating, Merchants Association President Penny Beauregard invited up merchants, who gave away door prizes to teachers to help kick-off their year.

“It’s always very well attended and it’s a great way to appreciate our teachers who do some much for all of us,” said MWACofC Business Manager Ninfa Holly of Monday’s event.