The CISD Alumni Network just announced its winners for the 2020 alumni awards.
Since 2017, the CISD Alumni Network has collected nominations for its three award categories: the Jay Armstrong Award for Outstanding Dragon Alumni, the Chauncey Willingham Award for Outstanding Dragon Faculty and the Phil Barber Award for Outstanding Community Patron. Nominations were collected in October and recipients were finalized last month.
Assistant cross country and track coach Niki Gilley was selected for this year’s Jay Armstrong Award. Graduating from Carroll Senior High School in 1989, Niki has worked for the district for 20 years in several different capacities, including coaching the track and field team as well as the basketball team. Niki has also advised for several CISD clubs, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and PALS. She also teaches driver’s education for the district.
For the Chauncey Willingham Award, Emerald Belles director Melissa Page was selected as this year’s recipient. Working for the district since 1997, Melissa has led the Belles through several regional, state and national appearances, including competing on “America’s Got Talent" last year. She’s also been a two-time finalist for the Texas Dance Educators’ Association Director of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award, and she was also recognized by Southlake Style with the Brian R. Stebbins Award For Community Impact last year.
Finally, community supporter Jr Murdock was selected for this year’s Phil Barber Award. A Southlake resident since 1986, Murdock has been a staunch supporter at several Carroll football, basketball, baseball, soccer and softball games. He organized Carroll athletic banquets, served as membership and merchandize chairman for the Carroll Athletic Booster Club and served on the Dragon Council. He’s even volunteered to paint yard lines at the old Dragon Stadium and film games for middle school and junior varsity teams.
Congratulations to these award recipients!