Joan Linares

Giant Alumnus of the Month

Joan Linares, our Giant Alumnus of the Month for November 2021, graduated from Ross S. Sterling High School in 1973 after attending Travis Elementary and Baytown Junior.

After graduating from the University of Texas in 1977, Joan began teaching at Harlem Elementary. Throughout her 33-year career, she was honored as teacher of the year and sponsored the math-a-thon program, which inspired students to practice math skills while fundraising for cancer patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She is a warrior when it comes to giving back to her community. Joan is the president of Congregation K’nesseth Israel, which is the only Jewish synagogue in Baytown. She has worked tirelessly to maintain the building as a historical landmark in Baytown.

Joan has retired from Goose Creek CISD, but her impact is seen in our community and in the many students who have gone on to impact Baytown positively. She has volunteered her time at elementary schools in Baytown and partnered with Exxon to donate matching gifts for her hours.

Joan has stayed in touch with many students and their family members over the years and influences so many positively! She has also raised four children, all graduates of Goose Creek CISD; Jaime, a dentist; Leah, principal at Alamo Elementary; Cheto, wellbeing coordinator; and Alyssa, an engineer. She is the proud wife to Ruben Linares and grandmother to eight grandchildren. Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown for sponsoring this award.