The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation hosted its annual Evening of Excellence Gala on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston. The event brought together educators, district leaders, local officials, and community partners for an evening celebrating innovation, achievement, and the strength of public education. Guests enjoyed dinner, silent and live auctions, and a high-energy performance by The Chee Weez.
Pictured, from left, Roger Elswick; Randal O’Brien, GCCISD Superintendent; Gilbert Santana, Education Foundation VP of Finance; Anna Espinoza, Education Foundation Director; Jim Wadzinski, Education Foundation VP of Development; Adelina Gomez-Abshire, Education Foundation President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
The program featured a tribute to Bañuelos Elementary teacher Linda LeDay, who has earned an Innovative Teaching Grant every year since 2010, as well as a highlight from the Students’ Choice Awards program, presented in a video honoring Highlands Junior School theatre teacher Robert Richard. His story was shared through a heartfelt letter written by 2025 Robert E Lee alum Raye Lovell.
A special moment of the evening recognized the late Sandra Bell, one of the Foundation’s founders and a fierce advocate for educators. In her honor, the Foundation announced the creation of a designated fund that will support scholarships for developing teachers and paraprofessionals. The first gifts to the fund were pledged during the event.
The gala also included the presentation of the Roger Elswick Legacy Award. This year’s honoree was Gilbert Santana, a founding board member, generous donor, and longtime supporter of Goose Creek CISD and Lee College.
Proceeds from the gala will support the Foundation’s Innovative Teaching Grants, which fund creative, hands-on projects that enrich instruction and elevate learning opportunities for students across Goose Creek CISD.