Giant Student of the Month
Jose Mendez
Our Giant Student of the Month for November 2022 is Jose Mendez, a Robert E. Lee High School senior. Jose is the Student Body President, a member of the dance team-The Celebrities, and section leader in the band. He is the only male on the team and one of only two people who serve in both capacities at football games.
Jose is an inspiration because he shows the community that you can break out of the norm and follow your dreams. He can balance multiple extracurricular activities and maintain excellent grades. Jose is kind and full of positive energy. He makes it a mission to lift others.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown for sponsoring this award.
Shane Little
Giant Alumnus of the Month
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for November 2022 is Shane Little. Shane graduated from Sterling High School in 1988 after attending Highlands Elementary and Highlands Junior. He graduated with a business management degree from LeTourneau University and is currently the AutoCAD department lead at Kent PLC in Baytown. Shane has dedicated most of his adult life to working with youth sports in Baytown and Highlands. In the 80s, he served as a coach and president for the Highlands Sports Association. Now, he coaches for the Baytown Upward Sports Association and recently started a new Upwards soccer program in Highlands, meeting kids' needs.
Shane's soccer and football programs are some of the largest Upwards sports leagues in Texas. Shane has worked with athletes of all ages in Highlands and Baytown. For him, it is more than just advancing skills; it offers local youth mentorship. His goal is to provide as many positive outlets for kids as possible. Shane is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend in his spare time.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown for sponsoring this award.
Linda Leday
Giant Staff Member of the Month
Our Giant Staff Member of the Month for November 2022 is Linda Leday, a teacher at Dr. Antonio Banuelos Elementary. Mrs. Leday has 35 years of experience as an educator. She started working at Goose Creek CISD in 2005 as a second-grade teacher at Harlem Elementary. She is currently a 5th-grade teacher at Banuelos. Mrs. Leday is described as an influential educator who inspires and encourages her students. In addition, she is a mentor for her peers and always acts as their biggest cheerleader.
Mrs. Leday has many accomplishments. She was the Teacher of the Year in 2011 and honored as the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators teacher of the year in 2021. She is a member of the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Educators and serves as a bilingual/ESL facilitator during planning. Mrs. Leday has genuine warmth and empathy toward all students in her classroom. Her students feel seen as she works hard to make each one feel special. During her 18 years in Goose Creek CISD, Mrs. Leday never missed a day of work until April 2022, when a life-threatening medical episode. She has returned this year to continue to serve as a champion for her students.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown for sponsoring this award.