Near the end of each school year, Azle High School announces its Top 10 Academic students and its Top 10 Faculty Choice students. Those 20 students are asked to choose the teacher, coach or staff member who had the greatest influence on their school careers and to write a letter of appreciation to that mentor. Then, thanks to the generosity of the Live Oak Foundation, the students, their families, the selected teachers and a guest are invited to a once-in-a-lifetime dinner at the Fort Worth Petroleum Club.
In a beautiful setting 40 stories above the city, with expansive, panoramic views, guests are treated to a five-star meal before each selected teacher is honored by the Top 10 students in both categories.
To highlight the importance of these dedicated educators on students across the Azle Independent School District, the letters are shared below.
Dear Coach Holly,
I want to thank you for everything you have done for me the past four years. It’s hard to put into words how influential you have been in my life. You were always someone I could come to, no matter what was going on. Whether it was to talk about volleyball, school, life, or just to blow off steam, you were always there to listen. That’s not something every person does, and it made a bigger difference than you probably realized while also giving me your advice.
There were times I felt overwhelmed, and just knowing I could talk to you helped me get through it. You believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself, and that stuck with me.
I’m going to miss all the talks with you and the PALS girls on Fridays. That was something I always looked forward to at the end of the week. Thank you for being someone I could count on and for ALWAYS having my back. Because of you, I’ve grown more confident in myself and learned to not let the little things get to me, and I know that’s something I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next.
Sincerely,
Macie Baker, Faculty Choice
Dear Mr. Cooke,
I just want to say thank you, I’m truly grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you. The impact you’ve had on me this year is greater than any teacher I’ve had before. You’ve been more than just a student council advisor or a Pre-Cal teacher, you’ve been someone who’s helped guide me and shape who I am becoming.
I’m really glad I took your Pre-Cal class, even after hearing how bad it was. While the 100-page note packets can suck, I appreciate how you always take the time to walk us through everything and make sure we understand.
Because of you, I’ve grown more accepting of pushing through challenges instead of avoiding them. In student council, you’ve pushed me in a completely different, but equally important way. You’ve encouraged me to take initiative and strive for more in life. Without the environment you created and your support I don’t think I ever would have come out of my shell. I’ve gained so many life and interpersonal skills that will stay with me long after high school. I’m more confident speaking to others, holding conversations, and understanding that setbacks are just part of life. You’ve also shown me how important it is to rely on the people around you in order to truly succeed.
People often say teachers help shape the next generation, and you are a perfect example of that. I wish everyone could have their own Mr. Cooke, but I know that not many people can make the kind of impact you do. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this letter, it’s that you truly make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m really thankful I got to be one of those people.
Sincerely,
Nathan Barnes, Academic
Dear Mrs. Self,
Thank you, words cannot express how much you have done for me as a teacher. You have not only taught me a language that is so diverse and special to people in the deaf community, but you have taught me to be a better person.
You have helped me through challenges within my high school career, and for that I am forever grateful. You have shown me how to see the best within people, how to guide others, and showed me how to survive this crazy part of life called high school. You have been the inspiration to many kids who have walked into your classroom.
You have left your mark in the lives of many students for the better. Especially my own, and I hope that whatever knowledge and wisdom you have given to me, I can pass down to others and make a difference in people’s lives just like you have done. I also hope to continue learning ASL to help those within my career have a voice.
Thank you for everything, and may God bless you and your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Brooklynn Beaver, Faculty Choice
Dear Mr. Corbett,
I’ll be honest, there’s no letter I could write that expresses all my gratitude for everything that you’ve done for me. Every moment, from me crying and hiding underneath a table to competing at state for UIL Journalism, you have always believed in me and trusted me, and I’m so incredibly thankful for it. Never once did you make me feel like I wasn’t capable or strong enough, and that trust allowed me to grow not only as a writer, editor, and student, but as a leader and person. If you told little freshman Annika she would be interviewing the Superintendent of Azle ISD or she is the person who people turn to for advice and support, she’d probably laugh in your face.
Even if it took some persuading for me to join UIL Journalism, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. That club led to me joining The Sting, going on all sorts of adventures, and is the reason I know what I want to do with my life. Mr. Corbett, you gave me a space where I could challenge myself, meet new people, make so many mistakes, pick myself up after I crash and burn, write some great (and terrible) articles, and become a part of a community that I needed and loved.
I’ll never forget how you set my standard for what it means to be an honest scholar and editor, how you expanded my understanding of literature and the world, and the many debates we had about the Oxford comma. There’s so much more I could thank you for, moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. So, I’ll just say these four words: Thank you, Mr. Corbett.
Your student,
Annika Birkeland, Academic
Dear Coach Estes,
I am writing to express my gratitude to you as my coach for the past three years. I want to say how much I appreciate everything that you have done for me, and all that you have taught me. You have had a huge impact on me and the person that I am today.
We have always said that three years wasn’t enough and I still don’t believe it was. From the very beginning you believed in me enough as a brand new swimmer, to put me in a lane with the veteran swimmers, and that changed everything. You saw potential in me before I ever saw it in myself, and because of that, I was able to accomplish things I never thought I could.
While you taught me so much in the water, I’m even more grateful for everything you did outside of the pool. You were always there on the hard days when things weren’t going well, not just in swimming but in life. When I was stressed, upset, or doubting myself, you listened and gave advice that truly mattered.
From helping me put my cap on before my very first race to doing it one last time, you made every moment feel special. You pushed me to be better, supported me when I needed it most, and constantly reminded me of what I was capable of. I will carry the lessons you taught me into every future challenge, in and out of the pool, remembering the discipline, resilience, and confidence you helped build in me each and every single day. Thank you.
Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you poured into me. I will always be grateful for everything you’ve done and for the person you helped me become.
Sincerely,
Kayley Brekel, Faculty Choice
Coach Scott,
I want to start by thanking you for being an amazing coach. Words can’t describe how much you’ve done for me. Powerlifting isn’t always an easy sport to coach. Especially the girls. I know we can get hangry, and there’s a lot of emotions at times, but you do a great job at handling it all.
You might not have been my coach throughout my four years in powerlifting, but I would say I learned a lot from you either way. You’ve taught me that I should have confidence in myself, even when others aren’t a hundred percent sure. From your first year you went from questioning my weight class decision, to ending this year with not even worrying about it and encouraging me to lift more in all three lifts. This year you trusted me not only with making weight, but also in lifting more than I ever have in every lift. At State when I attempted 330 after “NASCARing” a suit change, I was hesitant. I had only made the lift once in practice without switching suits. Even though I ended up not getting it, it meant a lot to me that you believed I could. I’ll admit if I had tried the suit on earlier like you had suggested, I might have been able to do it, but you live and you learn.
I’ve enjoyed having you as my coach from all the highs and lows. From breaking the school record in bench, after missing it three meets in a row, to the most exciting and nerve racking wait of my life to see if I would place third or tie for third at state. In the end, it was all worth the hard work and sacrifice. It’s an honor to be your first state medalist, and thank you for everything you’ve taught me and pushing me to be better in the sport I love.
Your student,
Dakota Donaldson, Academic
Dear Mr. Griffin,
I wanted to thank you for everything you do for your students and take a moment to show my appreciation. Your class truly stood out to me, not just because of what we learned, but because of how much you cared for our success.
I’ll never forget your sarcastic humor—it always made class more interesting, even if sometimes we couldn’t tell whether you were joking or not. It added personality to your teaching and made the class something I actually looked forward to.
You held your students to high expectations and pushed us to earn the grades we wanted. At the time it wasn’t always easy, but looking back, I can see how much it prepared me and so many others for what’s ahead. Because of you, I feel much more confident going into college and handling the challenges that come with it. Even though you always said you had “bigger fish to fry,” you still went above and beyond to make sure we understood and succeeded. You taught us that excellence is not given, it is earned.
As a fellow Texas Tech fan, I hope I can make you proud as I start my journey there. I know your class has definitely played a role in preparing me for the next step, and I'm grateful for everything you have taught me. You have made a lasting impact on me and I am very grateful to have had you as a teacher.
Sincerely,
Addison Dorris, Faculty Choice
Coach Harrison,
I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for the countless hours you put into practice, for the effort you gave every single day to help me succeed, and for the mindset you gave me to push through adversity and never give up when things get hard.
Over the past four years, you’ve taught me discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to lead by example. Because of you, I’ve grown not only as an athlete, but as a person and a leader, both on the mat and in the classroom. Whether it was practicing cradles, flying drones, printing pictures of you at hotels and hanging them up on our door, or me quizzing you about what band made some random song playing in the weight room, I will always remember and cherish the time we spent together.
Thank you for holding me to a higher standard every day, and pushing me to be the best version of myself. The impact you’ve had on me will go far beyond these four years, and it’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go.
Thank you for being the best coach I could have ever asked for.
Sincerely,
Wyatt Hicks, Faculty Choice
Dear Mrs. Knoll,
Since my freshman year, you have been there to lead me and inspire me to achieve greatness and to pursue a business related path, which I believe suits me more than any other career path. I am pleased to bring you to celebrate my top 10 achievement as you were a foundational mentor throughout all four years of high school. Whether it was in the business setting of a classroom, or while participating and competing in Future Business Leaders of America, it was under your leadership and guidance that helped me succeed in the business career path.
While I was a freshman, you helped me understand business in class and in FBLA, and I understood it naturally. Sophomore year I continued down the business career path through your class again and continued competing in FBLA, evolving my learning around the business world and developing the skills of a businessman by maturing through experience. In my junior year, you prepared me to take more responsibility and become a better leader in FBLA, helping me strive to do the best I can, and enabling me to qualify for the national competition. Finally, my senior year, as our time together began to shrink as the year went on, you were always there to push me to be the best me, and taught me to put all my effort into everything I do.
I cannot think of a more impactful teacher that I would like to honor, and I credit part of my success to you and the knowledge you have handed down to me. You have driven me down a career path that I could not be happier with. I would like to thank you for the opportunities you have provided to me, which have helped me grow into the person I am.
Gratefully,
Cullen Hoyt, Academic
Dear Mr. Rider,
It's hard to imagine I met you three years ago as a shy, nervous sophomore at my first HOSA meeting and probably didn't say a word to you all year. Having you as my teacher junior and senior year has become one of the best parts of high school. Not only have you taught me more anatomy and physiology than I ever thought I could know, like the steps to a muscle contraction, you have inspired me to pursue a medical career. Walking into your class, I wasn't totally sure if I wanted to go into medicine, but hearing you share your experiences gave me the same passion you show and has pushed me to follow that interest.
Because of you, I’m a more confident, outgoing person. I’m grateful for how you’ve encouraged me to believe in myself and my abilities. Thank you for always listening to me when I’m stressed about a test and for taking the time to answer all my questions. I’m so appreciative of all the advice you’ve given me, whether it's getting over a bad grade, speaking in front of others, or learning how to study.
Getting to learn from you has been one of my favorite things. Your endless jokes during notes made them so enjoyable and memorable, and I smiled at every one. Thank you for the passion, kindness, and hard work you’ve brought to class and HOSA. For two years I’ve had something to look forward to everyday thanks to you and your class. You’ve helped me become more curious, motivated, and optimistic, and I wouldn't be here without you. I appreciate you and the impact you’ve had on me more than I can say, and I’m not ready to leave your class.
Thank you for everything.
Love,
Eliana Hudman, Academic
Dear Cojo,
I will never forget your response when I told you I was having surgery for the first time. I was crying in your office, typical Lily at the time, and you said, “Is there anything you need or want from me?” That pretty much sums up the person you are.
There’s not been a single time where I’ve doubted whether or not you were someone I could go to. You’ve been there for me in my best moments, when I was running fast and winning medals, and certainly for my worst, when I was on crutches and basically couldn’t go a day without crying. No matter what was going on in my life, you never gave up on me. More importantly, you never let me give up on myself.
You taught me how to find gratitude in the hardest times, even when it feels like nothing will get better, and that life really isn’t fair, and that’s okay. Above all, you’ve always reminded me that I am the mountain on a clear day, and everything else is just weather.
Even when you constantly have to tell me to stop chewing my ID, or remind me that sometimes I have to let my body rest, your patience with me never runs out, even when I wait a week to actually follow your advice. I appreciate that so much more than you know.
I just hope one day I can pay it forward and be for someone what you’ve been for me. There really is no way to describe how grateful I am for your guidance, except for maybe buying you more Nerds Gummy Clusters. You’ve genuinely changed my life, and for that you’ll always be at the top of my goat list.
Love,
Lil Hud, Academic
Coach Holt,
Over the past several years that you’ve been here, I’ve seen you multiple times a day, almost every day, and I’d like to think that I’ve spent a decent amount of time in the weight room. Every encounter is pretty similar. It goes something like you yelling my name across the room and asking me how I’m doing. I always say just about the same thing “I’m doing good coach, how are you?” Which is received by something along the lines of “If I was doing any better, I’d be you.” This simple, but consistently high energy, daily interaction always makes me smile.
Alright, going with a story here, - around two springs ago- in our offseason program we once did just a one-off exercise with you about self-evaluation. You opened up a google sheet and asked us about what traits make up a good team. After listing various things, we went back through together to evaluate ourselves in respect to how close we were to achieving those things, then colored them within a scale from red, to orange, to yellow, to green.
For some reason, that stuck with me and later that week, I went home and created something similar on my own. But instead of listing the attributes of a good team, I listed the attributes of the person who I’d like to become. In my Google Sheet, were different aspects of my training, my education, my mindset, my home life, and my religious life. Every couple of days, or every week, I would honestly re-evaluate myself and change my colors. My goal was to have all greens. I used this format for a whole year, and recently started using it again, because it really worked for me. This is just an example of how one small thing that you did, in fact managed to have a large payoff in my life, and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Wyatt Jackson, Faculty Choice
Mr. Moss,
Six years ago, when I was in your Rock to Bach class, I never thought I would be in your choir class senior year. But here I am. I am so grateful for the influence you have had on me in these last 6 years. You pushed me to join choir in 8th grade and music has played a critical role in my life ever since, both in and out of school.
I am so grateful for the times you invited me to come back and chaperone field trips in the last couple years. I loved being back in the old choir room and watching all the young people enjoy choir as much as I do now. I was very excited when I heard that you would be taking over for Mr. McCartney this year. I have enjoyed working with you and the choir to make beautiful music. My favorite moment this year was during the fall concert when we sang “I Sing Because I’m Happy”. Watching you have so much fun directing as we were singing was definitely a highlight of the year.
I have grown, not only in my singing capabilities, but also in my confidence and dedication to choir these last 6 years, and I am grateful for your example of putting your all into what you love. Thank you for being a great director and for helping me develop the lifelong confidence to put myself out there.
Sincerely,
Erica Leonard, Academic
Mr. Strange,
In no world can I truly describe your impact on my life in 300 words or less, but I’ll do my best. You have taught me nearly every day of your teaching career, guiding me from an average beginner percussionist to a member of the best percussion section in DCI. I can’t thank you enough for the hours of dedication you poured into my growth.
It is surreal that my last year of high school is also yours, but your legacy will live on through students you’ve inspired. My musical success might not exist without your mentorship. You didn’t just teach me how to play, you taught me how to be one of the best.
Whenever I felt burnt out, you provided material and challenges that I needed to rediscover my passion. When I felt overwhelmed, music became my escape. You had more confidence in me than I ever had in myself; convincing me to audition for drum corps changed the entire trajectory of my life. Even outside of Azle High School, your influence on some of the world’s greatest young percussionists is incredible, and I look forward to learning more from you these next four summers at Vanguard, standing exactly where you were a decade ago.
Beyond music, thank you for truly listening to me and giving me great advice. Few people try to understand how I think, but you always have. Sometimes all I need is an honest reality check, and you were never afraid to provide it. You always did your best to help and support your students, and we are eternally grateful for it. You have been more than a teacher; you have been a mentor, a confident, and a friend. I am a better person and musician because of your influence. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Emily O’Neill, Academic
Dear Mrs. Foster,
Throughout the four years I’ve been at Azle High School, you’ve been one of my favorite teachers. You’re always fun to talk to, and we’ve always seemed to connect.
I’ll always remember the memories from your class – the lessons, the conversations, and even the small moments that made each day better. It’s teachers like you who make school meaningful, and I feel lucky to have been one of your students.
As I go to college, I just want to thank you for your dedication, your kindness, and for making a difference throughout my high school journey. You were an enjoyable teacher to be around, and you will always be missed.
Sincerely,
Zion Ross, Faculty Choice
Dear Mom,
I’m writing this letter to you not only as a parent, but also as a mentor. Thank you for all that you have done for me, since the beginning until now. You’re not just my mom, you’re my teacher and best friend, and I appreciate you more than I can say. Thank you for teaching me to strive for higher and always being here for me every step of the way.
You’ve taught me how to be the best version of myself and to be a better person. I wouldn’t be who I am now without you. You always have a smile on your face and you’re always in a positive mood, which inspires me to do the same. Your ability to turn things into a teaching moment never fails to impress me. When I need to understand something the most, you’re here to explain to me. You always tell me to pursue my dreams and you’ve been my number one supporter since the start.
Thank you for guiding me when I’m lost and bringing me up when I’m down. On days when I feel discouraged, you’re here to tell me to never give up. I’ll always remember your words of encouragement, like I’ve gotten so far so I shouldn’t stop now, and that I’ve been given amazing opportunities in life. You’ve always taught me to be strong and do the right thing in the face of adversity. Your unwavering dedication motivates me to be able to get through any obstacle. I always remind myself of the things that you have done for me and I want to do the same and more. Just your presence fuels me with happiness and gives me the power to continue on my journeys.
I’m extremely proud and grateful to be your daughter and student. Thank you for teaching me, supporting me, and most importantly, believing in me. I love you forever and always.
Love,
Helena Te, Academic
Dear Coach Davidson,
At Azle High School, I first knew you as the scary, intimidating, super passionate football coach. I'm happy to say that even though you're still a little scary and intimidating, I've gotten to know you as a high-spirited and passionate soccer coach. You've shown time and again how much you care about our team's success and each player's success. Your competitive spirit has rubbed off on all of us.
I know we all want to win just as much as you do, and as players, we put in 100% of our effort, just as you do in coaching us. We trust your coaching because we get that there's a reason behind every drill you teach, and that reason is to help us and make us better soccer players. Being coached by you during my junior and senior years, the only thing I'm scared of from you is not knowing when you're going to joke about me falling in a soccer game. Like when I tripped over the ball during a game, and you said, "It's okay, everyone saw that," making light of a really humbling moment.
You've taught us girls how to compete and be competitive because we know you're on the sidelines and have our backs. I can honestly say you've always guided me in the right direction, and I'm grateful that even in tough times, you've been a committed and compassionate role model to me. You really are an amazing coach, and I want to thank you, Coach Davidson. Being on your soccer team has been such an honor and a privilege.
Sincerely,
Yasmeen Tejeda, Faculty Choice
Dear Coach Ewing,
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much of an impact you’ve had on my life. From history lessons to life lessons, you’ve influenced me in more ways than you probably realize. I know I wasn’t the best student in your class, and honestly, there were probably days I made that very obvious, but that never stopped you from showing up every day ready to teach, no matter who was listening. And to be honest, there were definitely days when I probably tested your patience a little more than I should have, but you never gave up on us.
Your patience and consistency stuck with me, and over time, it changed how I approached school and my responsibilities. But what meant even more to me were the conversations we had outside of class. You were always willing to talk about life, give advice, help with talking to girls, or even help me understand things from the Bible.
Those talks meant a lot to me. They helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person. You didn’t just teach history, you taught discipline, respect, and how to stay focused on what really matters. Even when I didn’t always show it, I was listening and learning from you.
Because of those conversations, you’ve inspired me to pursue teaching and coaching myself, to hopefully impact students the same way you’ve impacted me. Thank you for everything you’ve done and for the differences you’ve made in my life.
Sincerely,
Seth Webb, Faculty Choice
Mrs. Thomas,
As I near the end of my high school years, I want you to know what a wonderful impact you have made on my life. Having you as my algebra teacher during sophomore and senior year was unforgettable. I’m truly grateful for the time, effort, and dedicated care you invested into your students, including myself. I can’t thank you enough for the difference you’ve made in my life.
Your class was one of very few that truly pushed me to grow. Even your strongest students were pushed by your challenging assignments, especially those long extra credit problems, but you always supported us through them. I especially appreciate the effort you took to make a personal relationship with all of your students, as it showed how much you genuinely cared about each and every one of us. I could always count on you to lift me up during rough days and encourage me to not give up.
My fondest memories in your class are ones where you gave me compliments and reassurance not only about math but about who I am as a person. You have always believed in me, even when I doubted myself and encouraged me to seek excellence. Because of you I developed a confidence in myself that I didn’t have before. That confidence has shaped the way I approach challenges, and I know it will continue to guide me as I move forward in life.
Years from now, when I am reminiscing on my high school years, memories of you will come to mind since you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Forever grateful,
Nolan Wright, Academic
Coach Conger,
I first met you my sophomore year, and honestly, I couldn’t stand you at the time. I was a new leader on the wrestling team with big goals of winning a state title. All year, the coaches — especially you — held me to a higher standard, and it felt like my every move was being watched. I didn’t understand it, and it frustrated me. We butted heads constantly that year and even into my junior year. You would always talk to me about leadership and setting the standard, but I was too stubborn to really listen.
By the end of my junior year, though, I finally understood what you had been trying to teach me all along: to lead selflessly and hold myself to the same high standard I expected from others. Going into my senior year, I put those lessons into action, and it led to the most successful wrestling season in Azle history.
You were there for me through everything — from placing third my sophomore year to winning a state title my senior year. But more importantly, you taught me leadership and gave me a blueprint for success that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
You also encouraged me to take your EMT class this year. I took your advice, and now I’m planning to pursue that field as a career. Thank you, Coach!
Sincerely,
Chase Yancey
