EARLY – Two Early ISD Administrators, Principal of Early High School Judith Ozuna and Assistant Principal Katharine Wilkins have both won two Region 15 ESC awards. Ozuna has been awarded Region 15 ESC Principal of the Year, and Wilkins Assistant Principal of the Year. 

“I was incredibly surprised when I found out I was ESC Region 15 Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Wilkins. “I feel very honored to represent Region 15 and Early ISD as the Assistant Principal of the Year.”

“My initial reaction was one of surprise because I was unaware of the nomination,” said Ozuna. “Then I was genuinely humbled by the honor. I give all praise and glory to God. Region 15 is full of worthy candidates. I know how hard principals work and the countless hours they pour into their schools. As a teacher, I never truly understood the demands principals face. I give the credit to my office staff, faculty, and students. They are the true rock stars.”

Both administrators were selected from 45 school districts. The Region 15 Education Service Center is based in San Angelo. The organization is dedicated to equipping school districts through leadership, partnership, and service. “The ESC enables school districts to operate more efficiently and economically and implement initiatives assigned by TEA. They are vital to a school’s success and offer many forms of professional development,” according to Ozuna.

Wilkins added, “Education Service Centers are non-regulatory agencies and serve as a liaison between the Texas Education Agency and schools in improving student performance, operating efficiently and economically, and implementing initiatives assigned by the Texas Legislature or the Commissioner of Education.” 

Ozuna is a born and raised Early native. “After graduating valedictorian of my class, I had many options to pursue, but I felt called to be an educator,” said Ozuna. “Teachers significantly impacted my life and success, and I knew I wanted to do the same for others.” Ozuna went on to Howard Payne University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Education. She taught in the Early public school system for twenty years, working alongside former teachers. Then, Ozuna went on to receive her Masters in Education at Angelo State University. For the past three years, she has served as principal of Early High School. 

Wilkins has been in education for fifteen years. For seven of those years, Wilkins has taught a variety of subjects ranging from 1st to 8th grade. Then, for the past eight years Wilkins has been in the administrative aspect of education. Wilkins has served as a District Special Population Coordinator, District ESL Coordinator, and a Curriculum Technology Coach. Wilkins moved to Early with her husband, Early ISD Superintendent Dr. Dewayne Wilkins. Together they have both served the Early school district.

Both Ozuna and Wilkins’ hard work, determination, and hours of investment, has led Region 15 ESC to recognize them as outstanding administrators, further emboldening their encouragement to serve in education. 

“The learning curve has been steep, especially during the first COVID year. I have not gotten it all right, but I’m willing to admit that and learn from it. I believe in being a lifelong learner. I’m constantly reading, attending conferences, and leaning on the knowledge of professionals to find answers and options,” said Ozuna. 

“I put my heart and soul into everything that I do. I work very hard to build relationships with our students and ensure that we put the students’ needs first in everything we do,” said Wilkins.

Their jobs are not easy, but both are passionate about what they do. Additionally, their passion is further built by the community around them. Both administrators note they serve a tremendous school district. 

“Early has phenomenal staff and students. I’m blessed to be their principal. My goal is to continue the tradition of excellence at Early ISD by equipping, encouraging, and engaging students to reach their full potential,” said Ozuna. 

 “My favorite thing about Early is the students. We have the most amazing students in our district and I absolutely love being around them everyday,” said Wilkins.

[Story by Jacob Lehrer]