HSU Alumna Recognized as a Best Educator Serving Texas by Baptist Standard
Hardin-Simmons University Alumna and Board of Trustee, Daisy Sanchez ’86, was recognized as a Best Educator Serving Texas (BEST) by Baptist Standard. “The Baptist General Convention of Texas established the annual BEST Awards to celebrate Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students and recognize the Texas Baptists institutions that taught them.”
Daisy Sanchez
On the award, Mrs. Sanchez shared, “I am truly humbled to receive an award and be recognized. I know my own shortcomings and know the areas in which I want to continue to improve, so I feel undeserving. I also know how hard I work and how much I invest, in both time and emotion, into the students I serve. I am honored to be recognized.”
Daisy Sanchez graduated from HSU in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education in elementary education. Since then, she has earned a Master of Education in administration, raised a family of three daughters, and earned certifications as a reading specialist and school counselor.
Over the years she has served as a classroom teacher in Abilene ISD and San Angelo ISD (SAISD), an instructional specialist in SAISD, and an at-risk coordinator in SAISD. Since 2016, Mrs. Sanchez has been an adjunct instructor for Angelo State University and counselor for Bronte ISD. In addition to her counseling duties, she oversees the ESL program, including delivering instruction to her school’s English learners.
Daisy Sanchez and Family
“I link all of my successes in my adult life back to HSU. It was during my years at HSU that I learned what it meant to grow in the Lord and to make Jesus the Lord of my life.” She went on to share that at the Alumni Awards Banquet, during homecoming weekend, she saw peers from her school days at HSU who encouraged her to walk with the Lord during those impressionable years. Burtis Williams, a local minister, was present too. Williams was a minister at the church Mrs. Sanchez attended when a student at HSU. “I actually felt my eyes well up as I expressed to Burtis Williams how much he had meant to me and my growth in the Lord at that pivotal time in my life.”
When asked what advice she has for current students, Mrs. Sanchez shared, “To the HSU students I would say, soak it up. Take it all in. Invest in relationships. Get to know your professors, as they have much to share with you through their experiences. Work hard but also play hard. It goes fast. Hopefully, you will look back at your HSU days with many fond memories. There is something very special about the friendships made at HSU.”
Congratulations, Daisy Sanchez! HSU is proud of you!
