Congratulations Spring 2025-2026 Circle of Greatness Special Honorees!
Please help us congratulate our Spring 2025-2026 Circle of Greatness Special Honorees!
These employees were chosen from among many nominees for Circle of Greatness since the start of school to represent the best of the best of our auxiliary, paraprofessional, professional and substitute categories! They will now be in the running for the overall districtwide Circle of Greatness awards later this year!
Read below what some of their nominees said about how they are Growing Greatness in our district!
In Aledo ISD, parents, students, community members, fellow staff members - ANYONE - can nominate ANY staff member to be recognized in this way! Take the time today to nominate someone who you've seen going above and beyond and being All in Aledo for Circle of Greatness!
Professional - Brittany Smith, Aledo ISD Early Childhood Academy
From the moment she joined our campus, it was clear she would be a valuable addition—but the level of leadership, dedication, and heart she has demonstrated has far exceeded all expectations.
Ms. Smith stepped in with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. She immediately built trust and rapport, earning the respect of her staff through her actions and unwavering support. Her leadership style reflects both strength and compassion, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
Ms. Smith is dedicated, driven, and deeply committed to the success of both students and teachers. Despite an incredibly full schedule, she consistently makes time to support those around her—whether that means problem-solving with a teacher, checking in on a student, or simply being present when she is needed most. She has a unique ability to “make magic happen,” ensuring that the needs of her campus are met with creativity and care.
She handles even the most challenging situations with grace and professionalism, always keeping students at the center of her decisions. Her ability to remain calm, thoughtful, and solution-oriented sets a powerful example for staff and students alike. Ms. Smith is not only a strong leader—she is a true advocate, a steady presence, and a source of support for our entire school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as our principal.
Ms. Smith is always professional, cordial, very helpful, and always with a smile. I'm glad I've gotten to interact with her throughout my child's first year in Aledo ISD. She has performed amazingly, anytime I needed questions answered or help with my child.
Paraprofessional - Pablo Hernandez, Aledo ISD Early Childhood Academy & Aledo ISD Child Development Center
Mr. Pablo cares greatly for the students at CDC. My daughter had a rough week and he immediately recognized that she was not herself and came to the rescue. He helped cheer her up and get her excited for the school day. He did not have to go out of his way and did it without hesitation. We are very thankful for Mr. Pablo!
Auxiliary - Laura Trammel, Aledo ISD Transportation
Laura is a bus monitor on SE9. She and I started together 19 years ago. We learned the basics of being a monitor together, navigating the fundamentals of physical disabilities, behavioral and learning challenges that come with each child. The part she didn't need to learn was patience and empathy. This comes to Laura naturally. She knows each child's strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies, and handles each child with such care and devotion, like they were her own. She is a positive influence in the life of every child she takes to school and home everyday. At the transportation facility she is always cheerful, smiling, talking and being a good friend. In my opinion, Laura embodies greatness, for her children, fellow employees and Aledo ISD.
Andy and Laura both have perfect attendance and are on time everyday. They have a love and compassion for their students daily and are dedicated to the students safety and care. Laura and Andy are also wonderful coworkers, always keeping us smiling and laughing and helping in any way they are needed. They are outstanding fellow co-workers and bus drivers/aid who show warmth and care to their students and coworkers. It has been a joy to work with them both.
Substitute - Linda Lamar, Aledo High School
I would like to recognize Linda Lamar for her incredible dedication to Growing Greatness through her unwavering support of our special education students and staff.
As a former special education teacher, Linda brings both experience and heart to every classroom she serves. She understands the importance of supporting students with cognitive disabilities not only in their academic growth, but also in their social and emotional development. Her compassion and intentionality make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Linda consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a substitute. She is a true supporter of teachers, always striving to be helpful in meaningful and thoughtful ways. If Linda is covering your classroom, you can count on her to leave it better than she found it—whether that means providing care packages for students or teachers, restocking supplies, or even purchasing materials and activities to enhance student learning. She has brought cooking items to support life-skills lessons and has taken the time to help a new teacher create task boxes for students, demonstrating her commitment to both student success and teacher support.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom as well. Linda can often be found attending extracurricular events such as baseball games or track meets to cheer on and support our students, showing them that they are valued in every setting.
Even while navigating her own health challenges, Linda continues to show up week after week for our Bearcats with positivity and purpose. Her selflessness, generosity, and passion for serving others truly embody the spirit of Growing Greatness.
Linda Lamar is an extraordinary member of the Aledo ISD community and most deserving of recognition through the Circle of Greatness Award.