Tracy Zachary, a special education teacher at Hamilton Heights Elementary School (HHES), has been named the Husky Hero for the month of September. Now in her 26th year in education, Zachary loves her Hamilton Heights community inside and outside of the classroom.
“Tracy has a servant heart in all that she does,” HHES Principal Julie Griffey said. “Tracy is also a teacher leader that supports both teachers and students. She serves as the Special Education PLC leader. She also serves as the leader of our K-Kids Kiwanis student chapter that supports HHES events like grade level Penny Wars to earn money to buy Christmas presents for HHSC students. She is deeply involved with the elementary’s annual Veteran’s Day Program with K-Kids leading that charge. She organizes yearly staff volleyball game to earn money for Riley Children’s Hospital. The list goes on. Tracy is an amazing Husky Servant Leader!”
Zachary has lived in the community since she has been a toddler and is a member of Hamilton Heights Class of 1996.
“Being nominated and chosen as a Husky Hero is incredibly encouraging, as it shows that my daily efforts are recognized and appreciated,” Zachery said. “I truly love what I do, and my students mean the world to me. Helping them become better individuals is my ultimate goal. I hope to be that one person for each of my students and their families, someone they know believes in them and will always be their biggest cheerleader.”
Here are some accolades from other community members:
“Tracy Zachary is one of the most kind, loving humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Chenoa Spurlock said. “Day after day she puts the needs of her students on the top of her priorities. She genuinely cares for each student and advocates for their needs, wants and supports them in any way shape or form. She shows up for her students in and out of the classroom by extending her love for them at games, birthdays or when they are sick. As a mom, I have not had a student go through her care. I have however had the pleasure of working beside her and to witness her daily devotion is something I hold dearly in my heart. She’s a wonderful teacher even to adults. To have a Tracy Zachary in your corner is a blessing but, to have a Tracy Zachary as a teacher is the biggest blessing of all.”
Amanda Roberts said, “She always goes above and beyond for her students. She’s so great at communicating with parents and I’m beyond grateful she has been with my daughter for a couple of years. She’s nothing but kind and patient with her students and their parents. Couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.”
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“Receiving this award will have a lasting impact on me, as it’s a strong reminder that going above and beyond in my role is noticed and appreciated,” Zachary said. “Knowing this encourages me to keep remembering why I do what I do.”
Do you know Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (FC Tucker). #hhedfoundation