Lady Hornets celebrate teachers, victories, senior leader

Brynn’s win

Lady Hornets celebrate teachers, victories, senior leader

AZLE — Before a recent game against Saginaw, the volleyball Lady Hornets celebrated Teacher Night.

One by one, players accompanied their favorite teacher on a trip across the court to warm applause. Afterward, the athletes hit the court for action, and the teachers beamed.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Tenille Roberts, a communications teacher and yearbook instructor who was selected as Kamryn Hill’s favorite instructor. “It just makes you feel special that they recognize you for what you do at the same time you recognize them for how hard they work and what good students they are.”

What’s Roberts’ secret to popularity among the students?

“You always try to be positive,” she said. “No matter the situation, find the positive in everything and just be open and listen to the kids. It really does make a difference for them and for you. Everybody wants to be happy where they spend a lot of their time.”

Shree Patel selected girls’ golf coach and U.S. history teacher Eddy Prather as her fave. The coach appreciated the sentiment.

“I had Shree last year in class, and she’s a great kid,” Prather said. “I love her to death, and she chose me, so I’m happy to be here.”

Peyton Hill, a junior, selected Jared Ewing.

“I had her last year for world history class,” Ewing said. “She always worked really hard, and I helped her every time she had questions. She came to me to help her with her NHS (National Honor Society) induction essay. We worked hard together. She’s a great kid, and I hope she does well.”

His approach to relating with kids is simple but effective.

“I try to level with them,” he said. “Be as approachable as I can. Try to make things as relatable to them as possible.”

what a night

After the teachers were properly celebrated, the athletes and fans paid homage to the officials for their hard work. Then, the Lady Hornets noted one of their own.

Head coach Kenley Buckholt encourages her players to become involved in the local community, and her girls have been visiting youngsters at schools. Gabby Briseno, a junior, took things a step further. She organized a bake sale prior to the Saginaw game, set up tables covered with confections in the gymnasium lobby, and raised hundreds of dollars for the No Kid Hungry nonprofit group.

“She took the initiative and made it happen,” Buckholt said. “Gabby has a servant’s heart and truly cares about people and making a difference. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”

The 17 athletes on the Lady Hornet roster make their coach proud on and off the court on a regular basis.

“I really do have some amazing young women on my team,” Buckholt said.

Once the pre-game celebrating was done, those same young women played tough against Saginaw, notched a 3-1 victory over a district rival, and pushed the Hornets’ district record to 2-1.

Afterward, one last celebration was held.

Brynn Lee, a senior, was lauded for achieving two career milestones that night. She logged the 500th dig and 500th kill shot of her varsity career.

Lee is a captain who hardly ever leaves the court during games this season.

“She is responsible for helping make a lot of things happen on our side of the net,” Buckholt said. “Currently, she is our go-to hitter in serve receive to side out. She is doing a great job of leading as a captain, and it’s showing in her stats every week. I am not surprised at all that she’s reached such a great milestone, and I’m really proud of her.”

Next up, the Lady Hornets will play at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at home against Northwest.