Top notch dance teacher recognized with 2007-08 ExCEL Award
NISD Communications Department
September 28, 2007
A wide-eyed look of astonishment crossed the face of Stevens High School dance teacher Elizabeth Sanchez-Lopez the moment she realized she was the recipient of the ExCEL Award.
But for her students and colleagues, it's no surprise the beloved educator was picked for the coveted honor, sponsored by KENS-TV and the San Antonio Federal Credit Union.
Lopez, they say, is driven by a commitment to excellence, a passion for dance, and a compassion for young people.
"I have always believed that teaching is my divine assignment," said Lopez, who is also Stevens' fine arts coordinator. "My assignment is to continue to reach as many people as I can, young and old and help them find their passion. Then I know the art of dance will continue for generations to come."
The ExCEL Award, which comes with a $1,000 check from SAFCU, recognizes out¬standing teachers in the greater San Antonio area.
"It is truly an honor," Lopez said of the award. "When you work for a district that has the best superintendent, administrators, and teachers who support the arts, what more could you ask for? I accepted this award on behalf of all our teachers who just like me, have a passion to teach."
Lopez fell in love with dance in the first grade, when her teacher offered Philippine dance classes after school.
"Watching her teach and the passion that she expressed for her culture was the inspiration to my love for the arts," Lopez said.
Her career path is hereditary, she said. She comes from a family of educators, including her mother and father, who instilled a work ethic in all their children, she said.
Lopez joined Northside 15 years ago, and taught at Holmes High School until moving to Stevens when it opened in 2005. Among her numerous accomplishments: she developed the first cultural dance course curriculum at NISD and is the founder of NISD's Folkloric Dance Troupe, called DANZA UNIDA.
"Elizabeth exemplifies the professional educator," said Michelle Craig, the Academic Dean at Stevens High School. "The people associated with her could not help but benefit from her drive, her energy, her sense of humor, her intelligence, her insight, and her love.
"If anything characterizes Elizabeth it is love - love for the children she has served so well, love for the ideals and goals of the profession which she chose, love for those who have served with her, and a love for life which has manifested itself in a brilliant career," Craig added.
Lopez's students say she is a teacher who always has time to listen and has taught them about far more than just dance.
"I've learned how to be more responsible, and how important it is for a young lady to be classy and ladylike," said Jasmyine Johnson, a senior. "The things Mrs. Lopez has taught us are things that will keep with us for life."
Leanne Cobler, a senior, said Lopez is like a second mother to her.
"Mrs. Lopez is one of the most caring people I know," she said. "She is a person that you can tell anything to and she will give you advice on how to do something. She made an impact on me by showing me how to be the best that I can."
And Kim Gutierrez, a senior, said Lopez has taught her about being a leader, making better decisions, respecting others, speaking her mind, being a teacher to others, and giving others a second chance.
"Many people have their role models that inspire them such as parents, friends, super models, movie stars, or singers," she said. "As for me, I have my dance director, who is a person who has stood out the most in my life, and has helped shape who I am today."
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