Saturday, October 12, 1996

Texas schoolkids recognize their heroes By ANNA M. TINSLEY
Harte-Hanks Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - It takes a lot to be a hero for Texas schoolkids.

Some Texans show their dedication to improving public education by serving as mentors, helping families with special-needs children or even heading up school bond election campaigns.

State education officials picked one man Friday - from a group of 15 candidates, including a Snyder man and a Big Spring woman - to honor as their hero.

Or more accurately, a Hero for Children.

Willie Kocurek received the honor for more than 50 years of devotion to the Austin Independent School District. He first became involved in 1946, when he was elected to the school board. His work has continued since then by chairing education committees and being involved with bond elections.

"He's a friend and a benefactor to all children," said Will Davis, a state Education Board member.
But all of the candidates are to be commended for their tireless efforts to help Texas students.

"These are people who have gone beyond the call of duty in supporting schools," said Joey Lozano, spokesman for the Texas Education Agency. "It all relates to volunteerism. These people have taken a leadership role in volunteering on behalf of schools and schoolchildren. And this award is designed to call attention to them."

Snyder resident Frankie Grimmett and Big Spring resident Tish Gutierrez were among the finalists. Forty-seven Texans from across the state were nominated for this year's award. A panel of judges narrowed the list down to 15, and picked a winner from them.

Grimmett has donated his time, company resources and employees to the renovation and upgrading of the baseball fields in Towie Park, the Little League field, and Moffett Field, the county-owned area where Snyder High School varsity baseball games are played.

Grimmett believes sports serve as a bridge to learning. He also believes children should follow their dreams - and that sports provide needed discipline and a competitive edge to fulfill those dreams.

Gutierrez, a mental health worker from Big Spring, has worked as an advocate for children in the Summer of Success program. SOS is a six-week, half day summer youth program for sixth through tenth graders. In its third year, the program has grown from serving 35 children to enrolling more than 100.

Gutierrez also helped develop a Citizens Advisory Group to provide parents an avenue to voice concern.

In 1994, the Texas Board of Education established the Hero for Children award to recognize excellence in advocacy for education - and to provide a way to spotlight the Texans whose work has made significant contributions to public school education in Texas.

The contest is open to all individuals, except for elected officials and teachers, who have made outstanding contributions to public education or who have gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of Texas schoolchildren.

This is the third year the state Board of Education has named a Hero for Children.