Brownwood Middle School recognized Family Consumer Science Education teacher, Ann Costa, in its annual “Joan Stewart Point of Light” ceremony on Wednesday, May 8th. The award honors the campus faculty with a special focus on a staff member who portrays the excellence in education and life examples that characterized Joan Stewart’s life and teaching career.
In 2005, the science wing of Brownwood Middle School was named the “Joan Stewart Science Hall,” in a dedication program honoring her as an outstanding educator. Stewart was described in a letter to the BISD Board of Trustees as, “…an outstanding teacher at Brownwood Jr. High/Middle School for 29 years imparting not only science knowledge; but even more importantly, she was an outstanding role model to her students in word and deed. Joan was also an outstanding leader beyond the classroom in her faith, her family and her hobbies. In a world that desperately needs heroes, it is truly right and proper to honor Joan Stewart for the out-of-the-ordinary everyday hero she was.”
As this year’s “Point of Light” honoree, Costa’s name was added to a plaque on display in the BMS Main office, and a book will be added to the library in her honor. In addition, Costa received a lamp to symbolize the “light” she has been in the lives of others.
“When you think of service and generosity, Mrs.Costa’s name comes to mind immediately,” said BMS coach and technology teacher, Kim Harvey, in a speech given at the ceremony. “I was very honored when I was asked to speak in recognition of Mrs. Costa.”
Costa’s dedication to her class, students, co-workers, friends and family was highlighted during the ceremony, and Harvey noted that Costa goes “the extra mile,” not only by sharing food and baked goods created by her classes, but also by her involvement in several other areas of need. “She helps with preparing athletic hospitality rooms, tennis concessions, keeping the scoreboard and gate at games and track meets, and repairing athletic clothes and backpacks,” noted Harvey, who began her speech by highlighting the food shared by Costa and her classes.
“If you walk the halls of Brownwood Middle School, you frequently will smell the heavenly aroma of fresh bread, baked goodies, or even holidays meals,” said Harvey. “These amazing scents cause staff and students to smile from ear-to-ear because we know Mrs. Ann Costa and her classes are preparing something special for all to enjoy.”
Pictured at top: Ann Costa receives her “Point of Light” award from Brownwood Middle School Principal, Bryan Allen.
Above: Ann Costa stands with three previous “Point of Light” award recipients. (L to R) Diana Mullins (2012), Ann Costa (2013), Carolyn Brandenburg (2010), and Nancy Blackstock (2007)
