Mirabeau B. Lamar was the second president of the Republic of Texas and has been called “The Father of Public Education” for his leadership in establishing quality public education in Texas. Lamar was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, known then as it is today, for its strong support of excellence in the public schools.

The Mirabeau B. Lamar Medal Program began in 1988. This award is given to a teacher who exemplifies the ideals of teaching and encouraging our youth to grow to their fullest potential and being a vital part of our society.

This year’s recipient at Blanco Elementary is Mr. Mike McClure. The following is a list of some of Mr. Mike’s character traits and accomplishments:

Mr. Mike McClure…

-never says “That’s not my job!”

-is always willing to take on extra duties to make our school a better and safer place

-is #1 at school safety…he monitors traffic, trains safety patrols, and gives the administration valuable input to insure the safety of our students

-defuses difficult behavior situations that occur campus wide

-is an advocate for students with special needs

-provides valuable information for ARD and GIST meetings

-encourages his students to actively participate in community projects, such as the Blanco trash off

-works closely with the Blanco State Park to insure his students have real world opportunities to discover science

-takes every opportunity to educate himself through extended learning and professional development programs during his free time

-organizes school wide efforts to make sure BISD school board members know they are appreciated

-volunteers to provide curriculum support to lower grades to insure Blanco elementary students can participate in hands on science experiences

-was instrumental in getting an elementary science lab up and running for student use

-organizes amazing Star Parties that allow students and their families to see the beauty of science

-is an integral part of the District Planning Committee, the CSCOPE team, and the GIST Committee

-is an active member of the National Science Teachers of America, Science Teacher’s Association of Texas, and the Region XIII Science Collaborative

-He presented at the CAST conference and was involved in research/classes at the McDonald Observatory in West Texas

-does astronomy nights, math and science nights

-aligned FOSS to CSCOPE for the state and is a FOSS trainer

-has been a CPI trainer and trainer for the Texas Behavior Support Initiative.