In a room filled with mementos, tokens of appreciation and awards collected during a 16-year span, there is one new addition in Laura Price’s office at Montwood High School.  The Eddie G. Bull Texas Advisor of the Year award was given to Price for her dedication and commitment to the student body at Montwood.

As the Montwood High School Student Activities Director, Cheerleading sponsor and overall go-to person, Price spends her days inspiring students and staff.  Aside from guiding them through high school, Price is working on building a generation of community leaders. Whether it’s a food and clothing drive to help those less fortunate or volunteering with the Rescue Mission, the students’ drive to help their community comes from Price’s teaching.

“Student Council is about igniting a passion in students’ lives for their school, community and anything else in which they are involved,” says Price. “As these young adults move into college and eventually in the working world, they will be armed with valuable skills that will enable them to accomplish their goals.”

Montwood Assistant Principal Jesus Aguirre says that Price has helped endless masses of students struggling to find their voice and has made them leaders. Cesar Leyva remembers well how Price confidence in him changed his life.

“I had joined Student Council as a naïve freshman only to quit two weeks later,” he recalls. “I didn’t believe in myself but Ms. Price would hear nothing of my lack of confidence.”

Four years later, Cesar is the Student Body President, and a Texas Education Energy Development Project officer.  He credits Price as a mentor, teacher and second mother.  He is among many, including former students, who count on Price for inspiration and guidance.  While her fans cite her abilities to build bridges between the school and the community and helping instill values in her students. Price is humble about her selection.

“I told the kids I hadn’t won. I was preparing them so they wouldn’t be disappointed,” she says. “But they kept telling me that I was going to get the award.”

Price will be formally recognized in April at the 2007 State Annual Conference in Arlington, Texas.