KRYSTLE PAOLINI 2004 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

 It is often said that a person’s past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior, and Cy-Fair Educational Foundation scholarship recipient Krystle Paolini brings that adage to life.

Starting with her active years at Cy-Fair High School, to her amazing academic performance at Texas A&M University, and now at the end of her first year of teaching in Plano Independent School District, Paolini has put her heart and soul into all that she does and has been justly rewarded for her efforts.

Her latest achievement was being named “New Teacher of the Year” award at Frankford Middle School where she teaches Math to eighth-grade students.

Paolini said the CFEF scholarship she received in 2004, played a key role in her academic and professional successes.

And, she said, it was all the more special because she was not expecting to hear her name called out as a scholarship recipient during Cy-Fair High School’s Senior Awards ceremony in spring 2004.

“I was completely shocked and honored to be recognized by such a reputable organization,” Paolini said. “The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation was instrumental in helping me achieve and believe in my potential and success. By receiving this award I was determined to pursue a career that I was passionate and committed towards pushing myself to my highest goals.”

“I felt like the district I grew up in believed in me and truly cared about my success,” she said.

But her stellar performance during her high school years, and involvement in school activities - Social officer for the Cy-Fair Brigade, Vice President for the Spanish National Honor Society, and Treasurer for the Key Club – spoke for themselves.

Paolini said she had dreams of pursuing a career in the medical field at Texas A&M, but changed her course midway through college to focus on a career in education.

“The Foundation was excited and encouraging of my new dream,” she said. “I felt like they cared and believed in me throughout my entire college experience.”

Her decision foreshadowed a successful four years at Texas A&M.

She majored in math and science education for grades 4-8, was a member of Aggie Sisters for Christ, Impact, and Memorial Student Center Lead, which is a sophomore leadership organization.  She was named to the Dean's List for five semesters.

Paolini also worked as eighth-grade math student teacher Bryan ISD’s Jane Long Middle School, a counselor at Camp Ozark, and a MOPS (?) teacher at First Baptist Church Bryan. 

She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPR in May 2008.

Paolini moved to Plano over the summer to prepare for her first job in teaching at Frankford Middle School.

This past school year, she taught three regular Math classes and one support Math class. She also tutored students in the mornings and afternoons and made herself available to her students regularly to ensure their success and push them to achieve their dreams.

“I spend every day instilling in middle school students a belief in themselves and that with desire and hard work, they can achieve their highest goals, in math or any subject,” Paolini said. “I strive to create a safe place to learn so that students can feel freedom to ask questions and have confidence in who they are and what they can achieve.”

In addition to being named “New Teacher of the Year,” she was asked to be member of the school’s Professional Learning Team and its Advisory Council. She was also invited to serve on Frankord's Recruitment Committee at Plano ISD's Open House, and to speak at the administrator's meeting where she answered "mock interview" questions about here beliefs about education and classroom practices.

“As an educator, I view CFEF as a vital aspect to the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District,” Paolini said. “This organization recognizes students for their success, hard work, and helps them to achieve their dreams. They show belief in their students and make them feel they are proud of them and believe in what they can accomplish.”

“I truly believe CFEF plays a huge role in our community by believing in students and committing to ensure they can achieve all they ever desired,” she said.

She advises Cy-Fair ISD student to “never stop dreaming and believing in yourself.”

“Every one of us is gifted in a unique way, and we each have special talents that we need to share with this world,” Paolini said. “Don't let anyone or anything hinder you in achieving your dream - not funding, people, or life circumstances. Don't ever give up on searching and working towards funding for your education.”

“Like CFEF, there are many people and organizations that are willing to support your hard work and determination, but those key things aspects must be a part of your life,” she said.

Paolini said she is extremely grateful to CFEF for making a huge difference in her life and helping to make her college experience and life-learning all she could ask for.

“I will never forget the generosity and support of the Foundation and how they played a huge role in where I am today,” Paolini said. “Thank you for believing in me and helping fund my college education that has prepared me for a successful and inspiring first year of teaching.”