TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
TISD Teacher of the Year, Gaby Valle
LESD Teacher of the Year, LaBrandon McDaniel
TISD Teacher of the Year, Katie Diaz
TASD Teacher of the Year, Shannon Roberson
Shannon Roberson, Teacher of the Year at TASD, shares, “Being named district Teacher of the Year is a blessing and receiving a car as a token of appreciation is the icing on the cake! Special thanks to Robbins Toyota for making this happen and the Texarkana Arkansas School District for being recognized.” This initiative is made possible not just by Robbins Toyota, but through partnerships with Derrick McGary State Farm Insurance Agency and Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance Agency who sponsor the insurance for each vehicle. Their support ensures that teachers can enjoy their year behind the wheel worry free! Susan Robbins adds, “We enjoy watching the shock, joy, and occasional tears as they are awarded the new RAV4. It’s a reminder of how meaningful recognition for a job well done can be. We hear stories of meals being paid for in drive-through lanes, congratulatory honks, waves, and even reserved parking spots. It’s amazing!” The dealership’s commitment to education doesn’t stop with teachers. Each year, Robbins Toyota awards a brand-new Toyota Corolla to a graduating senior with perfect attendance from their senior year. The car is theirs to keep for good —it’s fully theirs from
the moment they win. This is given in front of family and faculty at a celebratory event hosted at the dealership. Founded in 1966 by Eddie Robbins, Robbins Toyota is the second oldest Toyota dealership In Texas. After Eddie’s unexpected passing in 2014, his daughter, Susan, returned to Texarkana full time in 2016 to take over as owner and operator. She has continued her father’s legacy with not only a strong business presence but a commitment to giving back to the community that has built them. The dealership’s passion for educators runs deep, “We love to hear the stories from teachers driving their new Toyotas all over the country,“ Susan says. “It reminds us of why we do this.” In a world that often moves too fast to notice those quiet unsung heroes among us, Robbins Toyota has now chosen to recognize and celebrate the educators who shape our kids’ futures. Students don’t always move on in life remembering every lesson that they have been taught, but they always remember the teachers who believed in them. With every RAV4 that hits the road, it’s not just a car—it’s a moving tribute to the power of teaching and a big, bold way of saying “Thank you!”
TISD Teacher of the Year Gaby Valle reacts with surprise and joy as she’s honored with a new vehicle.
TISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker congratulates Teacher of the Year Katie Diaz upon receiving her new car.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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