Grapevine High School teacher Charity McConnell has been named a recipient of the Colin Powell Award by Our Community Salutes, a national non-profit organization. The award is presented in recognition of providing guidance, counseling and mentoring for students as they assess their accomplishments, talents, and interests as they move forward in their lives.
“I was completely surprised,” McConnell said when she learned of the award, which is named after General Colin Powell, U.S. Army (Ret.).
This is McConnell’s second award this school year. In February, she was honored as the New Teacher of the Year by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT).
McConnell is the GHS criminal justice/law enforcement instructor in GCISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. She teaches Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security; Law Enforcement I and II; and Criminal Investigations.
She joined the teaching profession in 2020 with GCISD. Prior to becoming a teacher she worked as a fire inspector and crime scene investigator for more than 15 years in the Las Vegas, Nev., area.
“Just giving back to students and letting them know that they have a purpose is what teaching is all about for me,” she stated.
McConnell will be honored by Our Community Salutes during a recognition ceremony Saturday, May 13, in Fort Worth.