The RISD Tomorrow Foundation welcomed Everson Walls “back home” to his roots on April 17^th at the Punt,Pass or Tailgate-Participate in 2008 fundraiser for the RISD Tomorrow Foundation.  The Foundation supports the 55 schools of the Richardson Independent School District and annually recognizes outstanding district leadership at this awards event.     Everson credits his successful career to the strong foundation in education he received as a student at L.V. Berkner High School and says,  “Thank God my teachers did not give up on me.”

 Everson walked onto the football field the spring of his junior year at Berkner, and  Coach Alan Holiday allowed him to play on a trial basis.  He became a starter his senior year and outstanding player for the team.  Not only was Coach Holiday influential in forming Everson’s future in football, but he was instrumental in helping him become a successful student his senior year.   Everson graduated from Berkner High School in 1977 with a football scholarship to Grambling State University.  The famed coach, Eddie Robinson helped Everson refine his skills as a football player, but most importantly, Everson credits Coach Robinson for helping him mature as a human being.

 Attending the Cowboys training camp in 1981 as a free agent, Everson made the team.  Wearing the legendary # 24 blue star jersey, he spent eight years as a Cowboy breaking numerous records and helping lead the Cowboys to winning seasons.  In 1990 Everson joined the NY Giants where he was the leading pass defender with 6 interceptions on the Giants Super Bowl Team.  In 1992 Everson started with the Cleveland Browns and retired from football the following year, 1993.

 Everson’s career is spotlighted by Pro Bowl appearances in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985.  Honor upon honor has been bestowed upon this man of steel.  Today, Everson continues his tradition of excellence as a TV personality and commentator for various national sports talk shows while managing to be successful in real estate development in the Dallas area.

 Everson was inspired recently to bestow the gift of life to his long-time teammate and friend Ron Springs by donating one of his kidneys.  These two men’s passion for people led to the formation of the “Gift for Life Foundation”.  The Foundation was organized to promote awareness, early detection and prevention of Kidney Disease, diabetes, other contributory diseases and complications directly related to these life-threatening conditions.  In addition, the Foundation provides access to donor-oriented services and education in underserved communities across the United States. For more information visit the website at www.GiftforLifeFoundation.org.  Everson teared when talking about his friend and his expectation that he will one day wake up from a recent coma brought on by a surgical procedure unrelated to his kidney transplant. 

 The address brought tears to the eyes of many as Everson closed his remarks and thanked his parents, his teachers and principals who had been so instrumental in forming the character of the man he is today.  Touchdown, Everson!

On behalf of the RISD Tomorrow Foundation’s Boards of Directors, Staff and Volunteers, we congratulate you as recipients of the Foundation’s 2007-2008 STARS Award.  Your selection is testament to your dedication, skills, creativity, innovation, and care for the students of RISD.  Next to parents or significant others, nothing is more significant in a student’s educational experience than the influence of teachers who are highly competent in their chosen academic field, care deeply about student performance, and engender a love of learning that follows a student throughout his or her life.  RISD is fortunate to have each and every one of you.

As a separate 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, it is our privilege to assist the district education initiatives by raising funds to support awards such as the STARS, provide scholarships, and fund special programs that benefit students and teachers.   Our ability to fund such initiatives is a result of donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community organizations who value the superior education that RISD provides.  We are deeply grateful to these very special donors.

Thank you for all you do for the sons and daughters of RISD!  You daily impact the lives of each one by your attention to their individual needs, concern for their futures, and the quality of life that a strong foundation in education brings. 

Congratulations and well done!

2007-2008 RISD Tomorrow STARS Award Honorees

RISD Tomorrow Foundation honored two very deserving RISD Principals at a breakfast on November 5 at the Richardson Hotel. Both Principals were selected for outstanding contributions made to RISD in their tenure and received the Excellence in Administration Award from the Foundation along with a check for $1000.

Darwin Spiller, Principal of Stults Road Elementary School, and distinguished by the State as an Exemplary School, joined RISD in 1997. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, received his bachelor’s degree at Langston University in Langston, OK and his master’s degree at UTA. He made the Dean’s List each year, was voted Mr. Langston University in 1996-97, was the outstanding student teacher in 1996-97 and had perfect attendance in high school. Mr. Spiller’s ascension from 6th grade teacher to Administrative Intern, to Assistant Principal and finally to Principal, occurred in a very short time frame, clearly delineating his exceptional abilities.

Jack Noteware, Principal of Apollo Junior High School, a State Recognized School was a graduate of Richardson High School and a suma cum laude graduate of the University of Texas. He has only worked in two schools in the RISD since becoming a teacher in RISD in 1968. He served as a math teacher and Assistant Principal at Northwood Junior High and Assistant Principal and Principal at Apollo Junior High. He was induced into the Richardson High School Wall of Honor and was an Eagle of the Month. He is involved in baseball, basketball, and ban, plays the clarinet and used to an umpire!

OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TWO EXTRAORDINARY MEN!