Derrick. Texas Aggie Baseball Recruit. Navasota Photographer.

I've already told both him and his parents, so I might as well share it with the internet. Internet, meet Derrick. I am lucky enough to have been his teacher TWICE: once his sophomore year and now his senior year. Never have I enjoyed a student more! For three years, a hundred students have graced my classroom each day but few have stood out the way that Derrick has. He works his tail off, mostly because he wants to be his best and partially because his Mama wants him to be his best. Derrick is talented, determined, smart, kind, respectful, and sweet -- all at the age of 18. He's a pleasure to be around which is hard to say of many 18 year old guys. I feel blessed to have had him walk into my teaching life. He will be one of those that stands out in my mind when I'm an old woman. Today was a big day in Derrick's life. Today Derrick became the newest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '14. He didn't get a letter in the mail though. That would be all too normal for Derrick. Instead, newpapers and tv stations watched as Derrick signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Texas A&M next spring. To say that I am proud of him is an understatement. There are no words. As a teacher, I hope to see all of my students become successful. Few young men are chosen to step out onto Olsen Field...and I have taught one. I have known one. I have watched one mature into an amazingly successful man. Maybe part of my pride is due to the fact that Derrick is my first student to receive such an honor. Maybe my pride is because I'm an Aggie. With all my heart, I'm an Aggie and I understand that becoming an Aggie is the best feeling in the world.

Proud. Proud. Parents.

Yaaaaaaaaaaay! Derrick's an Aggie recruit!

Derrick, Mister Number Eight -I hope that I have made as much of an impact on your life as you have mine. I have had such FUN teaching you...thanks for the millions of yearbook laughs. Know that I am sooooo proud of you and for you and that I am filled with excitement to have a GREAT reason to make trips to Olsen Field. Tell your parents to save us a seat. Love and Luck to you and Gig 'Em!