DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor Class of 2022

DeSoto ISD excitedly announces the 2022 class of the Hall of Honor!  This year’s honorees include long-time educators and student advocates who have served with excellence in their chosen field, including their significant benefit to DeSoto ISD.

In 2011-12, the district launched the Hall of Honor to recognize two categories of honorees – the DeSoto High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the DeSoto ISD Distinguished Service Award.

The criteria include special achievements and honors in the individual’s career, and community service or contributions to society plus service to education and DeSoto ISD. To the selection committee, we thank you for your sincerity and integrity during this process!

The Hall of Honor recognizes and celebrates those who paved the road for student success and those students who have taken flight!

The 2022 Honorees are:

Alumni Hall of Fame:

Dr. Tiffany Clark, DHS Class of 2007

Distinguished Service Award:

Larry Davis

Pamela Dawson

Karen Pittmon

The permanent display for the Service Award is located in the atrium of the academy wing. The Alumni Award permanent display is located at the Eagle Drive entrance to DeSoto High School.

For more information about the Hall of Honor, including the nominations process and selection criteria, visit www.DeSotoISD.org/HallOfHonor.

The Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the DeSoto High School Academy Cafeteria.  This invitation-only event will be included in the Cadence of Celebration for end-of-the-year activities.

Learn more about our distinguished recipients below.

Alumni Hall of Fame – Dr. Tiffany Clark

Dr. Clark has been an active member of the DeSoto Education Foundation for the past five years where she has actively participated in the Gala and served as the Top 25 speaker twice. She has spoken at DeSoto Rotary Club meetings and been an active member of the Education Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, Golf Tournament Committee, and Holiday Baking Committee Fundraiser. She served on the Female Leadership Forum Committee in DeSoto ISD for three years.

Dr. Clark, in conjunction with a DeSoto City Council member, started a program in 2019 titled DeSotoYou:NeighborhoodYOU where community members and homeowner associations partnered with schools and commemorated Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Counselor Week and Teacher Appreciation Week events.

In 2020, Dr. Clark, in partnership with DeSoto City Council members, revitalized a program encouraging people to read called Read Across DeSoto and Glenn Heights. The program is now tied to the School Board’s Literacy goals.

Dr. Clark runs a non-profit leadership development program in partnership with Christie Brown entitled Elevating Dreams by H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Education Adolescents through Relationship Time and Support). The program’s mission is to educate teen girls to exhibit self-awareness, be effective leaders, and display a sense of compassion and empathy for fellow citizens.

Dr. Clark is actively engaged as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Upsilon Lambda Omega-DeSoto Chapter) where she has served as the Co-Chair for Connections for the past 4 years. She has been a co-chair for the Vendor Committee on Founders’ Day Celebration and has served as the Historian. In 2016, Dr. Clark was nominated for Newcomer (New Member) of the year.  Most recently, Dr. Clark was nominated by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Upsilon Nu Zeta Chapter as a Woman of the Year for her commitment and dedication to DeSoto ISD.

Dr. Clark co-founded Project E.D.G.E (Excelling Dreams and Goals) in 2012 at DeSoto High School, a career services event that connects high school students with successful community leaders in a variety of career fields. The successful program linked over 500 students with opportunities for higher education and success outside the walls of the classroom. Project EDGE was hailed as a model community partnership when DeSoto ISD received the college readiness “GEAR UP!” grant from the Department of Education – resulting in over $7 million dollars for DeSoto students.

In 2017, Dr. Clark became the youngest woman ever elected to the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees. As a member of the DeSoto Independent School board over the past 5 years, she has been focused on Academics, Accountability, and Achievements for all students in DeSoto ISD to empower her community.

Dr. Clark has been an activist, advocate and agent of change by implementing a community service policy and by enacting an attendance policy to ensure that we get our fair share from Austin. She’s implemented staff mental health days and added African American and Mexican American studies to our curriculum. Trustee Clark has created policies revamping the student dress code policy. She also developed a reputation as a “thought leader” on School Safety, including a headlining town hall in 2018 with Texas Senator Royce West. Dr. Clark is also a charter member of the DeSoto High School Alumni Association, which was established in 2018.

Award and Achievements:

• 2019 – Dr. Clark was named a Dallas Business Journal ‘40 under 40’ Honoree – recognizing her trailblazing leadership potential in Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond.
• 2020 -Dr. Clark was selected to participate in the Leadership TASB program which is a year-long educational leadership journey in which someone earns the distinct honor of holding a “Master Trustee” title. She is only the 8th person in DeSoto ISD to complete this program.
• 2021 – She was named in the inaugural class of Texas Coalition of Black Democrats 40 under 40 Elected Officials and Community Leaders.
• 2021 -Dr. Clark was awarded SWABSE (Southwest Alliance of Black School Educators) School Board Member of the Year.

Former DeSoto Mayor Pro Tem Denise Valentine nominated Dr. Clark for recognition, expressing: “Dr. Tiffany Clark demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to the DeSoto community. She is a shining example of what we desire our alumni to become – educated, active, an advocate, and a change agent when needed. She is focused, outspoken, and driven to improve the community she lives in. Her achievements are recognized inside the community as well as in the area and region.”

Distinguished Service Award – Larry Davis

• DHS Associate Principal – Student Services and Operations (2021 – Present)
• Director of Athletics (2012-2021)
• Executive Director of Human Resources (2002 – 2012)
• Director of Administrative Services (2001 – 2002)
• Principal – The Meadows Intermediate (1997 – 2001)
• Assistant Principal – West Junior High (1994 – 1997)
• Teacher/Coach – DeSoto High School (1991 – 1994)
• City of DeSoto: All American City Nomination Committee Member (2005-2006)
• City of DeSoto: Meadow Creek Recreation Center and Natatorium Steering Committee
• Member (2019-present)
• City of DeSoto: Youth Baseball Executive Committee Member
• City of DeSoto: Youth Basketball Executive Committee Member
• Hillcrest Baptist Church: Sunday School Teacher
• Baseball Booster Club President
• Band Booster Club Member
• Football Booster Club Member
• Beltline / Woodridge Elementary Room Parent

Awards and Achievements

• Texas Legislative Black Caucus – Outstanding Texan Award (2017)
• City of DeSoto – Community Partner Award (2017)
• 85th Texas Legislature – Resolution recognizing Public Service and Leadership (2016)
• UIL Regional Executive Committee Member
• TASPA Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators – Nomination Committee Chair
• Region 10: Certification Advisory Committee Board Member (2004 – present)
• Quality Act: Alternative Certification Advisory Committee Board Member (2005-2009)
• ACT Houston @ Dallas: Alternative Certification Advisory Committee Board Member (2006-2014)
• UNT Dallas: Advisory Committee Member to bring Athletics to the UNT Dallas Campus (2017-2020)
• Leadership Southwest (Class of 2003)
• Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers – (Lifetime Member)
• National Association of Youth Coaches
• Texas High School Athletic Directors Association
• Texas High School Coaches Association
• National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

Nominator Beth Wright (HOH class of 2016) stated: “I met Larry Davis in 1997 when he came to The Meadows to be our new principal. I was a little nervous knowing that this was his first principal assignment (and Kitty Hickerson spoiled us rotten for several years!). All my concerns went away the first time I saw his great big smile, heard his booming voice and his laugh. I knew we would be in good hands.”

“What I liked most about Larry was his ability to talk to anyone about anything. He talked to parents about yucky things their kid(s) had done in class or in the halls. He talked to kids who needed discipline or maybe a hug, or he just listened when they just needed someone to hear them. He knew every student in the building by name and usually knew the parent(s), and oftentimes, he knew their phone number by heart.”

“Larry was always available to his teachers, and he emphasized the importance of our own families. I have seen him cover (and teach) classes for teachers who needed to leave campus to pick up a sick child. I have seen him provide meals and snacks for students as well as employees who didn’t get a chance or have the means to eat. I have seen him stay late with students who hadn’t been picked up after school or at an event. I have seen him take students home if a parent had car trouble or was running late from work. I can’t think of a time I ever heard him say a negative word to anyone or show any signs of frustration toward anyone, even when it would have been justified!

I had the privilege of watching him be an amazing dad to his 2 boys, a supportive and loving husband to his wife, Traci, and a good friend to many. I learned about his parenting techniques when I had Greg and then Geoff over several years (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades). He was their advocate, their supporter, and their disciplinarian. He was always patient and understanding with his own kids as well as the students in our building.”

“I believe he is deserving of being inducted into the Hall of Honor for his character, loyalty, and dedication to DeSoto ISD. He began in this district as a coach and a teacher, then worked his way up the ranks to Assistant Principal, Principal, Administrative Services, Director of Human Resources, Athletic Director and is currently responsible for Student Services and Operations at the High School. He has covered quite a bit of ground in this district, and I believe he has been a positive driving force throughout his years. He has done all of this with integrity, dignity, and a caring spirit.”

Distinguished Service Award – Pamela Dawson

• 2021 Grammy Finalist for Music Educator of the Year
• Her choirs have earned numerous state and national recognitions, including being invited to perform in Carnegie Hall as well as the SWACDA National honor choir.
• Several former students are in high-level music programs and performing in venues such as Broadway. She has touched the lives of countless students and has always served as a positive ambassador for DeSoto ISD
• Pam has served in the DeSoto arts council and has served in various churches in DeSoto. She is constantly called to bring her choir to city events, state representative events, and to perform for local corporations and city hall
• Pam Dawson has built the DHS choir program into the world-class program it is today. She has changed countless lives and her students demonstrate the top levels of discipline and decorum.
• She has served for 16 years

Awards and Achievements

• 2021 Grammy Finalist
• Invited performer Carnegie Hall
• First-ever SWACDA Ladies Demonstration Honor Choir
• All-State
• 2022 Black Conductor You Need to Know

Nominator Dr. Jaime Kovar stated: “Pamela truly has a world-class choir program and she works to ensure every student is prepared to go to any college program they choose. Her students are a level above their peers in real-world performance experience, discipline and professionalism.”

Distinguished Service Award – Karen Pittmon

• Wrote and acquired grants for schoolyard habitats
• TXBess Mentoring program Mentor -2 years
• DISD WeatherNet Site Coordinator – 8 years
• At-Risk Program – 5 years
• Partnership Advisory Board – 1 year
• Public Relations Coordinator for DHS – 1992-1996
• ALPHA DELTA KAPPA – President-Elect, President, Past President, Historian, Altruistic Chair, (member 30 years)
• DeSoto Educators Association
• Texas State Teachers Association
• National Education Association
• Dallas Paleontological Society – Secretary, Treasurer, President Austin Association of Teachers
• Annual DeSoto Clean-up Day – With students/clubs multiple years and current
• DeSoto City Sticker/Drain Program – placing seals on culverts at streets warning that they lead to creeks- With students multiple years and current
• Earth Day Activities and Beautification Projects -With students at Glenn Heights Park and City of DeSoto SITES for multiple years
• DeSoto Citizen Police Academy Class #36
• DCPA ALUMNI member for past 10 years – held offices of President, 1st VP, Secretary
• DeSoto Citizens on Patrol – several years
• President of the RICHARD S. PITTTMON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 2004 to present
• DeSoto High School- 1986-2007 (21 years)
• TAUGHT: AP Environmental Science, Pre-AP Chemistry, Chemistry 1, Chemistry in the Community, Physical and Historical Geology, Marine Science, Aquatic Science, Physical Science, GOM (Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology)
• WINGS (WHERE I NOW GAIN SUCCESS) – 2010-2019 (9 years)
• LEAD SCIENCE TEACHER – all science subjects grades 8-12
• TAKS/STAAR tutor for Science tests
• Designed a garden on the school site so students could experience hands-on learning outdoors and do lab assignments related to work to complete HS diploma
• DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL:
  • Science Dept. Chair – 2 years
  • LIFE club sponsor – 3 years
  • District recycling Coordinator – 5 years
  • DHS recycling coordinator – 8 years
  • Schoolyard Habitat Coordinator – 8 years
  • Communications Council – 2 years
• Facilitator for Jr. High and HS science staff development- multiple years
• Cooperative Learning Workshop lead for all DISD campuses – multiple years
• Wrote curriculum guides for all science areas – multiple years
• Science Textbook committee – multiple years
• GEOLOGY CLUB SPONSOR – 12 years
• SCIENCE CLUB SPONSOR – multiple years
• Public Relations Coordinator – 1993-1996 (wrote news items about DHS for the Dallas Morning News, Today Newspaper, Focus Newspaper)
• Electronics Classroom Website (L2T2) Trainer and District Facilitator – 3 years.

Awards and Achievements

• HEB Excellence in Education Award – Runner-Up ($250) 2006
• Most Inspiring Teacher by the Top 10 OF DHS multiple years
• Nominated for Disney Award – 2005-2006
• Secondary Employee of The Month
• SMU – Gifted and Talented Institute and Pre-College Program – 11 summer sessions in Paleontology

Nominator and Trustee Kathy Goad (HOH Class of 2014) expressed: “Larry and I started teaching in DeSoto one year before Karen. I, literally, have known Karen the entire time she has been an educator with DISD. I have heard nothing but praise from teachers and students that Karen was a highly, qualified TEACHER. They also speak of her going above and beyond to help other teachers and her students.”

“While at WINGS I saw Karen teach with passion not just the science curriculum but any subject students were struggling to understand. I saw her buy diapers or an item that a student needed. I saw her contribute to a bicycle for a young man so he could get to WINGS on time. I saw her build a garden with her own money so the students could see a plant life cycle. I could give you names of hundreds of students whose lives were impacted by Karen Pittmon being an educator who cared.”

“Karen lives her life as an example of how to take care of the environment of this world. Karen also lives her life as an example of how the world can be a kinder, better place to live by her compassion.”

Congratulations Class of 2022! 

About DeSoto Independent School District

DeSoto ISD is a public independent school district serving more than 7,400 students and 1,000 employees. The district comprises 10 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. DeSoto ISD’s mission is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest level. The District’s 2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity, access, and excellence in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.

For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.