Melissa Gonzalez was born to run. The 2012 graduate of Creekview High School was a stand-out in Track her junior year. CHS coach Misti Springfield noted that Melissa kept winning every meet, then district meets, then regionals. Melissa’s mom, Temple Creamer-Gonzalez, who is a teacher at Perry Middle School stated, “Misti recognized that Melissa had a talent that needed more specialized training. She unselfishly reached out to then coach Stephani Perkins at Ranchview to step in and prepare Melissa for the state meet.”
“This was a moment that shaped everything. Perkins once a national record-setting hurdler herself, and she also had her own private team outside of school, which Melissa quickly joined. This increased her training, catapulting her into the highest level of competition. None of this would have ever happened had Coach Springfield not reached out in the spirit of sportsmanship to find the best coach – even if it wasn’t her – for her athlete.”
Melissa attended Kent Elementary and Blalack Middle School before attending Creekview. Melissa earned a full Track scholarship from the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in Sport Management. Melissa’s track career did not end with college. She currently runs for the Colombian National team.
Eyes on the Olympics
Every competition on a national level, whether in the U.S. or in South America, is a platform for her to submit an Olympic qualifying time. Her plans are to run in the National Championships this summer in South America. She will represent Colombia, where she holds dual citizenship. Additionally, she plans to compete in the PanAmerican games later this summer. Another goal of hers is to break the Colombian national record in 400m hurdles.
Academic and Athletic Roots in CFB
Melissa’s little sister, Samantha Gonzalez, won at state in hurdles 2 years in a row, 2015-2016. Samantha is currently finishing her fourth year as a full-ride scholarship athlete at the University of Miami. Youngest sister, Lily, is a first-grader at Kent and is carrying on the tradition of winning every Fun Run and Turkey Trot she competes in.
Melissa married fellow CHS alum David Blough, her high school sweetheart. Blough is an accomplished football player, having played quarterback at Purdue University, and having recently signed a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns.
Kim Graham is CFB’s Coordinator of Benefits/Risk Management. She demonstrates an unwavering dedication to CFB ISD and its employees each and every day. Kim leads with a servants heart and through her health insurance and related benefits knowledge, she works tirelessly to assist all employees in seeing that their benefit needs are being met. Kim truly represent an exemplary employee and leader for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.
When you walk into the front offices of McWhorter Elementary you are going to be greeted by Ms. Patrice Sims. Her warm and contagious personality hooks you from the moment you meet her. Ms. Sims never lets an opportunity go by to ensure our students, families and staff members know how much they are valued and that her mission is to make sure everyone knows that at McWhorter you are our number one priority. Thank you Ms. Sims for being such an integral part of the Coyote Family!
Mona joined our Student Nutrition family in 1990 and the district has benefited greatly from her amazing leadership skills for over 25 of those years as she served in a supervisory role. Currently, as a Field Supervisor, Mona oversee 12 of our district cafeterias and serves as a liaison between the Student Nutrition Administrative Office and the schools. She holds her cafeterias and staff to the highest standards and it shows in their performance.
As the custodian at Good Elementary, Maria Kay goes above and beyond everyday for the students, staff and families – and always with a smile. Mrs. Kay takes exceptional pride in the work she does and it shows. She is a valued team member at Good Elementary helping the campus achieve its goals.
Richard Hyde left law school to pursue a career in teaching and has remained dedicated to transforming the middle school experience. Hyde has worked in CFB for 14 years. He has been guiding his students into a mindset of college ready, career ready, and future ready young adults through AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination).
