(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT - Jan. 19, 2024) — Lisa Schoenbrun, a veteran educator at Franklin High School, has been named one of the top 10 facilitators in the nation by Chick-fil-A.
Schoenbrun is being recognized for her work directing the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a program sponsored by the restaurant’s local operators that is geared toward inspiring students to act as leaders in the community and to teach them how to work as a team.
Schoenbrun has more than 20 years of experience working in the education field and currently serves as a special education teacher at Franklin High School. She will head to Atlanta in March where Chick-fil-A will recognize the top facilitators in the nation.
“She really is an incredible teacher,” said Franklin Student Activities Manager Cynthia Manzanares. “She cares about her students. She’s always going the extra mile for them and making sure they succeed.”
Franklin students shared similar sentiments during a ceremony Thursday, Jan. 18, at the school to mark Schoenbrun’s achievement. Students say Schoenbrun’s work ethic has helped them thrive in school and in the community. Some of those young learners also take part in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy with her. Together, they brainstorm ideas on projects for the Academy and implement them in the community. During the recent holiday season, students donated books to kids during an event. Last spring, students came up with an idea to help special-education students enjoy the festivities of prom with an event called, "Prom for All."
Schoenbrun said that while she helps coordinate the projects, it’s her students who helped her receive the prestigious recognition from Chick-fil-A.
“This is our third year of being in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy and it has been this tremendous experience of working with the students and making it student-led," Schoenbrun said. "They are truly student leaders that have taken it out in the community and promoted these projects and made it a special thing for El Paso."
Students said they are excited for her.
“I’m hoping she gets the appreciation that she deserves and also that she gets to meet a lot of like-minded individuals, so they can continue to support each other," Franklin student Michelle Jimenz said.
"Mrs. Schoenbrun has helped everyone from all ages and has helped them get involved in different organizations, and I completely agree that she deserves everything coming her way," Franklin student Isaac Martinez said.
To be selected as the top facilitator, students had to write an essay, create a video, and make their case as to why Schoenbrun deserved the recognition.
