Four CC employees receive state honor

Four Clarendon College employees were recognized with the Texans Caring for Texans Award last Thursday, August 3, at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

Scarlet Estlack, Larry Wiginton, James Gordon, and Bruno Castel were all recognized for their efforts to help students both inside and outside the classroom.

Texans Caring for Texans awards were established in 1996 by the late State Rep. David Swinford to honor state employees for professional excellence in service to their communities and to Texas. Last week’s ceremony recognized Panhandle region employees of state services and higher education institutions.

Estlack has served for 21 years as a biology instructor and both students and the community can count on her for guidance on anything related to CC. She’s involved in several community events and invites students to get involved also. Her passion for students is never more evident than when she’s cheering on her students in extracurricular activities, and she’s always first in line to congratulate them.

Larry Wiginton began working in 1995 as a chemistry instructor and returned in 2021 after retiring in 2013. He was recognized for the extra time he’s willing to spend with students after class or in labs. In addition to giving back to the community, he likes spending time outside the classroom in the cafeteria to get to know students and enjoy their company.

James Gordon came to CC in 2012 and helps run the Learning Resource Center and is an ESL instructor. He goes out of his way to assist international students and helps all students find the resources they need to be successful. He can also be found outside the classroom reciting poetry and using his jump shot to raise money for student organizations.

Bruno Castel is a Spanish and ESL teacher and dorm director since 2016. He works with numerous international students and makes their transition to the college campus more successful. As students leave CC, they stay in touch with Bruno and use him as a mentor for life.

Also during last week’s ceremony, Don Nicholson of the Texas Department of State Health Services gave a tribute to his friend, the late Rep. Swinford, for starting the awards. Lubbock Regional DPS Director Joe Longway delivered the keynote address about heroes who serve in state agencies across Texas from DPS troopers to staff members of other agencies.

As the honorees were recognized, they were greeted by Longway, State Rep. John Smithee, WTAMU President Walter Wendler, State Rep. Ken King, and State Sen. Charles Perry.