ABILENE, Texas — Abilene High School Principal Emme Sibert has been named the Texas Arts Education Association’s 2024 School Principal of the Year.
Each year, TEAE honors Texas’ outstanding art educators and contributors to art education at a Texas-wide conference.
This award recognizes a principal who has demonstrated exceptional support for visual arts education.
Ms. Syburt’s appointment distinguishes her as a principal who has demonstrated exceptional support for art education and the visual arts, and this is a recognition and respect for her unique qualities.
Abilene ISD Fine Arts Coordinator Brady Sloan-Duncan nominated Sibert for the award.
“Aimé Thibour is determined to provide a high-quality visual arts program for our students and works closely with the art department regarding equipment, supplies and best practices,” Sloan-Duncan he said. “Her caring personality shines brightest when she advocates for her students. Last year, she sent her class to Austin to celebrate a fellow student’s acceptance into a state-level exhibition. And she Not caring about getting her hands dirty, we find Emme finding her lost AP art portfolio (an entire year’s worth of art projects) in the trash after it was accidentally thrown away. We are fortunate to have Ms. Sibur as principal of Abilene High School and are excited to congratulate her on this award.”
Clay Johnson, Abilene ISD’s executive director of fine arts, has worked closely with Siburt in various roles over the years and says her support for the fine arts is unwavering and creates a supportive campus community. said.
“Mrs. Siburt was passionate about learning about the world of art and became one of Abilene ISD’s strongest supporters,” Johnson said. “Every day, she works hard to ensure all programs have the resources to succeed. That support is felt across the Abilene High School campus. We are proud of Mrs. Sibert and her, Abilene High School, We are very proud of this recognition for AISD.”
Mr. Syburt, in his fourth year as principal of Abilene High School, emphasized the important role of the arts in the development of students.
“Arts education in schools is critical because it fosters creativity, critical thinking and empathy, skills essential for navigating a complex and diverse world,” she said. “This allows students to portray the world through their own lens and gives them perspective on life.”
Syburt will receive the award during the general session of the TAEA Fall Conference in Galveston.
