Copperas Cove Education Foundation honors two CCISD alumni at annual Gala
Special to the Leader-Press
The Copperas Cove Education Foundation honored two local Copperas Cove ISD alumni at its Boots and Buckles Annual Gala on Saturday evening. This year’s inductees into the Copperas Cove Education Foundation’s Hall of Honor are Terri Jernigan and Bradi Dewald Diaz.
Jernigan graduated from Copperas Cove ISD in 1979. She started her career as a physical education teacher with the district in 1984. Jernigan is seen in the community by serving youth at her church, volunteering as a basketball and softball coach, and an active supporter of the American Cancer Society by participating and leading teams in Relay for Life and other events. She has received numerous accolades including the Mira Beau B Lamar Award, Exchange Club Educator of the Quarter three times, and VFW Teacher of the Year twice. Jernigan was also an Olympic torch bearer prior to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
“She is an advocate for our students and actively promotes all the amazing things that CCISD does for its students and with our Copperas Cove community,” former principal of J.L. Williams/Lovett Ledger Elementary Marla Sullivan wrote in Jernigan’s letter of recommendation.
Diaz graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1987. She has served on many local boards including the Copperas Cove Education Foundation, Coryell County Economic Development, City of Copperas Cove Youth Advisory Board, and the Coryell County Central Appraisal District. Diaz also served as mayor of Copperas Cove in 2004 and 2019. As a business owner, she is an active supporter of several organizations.
“Bradi’s dedication and self-sacrifice has focused on creating a community that citizens are proud to call home,” wrote Keith Turner, a CCEF Hall of Honor inductee in 2021 in his letter of recommendation for Diaz.
Plaques in Diaz’s and Jernigan’s honor will hang in Lea Ledger Auditorium alongside past honorees John Hull, Joan Manning, Dr. Karen Harrison, Glynn Powell, Les Ledger and Linda Ledger, and Turner.
The CCEF Hall of Honor was established to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of Copperas Cove High School graduates. Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years prior to the nominating year and be recognized as having made outstanding contributions to his/her community and/or profession. They must also be positive roles models for youth in their community.
Past winners include John A. Hull, Dr. Karen Harrison, Les and Linda Ledger, Joan Manning, Keith Turner, and Glynn Powell.
Saturday’s event also served as a fundraiser for the foundation.
In 2022, the CCEF awarded a total of $43,967 in grants to 36 teachers and principals in nine Copperas Cove schools. Since 2008, the CCEF has awarded a total of $476,758 in innovative teaching grants. The foundation also awards scholarships to graduating seniors at Copperas Cove High School.