Hall of Honor Class of 2021

DESOTO ISD ANNOUNCES THE HALL OF HONOR CLASS OF 2021
Posted on 06/28/2021
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In 2011-12 the district launched the Hall of Honor to recognize two categories of honorees – the DeSoto High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the DeSoto ISD Distinguished Service Award.


With criteria that includes special achievements and honors in the individual’s career, and community service or contributions to society plus service to education and DeSoto ISD, the Hall of Honor recognizes and celebrates those who paved the road for student success and those students who have taken flight!


The 2021 class of the Hall of Honor includes a 30-plus year educator/administrator and two outstanding alumni.  On Tuesday, June 29, at 5:30 pm, these honorees will be presented in a recorded virtual ceremony on the district Facebook page.


Please join DeSoto ISD in acknowledging and thanking the following individuals:


Alumni Hall of Fame:

Zachary Orr – class of 2010

Amanda Sargent – class of 2008


Distinguished Service Award:

Dr. Becky Sheppard


The class of 2021 honorees have distinguished themselves tremendously as they have served and represented DeSoto ISD.  


Below is a short recap of their achievements:


ZACHARY ORR, CLASS OF 2010

  • Graduated in the top 25 (#22) DeSoto High School Class of 2010. 

  • 2013 Captain for the University of North Texas (UNT) Football defensive players.

  • Midseason All-C-USA First-Team in 2013. 

  • 2013 Conference USA All-Conference First Team at linebacker.

  • 2013 Conference USA Football All-Academic team. 

  • 2013 Capital One Academic All-District VII honors.

  • His senior year, he led North Texas with a career-high 123 tackles, the fifth most in school history. 

  • Finished his college football career with 365 tackles, tied for the third most in school history.

  • Capping his college football career, he led UNT to a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at the end of the 2013 season. 

  • Lombardi Award Semi-Finalist (2013).

  • Signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014, he made the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie and finished second on the team with 7 special teams tackles. 

  • 2016 season, secured a starting spot on the roster, starting 15 games, recording 132 tackles, five passes defended, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.  

  • Second-team All-Pro after the 2016 season. 

  • Defensive Coaching Analyst for the Baltimore Ravens.

  • UNT Athletes Hall of Fame (2019).

  • 2021 Outside Linebackers Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

  • Makes time to inspire student athletes to prioritize their education in pursuit of their athletic dreams.

  • Keynote Speakers for the 2017 DeSoto ISD Male Leadership Symposium.

  • Zach is singularly focused on being the best in his industry and inspiring others to do the same. He is a true representation of what it means to be a DeSoto Eagle.


AMANDA SARGENT, CLASS OF 2008

  • Elected to DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees Place 7 seat and served as Board President.

  • Founder and CEO of Get Your Life, Ltd. Co., which is a consulting firm empowering people

  • to take their dreams and themselves to unprecedented levels.

  • Leadership ISD Civic Voices Cohort 2020.

  • Alpha Epsilon (The Boule') Education Foundation "Excellence in Teaching" Award Spring 2018.

  • Most Influential Person Academic Signing Day Spring 2017.

  • Counselor of the Week Fall 2016.

  • Stanford Exceptional Teaching Award Fall 2016.

  • Top 25 Teacher Excellence Award Spring 2015.

  • Graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in African and African Diaspora Studies in 2012, and then in 2018, she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington where she earned a Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Community Administrative Practice.

  • Served as the Dallas Director of the University of Texas’ Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

  • Dallas Independent School District, Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies.

  • Served abroad at Ashaiman Senior High School in Accra, Ghana with the goal of enhancing the opportunities available to youth and students of diverse populations. Founded the Ashaiman Texas Connection in Accra, Ghana.

  • Program Manager of the South-Central Region with INROADS.

  • Austin Partners in Education. 

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

  • Miss Sargent assists students, parents and communities through the college going process, career exploration, financial literacy as well as physical and mental fitness.  

  • As a Future Readiness Professional, she has helped students earn over $50 million dollars in scholarships in addition to their admission into highly competitive undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • Her motto is “Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance Get Your Life.”

  • She believes in lifelong learning and promotes this belief in her everyday life.



DR. BECKY SHEPPARD, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

  • DeSoto High School Employee of the Year (Dean of Instruction) 2005.

  • Honorary Lifetime PTA 2010.

  • Principal Leadership Academy Region X.

  • Distinguished Principal 2000.

  • Superintendent Certification 2001.

  • Ruby Young Recognition from Texas Alliance of Black Schools Exemplary List 2008-2009.

  • Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Exemplary Status 2010 (state recognition).

  • Walk to End Alzheimer's Participant (4 years).

  • Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) (5 years).

  • Walk MS.

  • APDA Walk-American Parkinson's Disease Association.

  • DeSoto Methodist Church choir.

  • DeSoto Methodist Church Bell Choir.

  • Alpha Delta Kappa (Teacher altruistic sorority)-contributions and participation in events for Paws for Reflection, Manna House Women's Shelter, Christmas Angels in DeSoto ISD, contributions to DeSoto Food Bank, Midlothian Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, and St. Jude.

  • Over 30 years of service across several DeSoto ISD campuses and central administration

  • In retirement she mentored new principals and teachers to help them understand the "ways" of DeSoto.

  • The teachers she worked with respected and admired her for her integrity and fairness. One of her best characteristics is the way she looks at a situation from all angles with the best solution for all involved (students, parents, educators) as the end result.


“Our honorees, Zachary Orr, Dr. Becky Sheppard, and Amanda Sargent, have brought honor to DeSoto ISD and the community at large,” explained Board President DeAndrea Fleming. “As we celebrate their achievements, we also thank them for the services they have rendered to DeSoto ISD and beyond.”

“As a district, we are grateful to receive so much distinguished service and dedication from staff, students and community, and it is a thrill to be able to recognize some of these deserving individuals,” echoed Superintendent D’Andre Weaver.  “And we are so excited to know that all of you are still sharing your special gifts with the world.”  


Please join in viewing the premiere release of the Hall of Honor induction ceremony on the DeSoto ISD Facebook page (@DeSotoISD) on Tuesday, June 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m.


Congratulations to the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor - Class of 2021! 
Thank you for all that you have done for DeSoto ISD!