Pendergast District proudly announces that Cindy S. Wiste has been selected as the 2019 AAGT Administrator of the Year. According to the Arizona Association of Gifted and Talented, “It is evident that during your time at Pendergast Elementary School District you have achieved unprecedented outcomes over the last several years, and we at AAGT would like to honor you for your time and ability to inspire teachers, to employ exemplary leadership practices, and to participate as an active member of our community.” Wiste will be honored during the 2019 AAGT Annual Conference on February 7, 2019 at the Black Canyon Conference Center.
When asked about the award, Cindy shared, “This acknowledgement from AAGT is possible because of the exemplary vision of Dr. Lily DeBlieux, Superintendent of Pendergast District; and its governing board. The district's remarkable vision for S.T.E.A.M. education helps forever alter the trajectory of the lives of our students, teachers, staff and administrators.
I'm grateful to AAGT for this acknowledgement, mostly because it affords the opportunity to spread awareness of the outstanding opportunities for S.T.E.A.M. made available to our students through our programs: Arts Academy, Accelerated Math Academy, Environmental Engineering Academy, Sustainable Design Academy, Orcutt Winslow Architecture, Planning and Construction Academy, Computer Science Academy, GCON Design and Build Academy and others. One of my favorite stories is when a child came running up to me, talking about how she thought studying about water was so boring, and now wants to be an environmental engineer as a result of her learning in the Environmental Engineering Academy. That is the empowerment I strive for, and I'm blessed to have had the venue to achieve it in Pendergast District.”
Pendergast Superintendent DeBlieux is proud of Cindy’s achievements and contributions to PESD, “Cindy has been an amazing force in the district and is highly respected by all. She has worked collaboratively to establish a math problem-solving framework, which has resulted in increased student achievement. She mentors instructional coaches in effective coaching practices, which elicit the highest levels of student achievement and teacher growth and she is committed to supporting the students, staff, families and communities we serve. She is a role model of excellence and is most deserving of this award.”