January PFA Falcon Wings

FWCD’s Parent Faculty Association awarded Fourth Grade Teacher Sara McCullough with the January 2025 Falcon Wings honor. Falcon Wings recognize PFA volunteers, FWCD teachers or staff who soar above and beyond the call of duty to enhance PFA programs or events or have improved the greater FWCD community by their dedication and enthusiasm. A book was donated to the Carolyn W. Fierer Library in her honor. 

Carrie Naylor McPadden, PFA Falcon Wings Chair,  shared the announcement at the January 13  PFA meeting. Shelley Matthews nominated McCullough.

Below is the nomination:

I challenge anyone to be in a bad mood around Sara McCullough. It is physically impossible. Just the thought of her will make you smile. The sound of her laugh will make you laugh. When I asked my 13-year-old son Mason to tell me about his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. McCullough, he broke out in a big, goofy, nostalgic grin and started spilling stories. His memories are colored with details that reveal a teacher who is warm, good-natured, and flexible in her teaching style. Mason described the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ buttons on Sara’s desk, which apparently made such funny sounds that he still laughs today. He talked about how she read to their class, how they could lay on pillows on the floor, and even draw on iPads as she read. This is a portrait of a woman who prioritizes children’s well-being and learning styles over her own ego. She cares about these young hearts. There was a moment in her class when Mason said something hurtful to a friend, and Sara was firm yet gentle in correcting him. The way she handled the situation moved Mason’s heart to genuine empathy and a meaningful apology. As an FWCD parent and friend, I am inspired by Sara’s selfless dedication to her students, friends and family. There is an enthusiasm in her personality, and it radiates outward in everything she does, lifting up every person in her orbit. What a treasure Sara McCullough is to the FWCD community – a very deserving recipient of the Falcon Wings award!