AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Thelma Hays, retiring secretary of Olsen Park Elementary, received the Bob Ashworth Award for 2026 at the Annual Employee Recognition Banquet hosted by Amarillo ISD.
According to AISD officials, Hays is retiring after 36 years of service, leaving a legacy that extends beyond her job responsibilities. She has been nominated for recognition by Tammy Nash, principal of Olsen, and teacher Stacy Williams.
West Texas A&M University Equestrian Team wins national championship
In her nomination, Williams wrote: “She has seen generations of students grow up, only to return as parents, finding the same kind face waiting to welcome them back. Thelma Hays is more than an employee; she is the soul of Olsen Park. After 36 years of selfless service, there is no one more deserving of recognition for their lifelong commitment to our district.”
For more than 30 years, the Bob Ashworth Award has been given annually to one AISD employee with an outstanding career of service to students and staff. The award is named in honor of Ashworth, who served as AISD superintendent from 1958 to 1978. Along with a plaque and a monetary award, Atkinson’s portrait will hang outside the boardroom of the Rod Schroder Education Support Center…