We are thrilled to present this month's Citizen of the Month candidates, exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding qualities and contributions to our community. These candidates embody the values of compassion, integrity, and leadership, and they have made a significant impact on the lives of those around them.
Each candidate has shown an unwavering commitment to service, going above and beyond to address the needs of others and make a positive difference in our community. Their selflessness, dedication, and passion for helping others have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of knowing them.
From volunteering countless hours to local charities and organizations, to spearheading initiatives that promote social justice and equality, to being a source of inspiration and support for those facing adversity, these candidates have truly gone the extra mile to create a better world for all.
As we consider these remarkable individuals, we invite the community to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the impact they have made. Their stories serve as a reminder that each one of us has the power to make a difference, and their examples inspire us to strive for excellence in our own lives.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the Citizen of the Month candidates and express our gratitude for their remarkable contributions. They are shining examples of what it means to be an active, engaged, and compassionate member of our community.
- Works at Keller High School
- During the 2021-2022 school year, Dr. Horsley recognized a student in need and intervened
- She performed CPR on the student until Keller Fire Dept arrived
- The student is alive and well thanks to Dr. Horsley and the Keller HS nursing staff
- Owner and Head Instructor at Keller ATA Martial Arts.
- For over 15 years she has taught children and adults of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
- She gives back to the community by being a mentor at Trinity High School and working with the students at NRH Montessori
- Instructor of the Year in the American Taekwondo Association and won Regional Instructor of the Year
- Offers a special abilities class that is for who may be on the Autism Spectrum, have Down Syndrome or mental or physical disabilities, Asperger Syndrome, etc
- motto of Keller ATA is “We are not just a school, we are family
- Rotarian from the Keller Club
- many years ago, decided to take on the project of saving the Mount Gilead Cemetery (MGC).
- coordinated the reclamation of the cemetery (after it had been left unattended for many years) and continues to work as the volunteer caretaker of the grounds –
- Personally keeps the cemetery mowed, trimmed and looking beautiful. He’s been doing this for over 13 years.
- As President of the MGC Association Board, Darrell has overseen numerous Eagle Scout projects to help beautify the cemetery, restore damaged headstones, build memorial gardens and much more.
- He has coordinated scientific studies of the grounds on multiple occasions that lead to the discovery of many unmarked gravesites
- Raises funds to continuously make improvements to the grounds, all of which now have MGC established as one of the best preserved historical cemeteries in the region.
- In recent years, Darrell has worked with Lucas Funeral Homes to install a columbarium on the grounds to make interment of ashes
- Jay has served as a volunteer on the Keller Park Board for many years and is about to be reappointed for a 5th term
- Run Director for Bear Creek Greenbelt ParkRun - which is Keller’s own version of the ParkRun international organization.
- Each week, Jay and his team of volunteers, host a free ParkRun/Walk timed 5K. ParkRun events happen all across the globe every Saturday morning and it is always free to all participants.
- Jay brought this outstanding organization to Keller - which was/is only the second location (after Houston) in Texas
- since the first event, we have welcomed hundreds of visitors to Keller from throughout the US and from countless countries
- In December, Jay hosted his 100th event. The goal is to have at least 200 participants.
- CEO Christ’s Haven for Children – a 501c3 that provides a trauma-informed family model of care for displaced children, teens, and young adults
- Cassie, along with her staff, provides direction for Christ’s Haven and key fundraising efforts for the community
- Lifetime of non-profit work and fundraising for philanthropic causes but says leading Christ’s Haven in the honor of a lifetime
- First female CEO
- Most proud of Christ’s Haven “Heart for family” where they strive to provide normal childhood experiences, full of dignity and hope for the future
- Fort Worth PD
- 2016 – started Brotherhood for the Fallen – a non-profit that sends uniformed officers to the funerals of officers that have been violently killed in the line of duty and provide monetary donations to the family
- 2017 – Texas Law Enforcement achievement award
- 2021 Officer of the Year for Fort Worth PD for his efforts in organizing and transporting 9/11 survivors to the 20 year anniversary in New York
- Serves as Board of Directors for the Police and Fire Memorial
- Current President of Brotherhood for the Fallen
- Recently accepted new position as Director of College, Career and Military Readiness for Fort Worth ISD
- Served as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Keller ISD for 7 years
- Dr Rob has been instrumental in building the CTE program in Keller and enhancing the degree and certification options for students; approximately 18,000 students from seventh to twelfth grade in the CTE Department consisting of thirty-one different programs.
- Over the last fifteen years in education, Rob has been a teacher, CTE Coordinator, and Principal.
- He is also a Chiropractor who has run several successful chiropractic clinics in the DFW area. This led him to education so that he could pass his passion on to students for the various careers that they wish to pursue.
- Rob is active in multiple community organizations including Rotary, the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce (board member), and the Masonic lodge. He lives with his wife, Laura, and their two children in Midlothian.