Gainesville — The Gainesville Independent School District Education Foundation hosted one of the organization’s favorite events Monday.

The Shining Star Gala, which was held at First United Methodist Church, recognized the top 10 percent of the Gainesville High School graduating seniors. But the students weren’t the only stars singled out. Each senior selected an educator that made an impact in their life and that teacher was also recognized.

The annual gala is one of the foundation’s most-fun events, according to director Leslie Nichols.

“Every year we look forward to doing this and every year it’s a different group of kids,” Nichols said. “They are all unique and individual.

“The importance of the Shining Star Gala becomes more clear every year when we look at these kids that we are honoring as well as the educators that they have chosen,” Nichols added. “Some of them went back to second grade teachers and you realize what an impact those teachers made, as well as the teachers from the high school and the junior high. These teachers made such a big difference for these young people that are going off to pursue their next level of academic success and we were just honored to be able to recognize them in this way.”

Each senior, 13 in all, were recognized for their academic achievements while students at Gainesville High School. They were each given a gift basket by Nichols and foundation board president Charles Draper. The teachers were also recognized for the work they did in molding the GISD students into the best and brightest of the Class of 2011.

But Gainesville High School principal Jim Watson was quick to point out that there is another group that should also be honored.

“This started years ago and it was the parents, grandparents, older brothers and sisters that really helped start these 10 percent on their way,” Watson said. “When they were coming home from first, second or third grade and had homework to do, I imagine that (the parents) sat right beside them and not only made sure they did (homework), but they did it right. We are actually not only honoring our top 10 percent, but also honoring the parents and grandparents that are here tonight.”

The following is a list of the GHS seniors recognized for being in the top 10 percent of their class, along with the teacher they selected as their distinguished educator.

• Hwang-Jae Yoon, the son of Jin-hee and Gi-ok Yoon, selected Gainesville High School chemistry teacher Ronnie Gibbs.

• Austin T. Sharp, the son of Kent and Angela Sharp and Kendra Sharp, selected Gainesville High School science teacher Jan Hayes.

• Marina K. Nishimura, the daughter of Neana and Michael Moore, selected Gainesville High School band director Taylor Kami.

• Clara J. Mendez, the daughter of Marisela and Ricardo Mendez, selected retired Chalmers second grade teacher Cathy Stroud.

• Lauren S. Aston, the daughter of Janine and Keith Aston, selected retired Chalmers second grade teacher Betty Lou Switzer.

• Jacqueline Franco, the daughter of Maria and Ramon Franco, selected Gainesville High School math teacher Nancy Etheredge.

• Patrick K. Westbrook, the son of Wray and Cindy Westbrook, selected Gainesville High School math teacher and basketball coach Eric Johns.

• Dakota S. Nichols, the son of Shane and Penni Nichols, selected Chalmers third grade teacher Sheri Hinds.

• Katie N. Aston, the daughter of Janine and Keith Aston, selected Chalmers fourth grade teacher Sarah Beck.

• Cody D. Welch, the son of Lanita and John Welch, selected Lee Intermediate sixth grade math teacher Barbara Morgan.

• Shelby L. Brewer, the daughter of Justin and Janice Brewer, selected Gainesville High School softball coach Jeff Gerken.

• Mitchell Martin, the son of Cindy and John Martin, selected former Gainesville High School band director Bryan Ferrell.

• Crystal D. Molina, the daughter of Jose and Isidra Molina, selected Gainesville Middle School social studies teacher Bridgie Summers.