By KENDELL WINTERS, LISD Teacher Extern 

A coveted Canyon Ridge Middle School award has been renamed to honor longtime, former principal Susan Sullivan.

Each year, coaches collaborate to select deserving athletes to receive the CRMS Fighting Eagle Award, which only four students receive — a boy and girl in both 7th and 8th grades. 

“The Fighting Eagle Award recognizes the CRMS athletes that displayed outstanding character, leadership, work ethic, team first mentality, and sportsmanship through multiple sports,” explained Seth Simmons, CRMS athletic coordinator 

Sullivan, who retired from CRMS in 2018, leaves behind a legacy of leading by example and demonstrating the very qualities that the award recognizes in student athletes. 

“As principal, Ms. Sullivan displayed the qualities of the award on an everyday basis. She was a true role model for all of the students and staff at CRMS. She is truly a great person,” said Simmons.

For these reasons, the Fighting Eagle Award is being renamed to honor the beloved principal who opened Canyon Ridge 14 years ago. The award will now be called the Susan Sullivan Award, and will still be a symbol of the outstanding qualities the coaches at CRMS hope to develop in all of their athletes, Simmons said. 

Sullivan now works for River Place-based Photo Texas Photography. Owner Cindy Gallien describes Sullivan as caring, humble and amazing.  

“The Susan Sullivan Award is after the women who made Canyon Ridge the renown school it  has become,” Gallien stated.   

Recipients of the award, which has been given since the school opened in 2004, are listed on a plaque at the entrance of the school. 

Leander ISD created a Career Opportunities on Location week externship for teachers and Kendell Winters participated through Four Points News.