Yushica Walker, wife of Army Maj. Johnnie R. Walker of the TRAC WF (Training and Doctrine Command Analysis Center, White Sands Missile Range, Forward) thanks the audience at a special luncheon in Austin, Texas, just after she learned she had been sel...

Texas state Secondary Teacher of the Year and Army spouse Yushica Walker, second from the right, beams her excitement after being chosen Secondary Teacher of the Year for her district at a banquet in May. Pictured with her are, from the left, Mrs. G...

Yushica Walker, wife of Maj. Johnnie R. Walker of the TRAC WF (Training and Doctrine Command Analysis Center, White Sands Missile Range Forward) office at Fort Bliss, Texas, was named the top secondary teacher of 2008-2009 for the entire state of Texas at a conference in Austin last week, according to an El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) news release.

Mrs. Walker was one of only three secondary school finalists who had been selected in their regions to vie for the state competition after winning their district competition in May. She is now in her third year as a science teacher at El PasoAca,!a,,cs Morehead Middle School, but she has been in the profession for more than 12 years. This is the fourth school district where she has taught and the second in Texas for the Houston native. She previously taught in Killeen, just outside Fort Hood, while her husband was stationed there.

For her latest achievement, Mrs. Walker was awarded $5,000, a laptop computer, a technology package worth more than $16,500 and a trophy, which she plans to keep on display in her classroom.

Aca,!A"I am so excited to represent all the great teachers in Texas,Aca,!A? Mrs. Walker said of this accomplishment. Aca,!A"Teaching is what I have wanted to do since I was eight years old,Aca,!A? she explained, noting that her inspiration was her Aunt Willie Mae Wolf, who still teaches in Houston.

Mrs. Walker and her husband are both graduates of Prairie View A & M University in Texas. Mrs. Walker earned her degree in 1996 in Interdisciplinary Studies with a reading specialization. She also holds a masterAca,!a,,cs degree in Education/Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix.

Maj. Walker is a military analyst for TRAC WF, an organization that directly supports the Future Force Integration Directorate in its mission of integrating parts of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization, the ArmyAca,!a,,cs most extensive modernization program in four decades. He has been supportive of his wife and her profession and is extremely proud of her accomplishments. Aca,!A"This is her time to shine,Aca,!A? he said, adding, Aca,!A"After several Permanent Change of Station moves, itAca,!a,,cs great that her career is finally getting the attention it deserves.Aca,!A?

Fort Bliss Commanding General Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg was in attendance at the dinner in May when Mrs. WalkerAca,!a,,cs selection at the district level was announced, and he was visibly pleased.

According to the EPISD release, Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor an educator in the state can achieve, and the program recognizes and rewards each year the top teachers who have Aca,!A"demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.Aca,!A? Mrs. Walker will now represent the entire state of Texas at the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization program is a joint networked system that employs advanced communications equipment and technologies to link Soldiers with both manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors.

For more information, contact Annie Gammell, FFID Public Affairs Office, at (915) 569-7234.