Half-way through his first year of teaching at DeLeon Elementary, Will Villarreal was named Educator of the Week. The nomination came from one of his second-grand students.

The young man who nominated Villarreal told his teacher he “enjoyed coming to school every day.”

“He’s a very bright student,” Villarreal said. “I was blown away by his comment. I had no idea when they told me. What an honor to think you have made an impact on one of your students - it’s great!”

The 2006 Refugio High School graduate said the influence of two people contributed to his decision to teach in elementary school.

“My mother always baby-sat children when I was growing up,” he said. “She always said ‘the best thing you can do is have an impact on a child’s life,’” he said.

The other influence came at the hands of his kindergarten teacher, Phyllis Hayes, of Refugio

“She was a great teacher,” Villarreal said.

The second-grade teacher believes that connecting with young students can influence their love of learning.

“I try to find out what their learning style is and use a teaching style that fits them,” he said.

Half-way into the first year of his career, Villarreal says, “I can’t think of a better job than what I have.”

He is the son of Willie and Rosie Villarreal of Refugio.