Candy Todash was honored as the 2023 Heroes for Children for State Board of Education District 8 winner on Friday, September 1 in Austin.
Todash, who has been a volunteer in Humble ISD for the past 10 years, was one of 15 awardees statewide. She was nominated for the award by Humble ISD Community Engagement Specialist Marilyn Mann.
“When you hear the word ‘volunteer’, Humble ISD parent Candy Todash comes to mind,” Mann said. “Her nickname with students is Mother Goose. Candy is a mother of six, grandmother of two and a surrogate mom to the 48,000 students in Humble ISD. She is always present every day helping serve where she is needed.
“Candy can be seen serving up hot dogs, nachos, warm smiles, and comforting hugs to the many students and parents, who rely on her leadership. Nurturing children and giving back to the community are the pillars of Candy's volunteer philosophy.”
The State Board of Education established the Heroes for Children award program in 1994. The award is designed to recognize excellence in advocacy for education and to highlight the many outstanding volunteers whose efforts represent significant contributions to public school education in Texas.
On Tuesday, September 12, Todash was recognized at the Humble ISD School Board Meeting for her being named a Heroes for Children Award winner.
This year, Todash is serving as the President of the Humble ISD Council of PTAs after serving as the treasurer and the membership chair. Todash is also on the Board of the Ross Sterling Middle School PTA, the Humble High School Band Booster President, a member of the Humble ISD District Decision Making Committee, and a member of the Ross Sterling Middle School Site Based Decision Making Committee.
Previously, Todash has served as the President of the Humble High School PTSA, the President of the Lakeland Elementary PTA, served on the 2018 and 2022 Citizen Bond Committees, completed the Humble ISD Community Leadership Academy and was a member of the Dream Team, which helped develop the Humble ISD Portrait of a Graduate.
“Volunteering serves as therapy for me,” Tobash said in her essay submission. “It was the only safe haven for me as a child. I want every child to feel safe, loved and valued as a person. Volunteering allows me to make a difference and give back to the teachers, principals, and staff who took me under their wing and showed they cared.”
Growing up, Todash’s home environment was difficult and as a young person, she promised herself that when she grew up, she would be an advocate for children.
Of all her volunteer opportunities in Humble ISD, Todash said her most rewarding experience has been serving as a surrogate parent for students who needed representation during their ARDs (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) because either their parents weren’t available or the student was in foster care.
“This was one of the most rewarding volunteer jobs of all volunteer jobs,” Todash said.
Mann added: “Candy has turned her childhood traumas into a healing process by loving children of all ages who need comfort, care and nurturing. We are truly grateful she has shown to give of her time and talents to Humble ISD.”
Pictured Above: Humble ISD Board President Robert Scarfo, Humble ISD Community Engagement Specialist Marilyn Mann, Candy Todash and Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen.