Two Garland ISD educators and a student are earning statewide recognition for the difference they continue to make in schools, classrooms, and communities.

At the 40th Annual Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) State Conference, O'Banion Middle School counselor Shaneia Smith was named TABSE Counselor of the Year, while Lakeview Centennial High School's Anthony Saincilaire received the prestigious President's Award. Sachse High School sophomore Robert Kaleb Bass III was also recognized as the 2026 TABSE Affiliate Student Spotlight honoree.

The awards recognize educators and students whose leadership and service have made a meaningful difference through TABSE and its local affiliates, including the Garland Area Alliance of Black School Educators (GAABSE).

For Saincilaire, the recognition came unexpectedly.

“I'm in an organization filled with phenomenal leaders,” Saincilaire said. “When I heard my name called, I was totally surprised.”

The President's Award is selected by the organization's president and presented to one individual across the conference whose leadership and body of work stand out within the organization.

Saincilaire has been involved with GAABSE and TABSE for nearly a decade. He first attended the conference as an assistant coach before being encouraged by former Garland ISD leader Phyllis Williams to take a larger leadership role within the organization. 

Over the last four years, he has helped lead TABSE's aspiring head coach and athletic director strand, mentoring future coaches and campus leaders through presentations, networking opportunities, and leadership development sessions.

His work has also expanded beyond the conference. Last summer, Saincilaire launched leadership master classes in Houston and Dallas to help support aspiring coaches and athletic leaders. Both sessions sold out, and TABSE expanded the opportunity to Austin this year.

Saincilaire said the recognition made him reflect on the mentors and colleagues who helped shape his own journey as an educator and leader.

“Immediately I started thinking about all the people that poured into me, the people that helped me, guided me, and really supported me,” Saincilaire said.

Now, he is helping create those same opportunities and connections for the next generation of educators and leaders.

At O'Banion Middle School, Smith's work as a counselor is rooted in relationships, empathy, and helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

“This award was a reminder that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing and what I'm called to do,” Smith said.

Smith has spent 22 years in education and currently serves in her fourth year as a counselor. Before entering counseling, she taught English and ESL and originally planned to pursue a career in campus administration.

That path changed after the loss of her son eight years ago.

“I got into counseling because of my son,” Smith said.

After his death, Smith returned to school and began pursuing a new direction focused on supporting students emotionally and mentally, especially those navigating trauma and difficult life experiences.

“Anything that I do for a kid is because I would want someone to do it for my child,” Smith said.

Smith said her own experiences also opened her eyes to how difficult it can be for people to find support when they need it most, shaping the way she approaches counseling today.

“If it's hard for adults to find someone to talk to, how hard is it for kids?” Smith said. “I'm not trying to change the world, but if I can help them change just a little bit, that matters.”

Throughout her career, Smith has worked with students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She says counseling goes far beyond schedules and academics.

“It really is heart work,” Smith said.

She credits her time teaching ESL for helping shape her approach as an educator and counselor, thanks to the close relationships she built with students and families.

“That relationship part is really what cultivated me,” Smith said.

Smith also credited Garland ISD, GAABSE, and the educators around her for helping support her through some of life's most difficult moments while encouraging her continued growth as a leader and counselor.

Saincilaire and Smith said organizations like GAABSE and TABSE create opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, networking, and professional growth while helping educators continue supporting students and communities. 

The statewide recognitions reflect the difference that Garland ISD students and educators continue to make through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and service. 

GAABSE supports student achievement, educator growth, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement through programs designed to uplift both students and educators.