You’ve seen her work and likely heard her name over the last several years and yet Warner alumna Maxely Perez continues to color our world with the overflow of her talent as an artist and educator. This fall, we had the honor of adding her name to the growing list of Warner alumni whose schools have awarded them a special distinction. Maxely was recently named rookie teacher of the year at Memorial Elementary School in DeSoto County.
Art from the Start
At just two years out of college, Maxely’s pursuit of creative excellence long precedes her professional career. From playing school with her stuffed animals as a child to creating art with her sister, Saray, God has been preparing Maxely for this special role she is playing in the lives of her students and colleagues. She credits her third grade teacher, Mrs. Hoffman, for inspiring her to become an educator. “Lots of teachers inspired me,” said Maxely, “but Mrs. Hoffman was the first who put in extra effort to push me to do better. She made learning fun, and I wanted to inspire the future generations like she did for me.” As a Warner student, Maxely lent her talent to the University as the artist behind the 2023 official Christmas card. That same year she was awarded the SHAPE award for educators.
Ms. Art
Maxely, or Ms. Art to her students, is especially grateful for the ways that the Lord has used her students to encourage her. “A few students wrote me a card,” Maxely remembers, “and they wrote, ‘God is standing here right and right now He will bless you,’ and ‘never give up’ and also shared of times I encouraged them.” Maxely Perez offers an inspiring example of what a teacher entering the profession with vision, empathy, and craft can accomplish. Her early achievements, rooted in thoughtful preparation and genuine student focus, are already making a positive difference in her school community. As she builds on this strong start, her students, colleagues, and school stand to benefit greatly. Her young artists are flourishing; the culture of art at the school is being elevated; and the district has a shining example of what a rookie teacher, supported and empowered, can achieve.
Here’s to Maxely Perez and the many masterpieces she and her students will create together.
