For many years, one of the first friendly faces people met at Sunnyvale ISD belonged to Jeriann “Jeri” Lee. The Sunnyvale ISD Alumni Association is proud to name Ms. Lee its 2026 Legacy Award recipient. The award honors a longtime school secretary whose kindness and dedication touched generations of Raiders.
The award will be presented tonight, Friday, October 16, during halftime of the Homecoming game. Ms. Lee’s family will be on the field to accept the honor on her behalf.
About the Legacy Award
The Legacy Award goes to a former Sunnyvale ISD staff member who made a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the community. Recipients build their reputations on strong values and leadership, and they show continual pride in Sunnyvale ISD. Few people fit that description better than Ms. Lee.
A Staple of the District
Ms. Lee joined Sunnyvale ISD in the late 1970s and became a familiar part of the Raider family. Over her years of service she wore many hats. She assisted the superintendent, helped teachers, welcomed students and worked with parents. She handled each role with kindness, professionalism and real care.
“She was a true staple of the district, always willing to step in wherever she was needed,” the Alumni Association shared. “Her dedication to Sunnyvale ISD went far beyond a job.”
Ms. Lee was a hard worker who could always be counted on. She helped keep things running behind the scenes, and she made people feel cared for and valued. That combination left a lasting impression on students, parents, teachers and staff.
Quiet Acts of Kindness
The people closest to Ms. Lee remember a generous heart that often worked out of sight. Her son Greg Lee, who was in seventh grade when she started at Sunnyvale ISD, remembers how she looked out for families in need.
“If she knew of a particular student whose family was having a hard time, she would do something special for them at Christmas and not tell anyone else about it,” he said.
Her care for students lasted long after they left her office. Greg remembers school pictures that students gave her hanging on her refrigerator. Years later, she could still name each student and their parents.
A Life of Faith and Family
Jeriann Hardin Lee was born on October 15, 1938, to Jerry and Georgia Hardin. She grew up in Mesquite and graduated from Mesquite High School in 1957. She joined Long Creek Baptist Church at age 16 and remained a faithful member for the rest of her life. She played piano for the church for decades.
Ms. Lee was a proud mother to three sons: Giles Jr., Jeff and Greg. She was “Nana” to 10 grandchildren and was blessed with two great-grandchildren. She passed away on January 1, 2020, at the age of 81.
A Legacy That Lives On
Ms. Lee’s years of service, compassion and steady dedication left a mark on Sunnyvale ISD that is still felt today. She showed what it means to serve a school community with love. Tonight, as her family accepts this honor in front of the Raider community she loved, the Alumni Association is proud to recognize her as the 2026 Legacy Award recipient.