05/21/2026
As the minutes ticked down to the end of the school year, Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright stopped by Lehman High School May 21 to present a Coin of Excellence to a Lobo Legend!
On Thursday, Dr. Wright surprised Lobo NJRTOC instructor 1st Sgt. Donald Griffith with a Coin of Excellence for his steadfast leadership of the Sea Lobos! The honor was bestowed on 1st Sgt. Griffith during a ceremony held in the main breezeway that honored Lobo NJROTC senior students, as well as bidding 1st Sgt. Griffith farewell after a fantastic career in the classroom! First Sgt. Griffith is planning to retire after 24 years as an educator, which followed a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps.
Joining Dr. Wright for the ceremony was Lehman High Principal James Cruz, Assistant Principal Sara Sparks, LHS NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor CWO5 Carlos “Cinco” Cruz, as well as numerous administrators, students and the Mariachi Los Lobos! Also on hand to honor 1st Sgt. Griffith were Hays County Justice of the Peace Pct. 2-1 Beth Smith and HOFV Vice President Andy Hentschke with Hats Off For Veterans scholarship benefactor, Jimmie Quintero, along with Cmdr. John Berry, who led the LHS NJROTC for many years. Congratulations to 1st Sgt. Donald Griffith on a stellar career in education! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the students of Hays CISD! Fair winds and following seas!