Alyssa Boyett, a beloved teacher at West Mesquite High School and North Mesquite High School alumni, has been honored as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Yale Educator Award. Out of 320 nominees, representing 39 states and 24 countries, Mrs. Boyett was one of only 75 teachers selected for this recognition by a Yale University committee. The Yale Educator Award honors educators who have made an extraordinary impact on their students and supported their academic journey.

With 16 years of experience in education—10 of them at West Mesquite—Mrs. Boyett has dedicated her teaching career to gifted and talented students. She began her journey at McDonald Middle School, where she says, she found her passion. "I was thrust into a position teaching 8th grade GT English and coaching. I was terrified to be teaching such smart kids, but it soon became my passion and focus," she recalled. In 2013, seeking to make a greater impact, she transferred to West Mesquite High School. 

Today, her influence extends far beyond the classroom of West Mesquite High School inspiring students to reach for opportunities they once thought were out of reach. “It wasn't until three years ago that my students first began expressing interest in applying to Ivy League or similar status schools," Mrs. Boyett shared. "I felt like it was my job to be their cheerleader and help them realize that they could and should apply to these places."

Mrs. Boyett’s dedication to her students was recognized when recent Class of 2024 graduate Karla Ramirez Gonzalez nominated her for the Yale Educator Award. Receiving the honor was both unexpected and emotional for Mrs. Boyett. "You always hope that you're making an impact on students, but when it's acknowledged in a way this large, it hits in a way that validates everything you've been doing for these students. It makes all of the hard parts worth it."

“When you walk into Mrs. Boyett’s room, you just feel the culture and environment she has built for students to be themselves and learn at the highest levels,” said West Mesquite High School’s principal, Dr. Jordan Simmons. “She is a strong advocate for her students and never stops until they have reached their full potential. Mrs. Boyett is everything that is right in this profession and this world, and I am so proud that she is a part of our West Mesquite Family.”

However, Mrs. Boyett credits the collaborative spirit at West Mesquite, where teachers work together to help students achieve their goals. “I am not singularly responsible for getting these amazing students to where they are today. West Mesquite is full of inspiring teachers who see the potential in our students and who can see beyond the barriers that many of our students face.” Over recent years, several West Mesquite High School alumni have gone on to attend prestigious universities, including Yale, Brown, Georgetown, Stanford, and Rutgers. 

As a proud product of Mesquite ISD herself, Mrs. Boyett’s connection to the community runs deep. She understands the transformative power of education and the influence teachers can have when they see beyond obstacles and inspire students to reach their full potential. For Mrs. Boyett, this award is not just a personal achievement—it’s a call to continue motivating her students. "This award has given me the motivation to keep pushing my students to strive for things they may not believe they can do—whether that's the Ivy League or beyond." Alyssa Boyett is #MadeToExcel.