Brenda Louise Porter Calhoun was born on May 23, 1953, in Odessa, Texas, to Robert and Peggy Porter. She is the only daughter among the family’s five children, growing up with two older and two younger brothers. 

During her childhood, the Porter family worked a successful sand and gravel company on the Pecos River near Grandfalls, Texas, where Brenda went to school through fourth grade before moving to Monahans, Texas, where she graduated in 1971. During high school, Brenda was active in many organizations including a capella choir, varsity cheer, and Future Teachers of America, and was chosen as Senior Class Favorite Girl.

She graduated in 1975 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and kindergarten teacher certification.  

During her 34-year career, she taught 14 years in Sweetwater, Monahans, and Coppell, and 20 years in Prosper, retiring in 2009. While in Prosper ISD, she was the 2nd grade team leader both at Rucker Elementary and Folsom Elementary. She served as a mentor teacher, and a UIL academics coach, and was chosen for Teacher of the Year in 2009. 

Since retirement, Brenda has stayed busy working with the Frisco Area Retired Teachers Organization.

Brenda has one son, Landon Calhoun, who attended Prosper ISD schools from kindergarten through his 2003 graduation. She is also a proud grandmother to Hendrix and Cash Calhoun.

Her heartfelt gratitude goes to all the teachers, staff, administrators, students, and parents she worked with through the years without whom this honor would not have been possible.