2024 Salute Award Winners
Transportation Staff of the Year

Linda Shelby
Nelson Terminal
*Transportation Staff of the Year Winner*

Tamara Buchanan
Saegert Terminal
Transportation Staff of the Year Finalist

Daniel Webb
Southeast Terminal
Transportation Staff of the Year Finalist
Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year

Mary Jane Kistler
Travis ECHS
*Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year Winner*

Wilson Gonzalez
Mathews & Casis Elementary
Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year Finalist

Rubi Orduna
Joslin Elementary
Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year Finalist
Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year

Barbara Mulkey
Graham Elementary
*Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year Winner*

Irma Escobar De Beltran
Zilker Elementary
Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year Finalist

Joshua Gomez
Oak Hill Elementary
Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year Finalist
Campus Safety & Security Staff of the Year

Kevin Wooden
AISD Police
*Campus Safety & Security Staff of the Year Winner*

Sgt. Val Barnes
AISD Police
Campus Safety & Security Staff of the Year Finalist

Virginia Rodriguez
Murchison MS
Campus Safety & Security Staff of the Year Finalist
Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year

Giovanna Montalvo-Sanchez
Travis Heights Elementary
*Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year Winner*

Sara Sanchez
Mills Elementary
Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year Finalist

Marie Vasquez
Zavala Elementary
Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year Finalist
Teaching Assistant of the Year

Cynthia Meza
Langford Elementary
*Teaching Assistant of the Year Winner*

Isamar Albiter Suarez
Norman Sims Elementary
Teaching Assistant of the Year Finalist

Adrianna Hill
Crockett ECHS
Teaching Assistant of the Year Finalist
Librarian of the Year

Debby Harris
Blazier Elementary
*Librarian of the Year Winner*

Amy Gibbs
Joslin Elementary
Librarian of the Year Finalist

Sarah Ruttan
Ridgetop Elementary
Librarian of the Year Finalist
Counselor of the Year Finalists

Lisa Adams
Summitt Elementary
*Counselor of the Year Winner*

Evelyn Ramirez
Langford Elementary
Counselor of the Year Finalist

Lisa Reza
Garza HS
Counselor of the Year Finalist
Assistant Principal of the Year

Melissa Kender
Marshall MS
*Assistant Principal of the Year Winner*

Sachi Edson
Clifton CDC
Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist

Melissa Puga
Highland Park Elementary
Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist
Principal of the Year

Marlo Malott
O. Henry MS
*Principal of the Year Winner*

Beth Cantu
Baranoff Elementary
Principal of the Year Finalist

Michael Herbin
Akins ECHS
Principal of the Year Finalist
Teacher of the Year
Paola Arroyo-Forteza, Harris Elementary
*Elementary Teacher of the Year Winner*

Cameron Daniel, LBJ ECHS
*Secondary Teacher of the Year Winner*
Jill Stockton, Brentwood Elementary
Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Coleen Azeez, Webb MS
Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist
2023 Salute Award Winners / Ganadores de los Premios Salute 2023
Elementary & Secondary Teachers of the Year Winners / Ganadores de Maestros del A帽o de Primaria y Secundaria
(Photo Left to Right: Megan Vasquez, Becker Elementary, Elementary Teacher of the Year; Samantha Marion, Rosedale 向日葵视频, Secondary Teacher of the Year)
Classified Staff of the Year Winner / Ganadora del Personal Clasificado del A帽o
Monica Castro, Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy
Librarian of the Year Winner / Ganadora de Bibliotecario del A帽o

Stacey Smith, Govalle Elementary
Counselor of the Year Winner / Ganadora de Consejero del A帽o
Cynthia Diaz, Small Middle 向日葵视频
Assistant Principal of the Year Winner / Ganador de Subdirector del A帽o
Matthew Kenny, Blanton Elentary 向日葵视频
Principal of the Year Winner / Ganador de Director del A帽o

Keith Moore, Campbell Elementary
2023 Salute Award Nominees/Nominados a los Premios Salute 2023
Classified Staff of the Year Nominee / Nominados al Personal Clasificado del A帽o

Donna Smith-Wright, Norman-Sims Elementary
Sonia Lopez, St. Elmo Elementary
Janice Snyder, Crockett Early College High 向日葵视频
Librarian of the Year Nominees / Nominados al Bibliotecario del A帽o

Angie Merriman, Baranoff Elementary

Ryan Case, Covington Middle 向日葵视频
Nominees for Counselor of the Year/ Nominados al Consejero del A帽o

Stephanie Arellanes, Norman-Sims Elementary

Shannon Saul, Odom Elementary
Shelley Goldstein, McCallum High 向日葵视频
Nominees for Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees / Nominados al Subdirector del A帽o

Samantha Barrett, Travis Heights Elementary

Sarah Tanner, Lively Middle 向日葵视频

Ychacka Sells, LBJ Early College High 向日葵视频
Nominees for Principal of the Year / Nominados al Director del A帽o

Ben McCormack, St. Elmo Elementary

Stacie Holiday, Lively Middle 向日葵视频

Kori Manor, Crockett High 向日葵视频
Nominees for Teacher of the Year/ Nominados al Maestro del A帽o

Carey Conner, Graham Elementary

Jose Sanchez, Burnet Middle 向日葵视频
2021-2022 Salute Award Winners
Classified Staff of the Year

2022 Classified Staff of the Year: Stephanie Leslie, Navarro Early College High 向日葵视频
Finalist: Adriana Amador, Doss Elementary
Finalist: Belinda Aleman-Cruz, Langford Elementary
Librarian of the Year

2022 Librarian of the Year: Jill Brady, Eastside Early College High 向日葵视频

Finalist: Shelby Counts, Anderson High 向日葵视频

Finalist: Courtney Ewing, Casis Elementary
Counselor of the Year

2022 Counselor of the Year: Karen Terry, Sadler Means Young Women's Leadership Academy

Finalist: Angela Vera, Kocurek Elementary
Finalist: Sarah Krier, Small Middle 向日葵视频
Assistant Principal of the Year

2022 AP of the Year: Patrick Salinas, Norman-Sims Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Jennifer Dawson, Akins High 向日葵视频

Finalist: April Tabor, Cook Elementary

Finalist: Jessica Lopez, Eastside Early College High 向日葵视频
Principal of the Year

2022 Principal of the Year: Katie Pe帽a, Highland Park Elementary

Finalist: ChaoLin Chang, Joslin Elementary

Finalist: Melissa Rodriguez, Linder Elementary
Teacher of the Year
2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Kari Johnston, Perez Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Emily Rogers, Ortega Elementary 向日葵视频
2022 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Iraida Amador-Mercado, Lively Middle 向日葵视频

Finalist: Tatiana Antonio, Clifton Career Development 向日葵视频
2022 Campus Teachers of Promise and Teachers of the Year
Click here to see our 2022 Teachers of Promise!
Click here to see our 2022 Campus Teachers of the Year!
PTAs, Volunteers, and APIE Champions
- Secondary PTA of the Year, Ann Richards 向日葵视频 for Young Women Leaders
- Elementary PTA of the Year, Bernice Hart Elementary 向日葵视频
- APIE Volunteer Champion, Nigel Gombakomba
- APIE Volunteer Champion, UT Pre Dental Society
- APIE Mentor Champion, Bianca Xoyamayagua-Galvan
- MCC Above and Beyond Award, Niles Seldon
- MCC Above and Beyond Award, Joan Quenan
- APIE Business Champion, A+ Federal Credit Union
- APIE Secondary Coordinator of the Year, Sandra Zachary, Parent Support Specialist, Gus Garcia YMLA
- APIE Elementary Coordinator of the Year, Maria Vazquez, Parent Support Specialist, Pleasant Hill Elementary
- APIE Elementary Coordinator of the Year, Bernardo Martinez, Parent Support Specialist, Wooten Elementary
- APIE Support Champion, Nahum Pacheco, IBM / Navarro ECHS P-TECH
Sponsors
Valedictorian
- 向日葵视频 Ed Fund
Salutatorian
- City of 向日葵视频
- William Gammon Insurance
Honor Roll
- Ascension Seton
- Scholar
- A+Federal Credit Union
- BLGY Architecture
- Maxwell, Locke & Ritter
- Encotech
- American Constructors
- Engineered Exteriors
- Walsh Gallegos
Graduate
- 向日葵视频 Community College
- Method Architecture
- Wells Fargo
- Fuse
- VLK Architects
- Vintage IT Services
- Perkins + Will
- Westminster
2020-2021 Salute Award Winners
Classified Staff of the Year
This year, our district Classified Staff went above and beyond, and stood on the front lines to support our students, staff, families, and 向日葵视频 community.
In the almost 450 individual nominations received for Classified Staff of the Year, words like 鈥渟elfless鈥 鈥渟upportive鈥 鈥渞espectful鈥 and 鈥渢he heart and soul of our team鈥 were used to describe these integral members of district and campus operations, including Custodians, Teacher Assistants, Parent Support Specialists, Office Staff, our Transportation team, AISD Police, and our Food Services team.
Three incredible finalists are being honored to represent our classified staff and their commitment to excellence, superior customer service, leadership skills, and overall enrichment to their campus or department.
We鈥檙e proud to announce our finalists for Classified Staff of the Year:

2021 Classified Staff of the Year: Rae Nwosu, Kealing Middle 向日葵视频
Finalist: Linda Rivera, Perez Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Sandra Zachary, Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy
Librarian of the Year
When asked to nominate an individual for Librarian of the Year, our AISD community spoke of a group of people who are 鈥渢houghtful鈥 鈥減atient鈥 鈥渋nspiring鈥 鈥渃reative鈥 and, to put it simply, 鈥渕agic.鈥
Our AISD Librarians inspire our students by being the pillars of literacy-rich campus cultures. Librarians are at the forefront of helping students navigate media and materials, and create innovative spaces to support students in their literacy goals, social-emotional health, future-ready skills, and a love of learning that extends from books to beyond.
We are honored to announce our finalists for Librarian of the Year:

2021 Librarian of the Year: Bradley Dusing, Sunset Valley Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Bonnie Lang, Doss Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Angie Merriman, Baranoff Elementary 向日葵视频
Counselor of the Year
鈥淐aring鈥 鈥淐ompassionate鈥 鈥淓ngaging鈥 and 鈥渁 Champion for Students鈥. These are just a few of the statements used to describe this year鈥檚 nominees for Counselor of the Year.
In AISD, our Counselors serve as pillars of support for students to fully develop their academic, career, personal, and social and emotional potential. Through college and career planning, unique SEL lessons, community building, and supporting students through their physical and emotional well-being, our counselors represent the heart of our schools.
Let鈥檚 hear more about our three magnificent finalists for AISD鈥檚 Counselor of the Year:

2021 Counselor of the Year: Cristina Torres, O. Henry Middle 向日葵视频

Finalist: Cari Land, Highland Park Elementary 向日葵视频
Finalist: Nicole Lozo, Boone Elementary 向日葵视频
Assistant Principal of the Year
Encouraging. Supportive. Understanding. The nominees for Assistant Principal of the Year excel at ensuring student success 鈥揳nd campus success鈥 through relationship-building and positive interactions with all members of the school community.
Tonight, we honor three wonderful assistant principals who have gone above and beyond in support of their teams. They have stepped into numerous roles on their campuses, and have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through modeling the values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire students and staff to achieve wonderful greatness.
Here are our proud finalists for Assistant Principal of the year:

2021 Assistant Principal of the Year: Michael Coyle, Webb Middle 向日葵视频

Finalist: Dinorah De La Torre Salazar, Travis Heights Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Chara Harris, Murchison Middle 向日葵视频
Principal of the Year
In a year like no other, our principals and campus leaders have served their communities with the belief that anything is possible through creativity, collaboration, and compassion. The nominations submitted for Principal of the Year spoke of our Principals as inspirational, transformational, and instrumental in uniting their campus communities.
The three finalists for Principal of the Year embody what it means to lead a campus with heart. They inspire not only their students, but their teams to be curious, innovative, and to reach new heights each and every day.
We are honored to announce our three finalists for Principal of the Year:

2021 Principal of the Year: Elizabeth Dickey, Rosedale 向日葵视频

Finalist: Jennifer Pace, Widen Elementary 向日葵视频

Finalist: Corrine Saenz, Reilly Elementary 向日葵视频
Teacher of the Year
2021 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Angie Baca-Ross, Joslin Elementary 向日葵视频
Finalist

Lisa Richardson, Walnut Creek Elementary 向日葵视频
2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Dr. Sanford Jeames, Eastside Early College High 向日葵视频
Finalist

Joseph Alan Sosa, Lamar Middle 向日葵视频
2020-2021 Campus Teachers of Promise and Teachers of the Year
Click here to see the 2020-2021 Campus Teachers of Promise
Click here to see the 2020-2021 Campus Teachers of the Year
PTAs and Volunteers
PTAs of the Year
Blanton Elementary and 向日葵视频 High
Volunteers of the Year
Click here to see 向日葵视频 ISD's 2020-21 Volunteers of the Year
APIE Honorees
APIE Champion
APIE Volunteer of the Year: Scott Mackey
APIE High 向日葵视频 Champion: Travis ECHS
APIE Tech Champion: HMG Creative
APIE Donor Champion: Applied Materials Foundation
APIE Hall of Fame
Dr. Pat Forgione and Mr. Earl Maxwell
Our Sponsors
Salutatorian
City of 向日葵视频
Honor Roll
Wells Fargo
Scholar
A+ Federal Credit Union
Charles Schwab
Engineered Exteriors
Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP
Walsh Gallegos Trevino Kyle & Robinson P.C.
Vintage IT Services
Graduate
American Constructors
向日葵视频 Community College
BLGY Architecture
Encotech
Fuse Architecture
Method Architecture
Mueller (Catellus)
Westminster
Mr. William Gammon
Watch the 2020 virtual Salute ceremony below:
from on .
AISD's 2019-20 Teachers of Promise
AISD's 2019-20 Campus Teachers of the Year
Classified Staff of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD classified employee. Classified employees are defined as hourly employees and include, but are not limited to, teacher assistants, office staff and custodians. The Classified Staff of the Year recognizes an AISD staff member who has gone beyond his/her regularly assigned job duties to promote the development and/or progress of the district鈥檚 mission, and should demonstrate a positive effect on the AISD campus/community.

2020 Classified Staff of the Year: Wayne Sneed, AISD Police
'
Nominee: Bernardo Martinez, Wooten ES

Nominee: Brittney Nobles, Blanton ES
Librarian of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus librarian. The Librarian of the Year should demonstrate collaborative relationships with students, families and staff and create a learning environment that contributes to student success.

Nominee: 2020 Librarian of the Year: Megan Kite, Pleasant Hill ES

Nominee: Jill Brady, Eastside Memorial ECHS

Nominee: Monica Juarez, Sadler Means YWLA
Counselor of the Year
The award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus counselor. The Counselor of the Year should demonstrate collaborative relationships with students, parents and staff that contribute to student success and a positive campus climate.

2020 Counselor of the Year: Kristina Kern, Mills ES
Nominee: Janette Ruiz, Cook ES

Nominee: Kathryn Gee, Bryker Woods
Assistant Principal of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus assistant principal. The nominee must have the job title of 鈥渁ssistant principal鈥. Nominees for Assistant Principal of the Year should exhibit leadership qualities centered around the support and maintenance of collaborative relationships with students, parents and staff that positively affect student achievement and campus climate.

2020 Assistant Principal of the Year: Amanda Arguijo, Martin MS

Nominee: Liza Karseno, Odom ES

Nominee: Susan Leos, Bowie HS
Principal of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus principal. The Principal of the Year should demonstrate attributes that foster an exemplary campus environment by promoting positive community engagement, high student achievement, healthy campus climate, and an effective leadership style.

2020 Principal of the Year: Tony Dishner, Clifton CDS

Nominee: Grace Martino-Brewster, Mathews ES

Nominee: Kori Crawford, Crockett HS

Nominee: Samuel Tinnon, Casis ES
Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year

2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year: Sandy Chilton, Uphaus

Runner Up: Emily Galindo Placette, Wooten
Secondary Teacher of the Year

2020 Secondary Teacher of the Year: Liliana Barrientos, Mendez

Runner up: Armin Salek, Akins
2019 Salute Award Winners
Check out photos from the event .
Classified Staff of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD classified employee. Classified employees are defined as hourly employees and include, but are not limited to, teacher assistants, office staff and custodians. The Classified Staff of the Year recognizes an AISD staff member who has gone beyond his/her regularly assigned job duties to promote the development and/or progress of the district鈥檚 mission, and should demonstrate a positive effect on the AISD campus/community.

2019 Classified Staff of the Year - Nickie Nall, Gullett Elementary
Librarian of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus librarian. The Librarian of the Year should demonstrate collaborative relationships with students, families and staff and create a learning environment that contributes to student success.

2019 Librarian of the Year - Heather Stephens, McBee Elementary
Counselor of the Year
The award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus counselor. The Counselor of the Year should demonstrate collaborative relationships with students, parents and staff that contribute to student success and a positive campus climate.

2019 Counselor of the Year - Wanda Montemayor, O. Henry Middle 向日葵视频
Assistant Principal of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus assistant principal. The nominee must have the job title of 鈥渁ssistant principal鈥. Nominees for Assistant Principal of the Year should exhibit leadership qualities centered around the support and maintenance of collaborative relationships with students, parents and staff that positively affect student achievement and campus climate.

2019 Assistant Principal of the Year - Travis Brunner, O. Henry Middle 向日葵视频
Principal of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding AISD campus principal. The Principal of the Year should demonstrate attributes that foster an exemplary campus environment by promoting positive community engagement, high student achievement, healthy campus climate, and an effective leadership style.

2019 Principal of the Year - Dinorah Bores, Walnut Creek Elementary 向日葵视频
Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year

2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year - Ashley Rivera, Blazier Elementary 向日葵视频
Secondary Teacher of the Year

2019 Secondary Teacher of the Year - Kimberly Collins, Ann Richards 向日葵视频 for Young Women Leaders
Congratulations to all the 2018 winners!
Campus Classified Staff of the Year

Ixtlani Palomo, Andrews Elementary 向日葵视频
Librarian of the Year

Minda Anderson, Becker Elementary 向日葵视频
Counselor of the Year

Mary Wynn, Bertha Sadler Means Young Women's Leadership Academy
Assistant Principal of the Year

Brandy Gratten, Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy
Principal of the Year

Kenisha Coburn, Kealing Middle 向日葵视频
Teacher of the Year

Larry Perez, Barbara Jordan Elementary 向日葵视频, Elementary Teacher of the Year

Laurie Beaman, Lanier High 向日葵视频, Secondary Teacher of the Year














