CFISD Educators Recognized at 28th Annual Salute to the Stars Gala
The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) hosted its 28th annual Salute to the Stars Gala on March 6, 2025, at the Berry Center, honoring 96 Teacher of the Year honorees, two paraeducators, and two support staff members from Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD). The event provided a platform to celebrate the dedication and hard work of educators who make a lasting impact on students and the community.
Celebrating Excellence in Education
“Salute to the Stars was a phenomenal success, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our outstanding teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff,” said Marie Holmes, CFEF Executive Director. “This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, whose commitment to education helps us honor those who make a difference every day. Together, we shine a light on the dedication and passion that fuel student success.”
Honorees and guests were greeted by the Cypress Ridge High School Dazzlers dance team and enjoyed an energetic performance from the Jersey Village High School drumline. The event’s master of ceremonies, Butch Milks of Balfour, kept the evening lively, while Cy-Fair High School graduate and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike made a special guest appearance as an emcee.
CFISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian personally recognized each honoree, expressing appreciation for their dedication to student success. As each educator left the stage, they were presented with a commemorative gift in recognition of their commitment to excellence.
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A Night of Recognition and Giving Back
The event also featured a raffle and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting CFEF scholarships for CFISD students. Several lucky teachers were randomly selected to receive monetary awards of $250, $500, and $1,000, further highlighting the foundation’s commitment to supporting educators and students alike.
The evening ended on a high note when Julia Gomez, Langham Creek High School Nutrition Services Manager and district support staff honoree, was announced as the winner of the Trip to Paris giveaway.
Julia Gomez, Langham Creek High School nutrition services manager and CFISD district support staff honoree, third from left, Honoring CFISD’s Outstanding Educators
Each year, campus principals select teachers for their exceptional instruction and dedication to student learning, while paraeducators and support staff are recognized for their commitment to excellence in their roles. Among the honorees recognized this year were:
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Brad Hays, Adam Elementary School
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Patrick Cooney, Aragon Middle School
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Christopher Fiorini, Bridgeland High School
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Linda Rink, Cy-Fair High School
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Amanda Rich, Jersey Village High School
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Laura Anderson, Cypress Woods High School
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Julia Gomez, Langham Creek High School (Support Staff Honoree)
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Peter Nguyen, Salyards Middle School (Support Staff Honoree)
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Cenaya Reed, Swenke Elementary School (Paraeducator Honoree)
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Patricia Sitler, Labay Middle School (Paraeducator Honoree)
A full list of the 2024-2025 CFISD Teacher of the Year honorees is available here.
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The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation: Supporting Education Since 1970
Founded in 1970, the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation has been instrumental in supporting education within CFISD. The nonprofit organization raises scholarship funds for students, provides grants for educators, and fosters initiatives that enhance educational opportunities. To date, CFEF has awarded $13.4 million in scholarships to CFISD graduates and over $4 million to Cy-Fair ISD for staff development. Through events like the Salute to the Stars Gala, CFEF continues to recognize and uplift outstanding educators who make a difference in the community.
A Community Dedicated to Education
The 28th annual Salute to the Stars Gala provided an opportunity to acknowledge the work of CFISD educators and their contributions to student learning. As the district continues to evolve, CFEF continues its efforts to recognize and support educators, emphasizing the role of quality teaching in the community.
For more information about the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation and its initiatives, visit their official website at thecfef.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
