Katy ISD ‘Of the Year’ Awards 2026 Celebrate Educators, Staff and Community Impact Across Katy
For families across Katy, the strength of their schools is often measured not just by test scores or facilities, but by the people who show up every day to serve students. That reality was front and center as Katy Independent School District hosted its 2026 “Of the Year” Awards, an annual celebration recognizing the individuals who help shape the educational experience for more than 95,000 students.
Held under the theme “The Blueprint of Katy,” the event brought together educators, campus leaders, support staff, safety personnel and operations teams—each playing a critical role in the day-to-day life of schools across the district. For many in attendance, the evening served as a reminder that behind every successful classroom, bus route, cafeteria line or safe campus is a person committed to doing the work well.
“This evening is about recognizing those who consistently go above and beyond in their roles,” said Katy ISD Board President Lance Redmon. “These individuals exemplify what it means to serve with heart and integrity, and they show up each day for our students and staff across Katy ISD.”
Why the ‘Of the Year’ Awards Matter to Katy Families
In a district as large and fast-growing as Katy ISD, recognition programs like the “Of the Year” Awards do more than celebrate excellence—they reinforce community trust and pride in local schools. For parents, homeowners and residents, these honors reflect the caliber of professionals guiding students academically, emotionally and safely.
Superintendent Ken Gregorski emphasized that the awards represent more than individual achievement—they reflect the culture of the district itself.
“Earning an ‘Of the Year’ honor in a premier District like Katy ISD reflects excellence, character and meaningful impact,” Gregorski said. “The strength of our District comes from the people we honor tonight – individuals who lead, serve and inspire in every role across Katy ISD.”
Teachers and Leaders Setting the Standard
Among the most closely watched recognitions each year are the Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year honors—awards that highlight both seasoned excellence and rising talent within Katy ISD classrooms.
For 2026, the district recognized:
- District Elementary Teachers of the Year: Porchea Butler (Faldyn Elementary) and Victoria Stornello (Griffin Elementary) – Rookie Teachers
- District Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year: Blake Kane (Freeman High School)
- District Elementary Teacher of the Year: Quarde D. Alfred (Leonard Elementary)
- District Secondary Teacher of the Year: Jessica Melancon (Katy Junior High)
These educators will now serve as ambassadors for Katy ISD, representing the district’s commitment to instructional excellence and student growth throughout the coming year.
Campus leadership was also recognized, including:
- Elementary Principal of the Year: Kara Fox (Schmalz Elementary
- Secondary Principal of the Year: Dr. Rick Hull (Katy High School)
- Assistant Principals of the Year: Kaleena Roman (McElwain Elementary) and Lauren White (Paetow High School)
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The Teams That Keep Schools Running
While classrooms are often the focal point, the event also highlighted the essential work happening behind the scenes—roles that directly impact daily operations, safety and student well-being.
From transportation and nutrition services to maintenance and security, honorees included:
- Maintenance & Operations Employee of the Year: Martin Courville
- Transportation Employee of the Year: Brandon Sykes (East Transportation Center)
- Nutrition & Food Services Employee of the Year: Margie Fagan (Jordan High School)
Safety professionals were also recognized for their role in protecting campuses:
- Elementary Security Officer of the Year: Juliana Rivas (Morton Ranch Elementary)
- Secondary Security Officer of the Year: Ruth Wilson (Tompkins High School)
- Police Officer of the Year: Ana Wilkinson (West Memorial Junior High)
These roles, often less visible, are foundational to creating a stable and secure learning environment—something families rely on daily.
Student Support and Specialized Services Take Center Stage
The awards also honored professionals who support students beyond academics, reflecting the growing focus on whole-child education in Katy ISD.
Recognitions included:
- Counselors of the Year: Morgan Ditchman (Creech Elementary) and Meghan McCarthy (WoodCreek Junior High)
- Nurses of the Year: Loretta Tourish (Boudny Elementary) and Kasey Nelson (Tompkins High School)
- School Psychologist of the Year: Sara Blakley-Cosser (Seven Lakes High School)
- Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year: Karen Hong (Stephens Elementary)
These roles are increasingly vital as districts address student mental health, communication development and academic readiness—areas that directly affect families across Katy.
Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Excellence in Katy ISD
Additional honorees reflected the wide network of professionals supporting students and staff, including:
- Library Media Specialists: Traci Trykoski (Shafer Elementary) and Rebecca Gruen (Morton Ranch High School)
- Paraprofessionals and Administrative Staff: Dawn Weis, Eleanny Bracho Gonzalez, Jill Baros and Anna Mansfield
- Instructional Coaches: Jaclyn O’Connell (Shafer Elementary) and Fabia Mendez (Beckendorff Junior High)
- Substitute of the Year: Swapna Shivananda
Each role contributes to the daily rhythm of schools—ensuring classrooms run smoothly, students receive individualized support and campuses remain connected and organized.
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A Reflection of Community Investment
As Katy continues to grow, so does the importance of maintaining strong schools that support families, attract new residents and sustain property values. Events like the Katy ISD “Of the Year” Awards serve as a reflection of that broader investment—highlighting not just institutional success, but the individuals driving it.
For many residents, the takeaway is simple: the district’s strength lies in its people.
What Happens Next
The 2026 honorees, particularly Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year, will represent Katy ISD at regional and state levels, bringing further recognition to the district and its educators.
For the community, the impact continues long after the awards ceremony—through classrooms, campuses and daily interactions that shape student success.
As Katy ISD continues to evolve alongside one of Texas’ fastest-growing communities, these recognitions offer a snapshot of the dedication, leadership and care happening across the district every day.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood New for more updates on local schools, events and community milestones across Katy.
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.