For many Spring ISD educators, support staff and campus leaders, the district’s annual Employee Recognition Banquet is more than an awards ceremony — it is a reflection of the people who quietly shape classrooms, guide students through challenges, and help hold together one of the Houston area’s largest school communities.

This year’s celebration carried even deeper meaning as Spring ISD marked its 90th anniversary, honoring not only the district’s present-day educators but also the generations of employees whose work has shaped families and neighborhoods across Spring and north Harris County.

Held May 8, the banquet brought together hundreds of employees and their families for an evening focused on service, leadership and the people behind student success. Guests arrived to performances by the Westfield High School Jazz Band before the Dekaney High School JROTC presented the colors and Westfield High School student Sa’Myah Ettinoffe performed the National Anthem.

“For 90 years, Spring ISD has been built on the strength of people who believed in making a difference,” said Chief of Staff LaTracy Harris. “That same spirit continues today through every classroom prepared, every student encouraged, every campus supported, and every life impacted by the people in this room.”

A Celebration of the People Behind Spring ISD Students

As districts across Texas continue facing teacher shortages, staff turnover and growing classroom demands, Spring ISD leaders used the evening to spotlight the educators and support employees whose consistency continues to impact local students and families every day.

“There is something special about a room filled with the very people who make this district strong,” said Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “What stands out most is the heart behind the work and the outstanding employees who go above and beyond every single day to support our students, families and schools. Tonight is about recognizing that heart.”

Board of Trustees President Justine Durant said the district’s student success stories are directly connected to the employees working behind the scenes.

“We often celebrate student success, but we know those successes are not accidental,” Durant said. “They are the direct result of the dedication, care and commitment of the people in this room. You are the reason our students thrive.”

That community impact was reflected throughout the evening as employees from transportation, maintenance, child nutrition, operations, police services, technology, special education and campuses across Spring ISD were recognized alongside classroom teachers and administrators.

Honoring Decades of Service in Spring ISD

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came as retirees and longtime employees were recognized for decades of dedication to Spring ISD students and families.

Dozens of retirees received commemorative clocks honoring careers that collectively represented hundreds of years of service to the district. Employees reaching milestone anniversaries — including 20, 25, 30 and even 35 years with Spring ISD — were also celebrated as principals and supervisors personally pinned honorees at their tables while colleagues applauded.

For many families in Spring, these employees are familiar faces who have supported multiple generations of students through changing campuses, evolving neighborhoods and years of district growth.

Among those recognized for 35 years of service was Mary Branch of Building Operations, while employees across departments marked milestones ranging from classrooms and cafeterias to transportation routes and district support services.

Spring ISD Recognizes New Educators and International Teachers

While the banquet honored longtime service, district leaders also emphasized the next generation of educators entering Spring ISD classrooms.

Dr. Terrell King, Chief of Human Resource Services, recognized Rookie Teachers of the Year, Paraprofessionals of the Year, Guest Employees of the Year and Aspiring Teachers of the Year.

“The future of education is bright — and it shines through the dedication and enthusiasm of those preparing to become classroom teachers right here in Spring ISD,” King said. “Our teachers have shown extraordinary promise, commitment, and passion as they take the first steps toward careers in education.”

The district also highlighted its growing international teacher initiative, launched this school year to bring educators from other countries into Spring ISD classrooms through a cultural exchange program designed to strengthen instruction and broaden students’ perspectives.

Director of Staffing Roshonda Griffin presented the inaugural Visiting International Teacher of the Year honors to Reynaldo Parillo of Hoyland Elementary School and Nisha Johnson of Carl Wunsche Sr. High School.

“Our Visiting International Teachers not only support instruction — they enrich our campuses by sharing their culture, experiences, and unique perspectives with our students,” Griffin said. “They remind us that education has no borders — and that learning is strengthened when we embrace diversity.”

Principal and Teacher of the Year Honors Highlight Leadership Across Campuses

The banquet also recognized campus leadership throughout Spring ISD.

LaToya Patterson of Hirsch Elementary School was named Elementary Principal of the Year, while LaQuisha Knowles of Wells Middle School earned Secondary Principal of the Year honors.

Among classroom educators, Hannah Greer of Meyer Elementary School was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and received a $2,500 Visa gift card from Randall Reed’s Planet Ford.

“It felt like I was living in a dream, but it was actually my reality,” said Greer. “I was very excited about winning because my love for the education field was on full display and it showed how smart my students are. This was definitely a win for us.”

The evening’s highest honor went to Bailey Middle School educator Gregory Sever, who was named the 2025-26 Spring ISD Teacher of the Year and surprised with the keys to a brand-new Ford Escape through the district’s longtime partnership with Randall Reed’s Planet Ford.

“Speechless. Humble. Appreciative,” Sever said after receiving the award.

But moments later, he redirected the recognition back toward his campus colleagues.

“Everybody at the school has put in a lot of hard work,” Sever said. “I feel like this represents Bailey. All the teachers have been doing it for a long time that haven’t gotten recognition, and I do it for them.”

Planet Ford General Manager Shawn Burns said the dealership’s 16-year partnership with Spring ISD remains rooted in community investment.

“We just feel like it’s very important to give back to the community,” Burns said. “Teachers are probably a little underappreciated — when you come to an event like this and see the best of the best, your heart goes out to give.”

A Reflection of Spring ISD’s Role in the Community

The annual Employee Recognition Banquet continues to serve as one of Spring ISD’s largest celebrations of the people working behind the scenes to support more than 30,000 students across the district.

From bus drivers and maintenance teams to classroom teachers and campus administrators, the evening reflected how public education extends far beyond academics alone — influencing families, neighborhoods and the broader Spring community.

As the program concluded, King reminded employees that their work continues to leave a lasting impact across the district.

“Tonight is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder: the work you do matters,” King said. “It matters to our students, to our families, and to this entire community.”

Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Spring ISD updates, student achievements and education news impacting families across the area.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.