Each year, Katy ISD has the honor of recognizing outstanding employees for their contributions and impact on the District at the annual “Of the Year” Awards Ceremony. This year, Katy ISD recognized more than 150 employees who exemplify what it means to be a staff member in Katy ISD. They share their time and talents with students, families, other staff and the community each day. Their commitment, dedication and passion are a large part of why Katy ISD continues to be a leader in educational excellence.
“Our teachers, support staff, operational employees, police force and administrators put forth hard work and sacrifice to serve, educate and protect Katy ISD’s more than 90,000 students and the 11,000 staff members across the District,” said Greg Schulte, Katy ISD Board President. “These honorees were chosen because of the devotion and energy they put into providing unparalleled learning experiences, and I am blessed with the opportunity to witness the many ways our staff goes above and beyond to fulfill their duties,” added Schulte.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Districtwide Principals of the Year:
- Kelly Ricks – Wolman Elementary
- Melinda Stone – Taylor High School
Districtwide Assistant Principals of the Year:
- Kelley Carr – Bethke Elementary
- Diana Sarao – Seven Lakes High School
Districtwide Teachers of the Year:
- Tasha McDonald – Rylander Elementary
- Daxus N. Nesossi – Paetow High School
Districtwide Rookie Teachers of the Year:
- Hailey Burgower – Memorial Parkway Elementary
- John Shaw – Seven Lakes Junior High
Districtwide Counselors of the Year:
- Mary McCullough – Schmalz Elementary
- Christina Blanco – Beckendorff Junior High
- Remona Clark – Tompkins High School
Districtwide Library Media Specialists of the Year:
- Hailey Schmidt – Wilson Elementary
- Jessica Fitzpatrick – Mayde Creek High School
Districtwide Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) of the Year:
- Jennifer Piccolo – Seven Lakes High School
Districtwide Maintenance & Operations Employees of the Year:
- Diana Monterrosa – Central Maintenance & Operations
Districtwide Nutrition & Food Services Employee of the Year:
- Eloisa G. Rodriguez – Mayde Creek Junior High
Districtwide Transportation Employee of the Year:
- Jennifer White – West Transportation
Districtwide Nurse of the Year:
- Loretta Tourish – Mayde Creek Elementary
Districtwide Instructional Paraprofessionals of the Year:
- Jacob Brandt – Leonard Elementary
- Guadalupe Zarate – Memorial Parkway Junior High
Districtwide Support Paraprofessionals of the Year:
- Monique Pettinger – Law Enforcement Center
- Rhonda Sadler – Katy Elementary
- Chanté Bellard – Morton Ranch High School
Districtwide Law Enforcement Employees of the Year:
- Supervisor of the Year – Sergeant Sophia Clark
- Officer of the Year – Detective Michael Seiss
- Campus Officer of the Year – Officer Beatriz B. Riva-Palacio
- Telecommunicator of the Year – Courtnie Brand
- Support Service Employee of the Year – Ronnie Jackson
- Junior High School Security Guard of the Year – Steven White
- High School Security Guard of the Year – Carlos Mendez
Districtwide Substitute of the Year:
- Gargi Ghose – Davidson Elementary
Districtwide Instructional Coaches of the Year:
- Mona Macias – Pattison Elementary
- Jolene Casteel – West Memorial Junior High
During the event, guests enjoyed performances from the Morton Ranch High School Mariachi Band and the JaZZ’d Choir.
