KATY, TX [April 16, 2025] – Tonight, in an event to honor the many individuals who contribute to Katy ISD's success, the District recognized its ‘Of the Year’ honorees, saluting individuals who shine brightly in their respective roles. This year’s 30 honorees were chosen from peers, departments and divisions, and represent ‘above and beyond’ excellence in an array of positions supporting students, schools and families in Katy ISD. The event also honored the campus and rookie teachers of the year.
“These remarkable educators, support staff, operations team members, safety professionals and campus leaders exemplify what it means to serve with heart, lead with integrity and show up each day for our students and staff across Katy ISD,” said Board President Victor Perez.
The evening’s theme, the Acoustics of Katy, honored the way the different parts of the District work together to support the District’s mission and vision.
“Earning an ‘Of the Year’ distinction in a premier district like Katy ISD is a testament to your excellence, character and impact,” said Dr. Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD superintendent. “The strength of Katy ISD comes from each of you, from every classroom, office, patrol car, bus and beyond, working in concert to create something greater than any one role.”
The 2025 ‘Of the Year’ honorees include:
| Category | Name | Location |
| Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year | Jessica Estes | Kilpatrick Elementary |
| Elementary Instructional Paraprofessional of the Year | Tim Keiser | Randolph Elementary |
| Elementary Instructional Coach of the Year | Kayla Beesley | West Memorial Elementary |
| Nurse of the Year | Kristi Folse | Jordan High School |
| Speech Language Pathologist of the Year | Aitran Jaime | Jeanne Coleman Support Annex |
| Transportation Employee of the Year | Kolbe Bates | South Transportation |
| Diagnostician of the Year | Sharon Anderson | Hayes Elementary |
| Elementary Security Officer of the Year | Roderick Cooper | Pattison Elementary |
| Elementary Administrative Paraprofessional of the Year | Amy Soddy | Alexander Elementary |
| Junior High Counselor of the Year | Nathanial Welch | West Memorial Junior High |
| ARD Facilitator of the Year | Regina Campbell | Sundown Elementary |
| Campus Student Support Personnel of the Year | Norma White | Raines Academy |
| Secondary Principal of the Year | Janelle Coleman | Opportunity Awareness Center |
| Elementary School Counselor of the Year | Dr. Penelope Flores | Bryant Elementary |
| Maintenance & Operations Employee of the Year | Eligio Santiago | Central Maintenance |
| High School Counselor of the Year | Tanya Marshal | Jordan High School |
| Elementary Library Media Specialist of the Year | Melissa Bryant | Stephens Elementary |
| Nutrition & Food Services Employee of the Year | Gretchen Heilman | Tays Junior High |
| Secondary Administrative Paraprofessional of the Year | Susan Smith | Tompkins High School |
| Elementary Principal of the Year | Malynn Rodriguez | Kilpatrick Elementary |
| Substitute Teacher of the Year | Kashif Husain | |
| Secondary Instructional Coach of the Year | Alison Leslie | Paetow High School |
| Secondary Instructional Paraprofessional of the Year | Michael Chuter | Beckendorff Junior High |
| Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year | Teri Faigle | Cinco Ranch High School |
| Licensed Specialist in School Psychology of the Year | Kathryn Feagins | Special Education |
| Secondary Library Media Specialist of the Year | Sean Heller | Cinco Ranch High School |
| Secondary Campus Assigned Police Officer of the Year | Charles Dilworth, Sr. | Katy Junior High |
| Secondary Campus Assigned Level 2 Security Guard of the Year | Joel Perez | Nelson Junior High |
| At Large (Unassigned) Police & Emergency Management Employee of the Year | Traci Dugas | Law Enforcement Center |
| ESC Administrative Paraprofessional | Ellen Hebert | Education Support Complex |
