Teachers walked the red carpet Wednesday night while paparazzi scrambled to capture their photos as Princeton ISD hosted its teacher of the year banquet.

“We are here to celebrate inductions into the Princeton ISD Pride Corps,” Deputy Superintendent Jackie Hendricks said. “This is our way to let you know, we see you, we see the difference you make and appreciate everything you do to serve the students of Princeton ISD.”

According to Dr. Hendricks, the Pride Corps was established in 2002, with the name derived from the district mantra, “Panther Pride,” and is the highest honor of recognition given to a PISD teacher each year.

“A Pride Corps inductee is a teacher-leader,” Dr. Hendricks said. “They represent the highest professional standards and go above and beyond for students, other peers and the school district. We are proud to honor this year’s inductees.”

The evening’s entertainment featured the sounds of PHS band ensembles and soloists from the high school choir, followed by dinner for the honored teachers and their guests.

Highlighting the night’s festivities was the announcement of this year’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. 

Lovelady High School ELAR teacher Katherine Smith was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Smith, who is also the Student Council sponsor, has been with Princeton ISD since 2022 and an educator for 14 years. She currently teaches English I. Before joining the staff at Lovelady, Mrs. Smith taught in Irving and Frisco, along with a stint in the Peace Corps.

“Katie Smith is highly knowledgeable and skilled in her subject area, which allows her to effectively teach and guide her students,” Lovelady Principal Jeff Coburn said. “She is dedicated to helping students grow academically and develop their potential, often going above and beyond to support their individual needs.”

Moments spent in her mother’s classroom as a child, paved the way for a career in education for Mrs. Smith.

“In my classroom, I believe that learning is rooted in critical thinking, good citizenship, respect and curiosity,” she said. “I foster student success by making strong relationships with both students and parents and by creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”

Mayfield Elementary kindergarten teacher Sheryl Nicholson is the Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Nicholson has been with Princeton ISD since 2022. She serves as the team lead and has been an educator for 27 years. Prior to coming to Princeton, she taught in Lovejoy for 11 years and started her education career in Kansas.

“Sheryl Nicholson embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator - her unwavering dedication, creative instruction and deep love for her students make her a pillar of our school community,” Mayfield principal Jason Brown said. “She leads with kindness, teaches with purpose and inspires everyone around her to be better. Sheryl doesn’t just teach kindergarten - she shapes futures, and that’s why she’s more than deserving of Teacher of the Year.”

Mrs. Nicholson considers education to go beyond the content.

“My No. 1 priority as a kindergarten teacher is the emotional well-being of my students,” she said. “I want them to know that they are enough, just as they are, and that learning is a journey, not a race. There’s no end point in learning, just the next step forward.”

In addition to naming the two district teachers of the year, the rest of the 2024-2025 Pride Corps was honored. Trustees from the PISD school board presented the awards following video segments for each campus teacher of the year to expound on being an educator. They are:

Keegan Green, 1st-grade teacher at Green Elementary, who has been teaching in PISD since 2022 and has spent five years in education.

“I try to be there and meet my students right where they are, because that is the only way they are going to succeed. I strive every single day to show up and be the teacher that I would have needed when I was their age, and I suppose it is working out. I am honored and privileged to say that I am Marcella Green Elementary’s first-ever Teacher of the Year.

Sydni Fuchs, kindergarten teacher at James Elementary, who has been teaching in PISD since 2017 and has spent 10 years in education.

“I was fortunate enough to have a few educators in my life to help guide me into being the educator that I am today. The most impactful lesson I learned from those educators was the importance of building relationships. Taking the time to build relationships with my students has helped foster safety and trust in my classroom. My students take ownership of their own learning because they are comfortable with taking risks.”

Aurelia Cordova, 4^th- and 5^th-grade bilingual teacher at Lowe Elementary, who has been teaching in PISD since 2009 and has spent 18 years in education.

“I became an educator because, as one, I have been able to open my students’ view of education and how it changes their future. Teaching allows me to demonstrate how powerful they can be with an educated mind. A child with a powerful mind turns into an adult with a powerful mind. Those are the people like me who can change the world. Being a teacher allows me to navigate with them what meaningful learning is while also recognizing their individual needs and strengths.”

Victoria Jackson, an RLA/social studies teacher at Smith Elementary, who has been teaching for five years and with PISD since 2021.

“Choosing to become an elementary teacher has been the most rewarding decision of my life. Each day, I have the opportunity to shape the minds and hearts of future generations, instilling in them a passion for lifelong learning. It is a privilege to witness their growth, to be part of their personal journeys and to celebrate their successes.”

Sarah Meek, special education lead teacher at Harper Elementary since 2013 and teaching in Princeton for 12 years.

“My experience teaching has highlighted the value of humility, diplomacy, consistency and patience. Teaching is not only the imparting of knowledge, but the process of helping young people become who they are meant to be. It is the ability to see the potential in every child and to help them see it, too.”

Nubia Carvajal, Pre-K teacher at Canup Early Childhood Center, who has been teaching for 31 years and with PISD since 2022.

“I have celebrated my students as learners in my classroom and as future adults who will shape the world. We approach each day with enthusiasm. My students and I celebrate our successes with joy, often with a “kiss your brain” moment after solving difficult problems. We sing, play and embrace learning as an enjoyable journey. Challenges are inevitable, but they are opportunities for growth.”

Margaret Webb, 4^th-grade teacher at Godwin Elementary, who has been teaching for four years, all of those with Princeton ISD.

“I remember how a few educators made me feel seen, heard and capable of more than I thought possible. I wanted to inspire the same sense of possibility and confidence that my teachers gave me. Being a teacher is not easy. It’s not about just delivering lessons or grading papers. Being a teacher is about building relationships, fostering trust and creating a space where students feel safe, valued and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.”

Mary Limon, 3^rd-grade lead teacher at Lacy Elementary, who has been teaching for six years and with PISD since 2019. She currently teaches science and social studies.

“Social-emotional development is crucial for helping children connect with their environment. When a child does not feel cared for and lacks support from others, they are less likely to engage in learning and perform at their best. My students are capable and ready to succeed because they know they have the support of their teachers. I strive to ensure they feel valued and supported, allowing them to grow and thrive.”

Hannah Murray, 8^th-grade math teacher at Southard Middle School, who has been teaching for 11 years, coming to PISD in 2020.

“Teaching has many challenges, and it is not for the faint of heart. However, the rewards far outweigh the demands. My students are more than a name on the roster. And even though I am passionate about math, I am more passionate about their whole person. When they leave my classroom, I want them to have the skills they need to be successful in life which goes beyond the curriculum.”

Haley Crawford, ESL teacher at Princeton High School, who has been teaching in PISD since 2021, with eight years in education.

“For many of my students, learning a new language is not just an academic challenge - it is the gateway to opportunity, confidence and connection. I am proud to walk alongside them on this journey and to celebrate every success, no matter how small. Teaching goes far beyond lessons in grammar or vocabulary; it’s about teaching perseverance, building confidence and fostering a belief that they are capable of achieving their dreams.”

Jessica Oliva Zamora, 8^th-grade math teacher at Clark Middle School, who has been teaching for 10 years and with PISD since 2022

“Ultimately, I became a teacher because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. The ability to influence, encourage and shape lives is both humbling and inspiring. I hope to leave a legacy that goes beyond lesson plans and grades, one that helps students feel valued, capable and equipped to navigate the world with confidence.”

Monique Cardwell, ELAR 7^th-grade teacher at Mattei Middle School, who has been teaching for five years, coming to PISD in 2021.

“Learning my students’ quirks, witnessing their educational and personal development, and being involved in their extracurricular interests is what motivates me to step into the classroom every day. The development of a middle schooler is unlike any other time in life. The result is a culmination of hilarious anecdotes and academic triumphs. Being able to celebrate their growth is a joy and a privilege.”