PISD names Elementary, Secondary Teacher of the Year at Pride Corps banquet

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

“We are excited to be here,” Superintendent Donald McIntyre said. “It’s one of the best nights of the year because we get to recognize some of the best and brightest. You put in long hours and so much effort, and it’s not easy. It can be a thankless job, so we are here to show our appreciation for all that you do.”

According to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jackie Hendricks, the Pride Corps was established in 2002, with the name derived from the district mantra, “Panther Pride,” and is the highest 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 the PSHS jazz band, 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. 

Southard Middle School math teacher Kuang Jen Lu was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mr. Lu has been with Princeton ISD since 2012 and an educator for 21 years. He currently teaches Algebra I. Before joining the staff at Southard, Mr. Lu taught at Clark Middle School. He came to Princeton from Community ISD where he taught for eight years.

“Mr. Lu has been a stalwart on our campus and in our math department,” Southard principal Maurice Lock said. “He embodies quintessentially what it means to be an intentional educator with a student-first mentality.”

Being surrounded by a family of educators paved the way for a career in education for Mr. Lu.

“Teaching requires a careful analysis of data, thoughtful planning and the flexibility to respond to student needs,” he said. “It also requires creating a teaching environment where each learner feels recognized, supported and challenged. I work to create learning experiences that go beyond the classroom and prepare learners for future success.”

Lowe Elementary 4^th-grade teacher Natalie McElroy is the Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. McElroy has been with Princeton ISD since 2020. She serves as the team lead and has been an educator for seven years. Prior to coming to Princeton, she taught in Anna.

“Natalie McElroy is a wonderful part of our Lowe family, and she is a model and mentor for others,” Lowe principal Brittany Charles said. “As our 4^th-grade team lead, she has done a great job of solidifying the team and reinforcing campus expectations with her entire grade level. She leads our Green Team recycling efforts and contributes meaningful feedback to help our campus focus on continuous growth.”

Mrs. McElroy believes the right environment can make all the difference for a student.

“There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student’s face light up when something clicks, when curiosity turns into understanding,” she said. “I think of curiosity like a seed. With the right care, encouragement and environment, it can grow into something incredible.”

After they were announced as the district teachers of the year, Pogue Construction presented Mr. Lu and Mrs. McElroy with a cash prize to top off their trophies and plaques.

In addition to naming the two district teachers of the year, the rest of the 2025-2026 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.

“Thank you for showing up every day with passion and purpose,” board president Carlos Cuellar said when he kicked off the trophy presentations.

Pride Corps members are:

Kameron McClure, music teacher at Green Elementary, five years in education.

“I believe students deserve a classroom environment that is built on community, trust and respect. I build my classroom to be a safe place to make mistakes without ridicule, but with the knowledge of how to identify, diagnose and resolve problems.”

Cassie Cullum, 2^nd-grade teacher at James Elementary, five years in education.

“I believe that the purpose of education is to provide children with the space and opportunity to grow into responsible citizens of their community. I think that this idea of being a responsible citizen is a bit all-encompassing and includes learning about the world around us, learning what it means to be respectful for all we interact with and practicing how to be life-long learners.”

Jill LeGrange, 2^nd-grade teacher at Mayfield Elementary, teaching for four years.

“For me, it all starts with an organic connection and a sense of community. Students thrive when they feel seen, heard and safe enough to learn from a 'whoops.'”

Johnathon Foster, 5^th-grade teacher at Smith Elementary, seven years in education.

“During my time as an elementary student, I faced hardships due to my learning disability, dyslexia. I thought school wasn’t important and lacked motivation. It wasn’t until sixth grade when I failed, that my eyes were finally open.”

Virginia Foote, 2^nd-grade teacher at Harper Elementary, teaching for eight years.

“I believe that learning is a collaborative, transformative process rooted in curiosity, trust and meaningful relationships. At the core of my teaching is a deep love for education and a genuine commitment to student success: academically, socially and personally.”

Christa Martinez, Pre-K teacher at Canup Early Childhood Center, teaching for 17 years.

“I believe strong relationships are the foundation of effective teaching. By building meaningful connections with students and families, I create an environment based on trust, respect and belonging.”

Elaine Silva, 3^rd-grade teacher at Godwin Elementary, teaching for three years.

“I strive to build confidence, foster resilience and model kindness, perseverance and integrity, while encouraging students to use their talents, overcome obstacles and tell their stories. My mission is to inspire lifelong learners who excel academically, develop strong character and leave a positive mark on their communities.”

Carrie Lindsey, 1^st-grade teacher at Lacy Elementary, teaching for 31 years.

“As education continues to shift each year, being flexible and open-minded allows for continued growth, but one thing will never change, my passion for teaching.”

Tina Mauldin, English teacher at Lovelady High School, teaching for 21 years.

“When students enter my classroom, I hope they feel a difference from the sometimes harsh and negative world around them. Negativity is scientifically proven to diminish cognitive function and increase anxiety and poor memory, which is why my mindset is always to encourage positivity first and teach skills second.”

Fernando Puentes, Spanish teacher at Princeton High School, teaching for six years.

“Teaching Spanish allows me to celebrate diverse cultures while preparing students to succeed in a global society. This profession gives me the opportunity to mentor, lead and serve my community. Every lesson is a chance to foster empathy, curiosity and responsibility.”

Miyuki Lawrence, math teacher at Clark Middle School, teaching for 18 years.

“While academic results are essential, my primary mission is to foster a compassionate community where openness is a strength and mistakes are opportunities for discovery.”

Melissa Payan, history teacher at Mattei Middle School, teaching for five years.

“I believe learning is most powerful when it is relational, purposeful and student-centered. Strong relationships are the foundation of effective teaching.”

Kristi Foster, Pre-K teacher at Perkins Early Childhood Center, teaching for 22 years.

“I believe children will not learn unless you build an unconditional relationship and create a loving environment. Meeting and greeting each student and having meaningful, personal conversations daily over his/her interests sets and builds, not just a relationship for the school year, but a longtime relationship for years to come.”