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Employee Excellence Showcased at Katy ISD’s 2025 ‘Of the Year’ Celebration

KATY, TX [April 16, 2025] – 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

2025 Of the Year Awards Photo Gallery

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