Allen ISD recently honored outstanding teachers, staff, and community partners at the 2025 Employee Awards Banquet, recognizing excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on students across the district. The event also celebrated more than 80 retirees, collectively contributing over 1,100 years of service.
Board President Sarah Mitchell welcomed guests by highlighting the vital role educators play in shaping the future.
"We are surrounded by unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond to shape the lives of our students," said Mitchell. "From the early morning greetings, the late-night grading sessions, the countless acts of kindness, and the innovative teaching methods, you have shown us what it truly means to be exceptional educators."
Superintendent Dr. Robin Bullock expressed appreciation for the educators in attendance.
"The culture of excellence we talk about in Allen ISD starts with the people in this room, who model what it means to show up, to care, and to lead with purpose," said Bullock. "You’ve built a foundation that allows our students to grow into future-ready learners, ready to contribute once they cross that stage at graduation."
View the photo gallery at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCb3gj.
Strategic Impact Awards
Allen ISD recognized employees whose initiatives furthered district goals of Culture of Excellence, Future Ready Skills, and Empowered Learning:
Larry Parker, Allen High School: For launching the Pathways to Success course supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and attendance improvements.
Olivia Pearson, Courtney Griffin, and Amber High, Community Services: For enriching the Kids Club summer and after-school programs through structured activities and student-centered initiatives.
Renee Cunningham, Communications Office: For creating the Communications Intern Program, giving students real-world communications experience.
Tiffany Noone, Dillard Special Achievement Center: For mentoring credit-recovery students and supporting career and college readiness.
Ricardo Hope, Bolin Elementary: For leading STEAMfest, providing hands-on, innovative learning experiences for students.
Shayna Marshall, Anderson Early Childhood School: For promoting student growth through targeted social-emotional and academic development.
LaTrice Sherrell, Boyd Elementary: For designing a financial literacy program that taught essential life skills while supporting student engagement.
Paraprofessional of the Year
Dustin Hebert, Vaughan Elementary, was named Paraprofessional of the Year for his positive impact on special education students.
Rookies of the Year
Ayesha Siddiqui, Green Elementary, was recognized as Elementary Rookie of the Year.
Colleen Villarreal, Ford Middle School, was recognized as Secondary Rookie of the Year.
Friend of Education Award
Insiya Patwa and Tim Bray received the 2025 Friend of Education Award for their volunteering within the Allen ISD community.
Campus and District Teachers of the Year
Campus Teachers of the Year were named across every Allen ISD campus, honoring those who inspire students, empower learning, and uphold the district’s culture of excellence.
Campus Teachers of the Year:
Reid Gantzer, Anderson Early Childhood School
Ricardo Hope, Bolin Elementary
Paige Self, Boon Elementary
Samantha Trevino, Boyd Elementary
Janae Walsh, Chandler Elementary
Emily Standish, Cheatham Elementary
Audrey Cobaugh, Evans Elementary
Kristen Pao, Green Elementary
Peggy Kaseta, Kerr Elementary
Brooke Long, Lindsey Elementary
Monica Stelly, Marion Elementary
Lindsey Cipoletta, Norton Elementary
Lauren MacGee, Olson Elementary
Emily Mueller, Preston Elementary
Meghan Hancock, Reed Elementary
Taylor Krokroskia, Story Elementary
Shannon Pyle, Vaughan Elementary
Melinda Eairheart, STEAM Center
Donald Stephens, Dillard Special Achievement Center
Ariane Labrzycki, Curtis Middle School
Cathy Tenner, Ereckson Middle School
Clare Hollis, Ford Middle School
Chad Pickens, Lowery Freshman Center
Daniel Haradem, Allen High School
District Teachers of the Year:
Lindsey Cipoletta, Norton Elementary, named 2025 Elementary District Teacher of the Year.
Ariane Labrzycki, Curtis Middle School, named 2025 Secondary District Teacher of the Year.
Both teachers will represent Allen ISD in the Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition.
Sponsors
Allen ISD thanks the generous sponsors who made the event possible:
Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) – Platinum sponsor for retiree recognition.
Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) – Sponsor of Strategic Impact Awards.
Linebarger Attorneys at Law – Sponsor of Paraprofessional of the Year.
Abernathy Law Firm – Sponsor of Rookies of the Year.
H-E-B and Watters Creek, in partnership with the Foundation for Allen Schools – Sponsors of Campus Teachers of the Year.
Park Place Lexus Plano, Commercial Bank of Texas, and the Foundation for Allen Schools – Sponsors of District Teachers of the Year.
Honoring Allen ISD Retirees
The district recognized 83 retirees for their years of dedication to students and the community. Allen ISD extends its deepest gratitude to:
Jeffery Alberding, Tim Allen, Geri Ashley, Renee Atkison, Julie Baker, Mary Jane Barnes, Anja Bartke, David Bouldin, Jacqueline Bouldin, Patti Bradford, Jenny Capehart, Dianne Carnley, Ronda Caton, Sally Cobb, Valerie Curry, Angela Dahlgren, Jennifer DeLeon, Steve Dewitt, Caran Eldridge, Eva Elmaalouf, Tammi Ferguson, Stephen Brian Flowers, Mary Frashier, Beverly Frederick, Debra Fulton, Susy Gulley, Lisa Haney, Donna Hans, Renee Forte Harris, Anita Haskell, Angela Hastings, Dyann Heider, Shawn Heisler, Karen Lea Helton, Kim Howell, Lillian Jackson, Ella Mariea Johnson, Celeste Karasick, Jodye Koopman, Jim Lair, Lisabeth Lassiter, Sandi Lazarus, Michaela Lemay, Cynthia Lostoski, Les Martin, Sandra McDonald, Vicki McFarland, Karan McKenzie, Michelle McMillan, Shelley Meyers, Susanne Miller, Vernadine Moneaux, Sandi Moore, Vikki Morgan, Melinda Myrick, Paula Neville, Vanessa Norman, Jody Norris, Stacy O'Dell, Linda Oustalet, Robin Peggs, Mike Price, Jean Raymond, Trish Reyna, Debbie Rogers, Matt Russell, Charlotte Samuel, Tracy Savitch, Laurie Schaefer, Shelyne Schmidt, Deb Scott, Paige Self, Regina Shaw, Rehana Siddiqi, Kristin Simmons-Burr, Kathy Spann, Christi Stinchcomb, Eileen Targac, Trisha Vossman, Michael Willingham, and Douglas Wortendyke.
Allen ISD thanks each retiree for their unwavering commitment to students and their lasting contributions to the district’s mission of empowering learning, fostering excellence, and preparing future-ready graduates.
View the photo gallery at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCb3gj
