Allen ISD recently honored outstanding educators and staff members during its annual Employee Recognition Dinner, celebrating employees whose service, leadership and dedication continue to make a difference across the district.
The event recognized District Teachers of the Year, campus Teachers of the Year, Strategic Impact Award winners, Rookies of the Year, Paraprofessionals of the Year and 2026 retirees. Honorees represented campuses and departments across Allen ISD.
District Teachers of the Year
Allen ISD recognized its two District Teachers of the Year during the event. These honorees were selected from among the district’s campus Teachers of the Year.
The 2025 to 2026 District Teachers of the Year are:
- Christy Wilson, Bolin Elementary School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Leigh Ann Unkenholz, Allen High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
Christy was recognized for creating learning experiences that encourage student discussion, inquiry and collaboration. Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that students learn best when they know their thinking belongs in their learning.
Watch a video highlighting Christy at https://youtu.be/PNp-OxGQ0GE
Leigh Ann was recognized for helping students build skills that extend beyond graduation, including empathy, time management, creative problem solving, work ethic, teamwork and communication.
Watch a video highlighting Leigh Ann at https://youtu.be/9FoVa5Y5-SQ
2025 to 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year
Allen ISD recognized Teachers of the Year from 24 campuses. These educators were selected for encouraging a culture of excellence, inspiring empowered learning and creating a lasting impact on students and the community each day.
The 2025-2026 Campus Teachers of the Year are:
- Leigh Ann Unkenholz, Allen High School
- Shayna Marshall, Anderson Early Childhood School
- Christy Wilson, Bolin Elementary School
- Angie Norman, Boon Elementary School
- Alexa Wolf, Boyd Elementary School
- Autumn Knoernschild, Chandler Elementary School
- Jessica Kirkland, Cheatham Elementary School
- Linda Orrantia, Curtis Middle School
- Lisa Trees, Dillard Special Achievement Center
- Tracy Rothman, Ereckson Middle School
- Jennifer Eakle, Evans Elementary School
- Noah Raley, Ford Middle School
- Emily Webster, Green Elementary School
- Lisa Yost, Kerr Elementary School
- Kathy Bankes, Lindsey Elementary School
- Crystal Bryant, Lowery Freshman Center
- Courtney Dumois, Marion Elementary School
- Elizabeth Scarborough, Norton Elementary School
- Christi Gallagher, Olson Elementary School
- Grace Silva, Preston Elementary School
- Jasmine Yates, Reed Elementary School
- Jackie Nix, STEAM Center
- Julie Holley, Story Elementary School
- Stephanie Esquivel, Vaughan Elementary School
Strategic Impact Award Winners
Allen ISD also recognized employees with Strategic Impact Awards, which honor those who have made an impact on the district’s three goals: Culture of Excellence, Future Ready Skills and Empowered Learning. All winners were nominated by their colleagues.
Culture of Excellence Award - Regina Taylor, Foundation For Allen Schools
Regina was recognized for her long standing impact on the district and the Foundation For Allen Schools. Her work has supported classroom grants, student scholarships and other programs that benefit Allen ISD students and staff.
Future Ready Skills Award - Jason Marshall, Allen High School
Jason was recognized for his work helping students connect classroom learning with the professional animation industry. Through his Animation courses, students are introduced to college programs, industry professionals and real world production experiences that support future ready learning.
Empowered Learning Award
- Kelsey Smith, Green Elementary School
- Susan Frick, Green Elementary School
- Emily Webster, Green Elementary School
- Tami Fee, Green Elementary School
Kelsey, Susan, Emily and Tami were recognized for their work empowering students as learners and leaders while strengthening growth across Green Elementary School. Their efforts supported student ownership, academic goal setting, student leadership and campuswide growth.
Empowered Learning Award
- Brittany Castillo, Ford Middle School
- Melissa Bettge, Ford Middle School
Brittany and Melissa were recognized for their leadership and support of teachers and students at Ford Middle School. Their work helped strengthen campus systems that support student learning, teacher growth and a positive school experience.
Rookies of the Year
The Allen ISD Rookie of the Year Award recognizes first year teachers who inspire students, work cooperatively with colleagues and initiate activities that improve instruction for students.
The Rookies of the Year are:
- Polina Dovgi, Bolin Elementary School
- Shelley McClellan, Allen High School
Polina was recognized by her colleagues at Bolin Elementary School for bringing positive energy to her classroom, supporting student learning and encouraging students to think creatively and critically. Shelley was recognized by her colleagues at Allen High School for her student-centered approach, collaboration and commitment to growth.
Paraprofessionals of the Year
The Allen ISD Paraprofessional Award recognizes paraprofessionals at the campus and administrative level who have gone above and beyond their regular job responsibilities. Any employee in the district could nominate a paraprofessional for the award.
The Paraprofessionals of the Year are:
- Nera Van Ark, Vaughan Elementary School
- Dayna Young, Curtis Middle School
- Vickie Anders, School Leadership and Support
Nera was recognized for her professionalism, attention to detail and support for students, families and staff at Vaughan Elementary School. Dayna was recognized for supporting students and staff throughout Curtis Middle School.
Vickie was recognized for her support of the School Leadership Department and her work assisting families, staff and district leaders.
2026 Retirees
Allen ISD also honored its 2026 retirees, recognizing employees across the district for their years of service and contributions to students, families, colleagues and the Allen ISD community.
The 2026 retirees are:
- Don Anderson, Allen High School
- Patricia Batchellor, Olson Elementary School
- Sarah Bitting, Accounting
- Jodi Boyd, Allen High School
- Dr. Robin Bullock, Superintendent
- Bob Campbell, Ford Middle School
- Brian Carter, Finance
- Theresa Coffey, Reed Elementary School
- Bruce Cole, Allen High School
- Teri Coroneos, Story Elementary School
- Theresa Crane, Lowery Freshman Center
- Linda Daniels, Bolin Elementary School
- Martina Davis, Transportation
- Debra DeVault, Story Elementary School
- Cyndy Dobbins, Special Services
- Tricia Dobson, Boyd Elementary School
- Patricia A. Doyle, Allen High School
- Dee Foster, Boon Elementary School
- Susan Frick, Green Elementary School
- Amber Gallimore, Boon Elementary School
- Christi Galofaro, Student Nutrition
- Michele Gomez, Olson Elementary School
- Betty Helm, Learner Services
- Paula Holloway-Cox, Green Elementary School
- Kathryn Lanier, Lowery Freshman Center
- Kim Lankford, Evans Elementary School
- Anna Rachael Leiker, Reed Elementary School
- Tina Lopez, Kerr Elementary School
- Noy Manes, Olson Elementary School
- Lance Matt, Lowery Freshman Center
- Dana C. McCullagh, Green Elementary School
- Julie McGary, Bolin Elementary School
- Pamela Meis, Norton Elementary School
- Julie Miller, Allen High School
- Sarah Mooring, Allen High School
- Ann M. Nickerson, Chandler Elementary School
- Kenneth Oestreich, Transportation
- Tamra O'Neal, Evans Elementary School
- Alejandro Pantarotto, Lowery Freshman Center
- Montie Parker, Special Services
- John Ricken, Allen High School
- Deann Riley, Purchasing
- Cindy Robertson, Special Services
- Tracey Ropp, Bolin Elementary School
- Jon B. Rowley, Allen High School
- Laura Rush, Kerr Elementary School
- Elaine Schmidt, Boon Elementary School
- Liz Schultz, Learner Services
- Janie Schweigman, Ereckson Middle School
- Nancy Shavers, Student Nutrition
- Carla Sherrill, Transportation
- Jill Stafford, Lowery Freshman Center
- Kim Swanson, Lindsey Elementary School
- Karin Tambert, Evans Elementary School
- Keith A. Taylor, Communications
- Regina Taylor, Foundation
- Michelle Valliere, Allen High School
- JD Walker, Allen High School
- Erleen Agnes R. Wayan, Allen High School
- Sheryl Webb, Boyd Elementary School
- Leslie Wilbanks, Curtis Middle School
- Lisa Witherington, Olson Elementary School
- Nancy Wojcik, Curtis Middle School
Thank you to the following sponsors for making this event possible: CUTX, Commercial Bank of Texas, Park Place Lexas, Abernathy Law, VLK, Foundation For Allen Schools, and Original Chop Shop.
View the full photo gallery at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTe7i
Congratulations to all of Allen ISD’s 2025 to 2026 honorees and 2026 retirees for their service, leadership and lasting impact across the district.