Magnolia ISD hosted its annual Employees of the Year Banquet on Thursday, May 8, honoring the exceptional contributions of the district’s campus paraprofessionals, rookie teachers, and teachers of the year. This special event recognizes the dedication and excellence of those who shape the lives of students across the district.

At the festive event, Nichols Sawmill Elementary’s Angela Lagunas and Magnolia High School’s David Youngblood were named the Magnolia ISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively. 

Ms. Lagunas, who has been with Magnolia ISD for five years, brings 12 years of teaching experience to her role as a reading interventionist for first through fourth graders. She also serves as the Student Council sponsor on her campus and is recognized as a TIA-designated teacher for her exceptional effectiveness in the classroom.

Mr. Youngblood is a veteran educator with an impressive 38 years of teaching experience. As a high school English teacher, he has taught more than a dozen different courses at both the high school and college levels, demonstrating remarkable versatility and a deep commitment to student learning.

“This banquet is one of the most meaningful traditions we have. It’s an opportunity to pause and celebrate the hard work, passion, and commitment our educators and staff bring to our schools every day”, stated Dr. Jason Bullock, Magnolia ISD Superintendent. “The honorees represent the very best of Magnolia ISD, and we are grateful for their service to our students and community.”

The district also honored Elementary and Secondary Rookies of the Year, employees with three years or less of teaching experience in public education. Jamie Weaver from Bear Branch Elementary and Michaela Mooneyham from Bear Branch Jr. High were named this year’s winners. The district also honored paraprofessional nominees from each campus, naming Tina Vidal from Magnolia West High School as the district’s Paraprofessional of the Year.

Community members and business leaders honored the nominees and winners with gifts totaling over $15,000. This year’s Diamond Sponsors included B&C Constructors, Colton, David Weekley Homes, H-E-B Magnolia Market & Magnolia Place, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Lowe’s, LYT Engineers, Magnolia Education Foundation, Magnolia Soap & Bath, McCarty Development, Stewart Builders, VLK Architects, and Whataburger. 

The Platinum Sponsors included 5 Point Credit Union, Canon, Chick-Fil-A Magnolia, Commissioner Charlie Riley, Constable Chris Jones, First America Homes, Magnolia Rotary Club, Perdue Brandon, Speedpro Magnolia, Texas State Representative Cecil Bell Jr., and Woodforest National Bank.  

The Gold Sponsors included Kresston, Magnolia Parkway Storage, Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and Trademarks Promotional Products. 

Campus Teachers of the Year:

Audubon Elementary - Garrett McClurg

Bear Branch Elementary - Christine Pafford 

Ellisor Elementary - Allyson Peyton

Lyon Elementary - Katie Phillips   

Magnolia Elementary - Megan Turner

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Dawn Garcia 

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Angela Lagunas (District Elementary Teacher of the Year)

Smith Elementary - Shanea Smith           

Williams Elementary - Alexis Cook               

Bear Branch Intermediate - Laura Sudderth 

Magnolia Intermediate - Katherine Burnham        

Bear Branch Junior High - Bailey Kelly     

Magnolia Junior High - Ashley Sorbel                            

Magnolia High School - David Youngblood (District Secondary Teacher of the Year)         

Magnolia West High School -  Heather Dalton 

Dr. Todd Stephens Academy - Dana Dean 

 

Campus Rookies of the Year: 

Audubon Elementary - Hannah LeCroy

Bear Branch Elementary - Jamie Weaver (District Elementary Rookie of the Year) 

Ellisor Elementary - Alannah Walker       

Lyon Elementary -  Caylee Chavez        

Magnolia Elementary - Shelby Edelman         

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Riley O’Brien

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Miranda Osburn   

Smith Elementary - Natalie Acosta  

Williams Elementary -  Miranda Post         

Bear Branch Intermediate - Amanda Burch  

Magnolia Intermediate -  Sarah Tope   

Bear Branch Junior High -  Michaela Mooneyham (District Secondary Teacher of the Year)   

Magnolia Junior High -  Megan Sheffield      

Magnolia High School - Alexis Arredondo           

Magnolia West High School - Kaitlyn Hooper     

 

Campus Paraprofessionals of the Year: 

Audubon Elementary - Monique Randle 

Bear Branch Elementary - Irma Gonzales   

Ellisor Elementary - Chandler Mass     

Lyon Elementary - Chelsie Walker  

Magnolia Elementary - Becky Seidl         

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Cassidy Pennell 

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Natasha Jordan 

Smith Elementary - Jacqueline George      

Williams Elementary -  Loni Jensen         

Bear Branch Intermediate -  Victoria Stone           

Magnolia Intermediate - Nadine Sadler      

Bear Branch Junior High -  Kimberly Nelson   

Magnolia Junior High -  Jassika Aucoin  

Magnolia High School -  Scott Graves           

Magnolia West High School -  Tina Vidal (District Paraprofessional of the Year)       

 

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Thank you for your dedication, commitment and for representing the very best of Magnolia ISD.