Magnolia ISD hosted its annual Employees of the Year Banquet on Thursday, May 7, 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, Magnolia Parkway Elementary’s Mindy Wilson and Magnolia Intermediate's Monica Jacobs were named the Magnolia ISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively. 

Mindy Wilson is known for her unwavering commitment to student growth by providing engaging, real-world instruction. Beyond her classroom, she serves as a campus leader and team facilitator, fostering a culture of collaboration by sharing her expertise and supporting her colleagues’ success. Her leadership and dedication truly represent the very best of the district, ensuring that students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Monica Jacobs is recognized for her dedication to creating empowering, innovative learning experiences that foster a genuine love for education. She is celebrated for her creative approach to instruction, frequently designing campus-wide scavenger hunts and hands-on activities that bridge the gap between academic content and student culture. Her impact extends well beyond the classroom, as she plays a vital leadership role in campus events to strengthen the relationship between families and the school district.

“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. Scotlon Moore from Ellisor Elementary and Madaline Cannon from Magnolia Parkway Intermediate were named this year’s winners. The district also honored paraprofessional nominees from each campus, naming Malissa Carker from Magnolia Intermediate 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 Canon, Colton, Commissioner Charlie Riley, First America Homes, Houston Methodist, Kresston by Johnson Development, LTY Engineers, Magnolia Education Foundation, Magnolia Soap & Bath, Stewart Builders, and VLK Architects.

The Platinum Sponsors included 5 Point Credit Union, America's ER, B&C Constructors, Chick-fil-A, H-E-B, Precinct 5 Constable Chris Jones, Liberty Energy, Magnolia Pharmacy, Magnolia Rotary Club, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, Stuckey's Texas Renaissance Festival, Whataburger, and Woodforest Bank.

The Gold Sponsors included Christian Brothers Automotive, Photo Texas, Raising Cane's, Speed Pro, and Trademarks.

Campus Teachers of the Year:

Audubon Elementary - Taylor Golze

Bear Branch Elementary - Stephanie Simpson 

Ellisor Elementary - Christina Ely

Lyon Elementary - Herbie Arellano   

Magnolia Elementary - Amy Lea

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Mindy Wilson (Distrct Elementary Teacher of the Year) 

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Sarah Shingler

Smith Elementary - Mackenzie Melloy           

Williams Elementary - Lauren Mulgrew            

Bear Branch Intermediate - Dena White

Magnolia Intermediate - Monica Jacobs (District Secondary Teacher of the Year) 

Magnolia Parkway Intermediate - Tera Reynolds      

Bear Branch Junior High - Emily Tallent   

Magnolia Junior High - Samantha Shepherd 

Magnolia Parkway Junior High - Karen Coldwell                       

Magnolia High School - Misty Thomson       

Magnolia West High School -  Jason Farra 

 

Campus Rookies of the Year: 

Audubon Elementary - Sydney Stanton

Bear Branch Elementary - Taylor Sumner

Ellisor Elementary - Scotlon Moore (District Elementary Rookie of the Year)     

Lyon Elementary -  Tara Barbee        

Magnolia Elementary - Cassie Yeatman         

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Kirsten Beasley

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Melissa Mauney   

Smith Elementary - Elissa Hopper  

Williams Elementary -  Rachel Hodges         

Bear Branch Intermediate - Alexis Tipton  

Magnolia Intermediate -  Kayla Gunn   

Magnolia Parkway Intermediate - Madaline Cannon (District Secondary Rookie of the Year) )

Bear Branch Junior High -  Chelsea Granados  

Magnolia Junior High -  Alex Nevarez      

Magnolia Parkway Junior High - Jason Gardner

Magnolia High School - Teague Moore          

Magnolia West High School - Vada Taunton    

 

Campus Paraprofessionals of the Year: 

Audubon Elementary - Maura Wiggins 

Bear Branch Elementary - Sofia Melgoza   

Ellisor Elementary - Karine Deleon   

Lyon Elementary - Suzie Hernandez  

Magnolia Elementary - Donnette Rusk       

Magnolia Parkway Elementary - Lori Droemer

Nichols Sawmill Elementary - Christina Milsaps 

Smith Elementary - Lorena Santoyo Ochoa     

Williams Elementary -  Jacquelyn Martinez        

Bear Branch Intermediate -  Tiffany Wright           

Magnolia Intermediate - Malissa Carker (District Paraprofessional of the Year)

Magnolia Parkway Intermediate - DJ Wilson, Jr.      

Bear Branch Junior High -  Dameon Holmes, II   

Magnolia Junior High -  Emmy Wiley

Magnolia Parkway Junior High - Rebekah Russell

Magnolia High School -  Elizabeth Hooper           

Magnolia West High School -  Megan Kruse       

 

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