The District congratulates the many employees, schools and programs recognized for going above and beyond this year.
Frisco ISD honors the over 8,000 staff members who contribute their talents and dedication in the service of students. In 2025-26, a number of them were celebrated for their exceptional work in the classroom or with the District.
Also this year, campuses and programs earned special recognition through District celebrations — highlighting FISD’s deep commitment to excellence, from classroom to campus and beyond.
Staff and campus success is just one way Frisco ISD celebrates excellence; learn more about academics, fine arts and athletics recognitions this year, as well.
Find a round-up of this year’s academic honors below*:
Staff
Teacher Incentive Allotment - 679 New or Higher Designations
District Teachers of the Year - Cassidy Dorain (Scott) and Katie Ryan (Heritage)
Standing Ovation and Service Pin Recipients - 66 Employees
Frisco Chamber of Commerce Executive Leader of the Year - Dr. Mike Waldrip
BPA Distinguished Administrator of the Year - Dianna Manuel (CTE Center)
BPA Outstanding Advisor of the Year for Area 1 - Matt MacVeigh (Reedy)
NTCA Choreographer of the Year - Justin Madrid (Lone Star)
NTCA Director of the Year - Taylor Tucker (Independence)
CFP Foundation’s Extra Yards for Teachers - Patty Brasuell (Christie), Noreen Ahmad (Lawler), Divya Robert (Staley)
Teachers on the Rise - Callie Eckert (Sparks), Daniel Grenier (Emerson), Bridget Shelden (Scoggins), Chelsea Lux (Minett)
Wide-Format Impressions’ Rising Star - Sabrina Steinberger (Print Shop)
American Prize in Choral Conducting, Community Chorus Division - Janson Guillen (Liberty)
2025 Betty Barringer Texas Middle School Teacher of the Year - Stephanie Conklin (Clark)
2024-25 Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Southwest Region Teacher of the Year - Amanda Miller (Reedy)
Texas Foreign Language Association Administrator of the Year - Andreina Russell
Dallas Regional Science Fair 2026 Teacher Award - Sarah Horowitz (Pioneer Heritage)
Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago - Elizabeth Bonnett (Lebanon Trail)
CoServ Teachers of the Month - Mackenzie Nadeu (Talley), Brody McLemore (Heritage), Shelby Campbell (Rogers), Ashtyn Cowell (Sem)
Grants for Great Ideas - $92,000 Awarded to Educators
DECA Advisor Spotlight - Elizabeth Martin (Reedy)
Campus Teachers of the Year - 77 Teachers
National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year - Alma Hernandez (Frisco)
2025 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award - Khadeeja Miandara (Emerson)
Other celebrations
Project Lead the Way Distinguished High School - Career and Technical Education Center
Texas DECA Chapter of the Year - Emerson High School
2026 School Transforming Learning - Robertson Elementary School
UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships - Wakeland High School
UIL Spirit State Championships - 5 Top 20 Teams; Wakeland 2nd Place
National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat - Boals Elementary School
Frisco ISD Book Bus Introduction and Rollout
Visual and Performing Arts Center Schedule and Preview Week
Best Buddies Chapter of the Year - Hunt Middle School
Go Baby Go Partnership - Early Childhood School and CTE Center
Elite Hockey Academy Partnership
Positive Feedback in Community Survey
*Results are reported to the Communications Department by campus and department staff. Many more students were celebrated for their hard-earned awards through school newsletters and social media.