Austin Independent School District Finalists Named for Salute Awards

About the Salute Awards

Drumroll, please! Salute, the annual staff celebration of Austin Independent School District, is just three weeks away. Setting precedence, the School District is diversifying its recognition categories to value the contributions of even more of its exceptional team members this year.

Why Recognition Matters

The district realizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all its staff members in providing a premium educational experience to its students and families. The commitment to service begins with the transportation staff ensuring safe daily commute for students, extends to the food service team that ensures healthy meals, the custodial and maintenance staff responsible for the upkeep of learning environments, as well as campus safety and security staff dedicated to the welfare of students. The administrative staff that coordinates learning access and the teachers and teaching assistants who directly engage with the students are all integral to the process.

A standing ovation is in order for the finalists in these ten categories! The district looks forward to declaring the winners at the Salute Awards presentation on May 8.

Salute Awards 2024 Finalists

Teacher of the Year

1. Paola Arroyo-Forteza, Harris Elementary School
2. Jill Stockton, Brentwood Elementary School
3. Coleen Azeez, Webb Middle School
4. Cameron Daniel, LBJ Early College High School

Teaching Assistant of the Year

1. Cynthia Meza, Langford Elementary School
2. Adrianna Hill, Crockett Early College High School
3. Isamar Albiter Suarez, Norman-Sims Elementary School

Counselor of the Year

1. Evelyn Ramirez, Langford Elementary School
2. Lisa Adams, Summitt Elementary School
3. Lisa Reza, Garza High School

Librarian of the Year

1. Debby Harris, Blazier Elementary School
2. Amy Gibbs, Joslin Elementary School
3. Sarah Ruttan, Ridgetop Elementary School

Campus Clerical Staff of the Year

1. Giovanna Montalvo-Sanchez, Travis Heights Elementary School
2. Sara Sanchez, Mills Elementary School
3. Marie Vasquez, Zavala Elementary School

Assistant Principal of the Year

1. Melissa Kender, Marshall Middle School
2. Sachi Edson, Clifton Career Development School
3. Melissa Puga, Highland Park Elementary School

Principal of the Year

1. Beth Cantu, Baranoff Elementary School
2. Marlo Malott, O.Henry Middle School
3. Michael Herbin, Akins Early College High School

Transportation Staff of the Year

1. Linda Shelby, Nelson Terminal
2. Daniel Webb, Southeast Terminal
3. Tamara Buchanan, Saegert Terminal

Campus Safety and Security Staff of the Year

1. Val Barnes, Austin ISD Police
2. Kevin Wooden, Austin ISD Police
3. Virginia Rodriguez, Murchison Middle School

Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year

1. Joshua Gomez, Oak Hill Elementary School
2. Irma Escobar de Beltran, Zilker Elementary School
3. Barbara Mulkey, Graham Elementary School

Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year

1. Wilson Gonzalez, Mathews Elementary School
2. Rubi Orduna, Joslin Elementary School
3. Mary Jane Kistler, Travis Early College High School

Stay Tuned for Updates

Keep an eye out for more updates to witness the recognition of these remarkable individuals at the upcoming Salute Awards!