Exceptional educators honored at 2026 Educator of the Year celebration
The Cherry Creek School District honored 62 outstanding educators at its 2026 Educator of the Year event on April 23 at the Denver Marriott South. Each honoree was selected for their dedication to students, innovative teaching, and commitment to helping every learner reach their potential.
Honorees ranged from kindergarten through high school and included classroom teachers, subject specialists, and staff such as art and music teachers, physical education instructors, a speech language pathologist, a moderate needs teacher, and a technology coordinator. Despite their varied roles, all share a commitment to student success.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Perry welcomed educators and their families and thanked them for their excellence. The Overland Sicilian Singers, directed by Phil Drozda, performed three songs showcasing their acclaimed, high-level choir program. The Cherry Creek School Board also recognized the honorees, who received awards designed by students at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus.
Congratulations to the 2026 Cherry Creek School District Educator of the Year honorees:
- Lauren Alpert, School Psychologist, Timberline Elementary
- Luke Appleton, Social Studies Teachers, Infinity Middle School
- David Ashcraft, Kindergarten Teacher, Polton Elementary
- Kurtis Bailey, Social Studies Teachers, Grandview High School
- Darcy Ballentine, Fourth Grade Teacher, Heritage Elementary
- Amanda Bockelmann, Fifth Grade Teacher, Red Hawk Ridge Elementary
- Dana Boyd, Speech Language Pathologist, Pine Ridge Elementary
- Sarah Branton, Vocal Music Teacher, Cherry Creek High School
- Jessica Brevik, Severe Needs Teacher, Buffalo Trail Elementary
- Heather Brownell, Physical Education Teacher, Homestead Elementary
- Jacqueline Cermeno, Interventionist, Peakview Elementary
- Scott Cohen, Activities Director, Smoky Hill High School
- Erika DeBell, Physical Education Teacher, Liberty Middle School
- Audra Dunleavy, CTE Hospitality and Tourism, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
- Eric Eidson, CTE Technical Theater, Design and Technology Teacher, Eaglecrest High School
- Samantha Eisenbarth, First Grade Teacher, Sagebrush Elementary
- Melinda Emch, Social Studies Teacher, Cherokee Trail High School
- Endesha Flanigan, Second Grade Teacher, Sunrise Elementary
- Angelle Frilot, Options Program Teacher, Cherry Creek Options Program
- Sarah Gosselin, Math Teacher, Thunder Ridge Middle School
- Darin Gunnett, STEM Teacher, Rolling Hills Elementary
- Alecia Heroux, Moderate Needs Teacher, Dakota Valley Elementary
- Ryan Housh, English/Language Arts Teacher, Prairie Middle School
- Shawna Johnson, Kindergarten Teacher, Meadow Point Elementary
- Taylor Kallsen, Kindergarten Teacher, Aspen Crossing Elementary
- Katrina Kass, School Psychologist, Dry Creek Elementary
- Allie Kohne, Kindergarten Teacher, Black Forest Hills Elementary
- Jessica Lakin, Sixth Grade Math Teacher, Fox Ridge Middle School
- Deb Lienemann, Second Grade Teacher, Walnut Hills Community Elementary
- Jamie Logan, English Teacher, Overland High School
- Timothy Lorenz, Social Studies Teacher, Overland High School
- Ann Lujan, CTE Business and Marketing Teacher, Grandview High School
- Dr. Michele McBride, Language Arts Interventionist, Village East Elementary
- Lisa McMillon, Kindergarten Teacher, Ponderosa Elementary
- Jessamyn Miller, Drama Teacher, Eaglecrest High School
- Caitlin Montoya, Student Support Administrator, Cherry Creek Compass Program
- Zach Moody, English/Language Arts Teacher, Sky Vista Middle School
- Rachelle Moorhead, Kindergarten Teacher, Woodland Elementary
- Kimmy Oliver, Second Grade Teacher, Fox Hollow Elementary
- Sabrina Paquette, Fourth Grade Teacher, Highline Community Elementary
- Bonnie Patterson, First Grade Teacher, High Plains Elementary
- Amber Paynter, Technology Coordinator, Cherry Creek Elevation
- Jon Pierce, Technology Teacher, Challenge School
- Sarah Ramsey, English Teacher, Cherry Creek High School
- Alex Ricker, Fourth Grade Teacher, Creekside Elementary
- Melissa Roberts-Brysh, Math Teacher, Smoky Hill High School
- Gabriel Roussere, CTE Aerospace Manufacturing Teacher, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
- Kyle Senger, Math Teacher, Cherry Creek Link Program
- Janelle Sowers, Art Teacher, Foote Youth Services Center
- Molly Spradley, Math Teacher, West Middle School
- Gosia Stoner, ELS Specialist, Cherokee Trail High School
- Susan Stroeher, Kindergarten Teacher, Cottonwood Creek Elementary
- Christine Sullivan Martinez, School Nurse, Grandview High School
- Courtney Throndson, Art Teacher, Traverse Academy
- Leslie Topic, Second Grade Teacher, Campus Middle School
- Kirk Wahlborg, CTE Engineering and Technology Teacher, Falcon Creek Middle School
- Lisa Watson, Kindergarten Teacher, Cimarron Elementary
- Hailey Wilkinson, Language Arts Teacher, Horizon Community Middle School
- Anna Winston, Severe Needs Teacher, Altitude Elementary
- Jordyn Wood, Math Teacher, Laredo Middle School
- Lauren Zuiker, Third Grade Teacher, Dry Creek Elementary