COPPERAS COVE – Copperas Cove ISD has announced its Employees of the Year for the 2024-25 school year.
These are employees, both instructional and behind the scenes, who have gone above and beyond this year in creating a positive learning environment for all of the almost-8,000 students in Copperas Cove.
Auxiliary departments each nominated their employee of the year, while campuses nominated a paraprofessional, rookie teacher and teacher of the year.
All 38 nominees were celebrated at a banquet sponsored by H-E-B.
“These employees were the best of the best this year and are all incredibly deserving of this honor,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “It truly does take a village to educate a student. I am confident that our village is second to none and we’re glad that we had the opportunity to celebrate these outstanding employees."
Each of 38 honorees received a certificate of achievement from the district and a thank you from Bubba’s 33 in Killeen. All five winners also received a trophy and a $250 check, thanks to H-E-B’s generous contribution.
“H-E-B has long believed that what happens in our schools shapes the future of our state,” said Jennifer Cotter from H-E-B Plus of Copperas Cove. “That believe is only as strong as the incredible people who serve our students every single day, and that is why H-E-B proudly says, ‘We see you, we thank you and we celebrate you.'”
Auxiliary Employee of the Year recognized employees who work in the non-instructional departments vital to the daily operation of CCISD.
Child Nutrition: Rachel Vasquez
Custodial Services: Jessica Fejeran
Maintenance: Dave Cimmino
Student Health Services: Denise Ingram
Technology: Justin Tucker
Transportation: Ronda Dellere
Warehouse Services: Mary Sanchez.
Jessica Fejeran from Custodial Services was named CCISD Auxiliary Employee of the Year.
“Regardless of the everyday ongoing activities, staffing levels or anything else, she is ready to push through each day,” said custodial supervisor Roberto Ramos of Fejeran. “And she does it with a smile and grace.”
Paraprofessional of the Year recognized the work of the various aides and other staff who help execute educational plans for students each day.
Clements/Parsons Elementary School: Melissa Gatewood
Copperas Cove High School: Beth Gallups
Copperas Cove Jr. High School: Amber Snyder
Crossroads High School: Brittany Mabry
Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School: Paloma Nielsen
Hettie Halstead Elementary School: Melanie Malave
House Creek Elementary School: Lance Rollason
Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy: Mary Kay Richmond
Martin Walker Elementary School: Stephanie Horsley
S.C. Lee Jr. High School: Jarterkia Riley
Williams/Ledger Elementary School: Kache Villalobos
Mary Kay Richmond, a library & literacy aide at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, was named CCISD Paraprofessional of the Year.
“Mary Kay has been an invaluable asset to our school, showing an unwavering passion for literature and deep commitment to student success,” said Mae Stevens Assistant Principal Heather Peacock. “Her enthusiasm for reading has created a renewed love of literature on campus and students are excited to visit the library under her care.”
Rookie Teacher of the Year recognized teachers who are new to the profession, but have still made a profound impact on their students and colleagues.
Clements/Parsons Elementary School: Emily Johnson
Copperas Cove High School: Cayla Bostian
Copperas Cove Jr. High School: Tiffany Ropple
Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School: Kyndall Carroll
Hettie Halstead Elementary School: Teegan Smith
House Creek Elementary School: Regine Lagrimas
Martin Walker Elementary School: Kyra Cavazos
S.C. Lee Jr. High School: Pamela Valdez
Williams/Ledger Elementary School: Sarah Zills
Kyra Cavazos from Martin Walker Elementary was named CCISD’s 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year for her quick impact on students’ experience.
“When Kyra Cavazos student-taught at Martin Walker, we immediately recognized her potential and knew we wanted her on our team,” Principal Breanne Turner said. “What we didn’t anticipate, however, was just how exceptional her first year would be. Through hard work and dedication, Ms. Cavazos has built a well-managed classroom of engaged learners that would inspire even the most seasoned teacher.”
Elementary Teacher of the Year recognized the most impactful classroom teachers on each of the district’s seven elementary campuses.
Clements/Parsons Elementary School: Janet Dees
Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School: Todd Hine
Hettie Halstead Elementary School: Stephanie Kinney
House Creek Elementary School: Adeline Hurley
Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy: Sara Janidlo
Martin Walker Elementary School: Brittany Baker
Williams/Ledger Elementary School: LJ Go
LJ Go from Williams/Ledger Elementary School was named CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year and advanced to the ESC Region 12 Teacher of the Year competition.
“Ms. Go is the kind of teacher who makes a lasting impact on both her students and her colleagues,” Principal Jennifer Cresswell said. “She is a constant source of encouragement, celebrating both academic and personal milestones with her students, even keeping up with current trends in pop culture to build relationships with her students while maintaining high expectations.”
Secondary Teacher of the Year recognized the most impactful classroom teachers on each of the middle and high school campuses in CCISD.
Copperas Cove High School: Madison Seifert
Copperas Cove Jr. High School: Mason Miller
Crossroads High School: Renee Moore
S.C. Lee Jr. High School: Pamela Knutson
Madison Seifert, a digital media teacher at Copperas Cove High School, was named CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year and advanced to the ESC Region 12 Teacher of the Year competition.
“Mrs. Seifert’s classroom is a hub of creativity, innovation and school spirit,” said CCHS Associate Principal Robert Turner. “Her hands-on, real-world approach to teaching Digital Media allows students to take ownership of their learning by producing meaningful content that impacts the entire campus in a positive manner.”
CCISD would like to thank its community partners at H-E-B for their generosity in making this event possible and recognizing the hard-working staff in our district.
Pictures from the banquet, including of each nominee, can be viewed on the CCISD Flickr Account.