Austin Independent School District announced on Mar. 10 the finalists for the 2026 Salute Awards, an annual event that recognizes outstanding staff members in ten different categories. The district received more than 1,500 nominations from staff, students, and families between November and January.
The Salute Awards highlight the contributions of employees in roles ranging from custodial and food service to teaching assistants and principals. Finalists include Virginia Molina, Ivan Tovar, and Carlos Valle for Custodial and Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year; Bernadette Diaz, Carrie Crouch, and Ofelia Diaz for Food Service and Warehouse Staff of the Year; Jacqui Willis, Kimberly Hurtado, and Kevin Monzon for Transportation Staff of the Year; Dariuska Li-Gonzalez, Jennifer Staller, and Maria Esquivel for Teaching Assistant of the Year; Jami Kirkland, Corine Robbins, and Melissa Alvarez for Campus Professional Staff of the Year; Lynn Tellechea, Nery Gouldner, and Carmen Alvarado for Campus Support Staff of the Year; Courtney Ewing, Tara Lane Bowman, and Katy Price for Library Staff of the Year; Kristel Sans, Kelli Kirk, and Adriane Kimmel for Counseling Staff of the Year; Kristin Troegle, Kevin Owens, and Martha Sanchez for Administration Staff of the Year; as well as Shana King, Brian Lancaster, Leyla Olano, and Diana Vallejo as Principal of the Year finalists.
Winners will be announced at Austin ISD’s annual Salute event on May 6. The district said this year’s honorees will also be recognized during that ceremony.
The Austin Independent School District supports a multicultural environment with over 100 languages spoken by students according to its official website. The district operates 116 diverse school communities including elementary schools as well as early college high schools according to its official website. It maintains a graduation rate of 93.3 percent while exceeding state averages on SAT and ACT scores according to its official website.
Serving more than 72,000 students with over 5,000 classroom teachers according to its official website, Austin ISD focuses on partnering with families and community members to prepare students for success in college or careers according to its official website. Instruction is provided in more than 100 languages with programs offered in eleven languages other than English according to its official website.
The announcement reflects ongoing efforts by Austin ISD to recognize excellence among its staff while supporting a diverse student body.
