Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Service
Each year, members from the 20 TEPSA Regions throughout the state recognize a colleague for their exemplary service to the association. Recipients of this award must show a strong commitment to advancing the principalship and advocating for Texas PK-8 students and educators.
Honorees will be recognized at the Legacy Leaders Celebration, Monday, June 8 at the Round Rock Kalahari. The 2026 Region TEPSANs of the Year are:
- Dilia Cornett, San Benito CISD, Region 1
- Noemy Renee Garcia, Adams Middle School, Alice ISD, Region 2
- Lisa Hildebrand, Torres Elementary, Victoria ISD, Region 3
- Emily Laird, Barrett-Lee Early Childhood Center, Channelview ISD, Region 4
- Dr. Rachel Polk, Hardin Elementary, Hardin ISD, Region 5
- Sarah Winkelman, Sealy Elementary, Sealy ISD, Region 6
- Alison Thorn, Broaddus Elementary, Broaddus ISD, Region 7
- Amanda Jones, Brice Elementary, Mount Pleasant ISD, Region 8
- Kevin Hunter, Overton Ray Elementary, Burkburnett ISD, Region 9
- Erin Whisenhunt, Garner Fine Arts Academy, Grand Prairie ISD, Region 10
- Ben Kirton, Hurst Jr High, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Region 11
- Keegan Webb, Oglesby Elementary, Oglesby ISD, Region 12
- Kellie Raymond, Dripping Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13
- Alana McClure, Buffalo Gap Elementary, Jim Ned CISD, Region 14
- Christi Burks, East Elementary, Brownwood ISD, Region 15
- Arely Diaz, Willow Vista Early Child Academy, River Road ISD, Region 16
- Michelle Horton, Dodson Primary, Denver City ISD, Region 17
- Kristin Tubb, Washington Elementary, Big Spring ISD, Region 18
- Dr. Elisa Aranda, Herrera Elementary, El Paso ISD, Region 19
- Rebecca Herrera, South San Antonio ISD, Region 20
“We are proud to recognize these educators’ outstanding contributions to our Association,” said TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart. “These members are the backbone of our organization, playing a pivotal role in shaping its direction and ensuring its success. Their active participation and innovative ideas help build a robust network, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change within our community.”
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA has more than 5,900 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PK-8 school children.
