Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications
The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation hosted its 16th annual Students’ Choice Awards on Tuesday evening, celebrating the extraordinary impact teachers have on students' lives across the district.
This year, 598 letters were submitted by graduating seniors sharing stories of mentorship, perseverance, and the teachers who believed in them and supported them along the way. From those submissions, the Education Foundation Marketing Committee selected 15 educators to be honored during the ceremony.
Unlike traditional recognitions, the Students’ Choice Awards are driven entirely by student voice. Each honoree was nominated by a senior who chose to publicly thank the teacher who made a lasting difference in their academic journey and personal growth.
Pictured, from left, Anahi Guzman, Melissa Madden Truncale, Alesha Tate, Marissa Gonzalez, Ann Brown, Michelle Hix, and Howard Ghere. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
During the program, Superintendent Dr. Joe Rodriguez and Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees President Jim Campisi shared reflections on the importance of teachers and the educators who made a lasting impact on their own lives.
“This truly is the best night of the year,” said Dr. Anna Espinoza, Director of Education Foundation and Partnerships. “Tonight, we heard powerful stories of encouragement, high expectations, and teachers who never gave up on their students. That is the heart of our district.”
2026 Students’ Choice Award Honorees
The following educators were recognized during the 16th annual Goose Creek CISD Students’ Choice Awards. Each teacher was nominated by a graduating senior who wished to recognize the lasting impact that the educator had on their academic journey.
- Kiara Rosado, Ross S. Sterling High School — Laraina Hunt, George H. Gentry Junior School
- Emmery Ripke, Ross S. Sterling High School — Shauna Bernshausen, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Isabell Espinoza, Ross S. Sterling High School — April Garcia, Highlands Elementary
- Isabelle Ballard, Ross S. Sterling High School — Taylor Kurbad-Veal, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Aryana Ortiz, Goose Creek Memorial High School — Roman Huizar, Goose Creek Memorial High School
- Claire Boullion, Ross S. Sterling High School — Howard Ghere, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Luis Duran, Ross S. Sterling High School — Michelle Hix, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Kylie Gonzalez, Ross S. Sterling High School — Ann Brown, Baytown Junior School
- Marissa Gonzalez, Ross S. Sterling High School — Alesha Tate, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Anahi Guzman, Ross S. Sterling High School — Melissa Madden-Truncale, Johnny T. Clark Jr. Elementary
- Alexa Prieto, Ross S. Sterling High School — Roxolyn Anson, Ross S. Sterling High School
- Cheyenne Simon, Ross S. Sterling High School — Jade Cherry, Robert E. Lee High School
- Sharon Lagunas, Ross S. Sterling High School — Marcus Goodlow, Cedar Bayou Junior School
- Mia Guerrero, Ross S. Sterling High School — Richard Hamilton, George H. Gentry Junior School
- Monserrat Nieto, Ross S. Sterling High School — Adriana Cienfuegos, Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary
Established in 2009, the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching teaching, inspiring learning, and creating opportunities for excellence for every student. Through the generosity of community supporters, the Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants and designated resources to GCCISD schools and classrooms.