More than 700 educators, staff, and community members gathered at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land with one shared purpose: to celebrate the Lamar CISD individuals who make a difference in the lives of students and staff.  

On April 24, Lamar CISD honored the 2025–2026 Teachers and Support Staff Members of the Year, recognizing the staff members who lead with purpose, serve with heart, and create environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

Across the district, student success is not driven by one role. It is built through the collective impact of educators, mentors, and staff who show up each day ready to support, encourage, and uplift students. From the classroom to behind-the-scenes roles, each honoree represents the culture that defines Lamar CISD.  

One of the most powerful moments of the night came with historic recognition. For the first time in district history, one of the top honors was awarded to an elementary support staff member in custodial services. 

Her work begins long before the first bell rings, preparing a safe and welcoming space for students, but her impact goes far beyond the campus walls. Through daily interactions, consistency, and care, she helps create a learning environment where students feel valued and supported—often in ways that go unseen, but never unfelt. 

Her recognition serves as a reminder that those individuals helping shape the future of students are not always in the classroom—but their impact is just as meaningful. 

“In Lamar CISD, our people are the change makers,” said Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens. “These individuals inspire and bring out the best in those around them and show us all what a daily commitment to student success looks like.” 

Following a campus nomination and district selection process, the following individuals were named district winners for the 2025–2026 school year: 

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Crystal Mitchell, Lindsey Elementary School (Special Education Resource & Inclusion) 

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Andrew Murray, Banks Junior High School (CTE: Principles of Engineering) 

Elementary Support Staff Member of the Year: Lilian Gomez, Hutchison Elementary School (Custodial Services) 

Secondary Support Staff Member of the Year: Karinda Sowell, Reading Junior High School (Campus Testing Coordinator & Cheer Sponsor) 

Rookie of the Year: Emma Boyce, Tomas High School (Math) 

 

After the ceremony, the honorees reflected on the recognition and the work that led them there. 

“I honestly feel overwhelmed,” Murray said. “I was just grateful to be in the room, and to hear my name called was just beyond anything I really thought about or imagined.” 

For Boyce, the moment marked a full-circle milestone early in her career. “Less than a year ago, I was walking across the stage to get my degree, and now I’m helping students walk across the stage to get a high school diploma,” she said. “It’s amazing.” 

Mitchell shared that her decision to join Lamar CISD was rooted in the district’s commitment to students. “We’re given the opportunity to empower kids, to empower the next generation, to think boldly and think innovatively,” she said. “I just wanted to be a part of it.” 

From first-year teachers beginning their careers to experienced staff shaping campus culture, each honoree reflects a shared commitment to excellence, compassion, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.  

The event was made possible in part by key sponsors including Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, and Legacy Ford in Rosenberg, which participated in the event and helped recognize district honorees. Additional sponsors included Physicians Premier ER, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Lawn Greetings – Fort Bend, Houston Methodist Sugar Land, Portillo’s, Relentless Ink, South Tejas Gems, A Tropical Haven, Texas Regional Bank, and Texas Roadhouse.