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Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD recognized its top educators on April 16 during the annual Teacher of the Year banquet. Held at the Nancy Watten Technology & Events Center, the district announced its Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.
Hosted by the CFB Educational Foundation, the ceremony featured a dinner and a special performance by the R.L. Turner “Los Leones” mariachi ensemble in celebration of the teachers’ dedication to student success.
“It is an absolute honor for the CFB Educational Foundation to continue our tradition of hosting this celebration,” said Donna Wald, the foundation’s executive director. “By investing in these educators, we are investing in the future of our entire community.”
Superintendent Dr. Wendy Eldredge emphasized the human element of the profession before announcing the night’s top honors.
“These educators are the heartbeat of our schools,” Eldredge said. “While technology like AI can provide information, it cannot provide the mentorship or emotional support our students need to thrive. Our teachers are the reason our kids show up for school every day.”
Chrishae Powell, a fourth-grade teacher at Sheffield Elementary, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. Meason Kolkhorst, an aerospace engineering teacher at Ranchview High School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.
In addition to this recognition, both honorees received a $1,000 cash award from Randolph Brooks Credit Union, a free online degree program from Abilene Christian University, and an official proclamation from state Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez. Powell and Kolkhorst will now have the opportunity to advance to the regional Teacher of the Year competition.
Every campus honoree was recognized on stage, receiving an award and a certificate of achievement from the Texas House of Representatives. Thanks to a generous donation from longtime CFB supporters and event sponsors Pat and Al Enlow, each teacher also received a $200 gift.
Several sponsors, including event champions Pat and Al Enlow and the law firm Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP, supported the event.
“We are so grateful to our generous sponsors for investing in our teachers and making this event possible,” Wald said.
Proceeds from the event will directly support “Great Start Grants,” providing $1,000 to each CFBISD campus to help address essential financial needs at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.
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