Farmers Branch Elementary teacher named Teacher of the Year

Summer Garcia, a second-grade bilingual teacher at Farmers Branch Elementary, was named as Elementary Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet on Thursday, April 17, at the Nancy Watten Event Center. Garcia is a proud graduate of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District and has worked in the district for five years.

This year’s event, hosted by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Educational Foundation, brought together district staff, community sponsors and proud families and friends to honor the teachers. 

Jonathan Cartray of Creekview High School, a dedicated educator with 16 years of service to CFBISD, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year. Demonstrating his commitment, Cartray was attending a Law Academy competition with his students on the night of the event, where they celebrated his achievement with him at the hotel.

"Our Teachers of the Year truly represent the best of the best within our district," Superintendent Wendy Eldredge said. "These passionate individuals pour their hearts and souls into their work, consistently going above and beyond for our students. It is a privilege to recognize their exceptional contributions."

“The CFB Educational Foundation was thrilled to host the Teacher of the Year event for the first time,” Donna Wald, CFB Educational Foundation executive director, said. “Our teachers are the heart of our district, and we look forward to honoring them each year.” 

Cartray and Garcia were surprised with a $1,000 cash award, generously donated by Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Abilene Christian University also gifted both teachers with a free online degree program of their choice. Additionally, they each received an official proclamation from the Texas House of Representatives. Both teachers will now advance to compete for regional and potentially national Teacher of the Year honors.

“We are so grateful to our generous sponsors and for investing in our teachers and making this event possible,” Wald said. 

The proceeds from this event will directly support Great Start Grants, which will provide $1,000 to each CFBISD campus to assist with essential financial needs at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Attendees enjoyed dinner and had the opportunity to participate in an interactive photo booth. The night also featured musical entertainment from Barbara Bush Middle School pianist Desmond Henderson and the R.L. Turner High School choir.

Each Campus Teacher of the Year was honored on stage, receiving their award and posing for a photograph with representatives from the Event Champion Underwriters, Credit Union of Texas and El Rincon. Long-time supporters of CFBISD, Al and Pat Enlow, generously donated $6,000, allowing each teacher to receive a monetary gift. Adding to the recognition, members of the Texas House of Representatives attended the event to present each teacher with a special certificate acknowledging their achievement.