OCPS is celebrating the people who make our schools shine – with a night full of sparkle and well-deserved recognition.

On Friday, Jan. 30, the district will gather at Rosen Shingle Creek for the 2025-26 Stellar Awards, presented by Orlando Health. This event is part of the district’s recognition of top educators and staff whose hard work, creativity and dedication strengthen our schools and support our students.

Now in its eighth year, the Stellar Awards will honor more than 500 employees across the district.  These honorees were nominated by their principals, administrators, or division chiefs and represent five key categories: Teacher, Support Person, Principal, Assistant Principal and District Administrator of the Year.

And then there are the finalists: 19 exceptional individuals who received the news with a personal surprise by Superintendent Maria Vazquez! Each reveal came with cheers, tears and the kind of joy that reminds us why this night matters so much.

Teacher of the Year

• Laura Fiallo, Dillard Street Elementary
• Susan Peoski, Edgewater High
• Cheyenne Williams, Princeton Elementary
• Daisha Velandia, Sadler Elementary
• Alexandra Figueroa, Village Park Elementary

Support Person of the Year

• Christine Muchow, Clay Springs Elementary
• Susana Ramos Villanueva, Federal Programs
• Justin Riggs, McCoy Elementary
• Gabriela Cardani, Water Spring Elementary
• Laura Heintzelman, West Orange High

Principal of the Year

• Amy Klaber, Bridgewater Middle
• Cicely Marks, Eccleston Elementary
• Johndrell Jones, Liberty Middle

Assistant Principal of the Year

• Elvon Nelson, Lockhart Elementary
• Rebecca Young, MetroWest Elementary
• Joni Casamento, Rosemont Elementary

District Administrator of the Year

• Carlos Hernandez, Communications Division
• Kim Gilbert, Division of Learning, Academic Office
• Christopher Reed, Operations Division

Each Stellar Awards celebration is a chance to highlight the individuals who help OCPS students and staff learn, grow and succeed. From classrooms and cafeterias to buses, offices and beyond, these honorees represent the very best of who we are as a district.

The full list of 2026 Stellar Awards honorees is on the district’s Stellar website.