LCPS names semi-finalists, finalists for 2026 Campus Employees of the Year awards
Las Cruces Public Schools announced semi-finalists and finalists for its 2026 Campus Employees of the Year awards, with winners to be named April 24.
Winners in four categories will be announced April 24 during Celebration of Excellence dinner
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools recognized educators and staff this week and announced semi-finalists and finalists for its 2026 Campus Employees of the Year awards.
District leaders revealed the honorees during a ceremony Wednesday at Columbia Elementary School, highlighting employees across multiple campuses and roles.
“This evening’s recognition isn’t just about the incredible work you do,” Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz told attendees, “it’s also about the fact that your peers have chosen you for this honor. That speaks volumes about the impact you have on our students and our community. Thank you for the work you do every day.”
Each campus nominates its Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Personnel of the Year, while the district selects Principal of the Year and the new Service and Leadership Professional of the Year through a community-wide nomination process that includes staff, students and families.
Teacher of the Year semi-finalists will now advance to classroom observations, with three finalists selected before the final award announcement.
LCPS will announce winners in all categories April 24 during the Celebration of Excellence dinner hosted by the Las Cruces Public Schools Foundation. Finalists and winners will receive cash prizes funded by community donors. For more information, visit lcpsf.org.
The Teacher of the Year winner will represent the district in the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program. In 2025, East Picacho Elementary educator Nancy Orta earned the statewide honor.
Teacher of the Year
Semi-finalists:
- Emily Bennett, Doña Ana Elementary School
- Daisy Granados, Tombaugh Elementary School
- Jackie Scarborough, Camino Real Middle School
- Kristen Silver, Mesa Middle School
- Jennifer White, Mayfield High School
Finalists:
Semi-finalists will advance to classroom observations to determine three finalists.
Educational Support Personnel of the Year
Semi-finalists:
- Frank Dominguez, Mayfield High School
- Anna Flamio, Organ Mountain High School
- Jamie Foy, Hillrise Elementary School
- Karina Herrera, LCPS Bilingual Community Outreach
- Peggy Herrod, Vista Middle School
- Ernesto Johnsey, Sonoma Elementary School
- Gloria Lucero-Ratliff, Columbia Elementary School
- Alex Ramirez, Zia Middle School
- Marcella Rodriguez, Arrowhead Park Early College High School
Finalists:
- Jamie Foy, Hillrise Elementary School
- Anna Flamio, Organ Mountain High School
- Peggy Herrod, Vista Middle School
Principal of the Year
Finalists:
- Sonia Campos, Conlee Elementary School
- Eric Fraass, Mayfield High School
- Dora Solis, Sunrise Elementary School
Service and Leadership Professional of the Year
Semi-finalists:
- Veronica Chavez, Loma Heights Elementary School
- Melissa Leyva, LCPS Information Operations
- April Marquez, Lynn Middle School
- Giovanna Musitano, East Picacho Elementary School
- Karen Sivils, LCPS Special Education
Finalists:
- April Marquez, Lynn Middle School
- Giovanna Musitano, East Picacho Elementary School
- Karen Sivils, Las Cruces Public Schools
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