2018 YWPN EDUCATORS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Young Women’s Preparatory Network is proud to announce the names of the inaugural YWPN Educators of Excellence Award winners. This exciting new incentive program was established to help celebrate the hard work and commitment of the educators serving the young women in the eight YWPN schools located throughout the state of Texas. The sixteen honorees were nominated by their principals and selected from amongst 42 nominees. They underwent a rigorous selection process, which included a comprehensive application, an interview, and the evaluation of a 30-minute lesson.

The following eligibility requirements were required of all applicants:

• Has taught in a YWPN school for 3+ years
• Participates in multiple forms of professional development
• Exhibits leadership in school and community activities

The following recipients are being recognized for their dedication to their campuses and their students. These exceptional educators play an integral part in advancing their school’s college preparatory mission and promoting the core values on which the YWPN was founded: Leadership, College Readiness, and Health/Wellness.

Congratulations to the 2018 Young Women’s Preparatory Network Educators of Excellence Award winners!

Stephanie Aguilera

Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX

7th grade math pre-ap, 6th grade AVID, and administrative intern

Amber Bailey

Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth, TX

Art Pathway, High School Art Teacher

Shamaa Lakshmanan

Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin, TX

9th and 11th grade: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Introduction to Engineering Design

Shannon McMackin

Talkington School for Young Women Leaders – Lubbock, TX

AP English Literature and Composition, Pre-AP English I, Professional Communication

Sarah Walker

Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin, TX

9th – 12th English and Journalism

Astra Zeno

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy – Houston, TX

Engineering/Computer Science

Colby Allen: Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth

Arkette Baptiste: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School-Dallas

Marisa Castanon-Hernandez: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin   Brianne Wesler: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders-Austin

Kim Collins: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin

Michelle Grajeda: Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio

Karen Harris: Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio

Stephen Howard: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin

Diana O’Connor: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas

Bridget Smith: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas

Kim Turner: Margaret Talkington School for Young Women Leaders – Lubbock

Click here to seethe 2019 Educators of Excellence.