Jerome Cargile, Watkins Middle School Teacher of the Year honoree, shakes hands with Dr. Doug Killian, CFISD superintendent, during the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation’s (CFEF) 28th annual Salute to the Stars Gala on March 6 at the Berry Center. Cargile, along with 95 other Teacher of the Year honorees, two paraeducators and two support staff members, were recognized during the gala.

March 12, 2025—The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) held its 28th annual Salute to the Stars Gala in honor of CFISD’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year honorees March 6 at the Berry Center.   

Gala underwriter Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union joined major sponsors PBK, Balfour, TrueNorth, Shutterfly Lifetouch, LLC., Howard Hughes, Prime Contractors, Inc., Community Impact and LED Partners in celebrating the accomplishments of 96 Teacher of the Year honorees, two paraeducators and two support staff members.

Lindsey Ballinas, Fiest Elementary School Teacher of the Year honoree, was selected to win $500 courtesy of Pride and Recognition at the Salute to the Stars Gala held March 6 at the Berry Center. Each Teacher of the Year honoree was showered with gifts during the gala, with some lucky teachers being selected by random draw to win checks varying from $250, $500 and $1,000.

“Salute to the Stars was a phenomenal success and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our outstanding teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff,” said Marie Holmes, CFEF executive director. “This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community and generous sponsors, whose commitment to education helps us honor those who make a difference every day. Together, we shine a light on the dedication and passion that fuel student success.”

Honorees and guests were greeted by members of the Cypress Ridge High School Dazzlers dance team and enjoyed a performance from the Jersey Village High School drumline. Butch Milks of Balfour served as the gala’s master of ceremonies and Chiney Ogwumike, Cy-Fair High School graduate and ESPN host, served as a guest emcee. Dr. Doug Killian, CFISD superintendent, individually thanked all honorees for their hard work and dedication. As each honoree left the stage, they were presented with a gift.

Members of the Jersey Village High School drumline helped welcome Salute to the Stars honorees and gusts to their seats as they entered the Berry Center arena on March 6.

Gala patrons were invited to participate in a raffle and silent auction, featuring different gift baskets and larger prizes, with all proceeds going towards CFEF scholarships. Several lucky teachers were also selected by random draw to win checks varying in amounts of $250, $500 and $1,000.

The gala ended with Julia Gomez, Langham Creek High School nutrition services manager and district support staff honoree, winning the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union Trip to Paris giveaway.

Teacher of the Year honorees are selected annually by campus principals for their outstanding dedication in providing valuable instruction to students in CFISD. Honored paraeducators and support staff members are also selected each year by supervisors for their outstanding dedication through their notable work throughout CFISD.

Members of the Cypress Ridge High School Dazzlers dance team helped welcome Salute to the Stars honorees and guests to the Berry Center on March 6.

The following educators were recognized as 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year honorees:

Julia Gomez, Langham Creek High School nutrition services manager and CFISD district support staff honoree, third from left, poses for a photo after being selected to win the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Untion’s Trip to Paris giveaway at the CFEF’s 28th annual Salute to the Stars Gala on March 6 at the Berry Center.