BRENHAM ISD EDUCATORS HONORED AT BRAZOS VALLEY EDUCATOR AWARDS

  

Brenham ISD educators were among those recognized on Friday during the 2025 Brazos Valley Educator Awards at the Brazos County Expo.

The district had finalists in most major award categories, and three officials received top honors.

Superintendent Clay Gillentine was named Superintendent of the Year.  Misti Davis, counselor at Brenham Elementary School, was awarded Professional of the Year.  Heather Kaldis, a teacher at Brenham High School, earned High School Teacher of the Year and the Red Apple Award, the event’s highest distinction which goes to the individual with the most public votes across all categories.

Gillentine said the awards do more than just reflect individual achievement, as they “represent the collective spirit of Brenham ISD — a district where students come first, and every staff member plays a role in shaping the future.”  He said he is “incredibly proud to be part of this team.”

Finalists for other awards included:

• Campus Administrator of the Year - Melissa Boenker, Principal at Brenham Early Childhood Learning Center; Will Corn, Assistant Principal at Brenham Junior High School
• Paraprofessional of the Year - Keianna Wade-Smith, Brenham Early Childhood Learning Center
• Collegiate-Level Teacher of the Year - Madison Ruiz, Dual Credit Educator at Brenham High School
• Middle School Teacher of the Year - Dylan Klovenski, Brenham Junior High School
• Elementary Teacher of the Year - Kristi Pharaon, Alton Elementary School
• Rookie Teacher of the Year - Tiffany Reagan, Brenham Early Childhood Learning Center

Misti Davis said being honored as Professional of the Year was meaningful and humbling, adding, “I love what I do, and I feel incredibly blessed to walk alongside our students and families each day.  This recognition is shared with my colleagues and campus family who inspire me with their hearts and commitment.”

Reflecting on her double win, Heather Kaldis shared, “It’s overwhelming in the best way.  To be named Teacher of the Year and receive the Red Apple Award is something I never expected.  I’m just grateful to be able to do what I love and to be part of a district that supports its teachers so fully.”

The Brazos Valley Educator Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to education and promote regional collaboration.  The annual event highlights the efforts of educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.