Denton ISD will honor each campus’s Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year during a celebratory parade tomorrow. The event will bring together students, staff and community members in a drive-through format to recognize each teacher and employee’s dedication and impact in the classroom. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, make signs and show support as the parade of cars from each elementary, middle and high school drives by.
Braswell’s Teacher of the Year is Mr. Daniel Ryan Carr, adviser of the Braswell Student Media program (The Ambush Yearbook, BHS Now Broadcast, and The Bengal Beat News). The Employee of the Year for Braswell is Mrs. Maranatha Middleton, one of the campus’s school nurses.
Carr, a journalism and yearbook adviser, has played a key role in shaping student voices on campus through publications and broadcast programs. Known for emphasizing storytelling, leadership and real-world skills, he has helped students earn recognition while also building a strong sense of community within his classes. While serving at Braswell for the past two year, Carr has had students earn the Runner-Up for the Texas High School Journalist of the Year Award (Reagan Netherland ‘23), earn countless honorable mentions and superiors in local TAJE and ILPC contests, earn an Honorable Mention in the Graduation category of the Jostens North American Photo Contest (Jordan Doty ‘26), and the 2025 ILPC Photo Editor of the Year and 2026 Runner-Up to the ILPC Photo Editor of the Year (both belong to Jordan Doty ‘26).
Also being recognized is Employee of the Year, Nurse Maranatha Middleton, LVN.
“I am very honored and appreciative of my campus,” Middleton said. “I am very thankful to work with the people that I do.”
Middleton has been a vital presence on campus, providing care and support to students and staff throughout the school year. Her role has extended beyond daily medical needs, as she has worked to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for the entire school community.
Additional Campus Teachers of the Year being honored are:
- Macey Arel, Adkins Elementary
- Daisy De Jesus, Alexander Elementary
- Shawn Franke, Bell Elementary
- Jennifer Patrick, Blanton Elementary
- Casey Golden, Borman Elementary
- Amanda Smithey, Cross Oaks Elementary
- Kyle Malinowsky, E.P. Rayzor Elementary
- Julieta Gallardo, Evers Park Elementary
- Christine Stratton, Hawk Elementary
- Joslyn Sandlin, Hill Elementary
- Amy Wilson, Hodge Elementary
- Johanna Iaia, Houston Elementary
- Shelby Allen, Martinez Elementary
- Camryn Schmidt, McNair Elementary
- Carson Burford, Nelson Elementary
- Melissa Barrera, Newton Rayzor Elementary
- Kaylie Brown, Paloma Creek Elementary
- Ita Aosta, Pecan Creek Elementary
- Christina Bridges, Providence Elementary
- Kodi Myles, Reeves Elementary
- Ana Cruz, Rivera Elementary
- Adariene Robinson, Sandbrock Ranch Elementary
- Ian Archbold, Savannah Elementary
- Katie Chapman, Shultz Elementary
- Jennifer Bennett, Stephens Elementary
- Norma Perez, Union Park Elementary
- Claudia Martinez, W. S. Ryan Elementary
- Erika Stevens, Ann Windle School for Young Children
- Paul Anderson, Calhoun Middle School
- Jamie Williams, Cheek Middle School
- Emily Graf, Crownover Middle School
- Meghan Aaron, Harpool Middle School
- Kristina Boone, McMath Middle School
- John Sinor, Myers Middle School
- Samm McAlister, Navo Middle School
- Kayla Lensch, Rodriguez Middle School
- Kevin Ordaz, Strickland Middle School
- Kerri Burgess, Denton High School
- Aaron Roberts, Guyer High School
- Marissa Moore, LaGrone Academy
- Monesha Allen, Ryan High School
- Julia Laney, Sparks
The parade will serve as a public celebration of each campus’s honorees, giving the community an opportunity to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication. The Teacher and Employee of the Year celebratory parade will take place Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the C.H. Collins Athletic Complex parking lot.
