Bay District Schools came together today at the Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center at Bay High School to celebrate what makes public education truly exceptional: the people. The Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony honored educators, leaders, and support staff whose passion, dedication, and heart shape the daily experiences of students across the district.
The celebration opened with a moment decades in the making. Janice Strickland-Salares was honored as the Educator of a Lifetime, an award sponsored by Bill Cramer Chevrolet. With nearly 60 years devoted to public education in Bay County, Strickland-Salares has served in countless roles, leaving an enduring legacy through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering belief in students and educators alike. She was presented the award by her lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Stefanie Gall, last year’s recipient, creating a powerful and deeply personal tribute to a career spent in service.
The ceremony continued by recognizing the leaders who guide school communities every day. Ashley Trimble of Merritt Brown Middle School was honored as Dean of the Year, while history was made with both the Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year coming from the same campus. Katie McKenzie and Brooke Loyed, respectively, were recognized for their leadership at consistently A-rated Patronis Elementary School, reflecting a culture of excellence built on collaboration and care.
Throughout the afternoon, the spotlight remained firmly on celebration. Every school’s Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Support Employee of the Year was introduced and applauded. Kenny Kirkland, the 2023–2024 BDS Teacher of the Year, read the names and stories of all 102 nominees, underscoring the strength of a true Team of Teams working together across the district.
From those nominees, Top 5 finalists in each category were honored before the district winners were announced. The Bay Education Foundation Rookie Teacher of the Year was awarded to Pre-K ESE teacher from Waller Elementary School, Shelby Roy, whose journey into education was inspired by her autistic son’s learning experience. As Bay Education Foundation Executive Director Aimee Bright noted, it was a fitting coincidence that her last name, Roy, matched the acronym for "Rookie of the Year."
Rachael Silas of Margaret K. Lewis School was named the Ann F. Smith Support Employee of the Year. As a dedicated nurse serving medically-fragile students, Silas was celebrated for her compassion, advocacy, and steadfast support of students with disabilities.
The 2025–2026 Bay District Teacher of the Year honor was presented by last year’s winner, Erin Lange of Surfside Middle School, to Jonathon Cason, band director at Merritt Brown Middle School. In his eighth year of teaching, Cason was recognized for building a welcoming, high-energy music program where students grow not only as musicians, but as confident teammates, truly striking the right chord as the district continues putting the "A" back in Bay.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute to joy itself. Lucie Grabner of Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School received the Joyful Award, created in memory of Joy Noble. Serving Chautauqua since 2009, Grabner’s warmth, positivity, and love for learning embody the very spirit this award was designed to honor.
The Excellence in Education Awards were made possible through the generous support of the St. Joe Community Foundation, Bay Education Foundation, Bill Cramer Chevrolet, Horace Mann, and Chevron, partners who share Bay District Schools’ commitment to celebrating those who make a difference every single day.