Fourteen Cleveland and Tarkington ISD educators were honored Thursday, Sept. 3, during the 2026 Teacher of the Year Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce at the Cleveland Civic Center.
Sponsored by Elite Hospital Kingwood, the luncheon recognized educators for their dedication to students and their contributions to local schools.
Jeremy Brynes, CEO of Elite Hospital Kingwood, welcomed guests to the event. Cleveland ISD Superintendent Dr. Glenn Barnes and Tarkington ISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien served as guest speakers. Attendees also heard from members of Cleveland ISD’s Education CTE Club.
The educators recognized were Andrew Pearson, Douglass Learning Academy; Jessica Hammond, DAEP; DeAnn Pressley, Cleveland High School; Ashley Huckabay, C9; Bobby Scott, Cleveland Middle School; Rosa Perez, Eastside Elementary; Rita Perez, Cottonwood Elementary; Maria Delgado, Northside Elementary; Lacey Howard, Santa Fe Elementary; Courtney Dolgow, Southside Elementary; Erin Parma, Tarkington Early Childhood; Patricia Shelton, Tarkington Elementary; Erica Green, Tarkington Middle School; and Earlene Papp, Tarkington High School.
Each honoree received a Teacher of the Year backpack sponsored by Austin Bank and a tote bag sponsored by SaRi’s Creations. Both were filled with gifts donated by Greater Cleveland Chamber members. Allie Smart, representing the office of state Rep. Janis Holt, also presented each educator with a commemorative certificate.
The Chamber also recognized Melanie Garcia with Health Center of Southeast Texas as its Volunteer of the Third Quarter for her contributions to the community.
Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Cleveland catered the luncheon.
Victoria Good, chief operating officer for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, said the event was an opportunity to thank the educators for the difference they make in the community.
“We could never say thank you enough for the dedication they each exemplify, but we always want to show our appreciation in any way we can,” Good said.
