Each year, the St. Johns County education community comes together to celebrate the educators who inspire, ignite curiosity, and create lasting impact in the lives of students. This year’s Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year Celebration was no exception.
On January 15, educators, school leaders, community partners, and supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening as INK! honored the remarkable teachers who truly light a spark in classrooms across the district.
During the celebration, INK! proudly announced Sabina Atic as the 2025–2026 St. Johns County District Teacher of the Year and Ashley Vizcarra as the St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year. This year’s theme—Our Teachers Light a Spark—was woven throughout the evening, reflecting the powerful ways teachers ignite curiosity, confidence, and possibility in their students.
Honoring Excellence in Education
Each year, INK! recognizes the extraordinary dedication of St. Johns County educators through its Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year awards. Nominees are selected by their peers, making the honor a true testament to the impact these teachers have both inside and outside the classroom.
“The level of professionalism and commitment from all of our nominees is extraordinary,” said Cathy Newman, Executive Director of INK!. “Teachers play a vital role in shaping our children and our future. It is truly an honor to recognize educators who continue the legacy of excellence in St. Johns County.”
Teacher of the Year: Sabina Atic
Sabina Atic teaches Biomedical Sciences at Beachside High School, where she also serves as the sponsor of HOSA–Future Health Professionals. Through her leadership, students gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and insight into careers in health and medical fields.
Now in her seventh year teaching in St. Johns County, Atic’s journey has come full circle—she was previously named the district’s Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2018. Former students describe her as more than an educator, but as a mentor and role model whose compassion and dedication have inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams.
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Ashley Vizcarra
At Valley Ridge Academy, Rookie of the Year Ashley Vizcarra teaches 7th and 8th grade Advanced Science, Accelerated Math, and Pre-Algebra. Before entering the classroom, Vizcarra served in the United States Navy as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, trained in Nuclear Engineering—bringing a unique perspective and real-world experience to her students.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Vizcarra serves as the school’s Soaring High program coordinator, supporting students and families through guidance and resources. Colleagues and administrators praise her ability to create a welcoming, engaging environment where students feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Celebrating All Teachers Who Light a Spark
Beyond the District winners, INK! also proudly recognized the outstanding finalists for the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year:
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Kylie Benetsky – Switzerland Point Middle School
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Katelin Bonner – Pedro Menendez High School
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Pauline Harris – Valley Ridge Academy
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Denise Shedlock – Creekside High School
While only two educators receive the district titles each year, the celebration honors all Teachers and Rookie Teachers of the Year across St. Johns County—educators who consistently go above and beyond to inspire learning, foster connection, and change lives.
Teacher of the Year Nominees (2025–2026)
- Vanessa Ochaita, Bartram Trail High
- Sabina Atic, Beachside High
- Denise Shedlock, Creekside High
- Carly Smolek, Crookshank Elementar
- Julie Prager, Cunningham Creek Elementary
- Kelli Vance, Durbin Creek Elementary
- Heather Pfeiffer, The Evelyn Hamblen Center/Gaines Alternative School
- Terrence Smith, First Coast Technical College
- Hannah Glynn, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
- Jacquelyn Woollard, Freedom Crossing Academy
- Megan Narin, Fruit Cove Middle
- Iwona Bielaszka, Hallowes Cove Academy
- Shaheinda Moffat, W.D. Hartley Elementary
- L’Erin Standley, Hickory Creek Elementary
- Ashley Fee, R.B. Hunt Elementary
- Cathy Ragusa, Julington Creek Elementary
- Jaime Smith, Ketterlinus Elementary
- Natalie Gavarrette, Lakeside Academy
- Morgan Williams, Alice B. Landrum Middle
- Shannon Ford, Liberty Pines Academy
- Renee Tatman, Otis A. Mason Elementary
- Katelin Bonner, Pedro Menendez High
- Kaitlyn Leonard, Mill Creek Academy
- Tinyka Reese, R. J. Murray Middle
- Tara Amato, Allen D. Nease High
- Faie Pellegrino, Ocean Palms Elementary
- Neiland Bergman, Osceola Elementary
- Erin Samartan, Pacetti Bay Middle
- Angela Adams, Palencia Elementary
- Avita Sandoval-Beatty, Palm Valley Academy
- Kylie Monsanto, Patriot Oaks Academy
- Kelly Yelvington, Picolata Crossing Elementary
- Jeanette Vadbunker, Pine Island Academy
- Gena White, Ponte Vedra High
- AnneMarie Young, PVPV Rawlings Elementary
- Deb Lee Crupi, Gamble Rogers Middle
- Leanne Fortune, Sebastian Middle
- Jenny Moore-Jones, South Woods Elementary
- Brian Keenan, St. Augustine High
- Monique Paula Lyman, St. Augustine Public Montessori
- Angela E Coleman, St. Johns Technical High
- Jennifer Jacobson, St. Johns Virtual
- Kylie Shaye Benetsky, Switzerland Point Middle
- Michelle Chapman, Timberlin Creek Elementary
- Toni Adair, Tocoi Creek High
- Gina Stinson, Treaty Oaks Preparatory Academy
- Susie Ament, Trout Creek Academy
- Pauline Harris, Valley Ridge Academy
- Ximena Vergara, Wards Creek Elementary
- Clare Wagner, James A. Webster Elementary
Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominees (2025–2026)
- Tom Buckles, Bartram Trail High
- Mathews Huey, Beachside High
- Ashley Rott, Creekside High
- Sydney Skanes, Crookshank Elementary
- Sreevidya Iyengar, Cunningham Creek Elementary
- Isabella Jones-Gonzales, Durbin Creek Elementary
- Bruce Blazing, The Evelyn Hamblen Center/Gaines Alternative School
- Emma Golston, First Coast Technical College
- Zachary Bridgett, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
- Jadon Mattox, Freedom Crossing Academy
- Melissa Colson, Fruit Cove Middle
- Taylor Castilla, Hallowes Cove Academy
- Kody O’Connor, W.D. Hartley Elementary
- Catherine Silva, Hickory Creek Elementary
- Tori Worthington, Ketterlinus Elementary
- Sarah Dlugopolski, Lakeside Academy
- Madeline McGinnis, Alice B. Landrum Middle
- Erica Knuckley, Liberty Pines Academy
- Abby Sadler, Otis A. Mason Elementary
- Ryan Muscarella, Pedro Menendez High
- Jeremy Hunze, Mill Creek Academy
- Jeiko Delgado, R. J. Murray Middle
- Amy Ryan, Allen D. Nease High
- Delilah Kuzan, Osceola Elementary
- Elise Falstreaux, Pacetti Bay Middle
- Lindsey Taylor, Palencia Elementary
- Karen Moritz, Palm Valley Academy
- Melissa Balbir, Patriot Oaks Academy
- Erin Beazzo, Picolata Crossing Elementary
- Erika Harpe, Pine Island Academy
- Emma Kordek, Ponte Vedra High
- Caroline Durham, PVPV Rawlings Elementary
- Danielle Holtman, Gamble Rogers Middle
- Fred Flenorl Jr., Sebastian Middle
- Mackenzie Hudgins, South Woods Elementary
- Michael Brinkley, St. Augustine High
- Madison Parent, St. Johns Technical High
- Dr. Stephanie Brighton, Switzerland Point Middle
- Jenny Voreis, Timberlin Creek Elementary
- Jordan Cook, Tocoi Creek High
- Leslie Walsh, Treaty Oaks Preparatory Academy
- Alexa Frisbey, Trout Creek Academy
- Ashley Vizcarra, Valley Ridge Academy
- Rachel Blanton, Wards Creek Elementary
- Maggie Burkhard, James A. Webster Elementary
Thank You, Teachers
The Teacher of the Year Celebration is more than an awards program—it is a moment to pause and recognize the profound impact teachers have on students, schools, and the community. Each honoree represents countless hours of dedication, creativity, and care poured into classrooms across the county.
To every educator who was nominated, celebrated, and applauded: thank you for lighting a spark that will continue to shine far beyond the classroom.
