The San Diego Academia Awards
A Holiday Celebration Honoring Champions in Education
The 6th Annual San Diego Academia Awards Gala – Celebrating Champions in Education
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 6-9 pm Black Tie Dinner Gala | Sycuan Heritage Ballroom
Join us for the prestigious San Diego Academia Awards Gala, celebrating educational excellence and honoring exceptional teachers, administrators, and school staff. Supported by Chairman Cody Martinez and Sycuan Casino and Resort, this empowering event unites educators, community leaders, and business executives for a night of recognition and connection. It serves as a vital platform to highlight those shaping the future of education in our region, featuring media coverage and promotions to honor our partners and spotlight the honorees.
Our Event
On Tuesday, December 1st, 2026, the city of San Diego will be buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated sixth annual BLU Lapis Academia Awards Gala will take place. This extraordinary event serves as a platform to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions of outstanding teachers, administrators, legends and school staff who will be recognized as Champions in Education. The gala is held at the Sycuan Heritage ballroom and will draw an impressive attendance of over 350 esteemed guests.
The evening will commence with a delectable holiday gourmet dinner, meticulously prepared by Sycuan’s award-winning chefs, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As the night unfolds, attendees will be treated to captivating performances by talented and award-winning entertainers, adding an extra touch of holiday glamour to the occasion.
The San Diego Academia Awards Gala has solidified its position as one of the city’s most prestigious events, with the support and collaborative efforts of Attorney King and Chairman Cody Martinez of Sycuan Casino, bringing together a distinguished group of local leaders, business executives, educators, along with many members of San Diego's diverse communities. Their presence reflects the broad range of voices and perspectives that are helping shape the future of San Diego. This gathering serves as a powerful testament to the collective efforts and dedication of San Diego County's educators and staff.
The BLU Lapis San Diego Academia Awards was founded by the visionary duo of Brett and Sarah Davis who have been instrumental in encouraging a sense of unity within San Diego communities since its inception in 2019. Last year, the founders inspired the audience with a surprising and moving gesture as they invited the audience to come closer to the stage and to sing together for a powerful rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" to show solidarity amidst Global conflicts.
With the world grappling with conflicts and war that have caused division and discord, Brett and Sarah have sought to remind attendees that despite the challenges, we need to recognize the importance of unity in these times of global turmoil. We need to focus on what binds us all together because ultimately, we are all one people under one nation. This sentiment was a powerful moment for the San Diego Academia Awards as it resonated with everyone present. The performance was a poignant reminder that despite our differences, we share a common desire for peace and understanding. Their rendition of "Imagine" stands as a testament to the power of unity and the potential for positive change through music as it transcends borders and brings people together.
Our Winners
2025 Recipients of the San Diego Academia Awards
Teachers of the Year 2025
1. Dawn Arriola- Chula Vista High School
2. Gretchen Donais- Mueller Charter School
3. Jennifer Eckstein- Bonita Vista High School
4. Eileen Grady-Romero- Southwest High School
5. Sherry Hernandez- Holy Cross
6. Valerie Ingram- Chula Vista High School
7. Carrie Jennings- Monterey Ridge Elementary
8. Corina Martinez- Pioneer Elementary School
9. Kelly Norwood- Patty-Cake Family Childcare and Preschool
10. Martin Reisert- Oak Valley Middle School
Coach of the Year 2025
Verlain Betofes- Mt. Miguel High School
Support Staff 2025 Award Honorees:
1. Christopher Albertz- Attendance/Registrar of the Year- Chula Vista High School
2. Kristine Decker- Counselor of the Year- Woodland Park Middle School
3. Omar Deleon- Excellence in Visual Storytelling & Communications- Sweetwater Union High School District
4. Karla Figueroa- Program Coordinator of the Year- Perkins K-8
5. Raul Fuentes- Custodian of the Year- Nikoloff Elementary
6. Tahi Garcia- Attendance Specialist of the Year- Mueller Charter School
8. Guillermo N. Robles- Bus Driver of the Year- CVESD Transportation Department
Administrators:
Karl Mueller - Superintendent of the Year- Coronado Unified School District
Melinda Jones - Principal of the Year- Mueller Charter School
Kevin Willard - Vice Principal- Chula Vista Middle School
Champions of Education
1. Leigh Steinberg's Champion in Education Award - Andrew Prouse
2. The Gary Chapman Distinguished Service - Award Louie Zumstein
Special Recognition Award
Mayor John McCann - The education and visionary leadership award
Legends Award / Lifetime Achievement
1. Dr. Susan Van Zant - Presented by: Keith Ballard
2. Dr. Jim Finnerty - Presented by: Brett Davis
3. Deana Johnson Haro M.A.Ed - Presented by: Sarah Morga
2. Dr. Zachary Green - Presented by: Roosevelt Williams
2024 Recipients of the San Diego Academia Awards
Teachers of the Year
1. Sandra Hodge - Alternative Education Teacher - Sweetwater Union High School District
2. Michele Albin - Mueller Charter Elementary School
3. Bassemah Darwish - El Cajon Valley Middle School
4. Dr. Veronica Carranza - Los Altos Elementary School
5. Dan Ly - Wolf Canyon Elementary School
6. Katina Rondeau - Alternative Education Teacher - Sweetwater Union High School District
Coach of the Year
Adeile Ahmu - Coronado High Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach - Presented by Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey
Support Staff
Gabriele Sosa - Counselor of the Year (Academic) - Logan Memorial Educational Campus
Chelsea Cantwell - Counselor of the Year (Emotional) - Mueller Charter Elementary
Doris Ricks - Attendance Clerk of the year - Coronado High School
Vanessa Moreno - Office Manager - Mueller Charter Elementary
Eugene Gutierrez - Bus Driver - CVESD Bus Driver
Keith Howenstein - Custodian of The Year - Bonita Vista High School
Pedro Ibarra - Custodian of The Year - Finney Elementary School
Lily Zuniga - Traffic Safety - Mueller Charter Elementary
1. Maria Marceleno - Cafeteria Staff (5) - Lauderbach Elementary School
2. Teresa Chavira
3. Maria Huerta
4. Adela Ramirez
5. Cristina Lago
Harbor Police Choice Award (Video)
Dean of Students of the Year - Moises Villapando - Perkins K-8
Presented by: CEO Harbor Police Foundation Jeff Wohler and Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez
The Marion Davis Secretary of the year Award
Jeanette Lozada - Veterans Elementary School- Presented by: Brett Davis
Administrators
Rochelle Carroll - Assistant Superintendent of the Year - CVESD, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Principal Lee Romero - Principal of the Year - Bonita Vista High School - The Gary Chapman Distinguished Service Award
Staci Ortiz-Davis - Vice Principal of the Year - Diegueno Middle School in Encinitas
Special Recognition Award
Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey
Presented by: Coronado Publisher Crown City Magazine Heather Canton and Coronado Councilman John Duncan
The Leigh Steinberg Champion in Education Award
Dr. Carmen French - Director of Teacher Residency at the San Mateo County Office of Education
Legends Award/Lifetime Achievement
Ernesto D. Liwag - Presented by: Publisher of The Filipino Press, Susan Delos Santos
Rev Wendell M. Bass - Presented by CEO Young Black and in Business, Roosevelt Williams
Dr. Tom Teagle - Presented by Keith Ballard
Our Sponsor
