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Â鶹AV alumni have been recognized across , with multiple graduates named 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year at their respective campuses.

Five Â鶹AV alumni earned Teacher of the Year honors. Lashea Antoine, a 2017 graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, was recognized as a first-grade teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Angela Dugay, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1994, was honored for her work as a criminal justice teacher at the district’s Career and Technical Education Center.

Angela Suitt, a 2011 graduate with a master’s degree in elementary education, was named Teacher of the Year as a fourth-grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher at DeQueen Elementary School. Cindy Lopez, a 2021 graduate with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, was recognized as a third-grade math and science teacher at Tyrrell Elementary School.

Precious Boone, who earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2020 and a degree in family and consumer sciences in 2022, was honored for her work as a Head Start 3 teacher at Wheatley School of Early Childhood.

In addition, six Â鶹AV alumni were named Rookie Teachers of the Year at their campuses.

Mahbubur Akash, a 2023 graduate with a master’s degree in computer science, was recognized as a computer science teacher at the Career and Technical Education Center. Kedrick Rose, a 2025 graduate, was honored for his work as a fourth-grade math teacher at DeQueen Elementary School.

Maxine Beam, a 2021 graduate with a degree in human resources management, was named Rookie Teacher of the Year as a first-grade math and science teacher at Sam Houston Elementary School. Averie D. Mangioni, also a 2021 graduate in interdisciplinary studies, was recognized as a kindergarten teacher at Port Acres Elementary School.

Jaquor Pugh, who earned a bachelor’s degree in university studies in 2023 and a Master of Business Administration in management in 2025, was honored as a fifth-grade math teacher at William B. Travis Elementary School. Sarah Runnels, a 2023 graduate, was recognized as a third-grade math and science teacher at Tyrrell Elementary School.

With alumni making a difference in classrooms across Southeast Texas, Â鶹AV’s College of Education and Human Development continues to train future educators for meaningful careers in teaching. Learn more about available degree programs at .