• A Salute to Teachers 2021

About A Salute to Teachers

  • A Salute to Teachers is Santa Barbara County's premier teacher recognition event. Supported by committed business partners, the 2021 gala celebrated our county's finest educators. Learn more about them below. Click HERE to see photos of the event, or click HERE to watch the livestream video.

About the Honorees:


  • Distinguished New Educator Awards

    Samantha Ayala, La Honda STEAM Academy
    Presented by: Kim Clark, Noozhawk
    Watch Samantha's video vignette HERE.

    TJ Berry, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
    Presented by: Hilary Molina Lyn, Fielding Graduate University
    Watch TJ's video vignette HERE.

    Christina Peña Eckert, Carpinteria Middle School
    Presented by: Dr. Kindred Murillo, Santa Barbara City College
    Watch Christina's video vignette HERE

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    Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teachers of the Year (2021, 2022)

    Elizabeth Caruso, Monroe Elementary School
    Presented by: Marianne Partridge, Santa Barbara Bowl, and Tyler Duncan, Santa Barbara Bowl
    Watch Elizabeth's video vignette HERE.

    Josie Coburn, Orcutt Union School District
    Watch Josie's video vignette HERE.
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    Distinguished Mentor Awards


    Riccardo Magni
    , Pioneer Valley High School
    Presented by: Ellen Barger, Curriculum & Instruction, SBCEO
    Watch Riccardo's video vignette HERE.

    Melissa Woods, Dos Pueblos High School
    Presented by: Janet Garufis, Montecito Bank & Trust
    Watch Melissa's video vignette HERE.

    Lorena Armstrong, Mary Buren School
    Presented by: Ingo Hentschel, Cox Communications
    Watch Lorena's video vignette HERE.

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    Santa Barbara County 2021 Teacher of the Year

    Frank Koroshec, San Marcos High School
    Presented by: Kirsten McLaughlin, Cox Communications, and Dr. Susan Salcido, County Superintendent of Schools
    Watch Frank's video vignette HERE.

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     Santa Barbara County 2022 Teacher of the Year

    Alisyn Blanton, Miguelito School
    Presenters: Kirsten McLaughlin, Cox Communications, and Dr. Susan Salcido, County Superintendent of Schools
    Watch Alisyn's video vignette HERE.

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    Click HERE for photos of our 2019 event