Aleah Tanner, Danish Elementary School Teacher of the Year honoree, stands on stage with Dr. Doug Killian, CFISD superintendent, during the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation’s (CFEF) 27th annual Salute to the Stars Gala on March 7 at the Berry Center. Tanner, along with 94 other Teacher of the Year honorees, two paraeducators and two support staff members, were recognized during the gala. 

March 8, 2024—The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) held its 27th annual Salute to the Stars Gala in honor of CFISD’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year honorees March 7 at the Berry Center.

Gala underwriter Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union joined major sponsors Arcadis, Daspit Law Firm, First Financial Capital Corporation, Shutterfly Lifetouch, LLC, Howard Hughes, Netsync, PBK, Prime Contractors, Inc., Station & Ayers Insurance Planning Services, LLC, Community Impact and LED Partners in celebrating the accomplishments of 95 Teacher of the Year honorees, two paraeducators and two support staff members.

Christina Spoden, Emery Elementary School Teacher of the Year honoree, was selected to win $500 courtesy of All American Letter Jackets at the Salute to the Stars Gala held March 7 at the Berry Center. Each Teacher of the Year honoree was showered with gifts during the gala, with some lucky teachers being selected by random draw to win checks varying from $250, $500 and $1,000. 

“The CFEF was thrilled to commemorate the 99 honorees at the 27th annual Salute to the Stars Gala,” said Marie Holmes, CFEF executive director. “The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of all the sponsors who contributed to our event.”

Honorees and guests were greeted by member of the Cypress Park High School Flairs dance team and enjoyed a performance from the Cypress Falls High School drumline. Butch Milks of Balfour served as the gala’s master of ceremonies and Don Ryan, former CFISD Board of Trustee, served as a guest emcee. Dr. Doug Killian, CFISD superintendent, individually thanked all honorees for their hard work and dedication. As each left the stage, every honoree was presented with a gift.

Members of the Cypress Falls High School drumline helped welcome Salute to the Stars honorees and guests to their seats as they entered the Berry Center arena on March 7. 

Gala patrons were invited to participate in a raffle and silent auction, featuring different gift baskets and larger prizes, with all proceeds going towards CFEF scholarships. Several lucky teachers were also selected by random draw to win checks varying in amounts of $250, $500 and $1,000.

The gala ended with Marc Hofrichter, Frazier Elementary School Teacher of the Year honoree, winning the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union car giveaway.

Teacher of the Year honorees are selected annually by campus principals for their outstanding dedication in providing valuable instruction to students in CFISD. Honored paraeducators and support staff members are also selected each year by supervisors for their outstanding dedication through their notable work throughout CFISD.

Members of the Cypress Park High School Flairs dance team helped welcome Salute to the Stars honorees and guests to the Berry Center on March 7.

The following educators were recognized as 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year honorees:

Frazier Elementary School Teacher of the Year Marc Hofrichter, third from left, poses for a photo after being selected to win the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union’s new car giveaway at the CFEF’s 27th annual Salute to the Stars Gala on March 7 at the Berry Center. Joining Hofrichter, from left, Whitney Babineaux, general sales manager at Parkway Chevrolet; Cameron Dickey, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union president and CEO; Dr. Doug Killian, CFISD superintendent; Marie Holmes, CFEF executive director; and Bryan Ginsburg, CFEF chairman.