Please join Fulcrum in congratulating the recipients of the 2026 St. John Baptist de La Salle Educator Excellence Award! Named in honor of the patron saint of teachers, this award recognizes educators who exemplify excellence. Recipients must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the Catholic mission and identity, a dedication to academic excellence, and a meaningful, inspiring presence within their school communities.
All the outstanding nominees were recommended by parents and fellow staff members, whose heartfelt submissions highlighted the profound impact these educators have on the lives of their students, as well as the inspiration they provide to their colleagues. The selection committee was once again reminded that our schools are filled with remarkably talented teachers and staff who are deeply committed to their vocation and to the success of every student they serve. Their nominations serve as a powerful reminder of the difference exceptional educators make every day.
The honorees will be recognized in September at Fulcrum’s Chairman’s Reception. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and honoring the dedication, leadership, and service they bring to our Catholic school communities.
2026 Awardees
Erin Bartram
St. Benedict Catholic School, Seattle; Vice Principal/Librarian
Keri Bustamante
Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School, Vancouver; Science
Angela Ensminger
St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic School, Bellevue; Middle School Teacher and Upper School Assistant Principal
Haley Djenaba
Queen of Angels Catholic School, Port Angeles; Preschool
Brett Hecko
Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle; History
Casey Sommers
St. Therese Catholic Academy, Seattle; Student Support Team Lead
Katie White
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, Everett; Kindergarten
2025 Awardees
Kasey Bell
Immaculate Conception Regional School, Mount Vernon; 6th Grade
Erica Billard
Christ the King Catholic School, Seattle; Early Childhood Education Director
Madeline Butterfield
Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, Tacoma; Kindergarten
Angela Greenfield
St. Anthony School, Renton; Kindergarten
Plinio Gutierrez-Delgado
Bellarmine Preparatory School, Tacoma; Spanish Language
Amy Lee-Despard
St. Cecilia Catholic School, Bainbridge Island; 7th/8th Grade
Emma Metzger
Sacred Heart School, Bellevue; 5th Grade
Andrew Nutter
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Vancouver; 7th Grade
2024 Awardees
Will Chambers
O’Dea High School, Seattle; English
Suzanne Christnacht
St. Patrick School, Tacoma; Preschool
Nicki Chouinard
Our Lady of Hope School, Everett; 5th /6th Grade Humanities
Ellen Flies
St. Joseph School, Seattle; Learning Resource Center Director
Ellen Nickerson
St. Rose School, Longview; 2nd Grade
Teri O’Connor
St. Philomena School, Des Moines; 4th Grade
Pauline Storino
St. Mark Catholic Classical School, Shoreline; 4th/5th Grade