Del Valle ISD Celebrates 2024–2025 Teacher and Staff of the Year at Annual Recognition Dinner

Kei Matsumoto

May 14 2025

Del Valle ISD and the DVISD Education Foundation proudly hosted the annual Teacher and Staff of the Year Dinner, honoring the outstanding educators and staff members who have gone above and beyond during the 2024–2025 school year.

The celebration, held last Thursday evening, brought together campus honorees, district leaders, families, and community members for a night of well-deserved recognition. Sponsored by the NRP Group, the banquet was filled with excitement, gratitude, and heartfelt applause as each campus Teacher and Staff of the Year was acknowledged for their dedication and impact on students and the school community.

The evening culminated with the announcement of the DVISD District Teachers of the Year. We are proud to recognize Gabriela Aviles of Hillcrest Elementary and Daioderick London-Ridge of Dailey Middle School as this year’s District Teachers of the Year. Their passion for education, commitment to excellence, and positive influence on their campuses truly embody the spirit of Del Valle ISD.

Ms. Aviles is a proud Del Valle alumni who grew up in the district and returned to teach after completing her undergrad studies. She currently teaches math and science at Hillcrest Elementary and also supports students in the afterschool ACE/LEAD program. Recently, Ms. Aviles earned her Master’s degree in Education from Texas State University and plans to continue her studies to pursue a doctorate, with the goal of becoming a Superintendent in the future.

Mr. Daioderick London-Ridge serves as an 8th grade English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and inclusion teacher at Dailey Middle School, where he plays multiple roles in supporting student success. Beyond the classroom, Mr. London-Ridge is a dedicated football and basketball coach and mentor, leading a student mentorship program that fosters personal growth, academic achievement, and positive character development.

Both District winners received special gift bags, a commemorative plaque, and an additional cash award from the DVISD Education Foundation. In addition, the District winners can submit their application to the regional competition and, if selected, move on to the State and National Competitions.

Congratulations to all our campus winners and a special salute to our district honorees for their exceptional contributions!

2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year

Baty Elementary: Kristen Hazard

Newton Collins Elementary: Ashley Robinson

Creedmoor Elementary: Sharron Hall

Del Valle Elementary: Grace Cozby

Hillcrest Elementary: Gabriela Aviles

Gilbert Elementary: Jessica Marichalar

Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary: Mary Vasile

Popham Elementary: Yolanda Pinto

Smith Elementary: Maria Allen

Dailey Middle School: Daioderick London-Ridge