The spotlight belonged to public education’s finest Thursday night at SBCEO’s annual Education Celebration.
Hosted by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO), the evening recognized the people who shape classrooms, inspire students, and strengthen communities across Santa Barbara County.
More than 100 awards and grants were presented at the celebration, held in Solvang.
The awards and grants recognized fresh ideas and creative teaching practices that are helping students learn, connect and thrive in Santa Barbara County classrooms.
Recipients were selected by SBCEO’s Teachers Network, which has provided $1.5 million in grants and awards since its establishment in 1983.
“Our annual Education Celebration is just that, a special celebration of the creativity, care and dedication that educators and school staff bring forward every day,” said Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools.
“We congratulate our 2026 recipients and thank them for the meaningful impact they make in the lives of students, families, and school communities throughout our county,” she said.
Natalie Wilkes, outgoing Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year made a final address to her fellow educators, reflecting on the meaning of the past year and offering words of encouragement to colleagues across the county.
“Each of you in this room entered the field of education because of your passion for making a difference in the lives of the next generation — and you are,” Wilkes said.
“Together, we can continue to build classrooms where every student and teacher feels seen and supported,” she said.
The evening featured a performance by the Cold Spring School Chorus, directed by Sara Di Salvo, 2026 Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
Salcido joined Erica Jane Flores, CEO of People Helping People, as emcees for the celebration.
Following are the award recipients listed by category:
Crystal Apple Educator Awards
• Administrator:
◦ William “Bill” Woodard, Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
• Certificated specialists:
◦ Camillia “Cami” Waller, Santa Maria-Bonita School District
◦ Jennifer Wilson, Montecito Union School, Montecito Union School District
• Classified employees:
◦ Martha Janzen, Delta High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
◦ Maria Vega, Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
• Elementary teachers:
◦ Grace Barton, Los Berros School, Lompoc Unified School District
◦ Graciela “Chely” Rodríguez, Adelante Charter School
• Secondary teachers:
◦ Sarah A. M. Barthel, Lompoc High School, Lompoc Unified School District
◦ Julio Molina, Delta High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
• Early Childhood Educator
◦ Claire Sorensen, Harding University Partnership School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
Bill Cirone Heart of Education Award
• Greg Eisen, Cabrillo High School, Lompoc Unified School District
Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Awards
• Nicole McKee Barr, Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
• Guillermo Guerra, Ernest Righetti High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
For the full list of award and grant recipients and details on sponsors and community partners, visit www.sbceo.org/educationcelebration.