In recognition of their commitment, service and contributions to public education, eight educators were recognized at the 11th annual A Salute to Teachers gala, Nov. 2 at the Music Academy of the West in Montecito.
Laura Branch, of Righetti High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District was named 2025 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.
Presented by the Santa Barbara County Education Office and Cox Communications, the event paid tribute to the following individuals:
• 2025 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year: Laura Branch – Righetti High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
• 2025 Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year: Rich Lashua – Santa Barbara Junior High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District
• 2025 Distinguished Mentors:
◦ Socorro Chávez – Isla Vista Elementary School, Goleta Union School District
◦ Eugenia Vasilique Pappas – Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, College School District
◦ Jordan Willis – Orcutt Academy High School, Orcutt Union School District
• 2025 Distinguished New Educators:
◦ Ryan Blasena – Hope Elementary School, Hope School District
◦ Noe Alberto Gomez – Carpinteria High School, Carpinteria Unified School District
◦ Oscar Velasco – Santa Maria High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Emceed by actor Duane Henry the event’s 300 attendees viewed a series of video tributes dedicated to each honoree, as well as student performances from Santa Barbara Strings; Sing! children’s choir; and Righetti High School’s Drama Black Box Performers.
“My time as an educator has been one of my greatest, most exciting adventures in life,” said Branch. “I’d like to thank the approximately 3,751 students I’ve had the honor of teaching. They have changed my life in a positive way and my ‘teacher of the year’ status is dedicated to them.”
“The eight exceptional teachers honored tonight exemplify the innovation and dedication happening in classrooms across Santa Barbara County every day,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. “Thank you to our business partners, whose support makes this celebration possible.
“We are proud of this year’s honorees and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will have on students and families across our county.”
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an incredible evening celebrating the very best in education in our community,” said Kirsten McLaughlin, market vice president for Cox Communications in Santa Barbara.
“Our collaboration with the County Education Office, our local school districts, Partners in Education and their Computers for Families program, and other nonprofits helps to provide our students and their families with the digital tools and information they need to be successful.
“On behalf of Cox Communications and our commercial division Cox Business, we send our deepest congratulations to all of this year’s incredible honorees who work so tirelessly to educate the next generation of Santa Barbara County,” she said.
The Santa Barbara County Education Office thanks the following business partners for their support of this event:
Founding Co-Sponsor: Cox Communications.
Valedictorian Sponsors: Fielding Graduate University, Melfred Borzall, Noozhawk, Rusty’s Pizza Parlor, Santa Barbara Bowl.
Salutatorian Sponsor: Chevron, Cox Business, Southern California Edison, Southwest Airlines’ Honor Roll Sponsors Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo; Griffith & Thornburgh, LLP; Montecito Bank & Trust; ParentSquare; Sable Offshore; Santa Barbara City College Foundation; Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union; Seasons Catering; Solomon Hills; UCLA Health.
Teacher’s Pet Sponsors: Allan Hancock College Winery, Belmond El Encanto, California State University Channel Islands, Cottage Health, Crushcakes & Cafe, Draughtsmen Aleworks, Dylan Star Boutique, Fess Parker Winery, Good Land Wine Shop and Bar, Grassini, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Meritage Wine Market, Mountain Air Sports, Por La Mar Nursery, Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Santa Barbara Adventure Company, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, Santa Barbara Education Foundation, Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Santa Barbara Sea Landing, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Dirty Dog, The Upham Hotel, United Way of Santa Barbara County, Ventura Rental, Weiser & Grant Dentistry, and Yellow Belly.
For more information visit www.sbceo.org/salute or contact Steve Keithley, SBCEO director of Teacher Programs, 805-964-4710, ext. 5281.