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Dr. Ebony Johnson honored ten outstanding students for their exceptional accomplishments and commitment to education at the 2025 Superintendent's Scholarship Banquet. 

Recipients was accompanied by their family, school leader, counselor, and their favorite teacher or coach.

The banquet and awards were sponsored by SODEXO. Each scholar received a $1,000 scholarship, an engraved paperweight, and a gift to give to their teacher.

Read below to learn about each winner and see what they wrote about their favorite teacher. Click here to view photos from the banquet.

Carlos Hernandez
Booker T. Washington High School

Carlos wrote: “My greatest teacher is Mrs. Stovall, a kind soul whose positive energy lifts everyone around her. She’s more than just a teacher to me—she’s like a grandma, always there to listen and offer support whenever I need it. Her ability to brighten my day, especially when I’m feeling down, has made a lasting impact on me. I’m truly grateful to have had her as a mentor."

Carlos plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas.

Kimberly Richardson
Central High School

Kimberly wrote of Ms. Dennis: "She is very nice, intelligent, creative with assignments, and always someone I can talk to about anything. She has taught me a lot over the years about school and life."

Kimberly plans to attend Langston University.

Dayana Martinez-Sanchez
East Central High School

Dayana wrote of her 7th grade teacher Ms. Baros: "She was always there for me when I needed her the most. She is a very joyful person and always excited to see you no matter what condition; she is very supportive in whatever you do. I actually got to see her earlier this year at a walk-out we hosted at school due to the deportation situation, and she was there encouraging us to speak out. She also gave me great advice for college."

Dayana plans to attend TCC and the University of Oklahoma.

Livy Graham
Edison Preparatory

Livy wrote of her AP Biology teacher Ms. Holt: ."She completely changed my perspective on learning. Ms. Holt was dedicated to understanding the material, even when it seemed impossible. She encouraged me to keep working hard, even if I didn’t perform well on a test. She taught me that academic success isn’t solely determined by how 'naturally smart' I feel or how quickly I grasp new concepts. Instead, she showed me that educational achievement is earned through grit, determination, and consistent effort."

Livy plans to attend Fordham University.

Ashley Cisneros
Hale High School

Ashley wrote of her instructor Master Sergeant Austin: "During my time in his class, he was a reliable instructor who made the classroom feel safe with his funny jokes. He genuinely cares for all his students and approaches everyone without judgment. I value Master Sergeant for his commitment to keep helping those around him. Master Sergeant is truly one of the best people I have met and I hope he keeps inspiring more students."

Ashley plans to attend TCC.

Christian Crockett
McLain High School

Christian wrote of his band director Mr. Frank: "Along with being a kindhearted human being, he still finds time to always be there and care for you. Mr. Frank not only taught me how to read music and play the trombone, but he also compared his lessons to the real world, giving me a heads-up insight on the challenges that are to come."

Christian plans to attend the University of Tulsa.

Jessica Navarro
Memorial High School

Jessica wrote of Ms. Baker: "Not only is she an excellent teacher, but she also genuinely cares. Her sense of humor always added a little comedy to even the most trying days, and she made me feel recognized and supported from the first day. Ms. Baker devotes so much of herself to her kids and the school as a whole, which is what makes her so unique. You can tell she sincerely wants to see every kid succeed since she is always working behind the scenes to keep everything running properly. I'm so fortunate to have had her by my side because she's one of the few people who makes learning seem interesting and achievable."

Jessica plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Janaye Wise
Will Rogers College High School

Janaye wrote of Mr. Doaud: "He was the reason why I am taking college classes. Mr. Doaud was relatable and funny while being disciplined. He knows every subject. He taught me math, chemistry and English. Mr. Doaud was a great teacher and knew how to make sure everyone understood the material."

Janaye plans to attend Northern Oklahoma College.

Clara Lopez
Webster High School

Clara wrote: "Ms. Lancaster is my band director and is one of the most dedicated teachers I’ve seen in my full 12 years of going to school. She has been in my life since I was a 6th grader, and from the very beginning she was someone who never gave up on me. Ms. Lancaster wasn’t the type to sit on her phone during class, to only care about statistics and numbers of our grades. No, she is very caring for all her students, always making sure we are okay and with what we need to be successful. Going to her class to learn and play music felt like such a blessing, and I am so grateful to have a teacher that believed in me when I felt like no one else did."

Clara plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Violet Vaughn
Tulsa Virtual Academy

Violet wrote: "Dr. Judith Blair made sure I had the tools to ensure my success, and most influentially, the encouragement and interest that motivated me as I navigated changing schools and beginning the first of Tulsa Ballet’s Day Programs. She continues even years later to check on my progress. Her interest in my activities, both in and outside school helped me know that I had a team behind me."

Violet plans to attend the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance and the Nashville Ballet.