The Richardson ISD Foundation strongly believes that our paraprofessionals, Maintenance and Operations, Child Nutrition, and Transportation employees should be recognized for their invaluable contributions to the Richardson Independent School District. We created the RISD Champion Awards to encourage and thank support staff who daily go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they support.

The Foundation proudly celebrates RISD principals and assistant principals. Each year, we recognize one elementary and secondary principal with the Principal of the Year Award for their outstanding leadership, student success and respect of their peers. Each principal receives a $1,000 award from the Foundation. The Foundation also helps recognize an elementary and secondary Assistant Principal of the Year for their commitment to academic growth on their campus. Our Assistant Principals of the Year each received a $500 award from our friends at America’s Credit Union.

The STARS (Superior Teaching Achievements in RISD) Teacher Recognition Award recognizes and encourages innovation and creativity in the classroom. The Richardson ISD Foundation annually awards $1,000 to each recipient selected from nominations at all teaching levels. More than 300 teachers, including this year’s recipients, have received this distinguished award since 1977.

Katy McDonald, a third-grade math and science teacher at MST Magnet, won the 2023 Fujitsu Trailblazer Award. The Fujitsu Trailblazer Award honors an exceptional Pre-K through sixth-grade teacher or librarian who engages students in the learning process and helps them acquire technological skills for the 21st century, allowing them to think creatively, effectively develop academic skills, and, most importantly, love learning. To celebrate McDonald’s contributions in the classroom, Fujitsu awarded her $5,000.

Nancy Kinzie, Executive Director of HR, is the 2023 winner of the sixth annual Patti Kieker Servant Leader Award, which shines a light upon an exemplary central administration employee who has helped RISD achieve the district’s mission and who exemplifies servant leadership.

The TI Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teaching Award is an annual award underwritten by Texas Instruments Foundation that honors instructors who enhance student achievement in STEM through the use of innovative teaching methods and technology. The goal of this award is to raise the profile and importance of quality STEM instruction among teachers and the community. In addition, the award provides incentive for outstanding teachers to continue the quality instruction in RISD.

The Red Apple New Teacher Award is given to outstanding first-year teachers in Richardson ISD who are passionate about helping their students grow. The Foundation is proud to partner with the district and our community partners to celebrate and encourage new teachers. Each of our Red Apple New Teacher Award winners received a $250 award courtesy of our friends at America’s Credit Union.