ISD Academy Awards 2026
Congratulations to all Academy Award nominees and winners!
Students were nominated by staff for their work ethic, academic achievement and participation within the Academy Pathways. The winners were announced at a banquet attended by their families and school staff.
Award Honorees
Freshman Academy Student of the Year:
Jeovani Fernandez-Papalia (VHHS)
Zanikia Smith (VHHS) - Winner
Trinidy Thomas (WCHS)
Arts & Education Academy Student of the Year:
Avery Morton (THS) - Winner
Olivia Simmons (THS)
Madison Wincapaw (VHHS)
Jayceon Lamah (WCHS)
Business Academy Student of the Year:
Sawyer Deschaine (THS)
Chirine Timbang (VHHS) - Winner
Jackson Dillard (WCHS)
Industrial Technology Academy Student of the Year:
Asher Olmstead (THS)
Kaitlyn Spohn (VHHS)
Kendrick Martin (WCHS) - Winner
Public Service Academy Student of the Year:
Hunter Kelley (THS) - Winner
Nicodemus Snyder (VHHS)
Lexi Parkhurst (WCHS)
STEM Academy Student of the Year:
Alana Jackson (THS)
Heidi Paz Ruiz (VHHS)
Adriana Quinonez (WCHS) - Winner
Academies Teacher of the Year:
Doris Negaard - Arts & Education (VHHS)
Ashley Habermehl - Business (THS)
Reid Titus - Freshmen Academy (WCHS)
Briant Gant - Industrial Technology (VHHS)
Kayla Engelman - Public Service (WCHS)
Debbie Cox - STEM (VHHS) - Winner
New Business Partner of the Year:
JarBO Employment Group
Business Engagement Award:
Metropolitan Community College
Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co.
Ennovation Center
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Auto Beauty Center
Graceland University
West Central AHEC
Arts & Education Academy Business Partner of the Year:
Sunshine Center
Business Academy Business Partner of the Year:
Aramark
Industrial Technology Academy Business Partner of the Year:
Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City
Public Service Academy Business Partner of the Year:
Independence Youth Court
STEM Academy Business Partner of the Year:
Netsmart
Photos by David Rainey
