Three first-year and three veteran teachers were named District Educators of the Year at special ceremonies held annually to honor teachers who give 100 percent when it comes to improving the lives of children.

The 2010 Northside Educators of the Year are:

• Daniel Leija, Esparza Elementary School
• Susan Anne Lockamy, Luna Middle School
• Angela Thulstrup, O'Connor High School

The 2010 Northside First Year Educators of the Year are:

• Sarah Alejandro, Boone Elementary School
• Juan Carolos Carreno, Stevenson Middle School
• Cristina Encina, Marshall High School

In addition, Kuentz Elementary School's Mary Lee Campbell-Towell was named the nominee for the 2010 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

In addition to receiving engraved plaques, first-year awardees received checks for $250, and the veteran teachers and Trinity nominee received $500 checks.

A panel of NISD educators selected the District winners from the pool of 180 campus Educators of the Year.

All campus winners were deemed "Simply the Best" at the District's Educator of the Year celebrations, held March 9-11 this year.

The ceremony has been dubbed "Simply the Best," because the campus winners parade into the auditorium to Tina Turner's famous song by the same name. Winners are given the red-carpet treatment by whirling spotlights, cheering family members, and co-workers hoisting signs and banners.

Because of the popularity and high attendance, the "Simply the Best" event is split into three nights to accommodate all honorees and their guests. The First Year Elementary Educator of the Year ceremony was held March 9, the Elementary Educator of the Year ceremony was March 10, and secondary educators were honored March 11.

To purchase a DVD of the ceremony, please fill out the order form and send with payment to: NISD Communications Department, 5900 Evers Road, San Antonio, TX 78238.