2025 Honorees

2025 Honorees

Dr. Kristin Craft

As Superintendent of Boerne ISD, Dr. Kristin Craft is dedicated to student success and believes in leading by example. Craft earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration (2003), and Doctorate in Educational Leadership (2011) from Sam Houston State University.

Leading up to her superintendency, Craft’s 29-year career in Texas public schools includes time as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, chief academic officer and associate superintendent in districts including Aldine ISD, Magnolia ISD, Houston ISD, and Spring Branch ISD.

During her short tenure at Boerne ISD, Craft has had a tremendous impact on the success and growth of the district. Her “listen and learn” approach helped establish a strategic roadmap for district success, ensuring that every decision she makes is rooted in the values and concerns of those she serves. Her overarching goal is to provide all students and teachers with the opportunity to thrive in an environment grounded in integrity and respect.

Her dedication and expertise in education are evident through her achievements, including having served as an award-winning principal of an elementary, intermediate and high school, receiving the 2024 Center for Model Schools (formerly ICLE) Innovative District Award, and being named a finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Large District Award in 2022.

Mrs. Mandy D. Epley

Mandy Epley’s passion for the arts shapes the way she views the world as a stage and impacts her leadership style. Epley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre with teacher certification (1997) from Sam Houston State University.

Epley began her 27-year career as a theatre teacher and quickly moved into leadership and administrative roles serving as a drama director, fine arts director, director of human resources, chief of staff, and assistant and acting superintendent at school districts across south central Texas.

As the Superintendent of Navarro ISD, Epley is working to couple the community’s small-town culture and storied traditions with the rapid growth the district is experiencing. Her years in theatre, education and administration taught her to listen to each person’s unique story, look for commonalities across people’s stories, and use those commonalities to build connections that foster community and a collective vision for the future. Epley’s approach has resulted in the development of the district’s new strategic plan, a successful 120-million-dollar bond package, breaking ground on a new high school building, and plans for two additional elementary campuses.

Epley’s dedication to education has earned her numerous accolades, including being named the Texas Educational Theatre Association Secondary Educator of the Year. She has served as a judge for Enhance the Arts and has co-authored a book that serves as a primary resource for high school theatre instruction.

Dr. Carnelius Gilder

Dr. Carnelius Gilder is a community minded visionary who leads with a passion for purpose and has the rare ability to inspire and accelerate positive change. Gilder earned a Bachelor’s degree is Speech Communication (2006), Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership (2012), and Doctorate in Educational Administration (2021) all from Sam Houston State University.

During his tenure as Superintendent of West Sabine Independent School District, Gilder has pioneered new approaches to early literacy and aligned high school credentialing pathways to regionally relevant high-wage, high-demand jobs. The many positive changes he has implemented have led to rapid growth in his small rural district, revitalized the community, and garnered the attention of state and national leaders.

Dedicated to building his community and a foundation for future generations, Gilder actively serves on multiple state and local advisory and nonprofit leadership boards including Pineland Housing Authority, Pineland Early Learning Center, Pineland Service Club, East Texas Early Literacy Alliance, Sabine County Economic Development Committee, and Pineland Community Outreach & Development Services. He is also a member of professional organizations including the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE), Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), and the Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (FRSLN). Gilder also serves as the Region 7 director for the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS) and is a member of the Region 7 Education Service Center Executive Committee.

Dr. Cedric B. Stewart

Dr. Cedric Stewart is an accomplished educator and servant leader with over three decades of experience fostering academic excellence, innovative program development, and organizational transformation, Stewart earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice (2005), Master’s degree in Educational Administration (2008), and Doctorate in Educational Leadership (2012) from Sam Houston State University.

As the Principal of Victory Early College High School in Aldine ISD, Stewart has demonstrated expertise in teaching, curriculum design, supervision, and program development, with a consistent focus on creating favorable learning environments for students and teachers alike. His dedication to education is marked by an ability to establish meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders and to implement transformative strategies that drive improvement and success.

Dr. Stewart’s career highlights his capacity for leadership in addressing specific targets of improvement within educational institutions. His proven track record includes the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs aligned with organizational vision and mission. With a comprehensive understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs, as well as the policies and procedures governing state and federal programs, Stewart has established himself as an expert in designing and leading initiatives that promote teacher effectiveness and student performance.

Stewart has earned multiple accolades recognizing his contributions to education, including being named Secondary Principal of the Year for Aldine Independent School District and Regional Principal of the Year by HAABSE. Additionally, he has earned school recognition as a National Demonstration School by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and Magnet School of Distinction Award from Magnet Schools of America.

Mrs. Ashley Wright

Ashley Wright has dedicated her career to empowering others. Wright earned her Bachelor’s degree in Academic Studies (2008) and Master’s degree in School Counseling (2017) from Sam Houston State University. Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified School Counselor.

As the School Counselor at Gordon-Reed Elementary in Conroe ISD, Wright is dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and making resources available for each student’s long-term success. She works closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create personalized action plans that help students succeed both academically and emotionally.

Over her 16 years of experience Wright has exemplified what it means to be a transformative educator. She is a recognized figure in school counseling, known for her innovative approach to working with students, dedication to student development, and commitment to addressing the unique challenges educators and students face daily.

Wright is a passionate advocate for her profession. She is a national speaker and author, and her book, “Passion, Purpose and Position: A Guide for Educators”, has inspired educators across the country. Wright has received many honors including being named the Texas Elementary School Counselor of the Year in 2018, Texas School Counselor of the Year in 2021, and was selected as one of the top five school counselors in the nation in 2022.