News Release March 3, 2026
![News Release March 3, 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739827395/usd253org/ip1phbiyrqm8mopnjuzg/EmporiaAnnouncement.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739827395/usd253org/ip1phbiyrqm8mopnjuzg/EmporiaAnnouncement.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739827395/usd253org/ip1phbiyrqm8mopnjuzg/EmporiaAnnouncement.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739827395/usd253org/ip1phbiyrqm8mopnjuzg/EmporiaAnnouncement.png","width":1200}])
News Release March 3, 2026
Emporia Public Schools Celebrates Hopkins Award Recipients
Emporia, KS – The E.L. & Z. Irene Hopkins Foundation has proudly supported Lyon County schools for more than 20 years through the Hopkins Awards, recognizing excellence in education. Traditionally awarded as either Project Awards or Individual Awards, the Foundation introduced a new hybrid approach this year with a special focus on classroom teachers.
Each recipient was surprised on Tuesday when district administrators, Hopkins Award committee members, and representatives of the Hopkins Foundation visited classrooms across the district to personally deliver the awards.
Under the new format, each winner receives $1,500 for personal use and an additional $500 to enhance their classroom.
Emporia Public Schools is pleased to announce the 2026 Hopkins Award winners:
- Grant Charpentier – Art Teacher, Emporia High School
- Adrian Ingles – Technology Education Teacher, Emporia High School
- Ashlie Thomas – Language Arts Teacher, Emporia High School
- Charli Acevedo – 7th Grade Math Teacher, Emporia Middle School
- Heath Duncan – 6th Grade Math Teacher, Emporia Middle School
- Brandi Schneider – 6th Grade Science Teacher, Emporia Middle School
- Rylee Hendrikse – 4th Grade Teacher, Timmerman Elementary School
- Manuel Estrada Espinoza – 5th Grade Teacher, Walnut Elementary School
- Samantha Mezquite – 2nd Grade Teacher, Walnut Elementary School
- Lisa Hart – Early Childhood Teacher, Jones Early Childhood Development Center
- Saul Trujillo – Kindergarten Teacher, Riverside Elementary School
- Tori Bankson – 4th Grade Teacher, Logan Avenue Elementary School
- Shawn Russell – Adaptive Special Education Teacher, Logan Avenue Elementary School
Emporia Public Schools extends sincere appreciation to the Hopkins Foundation for its continued generosity and commitment to supporting educators and students throughout Lyon County. The Hopkins Awards remain a meaningful way to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and impact of classroom teachers across the district.