Elko County School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 District Teacher of the Year awards.
Abigail Parkin, an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Northside Elementary School, has been named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Additionally, Ernie Mendez, a science teacher at Spring Creek Middle School, and Ryan Carpenter, an agriculture teacher at Owyhee Combined School, have been recognized as the 2026 Elementary and Secondary STEM Teachers of the Year, respectively.
(Mendez)
These distinguished educators were selected from a pool of outstanding school Teachers of the Year, representing 20 schools across the district, each nominated by their school administrative teams in recognition of their dedication to students, instructional excellence, and commitment to their school communities.
(Carpenter)
Each school’s Teachers of the Year received $250 in classroom supply credit through the generous support of Orla Mining. The announcements were made during surprise school assemblies during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8.
Parkin, who has been an educator within the district since 2012, was awarded a $600 Visa gift card, generously sponsored by Family Dental Care and Total Eyecare. Ernie Mendez, with 31 years of service, and Ryan Caprenter, with 21 years of service, both received a $600 Visa gift card, sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines. Additional support for the awards came from Everything Elko, LeeAnne's Floral Designs, and the Anderson Family.
“We are incredibly proud of Abigail, Ernie, and Ryan for the positive impact they make in the lives of students each day,” said CJ Anderson, Superintendent of Elko County School District. “Their passion, leadership, and dedication to education reflect the very best of our district and the profession as a whole.”
ECSD congratulates all three recipients and extends appreciation to the school administrators, staff, students, and community sponsors who helped celebrate and support educators across the district during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The district looks forward to continuing to recognize the exceptional teachers who inspire learning, build relationships, and shape the future of Elko County students.