Nearly 1,100 school nutrition professionals and more than 200 industry partners came together in Grapevine to learn, connect, recognize outstanding work and celebrate the school nutrition community.
In June 2026, the Texas Association for School Nutrition Annual Conference brought the TASN community together in Grapevine for two days of learning, leadership, recognition and connection. From the Annual Meeting and Chapter Flag Ceremony to educational sessions, the exhibit hall, awards and evening events, every part of the experience reflected this year’s theme, Ignite the Light.
Whether you attended in person or followed along from home, this recap highlights the people, programs and moments that made the conference memorable.
During the conference, TASN thanked its outgoing volunteer leaders, installed the 2026–2027 Board of Directors and welcomed John Ceballos as president.
In his remarks, John reflected on the people and experiences that shaped him as a leader, including his own memories as a student receiving free school meals. He encouraged members to keep building strong communities, sharing ideas and supporting one another throughout the year.
One of the most meaningful parts of the Annual Conference is recognizing the people, programs, chapters and districts whose work strengthens school nutrition across Texas. This year’s honorees reflect the leadership, creativity, professional growth and service happening every day in cafeterias, district offices and communities across the state.
Their accomplishments include increasing meal participation, advancing nutrition education, strengthening local chapters, pursuing professional development and supporting the next generation of school nutrition leaders.
These awards recognize schools and districts that increased average daily breakfast or lunch participation by at least 10%.
- Breakfast Participation Award: Jessica Howell, YES Prep Public Schools
- Breakfast and Lunch Participation Awards: Copperas Cove ISD, accepted by Jody Nieto; Brenham ISD
- Silver Membership Award: Sheldon ISD, accepted by Jennie L. LaCour
- Silver Certification Award: Sheldon ISD, accepted by Barbara Baldwin
- Gold Local Plan of Action Award: Aldine School Nutrition Association, accepted by Norema Piña
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Continuing Education: Jennie L. LaCour, Sheldon ISD; Rosalynn Ordonez, Aldine ISD
This award recognizes members whose support helps their school nutrition departments grow stronger and more successful.
- Katina Frey, Aldine ISD
- Reyna Garcia, YES Prep Public Schools
- Lorrie Hornaday, Copperas Cove ISD
- Abigail Martinez-Perez, Sheldon ISD
- Crystal Moore, Tarkington ISD
- School Nutrition Specialist of the Year: William McFarland, Garland ISD
- School Nutrition Manager of the Year: Kholoud Tabanjah, Klein ISD
- School Nutrition Director of the Year: Melissa Bryan, Copperas Cove ISD
- Juneth Anderson, Copperas Cove ISD
- Kassidy Bruce, Copperas Cove ISD
- Leslie Fraser, Copperas Cove ISD
- Jessica Howell, YES Prep Public Schools
- Dustin Richard Hutcheson, Sheldon ISD
- Ti’Tiaia Jones-Jackson, Klein ISD
- Melissa Moreno, Copperas Cove ISD
- Rachel Vasquez, Copperas Cove ISD
- Area 4, represented by Tanya Davis, ESC 7
TASN’s future is shaped by professionals who bring fresh ideas, energy and commitment to the school nutrition community. The Rising Star Award honors one school nutrition member and one industry member who have been in the field for fewer than five years or are still early in their careers.
- School Nutrition Rising Star: Sarah Michaels, Brenham ISD
- Industry Rising Star: Brandice Uzoigwe, E-Source Miller
The conference also recognized contest winners, academy graduates and scholarship recipients whose accomplishments reflect TASN’s commitment to education, leadership development and continued professional growth.
- First place: McLeod ISD
- Second place: Beeville ISD
- Third place: Culberson County-Allamoore ISD
TASN proudly recognized graduates of the 2025 Summer Managers Academy and the 2025–2026 Administrative Academy. Through these programs, participants strengthened their leadership, operational knowledge and ability to support successful school nutrition programs.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
- Martha Espinoza
- Julia Gomez
- Norma Gonzalez
- Damarys Medal
Garland ISD
- Ana Aguirre
- Kay Bell
- Nora Campos
- Patricia Hardy
- Julia Hernandez-Moreno
- Maria Medina
- Jolene Morrison
- Renee Priest
Irving ISD
- Telicia Aurthur
- Jesika Gutierrez-Hernandez
- Claudia Lima Villeda
- Alpha Orduno
Klein ISD
- Ashley Nicole Gonzales
- Kholoud Tabanjah
- Jannet Vazquez
Mesquite ISD
- Toni Allen
- Shearia Ates
- Chelsea Cisneros
- Sacha Dorrough
- Keyia Hunter
- Jennifer Juarez
- Alicia Mapes
- Jeshua Mora
- Glenda Spears
- Terresa Vasquez
- Latasha Williams
Montgomery ISD
- Wendy Hamilton
- Kathy Henderson
- Pamela Hightower
Spring Branch ISD
- Endy Galdamez
- Denys Alfaro
- Evelyn Medrano
The Beta Foundation
- Jennifer Conklin
- Maria Guerra
Willis ISD
- Amy Stover
- Maria Pipes
- Bambi Travis
- Alicia Clelland, Midland ISD
- Erica Dorsey, Klein ISD
- Rachelle Kan, George Gervin Academy
- Crystal McGary, Terrell ISD
- Rosa Mendiola, Klein ISD
- Kim Prowell, Corsicana ISD
- Jerry Saquiton Jr., Klein ISD
- Crystal Strader, New Caney ISD
- Dianna Tidwell, Terrell ISD
- Eleazar Zuniga, Uplift Education
TASN is proud to support scholarships that help members continue their education, expand their skills and work toward their professional goals.
- Juana Bonilla, Aldine ISD
- Rachelle Kan, George Gervin Academy
- Sandra Moreno, Galena Park ISD
- Vanessa Valdez, Angleton ISD
The Area Rep Meet-Up and conference scavenger hunt gave attendees additional ways to connect, explore and participate throughout the conference. Congratulations to the individuals and teams selected as this year’s winners.
- Nora Cerda Barrera, Area 5, Irving ISD
- Liliana Ponce, Area 10, Elgin ISD
- Edwin Wilderness, Area 2, Fort Bend ISD
- Elizabeth Olguin, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
- The Hardin-Jefferson Child Nutrition team
Each conference engagement winner will receive a $25 digital gift card.
Thank you to our members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, Board of Directors, Conference Planning Committee and TASN Headquarters team for making the 2026 TASN Annual Conference possible. We are grateful to everyone who helped Ignite the Light in Grapevine.
