Elgin HS teacher up for State Teacher of the Year

ELGIN — A Comanche County educator is among the 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists.

Melissa Evon, of Elgin High School, is among the 10 state educators nominated for the honor for outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in the classroom, according to a press release from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters’ office.

“These exceptional teacher represent the very best of Oklahoma education,” he said. “Their passion and commitment to student success set the standard for educators across our state. I am honored to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they continue to make in their schools and communities.”

Evon is joined by the other finalists: Shelly Austin, Cushing High School; G. Bruce Riggs, Claremore High School; Paula Caudill, Collinsville Upper Elementary School; Jennifer Meyer, Grove Elementary School; Melissa Lytle, Bixby North Intermediate; Chrystal Reis, L.W. Westfall Elementary School; Shaunda Usry, Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center; Lauren Draper, Tuttle Middle School; and Stacey Barker, Merritt Elementary.

Finalists were selected as Teachers of the Year at their respective schools before advancing through a district-level nomination process.

A panel of Oklahomans will evaluate these teachers and determine the winner, to be announced at the InspireOK event in July.