Pasadena Rotary’s 36th Annual Teachers of Excellence Awards

Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/29/2026
12:00 pm

Location
University Club of Pasadena

Category(ies)

• Announcement

Pasadena Unified School District (Photo – Staff)

Five Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) teachers will be recognized for their outstanding dedication to public education during the Rotary Club of Pasadena’s 36th Annual Teachers of Excellence Award Ceremony, taking place at noon on Wednesday, April 29.

The honorees, selected through a rigorous evaluation process, are:

Maria Barajas, second grade, Hamilton Elementary
Michael Birnbryer-Lao, music, Blair High School
Sonia Covarrubias, kindergarten, Willard Elementary
Ani Karapetyan, sixth grade science and math, Eliot Arts Magnet
Jocelyn Strickland, third grade, Jackson Elementary

A selection committee made up of Rotarians and community members, including representatives from the Pasadena Educational Foundation, reviewed nomination packages containing essays from each nominee and their principals. Committee members also conducted classroom visits to observe and evaluate the finalists in action.

PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco will participate in the program as a special guest, joined by other district leaders and representatives from state and local elected officials’ offices.

The Rotary Club’s Teachers of Excellence Award Program, established in 1990, aims to foster and recognize exceptional teaching within PUSD. This year, each awardee will receive $2,300, a notable increase from the long-standing $1,500 award, reflecting the Rotary Club’s commitment to ensuring the honor remains meaningful despite inflation. Each winner’s school will also receive $500 for educational purposes, funded by the Pasadena Rotary Foundation. Additional recognition from state and local officials will also be presented.

The program was originally developed through the efforts of Pasadena Rotary members including the late Joe Lonergan, the late Al Lowe, and Christle Balvin. The 2026 Teachers of Excellence Co-chairs are Rotarians Mary Lou Byrne and Gary W. Kearney.

The April 29 ceremony, held at University Club of Pasadena, 175 N. Oakland Ave., is open to the public with advance reservations required. Lunch is priced at $45 per person, and RSVPs may be sent to office@pasadenarotary.com.