Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) hosted its annual Service Awards & Retirement Celebration on May 7, 2026, honoring employees who have dedicated 25 years or more of service to the district, as well as retirees whose careers have helped shape generations of students. This year’s “Boots & Bling” themed celebration recognized the lasting impact and commitment of PSJA ISD staff members across all departments and campuses.
PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias congratulated the honorees and retirees for their years of service and dedication to students, families, and the community.
“These individuals represent the heart of PSJA ISD,” said Dr. Elias. “Their dedication, leadership, and passion for serving students have strengthened our schools and left a lasting impact on countless lives throughout our community. You will always be part of the PSJA family. Family is somebody who looks out for each other, and that’s what you did by serving our students. If our students shine, then we shine as a district.”
The celebration included a dinner, special remarks from district leaders, and the presentation of awards.
Among the honored individuals was Professional Development Director Stella A. Sanchez, recognized for an exceptional 35 years of service to PSJA ISD.
From a very young age, Stella knew she wanted to become a teacher. At 22 years old, PSJA ISD provided her first opportunity in education by hiring her as a teacher at Austin Middle School. Over the years, she advanced through multiple leadership roles, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director.
PSJA ISD presented her with an award for 35 years of dedicated service to students, educators, staff, and the community. The district is grateful for her commitment and for the impact she has made across campuses and departments throughout her career.
“Receiving this recognition fills me with gratitude. PSJA has played a significant role in shaping me into the leader I am today, and it has positively impacted my children and countless families across our communities,” said Sanchez. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve students and everyone who supports them, because at the heart of everything we do is our commitment to their success.”
The celebration honored 158 service award recipients and 109 retirees, including teachers, administrators, food service employees, transportation staff, and other dedicated team members whose contributions have helped provide exceptional learning experiences for PSJA ISD students.
For Hilda Alicia Hernandez, a teacher at Carmen Anaya Elementary teacher and a retiree with 22 years of exceptional service at PSJA ISD was also recognized. Hernandez describes teaching as a lifelong calling, stating that she is still not done teaching.
“I really do not want to stop teaching. It’s part of my life, and I really enjoy it,” said Hernandez.
“While retiring from full-time work, I plan to continue as a substitute because staying connected to the students still matters to me.”
She also reflects on how much she learned in the classroom, noting, “I think I learned more with my second graders than I learned in any college,” especially through teaching in a dual language setting. For her, education became both her profession and a constant source of learning, and even in retirement, she hopes to keep growing while also making time to travel.
The event served as a reminder of the lasting impact PSJA ISD educators and staff have on the community, as employees across all roles continue to uphold the district’s commitment to excellence and student success.
