The St. Johns County Education Foundation, known as Investing in Kids (INK!), honors the dedicated work of the local teaching community with two annual awards: Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year.
After an extensive selection process, INK! has announced that Sabina Atic has been named the 2025-26 St. Johns County District Teacher of the Year, while Ashley Vizcarra has received the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award. They were recognized at the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.
“The level of professionalism and commitment from all of our nominees is extraordinary,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s executive director. “Teachers play a huge role in the development of our children, supporting the growth of our next generation. It’s our honor to recognize and continue the legacy of educators in St. Johns County.”
Atic teaches biomedical sciences at Beachside High School, where she is also the sponsor of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Future Health Professionals, a career and technical student organization that provides guidance and mentorship to high school students interested in pursuing a career in health services.
Atic has taught for seven years in St. Johns County and was named St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2018.
“Ms. Atic is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor and a role model,” writes former student Pranavi Nagpal, now majoring in health sciences at the University of South Florida. “Her dedication, compassion and patience have inspired countless students, myself included.”
Ashley Vizcarra is a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at Valley Ridge Academy. Her teaching duties include advanced science, accelerated math and pre-algebra.
Vizcarra began teaching after serving in the U.S. Navy as a naval nuclear propulsion plant operator, trained in nuclear engineering. Vizcarra also serves as the school’s Soaring High program coordinator, providing guidance and material support to students and their families.
“Ms. Vizcarra possesses a rare gift for connecting with students, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where they feel welcomed and supported,” writes Angie Fuller, principal of Valley Ridge Academy.
Finalists for the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year include Kylie Benetsky from Switzerland Point Middle School, Katelin Bonner from Pedro Menendez High School, Pauline Harris from Valley Ridge Academy and Denise Shedlock from Creekside High School.
