: ANNOUNCING: SEMIFINALISTS for SANTA ROSA TEACHER OF THE 1/7/2026

Santa Rosa County, FL – Santa Rosa Education Foundation has announced the five semifinalists selected from 37 school nominees for Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Audra Hughes, Avalon Middle, Earle McAuley, Gulf Breeze High, Bayleigh Upton, Jay High, Dayna Hood, Milton High, Dawn Kaunike, Santa Rosa High & Adult.
 
The SREF Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, which consists of administrators, business and community leaders, parents, and previous Santa Rosa Teachers of the Year, will observe the semifinalists in their classrooms and conduct interviews before narrowing the field to three finalists.  
  
The 2027 Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year will be announced on Friday, January 16, 2026.  Nominees will be recognized at Santa Rosa’s Golden Apple Awards celebrating all Santa Rosa educators on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at The Saenger Theatre. For sponsorship information visit www.santarosaeducationfoundation.org