Caney Creek High School was able to honor three of the hardest-working employees this week, naming three who will be honored at the Salute to Education event at Woodforest Bank Stadium.
Jessica Smith, Teacher of the Year
James Wilson, Rising Star Teacher
Marcos Barrios, Humanitarian of the Year
ABOVE: CTE Department Chair Jessica Smith teaches her food science class using an induction burner Oct. 18, 2024. Photo by Joselyn Bello Hernandez | Caney Creek Student Media
Jessica Smith
There are few people who honor the phrase "team player" more than the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and CTE department chair, Jessica Smith.
Over the years she's worked at CCHS, she's taught floral design and, now, works in the culinary arts pathway and leads the Career and Technical Education Department of 26 teachers.
"Jessica Smith has been an amazing teacher for many years," Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler said. "She contributes her many talents daily to the benefit of our students and Caney Creek High School. My own daughter had her as a teacher in several classes and learned an enormous amount!"
The selection committee was impressed by Smith's performance both in the classroom and as someone who is all-in on helping her peers and students. She has fought for increased funding and visibility for all CTE programs, created an initiative to allow the school community to purchase goods and services directly from a now-award-winning Winter Catalog, and connects CCHS to all of the feeder zone schools to expand access to CTE curriculum including industry-based certifications.
Smith, a CISD alumna, has been in education for 15 years, teaching at CCHS for 13. She is a certified veterinary medical assistant from the Texas Veterinary Medicine Association, Texas Florist Association Master Florist, Association of Food Services Food Protection Manager, AFS Honorary Member of the Caney Creek and Lone Star FFA chapters. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural development and production systems.
ABOVE: Psychology teacher James Wilson works with students during a sidewalk chalk project Feb. 7, 2025. Photo by Sophia Miranda | Caney Creek Student Media
James Wilson
Anyone talking with AP Psychology teacher James Wilson knows he goes a mile a minute.
Starting out as a substitute before joining the faculty three years ago, Wilson has since poured into the school his seemingly endless supply of passion for psychology, drive for teaching lifelong lessons and care for student wellbeing.
"I met James Wilson this year as I returned to CCHS," Stichler said. "He is driven to be the best teacher he can be, constantly asking questions, reflecting on his practice, and giving of his own personal time and resources for our students' growth."
In his time, Wilson has volunteered on safety committees, as well as founded the CCHS chapter of the National Psychology Honor Society this year.
Wilson worked in the professional industry before graduating from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
ABOVE: Marcos Barrios prepares the cafeteria before the lunch service on Feb. 10, 2026. Photo by Lexi Padgett | Caney Creek Student Media
Marcos Barrios
When someone mentions Marcos Barrios' name, the response usually starts with, "Oh, I love Marcos!"
As a custodian, Barrios working hard is part of the job. However, Barrios puts everything into it. He is known for going out of his way to ask questions that most people unfamiliar with building operations hadn't considered.
"Marcos Barrios works so hard to keep CCHS in top condition," Stichler said. "He takes pride in his work and prioritizes the needs of staff and students."
Naming Barrios the 2025-2026 Humanitarian of the Year was easy. In short, everyone has a story about Barrios. The stories are all positive and about how he helped them by going above and beyond.