Meet the 2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program Honorees

As we prepare the next generation for a STEM-driven future, FIRST^® believes the greatest impact starts with educators. Every day, they inspire curiosity, build confidence, and open doors students may have never imagined, transforming learning into a journey of possibility.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honored to celebrate a new cohort of educators and schools recognized in the 2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program. Nominated by the global FIRST community, these dedicated individuals and learning institutions are providing STEM For Everyone™ and empowering students to discover their potential.

Join us in celebrating their impact on social media using #InspireTheFuture.

2026 Educator Honorees

🍎 Mary Ure from Paola, Kansas (Grades K-5)

🍎 Nicole Crane from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (Grades K-5)

🍎 Alisia Davis from Columbus, Ohio (Grades 6-8)

🍎 Neeraj Agnihotri from Renton, Washington (Grades 6-8)

🍎 Sarah VanLoo from Ann Arbor, Michigan (Grades 6-8)

🍎 Tina Gleason from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Grades 6-8)

🍎 Mark Case from Greensboro, North Carolina (Grades 9-12)

🍎 Matthew Cain from West Branch, Iowa (Grades 9-12)

🍎 Matthew Riney from Washington, Indiana (Grades 9-12)

🍎 Wenny Lin from Tujunga, California (Grades 9-12)

🍎 Craig Bond from Canada

🍎 Fatima-Zahra Benyaaqoub from Morocco

🍎 Guillermo Sadot Silva Cedeño from Mexico

🍎 Lina Hassan from Saudi Arabia

🍎 Melahat Buladı from Türkiye

2026 School Honorees

✏️ Bedford Academy in Bedford, New Hampshire (Grades K-6)

✏️ Cannon Junior High School in Las Vegas, Nevads (Grades 6-8)

✏️ George J Ryan Middle School 216 in Fresh Meadows, New York (Grades 6-8)

✏️ Meadow Glen Middle School in Lexington, South Carolina (Grades 6-8)

✏️ East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan (Grades 10-12)

✏️ Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon (Grades 9-12)

✏️ Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii (Grades 9-12)

✏️ Lutheran High School of San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas (Grades 9-12)

✏️ Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois (Grades 9-12)

✏️ West Branch Community Schools in Branch, Iowa (Grades 9-12)

✏️ ACI Schools in Türkiye

✏️ PrepaTec Campus Querétaro in Mexico

✏️ SESI 411 in Brazil

✏️ STEM Innovation Academy in Canada

✏️ St. Peters Lutheran College in Australia

Follow FIRST on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more to celebrate our honorees!

Meet our past cohort members: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022