Lubbock Christian University’s (LCU) College of Education in partnership with The Knowledge Center, Inc. are honored to make their yearly recognition of distinguished educators from Lubbock County. This year, five outstanding educators were recognized, and two of the individuals received the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching at a reception on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, on LCU campus.
The award is presented annually to remarkable educators in recognition of their diligent efforts in educating tomorrow’s generations and as encouragement for the tangible impact they make through the long hours and dedicated commitment to their students. Growing challenges in recent years have made the need to appreciate and encourage teachers more important than ever.
Area superintendents nominated a teacher to represent their districts. These individuals responded to reflective questions addressing practice and service to their students, campus, and district. Among the nomination criteria were student performance, knowledge of the subject matter, instructional resources and technology, leadership in the school and the school district, professional development, and community service.
The 2025 Distinguished Educators of Lubbock County and LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching Finalists were:
- Wendy Simmons – Abernathy ISD
- James Holloway – Frenship ISD
- Kimberley Blankenship – Lubbock ISD
- Angie Olivarez – Lubbock-Cooper ISD
- Desiree Warshaw – Roosevelt ISD
A review committee evaluated the reflective responses and selected the top two recipients of the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching. The awardees were Angie Olivarez, of Lubbock-Cooper ISD, and James Holloway, of Frenship ISD.
Angie Olivarez earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Wayland Baptist University. She worked as an ESL teaching assistant before beginning her career in Lubbock-Cooper ISD as an elementary social studies and technology teacher and then taught kindergarten and first grade. She currently teaches 4th and 5th grade Dual Language Reading at Lubbock-Cooper Central Elementary School.
Olivarez’s principal, Annie Crawford, stated, “Angie Olivarez is an exceptional dual language teacher whose dedication to student success goes beyond the classroom. She builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students, creating an environment where they feel valued and motivated to excel. Her innovative teaching methods and commitment to continuous professional growth set her apart. Angie not only fosters academic excellence but also instills a passion for learning and personal growth in her students. Her positive impact is felt throughout our school community, and she truly embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator.”
James Holloway earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Lubbock Christian University and a master’s degree at Texas Tech University. He began his teaching career teaching biology at Levelland High School. He taught physics, chemistry, environmental science, and forensic science at Estacado High School. He currently teaches engineering, robotics, and scientific research and design at Frenship High School.
Holloway’s principal, Greg Hernandez, stated, “James Holloway has made a remarkable impact during his 12-year tenure at Frenship High School. His energetic teaching approach makes physics, chemistry, and engineering accessible to all students. As sponsor of the award-winning Fe Tigers Robotics Team, he fosters innovation and collaboration among participants. His leadership of the Tiger Tech Champions Squad has successfully encouraged fellow teachers to incorporate technology into their classrooms. Mr. Holloway's unwavering commitment to student achievement and professional collaboration demonstrates teaching excellence.”
The speaker for the reception was Jimmy Moore, a former teacher and campus administrator who served as President of the Children’s Home of Lubbock. Mr. Moore currently serves as the Director of Church Strengthening and Support for Christian Alliance for Orphans.
The recipients of the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2025 each received $1,000 and all nominated teachers received $100 along with an engraved brass teacher handbell. HEB was the corporate sponsor for this event.