Riverwalk Academy Celebrates 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year
Riverwalk Academy is proud to announce and celebrate our outstanding Teachers of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year! These dedicated educators go above and beyond in inspiring and nurturing our students, and we are excited to honor their hard work and commitment to excellence in the classroom.
Elementary School: Erin Thorne With her boundless enthusiasm and passion for learning, Ms. Thorne has created a classroom environment where every child feels valued and motivated to succeed. Her colleague shared:
"I am honored to nominate Ms. Thorne for Teacher of the Year. She is consistently kind, professional, and deeply committed to meeting the needs of every student in her classroom. Ms. Thorne excels at differentiating instruction, ensuring that all learners feel supported, challenged, and capable of success. What truly sets Ms. Thorne apart is the strong relationships she builds with her students. She creates a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment where students feel seen and valued. Her ability to connect with students while maintaining high expectations reflects her dedication and skill as an educator."
Middle School: Jeanine Stovall Ms. Stovall has an exceptional ability to connect with students and foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. A colleague remarked:
"Jeanine consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, passion, and professionalism, making a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the entire school community. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she goes above and beyond to create an engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel encouraged to succeed. Her commitment to her students extends far beyond the classroom, continuing long after they move on. Jeanine is not only an outstanding educator but also a positive role model, mentor, and friend. Her influence inspires confidence, growth, and a genuine love of learning in everyone around her."
High School: Ryan Loyst Known for his innovative approach and unwavering support of students, Mr. Loyst creates an engaging and empowering learning environment. A fellow staff member shared:
"Ryan Loyst represents what great teaching looks like at Riverwalk. He is constantly reflecting, analyzing student work, and listening to student interests so he can create classroom learning opportunities that truly matter. His classroom is not just a place where students study literature and writing; it’s a place where they feel known, challenged, and supported. The relationships he builds extend well beyond the classroom, and many students speak of his lessons as some of the most memorable experiences during their time at Riverwalk."
Each of these remarkable educators embodies the spirit of Riverwalk Academy, and we are lucky to have them as part of our school community. Congratulations to Erin Thorne, Jeanine Stovall, and Ryan Loyst! Thank you for all that you do to inspire and support our students every day.