Hope Public School teachers Robin Bautista and Elizabeth Deloach were honored tonight at the Hope Rotary Club’s 2026 Teacher Appreciation Banquet at Hempstead Hall. Each year, the Hope Rotary Club honors two outstanding educators as Teacher of the Year, one representing primary grades (K-6) and one representing secondary grades (7-12). Rotary President Bren Yocom said the purpose of these honors was to show appreciation for the teachers who guide and educate the children of our community.

The evening began with Rotarian Les Patterson providing a brief history of the awards, which were established in 2001 in collaboration with local leaders like Dr. Lowe and John Watkins. Now in its 26th year, the program has recognized dozens of educators. “In our book, you are heroes,” Patterson told the room of educators, emphasizing the vital role they play in the development of the city's youth.

The Primary Teacher of the Year award was presented to Elizabeth Deloach, a veteran educator with a staggering 54 years of total experience, 34 of which have been dedicated to the Hope school system.

In her acceptance speech, an emotional Deloach expressed her deep love for her students. "I love the kids," she said. "I have been with them all these years, and this is the passion of my life." While she joked about "moving a bit slower" these days and preparing for retirement, her commitment to the classroom remains as vibrant as ever.

The Secondary Teacher of the Year honor was awarded to Robin Bautista of Hope High School. Bautista, who has 14 years of experience, was credited with being instrumental in the school's recent 13 percent literacy growth among ninth graders.

Upon receiving his award, Bautista thanked his mentors and the district leadership for their ongoing support. He credited his success to the collaborative environment at Hope High School and the encouragement of his principal and the superintendent.

Yocom wrapped up the event by offering the teachers a heartfelt congratulations from the Rotary Club. She also shared with SWARK.Today why Rotary honored these teachers tonight: “The Hope Rotary Club chooses to promote educational excellence in our area, and these two educators personify this mission perfectly,” she said. "Each and every day they demonstrate the Rotary motto of ‘service above self,' so we wanted to show our appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication.”

As the club celebrated the achievements of Deloach and Bautista, the underlying message of the night was clear: the educators of Hope are the backbone of the community's future, providing the "poetry in action" that shapes the next generation.