During 2nd hour on April 8, Rockwood Summit Teacher of the Year Sarah Moonier was surprised by Rockwood School District administrators and her family after being named the District High School Teacher of the Year. In order to secure this award, Moonier had to undergo an application process that included turning in a resume and writing an essay about her professional background, community partnerships, and how her teaching impacts her students. Her application went through many committees of district employees before she was awarded this honor.

Moonier previously received the Rockwood High School Teacher of the Year award after her Rockwood Summit Teacher of the Year award in 2014, but she was still surprised that she was able to win again in 2026.

“There [are] so many great teachers. It’s always about who you’re up against and I know a couple of the other teachers from the other high schools, so I didn’t expect it at all. I was not sure what was going to happen so I was super excited and almost speechless when they came in,” Moonier said.

Completely in the dark about winning the award, Moonier didn’t know what was going on when they first came into the room.

“My students were laughing at me [when they walked in] because I kept talking about acid rain, and they were like, ‘the superintendent’s here,’ but I figured out [what was going on] pretty quickly after,” Moonier said.

As Moonier continues to win awards and gain success, her daughter, sophomore Katie Moonier continues to support her through it all.

“[Katie is] really proud of me. She was my cheerleader the whole time, even when they were giving me the award, she was doing ‘hip-hip hoorays’ and she was very excited,” Moonier said.