Yuma, Arizona (Kyma, Kecy) – The math teacher at Crane Middle School is a Yuma County teacher this year in 2025.
Neomi Pharmes received the highest honors on Thursday night at the 38th Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held at the Yuma Civic Center.
The event brought together hundreds of educators, community leaders and families to celebrate the impact of education throughout the region.
One of the 12 finalists, Pharmes stood out for her first thoughts and deep beliefs in the importance of building trust and connections in the classroom.
“At this point, I’ve been lost with words,” she said after winning the award. “It’s amazing to know that I can do what I love every day. It’s not just a job… it’s a calling.”
Her educational philosophy is simple. Before she teaches content, she develops relationships.
“If your kids know you, they don’t care how much you know… they want to know how much you care,” Pharmes said during her acceptance speech. “One day, students may not be ready to learn. They just need love. Well, I really love them.”
That love is rooted in her own upbringing, she says. As a student, her classroom was a safe space. Thanks to the teacher who trusted her and encouraged her to dream big.
Her husband, Zelek Farmas, says it’s the same love that guides her every day.
“She loves what she does, she loves to have kids,” he said. “She doesn’t look at race or background… she loves people. It comes from her faith and her belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard and loved.”
Crane School Principal Lowry Roading says the award recognizes more than just educational ability.
“The type of person who won this event is someone who is an advocate for education and ambassador,” Doring said. “They represent the best in what it means to be a Yuma County educator.”
The medication also received a message to fellow teachers in the room. Please continue.
“No matter what’s going to be difficult or not,” she said. “I’ll wake up and do it again, and then I’ll do it again.
Additional winners include:
- Primary Education: Desiree Cooksey, CW McGraw Elementary School
- Intermediate/Special Area: Fauna Bushun, Welton Elementary School
- Junior High School/Junior High School: Gillian Everhart, Ron Watson Junior High School
- high school: Jonica Flores, Cibola High School
Higher Education Honor:
- Amber Ortega, Arizona Western College
- Margaret Fensuke, Arizona Western College
- Dr. Jesse Landin, Northern Yuma, Northern Arizona University
- Dr. Wendy Zender, Northern Yuma, Northern Arizona University
Yuma County Education Hall of Fame:
- Michael “Mike” Wicks
- Danny Garcia
- Olivia Elizondo Zepeda
- Yuma Rotary Club
- Dr. David Lott
Congratulations to Neomi Pharmes and all of this year’s recipients on their continued commitment to education in Yuma County.