One's a Viking. One's a Trojan.

They're both sharing that Vandal pride.

Coeur d'Alene High School business teacher and DECA adviser Antonio Carrico and Post Falls High School Choir Director Melody McLeod have been named 2024 Vandal Outstanding Educators by the University of Idaho's College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.

They are two of six K-12 educators across the state to earn this honor after being nominated by University of Idaho students.

"I am very grateful that an ex-student would take the time to think of me as someone who helped them on their career path," Carrico said Friday in an email to The Press.

In an Oct. 3 announcement, the University of Idaho said Carrico has inspired countless students to pursue careers in business and marketing.

"His passion for teaching personal finance and fostering creativity has made a lasting impact, both in the classroom and throughout the community," the announcement states.

Carrico has taught at Coeur d'Alene High for 21 years. He is a 1993 graduate of Wallace High School and a 1999 U of I grad.

"Through the years I have learned that the relationships you can build with students makes being a teacher worth it," he said. "Teachers put in a lot of time with everything they do, but the relationship piece is No. 1."

A 2009 Moscow High School grad, McLeod graduated from the U of I in 2014. She has been teaching in the Post Falls School District for 10 years and just entered her fifth year at Post Falls High.

She said she was excited to hear the news that she had been selected for the award.

"It was a nice surprise out of the blue on a particularly challenging workday," she said.

McLeod grew up in a musical home with a mom who was a piano teacher. She also credits the great music teachers she had throughout her schooling for her inspiration to follow their lead. 

"Some of my most rewarding, impactful and fulfilling experiences happened in choirs, so it was a natural choice for my profession," she said.

She said she is looking forward to returning to her hometown for the celebration.

The honorees will be celebrated in a special halftime ceremony during the Idaho Vandal Football Educator Appreciation game Saturday at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.

"I always love going back to Moscow," McLeod said. "I grew up there. I have a profound love for the university as well. It will be cool to have that experience at my alma mater."

The university said in the award announcement that McLeod creates a welcoming and supportive environment for her students.

"McLeod’s lasting influence extends beyond the classroom, inspiring one student to pursue a teaching degree and chase their dreams," the release said. "Her dedication to both music and her students has made her a mentor, teacher and lifelong friend."

    McLeod