ALBEMARLE — Local teachers, administrators and support staff were recognized for their achievements during the 2025-26 academic year at Stanly County Schools’ annual Celebration of Excellence on March 26.
District leaders, including SCS Superintendent Jarrod Dennis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lydia Hedrick and Chief Academic Officer Lynn Plummer, presented awards to standout educators from across the county.
“Thursday evening was a wonderful night of celebration as we came together to honor the incredible individuals who make Stanly County Schools such a special place to learn and grow,” the district said in an announcement of its award winners. “To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedication, your heart and the difference you make every day. And a very special thank you to our amazing student nutrition staff who catered the incredible meal for the evening!”
Kelly Hill, principal at South Stanly Middle School, was named the district’s Principal of the Year. Central Elementary School’s Brittany Mathews received Assistant Principal of the Year honors, while Endy Elementary School’s Luisa Suzunaga was named Teacher of the Year.
“I am incredibly grateful and honestly a bit overwhelmed by the recognition,” Hill said in a statement following the event. “Those who know me know how much I care about this work, and I would not be here without the constant support, encouragement and guidance of my family, mentors and colleagues along the way. Education is not an easy path. It’s a calling that requires heart, dedication and a genuine passion for serving others.”
Richfield Elementary School’s Brooke Davis was recognized as a runner-up finalist for Principal of the Year. West Stanly Middle School’s Mandy Efird and North Stanly Middle School’s Ashley Walker were honored as assistant principal runner-up finalists.
The ceremony also recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 academic year.
Honorees included Luisa Suzunaga (Endy Elementary School), Dana Burleson (West Stanly High School), Sharon Stephens (East Albemarle Elementary School), Nancy Slattery (Stanfield Elementary School), Kristina Hiatt (Stanly STEM Early College), Taylor Smith (West Stanly Middle School), Cindi Ward (Stanly Early College), Beverly Bowles (South Stanly Middle School), Stacy Lucas (South Stanly High School), Kristie McCowan (North Stanly High School) and Alison Whisnant (Badin Elementary School).
Additional honorees included Mary Frances Blevins (Richfield Elementary School), Kimrey Lowder (Albemarle High School), Kirstie Bryson (Central Elementary School), Kelly Hill (Oakboro Choice STEM School), Allison Vanness (Norwood Elementary School), Jackie Hart (North Stanly Middle School), Megan Geddings (Locust Elementary School), Dana Bowers-Yang (Aquadale Elementary School), Sandy (Samantha) Brown (Albemarle Middle School), Cheryl Owen (Millingport Elementary School) and Morgan Baldwin (SCOVE/SALC).
The district also honored Support Staff of the Year recipients from each school.
Honorees included Erin Gardiner (Albemarle High School), Shameka Wheeler (Albemarle Middle School), Beth Mills (Aquadale Elementary School), Kennedy Kirby (Badin Elementary School), Paula Little (Central Elementary School), Myisha Clark (East Albemarle Elementary School), Caylee Thompson (Endy Elementary School), Raquel Greene Garcia (Locust Elementary School), Megan Smith (Millingport Elementary School) and Carol Shank (North Stanly High School).
Additional support staff honorees included Katie Green (North Stanly Middle School), Cathy Holland (Norwood Elementary School), Mary Doyle (Oakboro Choice STEM School), Teresa Wood (Richfield Elementary School), Tasheka Watkins (South Stanly High School), Sara (Hunt) Wolfe (South Stanly Middle School), Jessica Medlin (Stanfield Elementary School), Chad Whitley (West Stanly High School), Taylor Furr (West Stanly Middle School), Rhiannon Weeks (Stanly Early College), Meika Crump (Stanly STEM Early College) and Anthony Keeling (SCOVE/SALC).