Award Winners

Awarding endowed teaching chairs each year is one way the Public School Foundation acknowledges the contributions of outstanding educators and rewards their efforts on behalf of students.

Ashley Quick-Hooker

Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation, Northside Elementary

I am so grateful to be named the Upper Elementary Teaching Chair! This honor means so much to me, and I know I didn’t get here alone. There are so many people who have helped me grow as an educator. It’s important to feel supported in this work—and just as important to recognize those who support you. So, a heartfelt thank you to the Public School Foundation, my administrators, teammates, colleagues, and most importantly, my students! My passion for education and service to my students, school, and community fuels my commitment every single day. As Maya Angelou once said, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” I look forward to continuing to do both.

Kelly Fox

Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Language Arts or Social Studies, Phillips Middle

I am deeply thankful to receive the Zoar Rashkis Award for Excellence in Teaching in Social Studies. It is an absolute honor. After 21 years in the classroom, being recognized by our district and the Public School Foundation for my work means so much to me. Teaching has always been more than a job, it's been my passion and purpose, and this acknowledgment reminds me why I continue to show up every day for my students. I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to do what I love. Thank you! I look forward to continuing our schools' work to create future generations who recognize their agency in society while questioning what they hear and what they believe. Also, they won't do that thing where they pull out cell phones in the middle of a theatre."

Rebecca R. Adcock

Elmo's Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School Math or Science, East Chapel Hill High

“I am honored to be selected as the Elmo's Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School Math or Science for the 2025-2027 school years. I work with an amazing group of coworkers and students who have taught me so much over my ten years at East Chapel Hill High School. For the rest of my career, I hope to continue to engage my students with labs and activities that use a wide range of technology and vernier probeware. I am truly grateful to be receiving this award.”

Toni Jeter

Zora Rashkis Chair for Promising New Elementary School Teacher, Northside Elementary

“As a new teacher, this recognition truly means more than I can put into words. Being selected for the Zora Rashkis Promising New Elementary School Teaching Chair makes me feel seen and supported at such an early point in my journey. Thank you to the Public School Foundation of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for believing in me and in the potential of new educators. I’m committed to building a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered — especially those who too often go unseen. This honor strengthens my belief in the work ahead, and I’m so grateful to be growing in a community that cares so deeply about equity and students’ voices.”

Melissa Lenn Graham

Mary U. Andrews Chair for Excellence in Teaching Literacy, Culbreth Middle School

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive the Chair for Excellence in Teaching Literacy - a recognition that celebrates not only the power of reading but also my lifelong passion for sharing Book Joy. From the first story that sparked my imagination to the countless pages shared with students and fellow readers, I’ve seen how literacy can inspire, connect, and transform lives. This moment is possible because of the incredible people around me: my dedicated colleagues, whose passion for literacy fuels our shared mission, and my husband, whose unwavering support has been my foundation. Accepting this award fills me with gratitude and renewed commitment—to continue uplifting voices and sharing stories, because everyone deserves the empowerment that reading brings.”

Eimy Rivas Plata

Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children, Phillips Middle School

"I feel incredibly grateful and honored—to my students, colleagues, and the Public School Foundation—for receiving the Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children. I believe every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of success. I strive to create a space where kindness is the foundation and learning feels meaningful and safe. I support each student on their unique path—with energy, compassion, and the kind of encouragement that reminds them they matter. Thank you so much for this meaningful recognition, and your continued support of my little village, where I walk beside each of my students on their journey, every day, for as long as I can."

Patricia Berge

Neil Pedersen Chair for Excellence in Classroom Technology, East Chapel Hill High School

"I am deeply honored to be recognized for exemplifying excellence in technology instruction and skill development, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue inspiring and empowering my students through the transformative power of technology."

William Schrader

Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies, Chapel Hill High School

"It is a tremendous honor to be awarded the Sullivan Teaching Chair by the Public School Foundation. I believe deeply in the importance of providing a high quality education to every child and am thrilled to be recognized for my efforts to make my instruction meaningful and relevant. I am incredibly proud to be a CHCCS teacher. I love this job dearly because of the colleagues and students I interact with every school day. My passion for this career is powered by our community's prioritization of public education. "

Stefanie Hanne

Mel and Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Healthful Living and Physical Education, Phillips Middle School

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named the Chair for Excellence in Teaching Healthful Living. It's a privilege to be recognized for something I am so passionate about. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my students, whose enthusiasm and energy drive me every day, and to my colleagues and administration for their support and collaboration. This award is a testament to the importance of promoting health and wellness at a young age, and I am committed to continuing to inspire and empower my students to lead active and healthy lives. Thank you to the Public School Foundation for this incredible honor."

Laura Harris

Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching Primary Grades (PreK-2), Rashkis Elementary

"I am not only honored but humbled to have been nominated for and selected to serve as the Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching the Primary Grades. Building relationships with my students and their families as well as watching them grow as learners is beyond rewarding. I strive to provide a structured, yet nurturing environment. Student-led conversations, student-created groupings, and open discussions enhance learning opportunities from each other. This helps to make students leaders, strengthen their confidence, and build community in our classroom. It has been a privilege to have worked in CHCCS for 19 years where I’ve learned so much every day from my experienced and creative coworkers and of course, from the AMAZING children I work with. THANK YOU for the Public School Foundation’s ongoing support and recognition of our public schools."

Lauren Oliver

Sterling and Anita Hennis Chair for Promising New Secondary Teachers of English/Language Arts or Social Studies, Culbreth Middle

"I am so honored to be selected for the Sterling and Anita Hennis Teaching Chair position. I am excited to use this position to connect with others and grow a platform to uplift student voices and continue to help build spaces for equitable education for all within our community.”

Austin Tortorici

GlaxoSmithKline Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science or Math, Phillips Middle School

"There are so many people I could thank for supporting me on my journey to receiving this award. I have been fortunate to work with, have been mentored by, and improved my own practice by supporting so many passionate educators within the CHCCS system over the past 15 years. We have all had to adapt to rapidly changing challenges within education, and I am lucky to work in a community full of families and professionals who are fully invested in figuring out how to best develop the next generation of citizen problem-solvers together. I'd also like to give a big shoutout to the North Carolina Science Olympiad and the many Falcon Science Olympiad students over the years who continue to surprise me with their drive to learn about the world around them and creatively solve any challenges thrown their way."

Sheila Flemming

PSF/PTA Chair for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts, Mary Scroggs Elementary

"It is with both pride and humility that I serve as the PSF/PTA Chair for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts. I am grateful that the work I am so passionate about has been witnessed, validated, and celebrated. What an honor it is to be awarded this distinction. "Every day I am delighted to explore the world of music with children, and privileged to work with so many inspiring educators. To my Arts colleagues, know that I have always been motivated to do better because of your expertise and commitment. I truly believe that the Cultural Arts are an essential avenue for our children to nurture creativity, grow their minds, and promote self-expression, all the while igniting confidence, joy and wonder. Thank you for believing this, too. "

Susan Meyer

Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching World Language, Culbreth Middle

"I am honored to be the recipient of this award. I love geeking out about the ancient world with students and it means so much to me to be recognized for what I do as a teacher! I've been with CHCCS since 2010 and have been fortunate enough to develop deep and lasting relationships with my colleagues and community. Gratias to my Culbreth PLC, my Latin PLC, and to all of my students (current and treasured alumni)! Huge thanks also to my fabulous husband, who has not only been a pillar of support in my personal and professional life, but also a mentor in my teaching journey and an inspirational colleague. I look forward to representing Latin in this role. The ancient world is alive and well in CHCCS! Ad infinitum! Thank you, Public School Foundation, for making this all possible! I still remember the "Novice Teacher Tea" event from my first year. It is unimaginable to me that the same organization is now giving me this award. Thanks for all you've done to support CHCCS teachers like me!"

Courtney Byrd

Burton Stuart Promising New Teacher, Chapel Hill High

"Thank you to the Public School Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of the Burton Stuart Chair! Considering the myriad of socio-scientific issues that our world is currently facing, promoting scientific literacy has never been more critical. It’s a joy to collaborate with such creative students, colleagues, and community members at CHCCS as we engage in data-driven discussions. Thank you again for this recognition and honor! "

District-wide Chairs

Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children

(Replaced the Public School Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children, awarded 2006-2015, listed under Past Awards) 

  • Eimy Rivas Plata, Phillips Middle School, 2025-27
  • Mary Naylor, Northside Elementary School 2022-24
  • Melissa Barry, Carrboro High School, 2019-21
  • Denise Keene, Smith Middle School, 2016-18

Mary U. Andrews Chair for Excellence in Teaching Literacy 

  • Melissa Lenn Graham, Culbreth Middle School, 2025-27
  • Mary Alicia Lyons, Morris Grove Elementary, 2022-24
  • Kathryn Cole, Northside Elementary, 2019-21

Mel and Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Healthful Living and Physical Education 

  • Stefanie Hanne, Phillips Middle School, 2024-2026
  • Lisa Frangipane, Morris Grove Elementary, 2021-2023
  • Mackenzie Casey , Smith Middle, 2017-20

PSF/PTA Chair for Excellence in Teaching the Cultural Arts

  • Shelia Fleming, Scroggs Elementary, 2023-25
  • Corrie Franklin, Chapel Hill High/Culbreth, 2020-22
  • Ann Daaleman, Phillips Middle, 2017-19
  • Jack Watson, Chapel Hill High, Art, 2013-15
  • Tom Drago, Chapel Hill High, Drama, 2010-12
  • Angela Kileff, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 2007-09
  • Marilyn Meltzer, Chapel Hill High, German, 2004-06
  • Gloria Van Dam, Chapel Hill High, French, 2001-03
  • Pam Pate, Chapel Hill High, Art, 1998-20
  • Ken Stewart, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 1995-97
  • Sandy Williamson, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 1992-94

Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Secondary
Teachers in Math or Science

  • Courtney Byrd, Chapel Hill High School 2023-25
  • Christine Sudzina Schut, East Chapel Hill High, 2020-22
  • Morgan May, Science, Culbreth Middle, 2016-18
  • Katherine Whittington, Math, Phillips Middle, 2013-15
  • Daniel Murphy, Science, East Chapel Hill High, 2010-12
  • Rebecca Hite Mercadoocasio, Science, Chapel Hill High, 2006-08
  • Darryl Piggott, East Chapel Hill High, 2003-05
  • Jason Curtis, Physics, Chapel Hill High, 2000-02

Sterling and Anita Hennis Chair for Promising New Secondary
Teachers in English, Language Arts or Social Studies 

  • Lauren Oliver, Culbreth Middle, 2024-26
  • Emily Shepherd, Culbreth Middle, 2021-23

Zora Rashkis Chair for Promising New Elementary School Teacher

  • Toni Jeter, Northside Elementary School, 2025-27
  • Molly Kearns, Morris Grove Elementary School, 2022-24

Neil Pedersen Chair for Excellence in Teaching Technology

  • Patricia Berge, East Chapel Hill High, 2024-26
  • Garrison Reid, Chapel Hill High, 2021-23
  • Mike Sharp, CTE, Culbreth Middle, 2018-20
  • Jessica Grinnell, Math/AVID, Culbreth, 2016-17
  • Candace White, Grade 3, Glenwood Elementary, 2014-15
  • Tracey Hartman, Technology Specialist, Morris Grove Elementary, 2012-13
  • Amanda Galvin, Science, East Chapel Hill High, 2010-11
  • Heather Taxis, Grade 4, Scroggs Elementary, 2008-09
  • Stephanie Hebdon, Technology Specialist, McDougle Elementary, 2006-07
  • Melinda Fitzgerald, Science, Smith Middle, 2004-06
  • Pat Chancer, Grade 3, McDougle Elementary, 2002-03

High School Chairs

Elmo’s Diner Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School Math or Science                                    

  • Rebecca R. Adcock, East Chapel Hill High School, 2025-26
  • Paula Dey, Carrboro High, 2023-24
  • Shannon McGinnis, East Chapel Hill High, 2021-22
  • Clare Matusevich, Chapel Hill High, 2019-20
  • Jay Wilson, ECHHS, 2014-15
  • Thomas Brown, Carrboro High, 2011-12
  • Kelly Allen, ECHHS, 2009-10
  • Maya Merritt, ECHHS, 2005-06
  • Susan Neumann, Chapel Hill High, 1995-96
  • Judy Jones, Chapel Hill High, 1992-93
  • Larry Wakeford, Chapel Hill High, 1989-90
  • Bud Stuart, Chapel Hill High, 1986-87

Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies

  • William Schrader, Chapel Hill High, 2024-25
  • Kimberly Jones, Chapel Hill High, 2022-23
  • Jamie Fernandez-Schendt, Carrboro High, 2020-21      
  • Anthony Swaringen, Carrboro High, 2018-19
  • Brian Link, East Chapel Hill High, 2015-16
  • Ashley Lang, East Chapel Hill High , 2013-14
  • Mary Beth Braker, Carrboro High, 2011-12
  • Amanda Galvin, East Chapel Hill High, 2009-10
  • Michael Irwin, Chapel Hill High, 2007-08
  • Amanda Parker,East Chapel Hill High, 2005-06
  • Martha Dill, East Chapel Hill High, 1999-2000
  • Pat Brooks, Chapel Hill High, 1997-98
  • Pat Detittia, Chapel Hill High, 1995-96
  • Susan Oliver, Chapel Hill High, 1993-94
  • Judy Haig, Chapel Hill High, 1991-92
  • Marjorie Lancaster, Chapel Hill High, 1989-90
  • Linda Barnard, Chapel Hill High, 1987-88

Middle School Chairs

GSK Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Math or Science

  • Austin Tortorici, Phillips Middle, 2024-25
  • LaTekka Lewis, Smith Middle, 2022-23
  • Mary Patricia Peres-da-Silva, McDougle Middle, 2020-21
  • Molly Caudill, Culbreth Middle, 2018-19
  • Nick Von Hoene, Smith, 2015-16
  • Danae Shipp, McDougle, 2013-14
  • Kelly Sears, Smith, 2010-11
  • Fiona Rae, Culbreth, 2007-08
  • Patty Berge, McDougle, 2006-07
  • Rob Frescoln, Phillips, 2004-05
  • Ruben Giral, McDougle, 2000-01
  • Priscilla Dennison, McDougle, 1997-98
  • Barbara Pedersen, Phillips, 1993-94
  • David Jones, Phillips, 1990-91
  • Patricia Hicks, Culbreth, 1988-89

Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching
Middle School Language Arts or Social Studies

  • Kelly Fox, Phillips Middle, 2025-26
  • Miles Chappell, Phillips Middle, 2023-24
  • Tony Carter, Smith Middle, 2021-22
  • Helen Motta, Culbreth Middle, 2019-20
  • George Gilmer, Smith Middle, 2016-17
  • Erin White, Smith Middle, 2014-15
  • Jennifer Scott, Phillips Middle, 2012-13
  • Christina Atack, McDougle Middle , 2011-12
  • Jessica Benninger, Culbreth Middle, 2009-10
  • Ann Collins, Culbreth Middle, 2007-08
  • Rebecca Campbell, Phillips Middle, 2005-06
  • Jean Simons, Smith Middle, 2003-04
  • Mary Harris, Phillips Middle, 2001-02
  • Barbara Murray, Phillips Middle, 1999-2000
  • Jami Burns, McDougle Middle, 1997-98
  • Dorothy Works, McDougle Middle, 1995-96
  • Jean Parrish, Phillips Middle, 1993-94
  • Anne Browning, Phillips Middle, 1992-93
  • Mary Gunderson, Culbreth Middle, 1991-92
  • Pat Brooks, Phillips Middle, 1991-92

Elementary School Chairs

Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching
the Primary Grades PreK-2nd

  • Laura Harris, Rashkis Elementary, 2024-25
  • Lisa Dunn, Carrboro Elementary, 2022-23
  • Ronetta Walker, Northside Elementary, 2020-21
  • Amy Brazaski, Morris Grove Elementary, 2018-19
  • Ashley Laver, Kindergarten, Rashkis, 2013-14
  • Suzanne Stokes, Grade 1, FPG, 2011-12
  • Toni De Marco, Grade K, Morris Grove, 2009-10
  • Karoline Matthewson, Grade 2, Ephesus, 2007-08
  • Coretta Sharpless, Grade 1, Carrboro, 2005-06
  • Brenda Ankney Stephans, Grade K, Carrboro, 2003-04
  • Pam Peterson, Grade 2-3, Mary Scroggs, 2001-02
  • Faye Barker, Grade 2, Rashkis, 1999-2001
  • Emily Bivins, Grade 1, McDougle, 1998-99
  • Karen Reid, Grade K, McDougle, 1996-97
  • Pat Chancer, Grade 3, FPG, 1995-96
  • Janice Croasmun, Grade 2, Carrboro, 1994-95
  • Ann Overton, Grade 1, Ephesus, 1993-94

Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching
Innovation – Grades 3-5

  • Ashley Quick-Hooker, Northside, 2025-26
  • Jasmine Johnson, Grade 5, Mary Scroggs,  2023-24
  • Toni Lehman, Grade 5, McDougle, 2021-22
  • Kathryn Cobb, McDougle, Grade 5, 2019-20
  • Candace Crothers, Grade 3, Glenwood, 2016-17
  • Lauren Boening, Grade 3, Morris Grove, 2014-15
  • Tate Little, Grade 5, Carrboro, 2012-13
  • Elizabeth Meunier, Grade 4, Carrboro, 2010-11
  • Claire Nelson, Grade 3, Rashkis, 2008-09
  • Katherine Andrews, Grade 5, McDougle, 2006-07
  • Ursula Carswell, Grade 4, McDougle, 2004-05
  • Helen Maxwell, Grade 3, Carrboro, 2002-03
  • Jeannette Blackwell, Grade 5, McDougle, 2000-01
  • Diane Leusky, Grade 4, Ephesus, 1998-99
  • Arlene Rosenfeld, Grade 3, Seawell, 1996-97

Annual District Award Recipients

Jeanette Blackwell Mentor Teacher Award

  • Rachel Etheridge, Ephesus Elementary, 2024-2025
  • Ashley Lang, McDougle Middle, 2023-24
  • Gretchen Pegram, Rashkis Elementary, 2021-22
  • Kim Lindekugel, Chapel Hill High, 2019-20
  • Carla Gilchrist, Glenwood Elementary, 2018-19
  • Kirsten Venema, Ephesus Elementary 2017-18
  • Catherine Molyet, McDougle Middle, 2016-17
  • Tina Mansfield, Morris Grove Elementary, 2015-16
  • Kendra Suggs-Shealey, Lincoln Center, 2014-15
  • Alisa McAlister, McDougle Middle, 2013-14
  • Christina Royster, Literacy Coach, Rashkis Elementary, 2012-13
  • Louise Peters, Reading Specialist, McDougle Middle, 2011-12
  • Katherine Andrews, Morris Grove Elementary, 2010-11
  • Kim Fearrington, Carrboro Elementary, 2009-10
  • Elizabeth Angell, Gifted Education Specialist, Glenwood Elementary, 2008-09

Elmo’s Diner Award for Excellence in Teaching Multi-Language Learners

  • Jill Shatterly, FPGB Elementary, 2024-2025
  • Camila Morales, Dual Language, FPGB Elementary, 2023-24
  • Brandon Cartagena, Culbreth Middle, 2021-22
  • Angela McChesney, ELL, Carrboro High 2019-20
  • Shawna Catlett, French, Ephesus Elementary 2018-19
  • Beth Watson, ESL, ECHHS, 2016-17
  • Jessica Kelly, French, Culbreth, 2015-16
  • Katherine McKinnon, Seawell Elementary, 2014-15
  • Mimi Collins, ELL, Culbreth, 2012-13
  • Karen Galassi-Ferrer, World Language, ECHHS, 2011-12
  • Julie Dermody, ELL, McDougle Elementary, 2010-11
  • L.J. Randolph, Spanish, Carrboro High, 2009-10
  • Janet Davis-Castro, ELL, McDougle Elementary, 2008-09
  • Sally Merryman Smith, Spanish, Smith, 2007-08
  • Greg Cain, ESL, Smith, 2006-07
  • Sandy Williamson, Spanish, ECHHS, 2005-06

Margaret Kepner Distinguished Service Award  

  • Kathryn Murchison (CHHS) and William Vincent (ECHHS), 2024-2025
  • Robin Bulleri (CHS), 2023-2024

Mary Scroggs Award for Excellence in Support Services

  • Jennifer Dykes, Ephesus Elementary, 2024-2025
  • Robin Nucilli (Lincoln Center), Lonnie Hatley (Transportation), 2023-2024
  • Lillian Rodermond (CHHS), Stephen Crownson (Glenwood), Matthew Jorgenson (Lincoln Center) 2021-22
  • Zaida Walker, Lincoln Center, 2019-20
  • Andrene Powell, Northside Elementary, 2018-19
  • Laila Bradford, IT, Lincoln Center, 2017-2018
  • Cedric Bush, Teacher’s Assistant, Morris Grove Elementary, 2016-17
  • Bobby Woodard, Maintenance Department, 2015-16
  • Mark Foushee, Transportation, 2014-15
  • Gina Clark, Custodian, McDougle Elementary, 2013-14
  • Kristy Perone, Teacher’s Assistant, Mary Scoggs Elementary, 2012-13
  • Melodie Kelly, Administrative Assistant, Rashkis Elementary, 2011-12
  • Donna Gates, School Secretary, Culbreth Middle School, 2010-11
  • Jim Ellis, CHCCS Transportation, 2009-10
  • Rose Hetzell, Lincoln Center Human Resources, 2008-09

CHCCS Promising New Teacher Award

  • Isabelle Trew, Scroggs Elementary, 2024-2025
  • Lauren Oliver, Culbreth Middle,2023-2024
  • Courtney Rogers, Frank Porter Graham Elementary, 2021-22
  • Rody Huertas Ostolaza, 2019-20
  • Torrance Jones, Northside Elementary, 2018-19
  • Janine Barr, Glenwood Elementary, 2017-18
  • Claire Gough, Culbreth Middle, 2016-17
  • Morgan May, Culbreth Middle, 2015-16
  • Diamond Jones, Northside Elementary, 2014-15
  • Jasmine Johnson, Scroggs Elementary, 2013-14
  • Kathleen Carswell, Grade 5, Morris Grove Elementary, 2012-13
  • Chye Kornegay, East Chapel Hill High, 2008-09
  • Bernadette Woods, Carrboro High, 2007-08
  • Anna Collins, Kindergarten, Rashkis Elementary, 2006-07
  • Kendra Fisher, Grade 3, Carrboro Elementary, 2005-06

BRMA Excellence in Equity (formerly Excellence in Equitable Teaching Award)

  • Kimberly Manning, East Chapel HIll High, 2025-2026
  • Joanne McClelland, Chapel Hill High, 2024-25
  • Allison Crosetto, Phillips Middle, 2023-24
  • Betsy Booth, Estes Elementary, 2022-23
  • Evon Barnes, East Chapel Hill High, 2022-23
  • Gabe Graña, Smith Middle,  2021-22
  • Morgan Hunt, McDougle Elementary, 2021-22
  • Janet Davis-Castro, Carrboro Elementary, 2021-22
  • Matthew Murchison, Carrboro High, 2019-20
  • Dana McCullum, McDougle Middle, 2019-20
  • Tiffany Lloyd, Rashkis Elementary, 2019-20
  • Timothy Walker, Carrboro High, 2018-19
  • Eric Zeigler, Smith Middle, 2018-19

Courageous Educator Award (sponsored by the CHCCS Association of Educators)

  • Molly Brooks, Carrboro High, 2024-2025
  • Kristin Baillie, FPGB Elementary, 2023-24
  • Hope Love, East Chapel Hill High, 2022-23
  • Anna O’Connell, Carrboro High, 2021-22
  • Ashley Sherman, Ephesus Elementary, 2020-21
  • Adelaide Zarhen, Seawell Elementary, 2019-20
  • Vanessa Diggs, East Chapel Hill High 2018-19

Consummate Professional Award (sponsored by the CHCCS Association of Educators)

  • Kimberly Manning, East Chapel Hill High, 2024-25
  • Mary Alicia Lyons, Morris Grove Elementary, 2023-24
  • Anne Tomalin, Chapel Hill High, 2022-23
  • Gabriel Graña, Smith Middle, 2021-22
  • Megan Stevenson, Culbreth Middle, 2020-21
  • Tracy Bell, Glenwood Elementary, 2019-20
  • Jaclyn Holland, Estes Hills Elementary, 2018-19

Public School Foundation Award for Support Staff Excellence in Exceptional Education and Student Services

  • Emily Moorman, Carrboro Elementary, 2024-25
  • Stephanie Thurber, Lincoln Center, 2023-24
  • Tania Treml, Culbreth Middle, 2022-23
  • Shannon Allee, Culbreth Middle, 2021-22
  • Delia Hudson, McDougle Elementary, 2019-20
  • Sonia Sutton, Chapel Hill High, 2018-19
  • Stephanie Mazva-Cohen, SSW Culbreth Middle, 2017-18
  • Matt Straub, Culbreth Middle, 2016-17
  • Betsy Booth Scalco, SSW, Estes Hills Elementary, 2015-16
  • Beth Murphy, Nurse, Rashkis, 2014-15
  • Irene Slydel, Nurse, Smith Middle, 2013-14
  • Tina Moore, Family Specialist, Smith Middle, 2012-13
  • Jessica Harris, Counselor, East Chapel Hill High, 2011-12
  • Robbie Brown, McDougle Elementary, 2010-11
  • Ruth Morgan, EESS, Ephesus Elementary, 2009-10
  • Emily Avetta, School Psychologist, Rashkis and Scroggs Elementary, 2008-09
  • Rhonda Hairston, Counselor, McDougle Middle, 2007-08
  • Rita Simpson, EE, McDougle Middle, 2006-07
  • Carol Grigg, Nurse, Culbreth Middle School and Phoenix, 2005-06
  • Kerry Sherrill, Family Specialist, Carrboro Elementary School, 2004-05
  • Clementine Self, Reading, Seawell Elementary, 2003-04

Principal of the Year Award

  • Karen Galassi-Ferrer, FPG Bilingual, 2024-25
  • Tiffany Cheshire, Phillips Middle, 2023-24
  • Minnie Goins, Seawell Elementary, 2022-23
  • Aisha Howard, McDougle Elementary, 2021-22
  • Crystal Epps, Scroggs Elementary, 2020-21
  • Robert Bales, McDougle Middle, 2019-21
  • Emily Bivins, FPG Bilingual, 2018-19

Assistant Principal of the Year Award

  • Alicia Curtis, East Chapel Hill High , 2024-25
  • Shelba Levins, Chapel Hill High, 2023-24
  • Jaimi West, McDougle Middle, 2022-23
  • Lucas Paulsen, Carrboro High, 2021-22
  • Kirtisha Jones, Northside, 2020-21
  • Stacie Boyer, Ephesus  2019-20
  • Anna Hipps, Chapel Hill High, 2018-19

Award for Excellence in District Administration

  • Katy Cobb, Lincoln Center Human Resources, 2024-25
  • Noa Stuchiner, Director of Elementary Math and Science in the Instructional Services, Equity and Engagement Division, 2023-24
  • Tammie Eddins, Lincoln Center, 2022-23
  • Debra Atwater, Lincoln Center; Tim Gibson, Lincoln Center, 2021-22
  • Brad Johnson, Director of Transportation, 2020-21
  • Sherri Morris, Director of HR, Talent Acquisition and Programming, 2019-20
  • Bill Mullin, Executive Director of School Facilities, Lincoln Center, 2017-18

Teacher of the Year Award

  • Jessie Grinnell, McDougle Middle, 2024-25
  • Roxana Rojas, Seawell Elementary, 2023-24
  • Brian Link, ECHHS, 2021-22
  • Eugenia Floyd, Scroggs Elementary, 2019-20
  • Mary Patricia Peres-da-Silva, McDougle Middle, 2018-19

Past Awards

Public School Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children

  • (for 2015-16 and beyond, see Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children)
  • Jennifer Michalenok, Chapel Hill High, 2014-15
  • Amy Lineberry, Phillips Middle,  2013-14
  • Beth Kinney, Math, McDougle Elementary, 2012-13
  • Hannah Goodwin-Brown, Carrboro Elementary, 2011-12
  • Linda Jens, Frank Porter Graham Elementary, 2010-11
  • Caroline Carlson, Estes Hills Elementary, 2009-10
  • Paula Ferrell, McDougle Middle, 2008-09
  • Terry Richards, Phillips Middle, 2007-08
  • Rita Simpson, Exceptional Education, McDougle Middle, 2006-07
  • Clementine Self, Reading Specialist, Seawell Elementary, 2003-04
  • Rita Simpson, Exceptional Education, McDougle Middle, 2006-07

BRMA Multicultural Student Achievement (MSAN) Equity Equals Excellence Award

  • Kimberly Jones, Chapel Hill High, 2021-22
  • Jennifer Dykes, Ephesus, 2019-20
  • Anna O’Connell, Carrboro High, 2018-19
  • Delia Hudson, McDougle Elementary, 2018-19

The Reckford Teaching Prize for travel, study, or professional development (past award)

  • Justin Seifts, East Chapel Hill High, 2022
  • Courtney Sears, Ephesus Elementary, 2021
  • Ashley Quick-Hooker, Northside Elementary, 2020
  • William Melega, Chapel Hill High, 2019
  • Kathryn Edelstein,  East Chapel Hill High, 2018

University Mall Award for Excellence in Teaching Second Languages (past award)

  • Carol Orringer, Ephesus, French

Heavner Award for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts (past award)

  • Alycia Allen, CHHS, 1991-92      
  • Paul Hrusovsky, Glenwood, 1988-89