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Nash County Public Schools Celebrates All-Star Teachers and Principals for Exceptional Student Growth

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All Star Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 16, 2026

 

NASHVILLE, N.C. – Nash County Public Schools proudly recognized its 2024–2025 All-Star Teachers and Principals during a special districtwide celebration honoring educators whose students exceeded academic growth expectations.

The recognition, held as part of the official Board meeting, highlighted the extraordinary impact of educators across the district, as measured by the state’s Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS), which tracks student academic progress over time. Teachers and school leaders recognized during the meeting demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, with students achieving growth beyond predicted levels.

“This year, our district reached a major milestone,” said Melissa Dancy-Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services and Accountability. “73.9% of our schools earned a School Performance Grade of A, B, or C—the highest percentage since the state began issuing grades in 2015. Of the 23 schools evaluated, 17 met or exceeded growth, with 12 exceeding expectations entirely. That’s incredible progress and a testament to the dedication of our educators.”

Throughout the ceremony, dozens of teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools were recognized as All-Star Teachers for their outstanding contributions to student success. The event also honored principals whose schools met or exceeded growth benchmarks, reflecting strong leadership and a commitment to academic excellence.

Dr. Leondus Farrow Jr., Associate Superintendent for Nash County Public Schools,  emphasized the importance of leadership in driving student achievement, recognizing principals whose schools demonstrated measurable success in student growth. 

In closing remarks, Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis praised the collective effort of educators across Nash County.

“Tonight, we did not just recognize teachers. We celebrated impact,” said Dr. Ellis. “Every name called represents students who learned more, grew more, and believed more because of you. Exceeding growth does not happen by accident. It happens through intentional planning, high expectations, and a deep commitment to every child.”

The All-Star Teacher Celebration reflects Nash County Public Schools’ continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Teachers Recognized for Exceeding Growth

  • Maryalyce Therrien
  • Tracy Daniels
  • Rebecca Barnett
  • Lindsey Nowell
  • Lisandra Mejia
  • Lauren Williams
  • Heather Cuthrell
  • Michael Ellis
  • Diane Renck
  • Louwenna Manalo
  • Seba Allen, Jr.
  • Michelle Jackson
  • Amy Kirkwood
  • Jennedy Clayton
  • Amanda Thomas
  • Caroline Winchester
  • Amy Worrell
  • Victoria Mason
  • Samantha Joyner
  • Charisma Lee
  • Tiffany Jenkins
  • Mary Warren
  • Reuben Ledbetter
  • Tabitha Edwards
  • Stafford Ellis
  • Renee Tucker
  • Megan Robbins
  • Amanda Porter
  • Dwayne Johnson
  • Brandon Clay
  • Anna Robertson
  • Latoya Dawson
  • Angela Henry
  • Christy Messer
  • Amanda Moss
  • Elizabeth Zinkhan
  • Jennifer Hendricks
  • Chevonese Hutchinson
  • Jessica Langley
  • Kimberley Whitley
  • Maria Rique
  • Shaqueeta Small
  • Channing Alston
  • Christian Kelly
  • Mitchell Wells
  • Taylor McNab
  • Kristina Griffin
  • Nicole Leonard-Davis
  • Madison Duke
  • Jervis Villarez
  • Deborah Vance
  • Benedicto Bautista
  • Jessica Manning
  • Renee Tucker
  • Merlene Abao
  • Cle’Andria Boone-Smith
  • Amanda Battle
  • Kimberly Sieracki
  • Christian Jones
  • Jordan O’Leary
  • Rebekah Moore
  • Kendra McDaniel
  • Ashley Cahoon
  • Larry Black
  • Cassidy Joyner
  • Kadasia Lewis
  • Tiffany Jenkins
  • Amanda Boseman
  • Jonathan Winchester
  • Bethany Thornell
  • Ivoneth Casas
  • Morgan Conyers
  • Tara Finn
  • Kimberly Cronkhite
  • Karen Winstead
  • Noah Shrock
  • Kelsee Johnson
  • Amy Mewborn
  • Roxanne Willie
  • Melissa McDonald
  • Carla Moore
  • Shannon Beamon
  • Cherri Pickett
  • Amy Minchew
  • Zoraida McLeod
  • Michelle Siao
  • Melinda Romero
  • Ashley Bass
  • Elizabeth Zinkhan
  • Meredith Mitchell
  • Stephanie Cooper
  • Brooke Larrison
  • Elizabeth Godwin
  • Jamie Hale
  • Kimberley Whitley
  • Lauren Ward
  • Michelle Sykes
  • Shannon Greene
  • Bethany Patterson
  • Kimberly Parker
  • Ashley Mills

Schools Recognized for Meeting or Exceeding Growth

Schools That Met Growth

  • Benvenue Elementary – Principal Kristen Tedford
  • Edwards Elementary – Principal Dr. Allen Wilson
  • MB Hubbard Elementary – Principal Chastity Whitaker
  • Middlesex Elementary – Principal Ginger Carey
  • Red Oak Elementary – Principal Allison Williams
  • Nash Everywhere Digital Academy (NEDA) – Principal Kelvin Shackleford
     

Schools That Exceeded Growth

  • Coopers Elementary – Principal Courtney Land
  • Englewood Elementary – Principal Jessica Daughtridge
  • Nashville Elementary – Principal Tiffany Hopkins
  • Nash Central Middle – Principal Craig Tedford
  • Rocky Mount Middle – Principal Dr. Leon Dupree
  • Southern Nash Middle – Principal Sonya Horton
  • Nash Central High – Principal Dr. Jonathan Tribula
  • Northern Nash High – Principals Nelson Johnston and Michael Girouard
  • Rocky Mount High – Principal Keil Dawson
  • Southern Nash High – Principal Dr. Hugh Scott
  • CITI High – Principal Kimberly Rascoe
  • Nash Early College High – Principal Dr. Thomas McGeachy



 

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Media Contact:

Caroline Johnson

Communications Department

csjohnson@ncpschools.net

 

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