Pictured Above: First Grade Teacher Lydia Lunday of Swain West Elementary School reads to her students.
Beckie Spears
2025 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
Principal, Wilkesboro Elementary School
“My Point of Pride this past school year is how our entire school community shined together. We strengthened relationships, deepened belonging and stayed grounded in what matters most — our children and their growth. I’m proud of how our teachers led with heart and purpose, how our students thrived and how our families and partners supported us. We showed resilience, lifted one another up and created a public school where every child and adult felt seen, valued and inspired. When I look back, I’m most proud that our school continues to be a community of light, hope and possibility.”
Chanel Jones
2025 Burrough's Wellcome Fund Piedmont-Triad Region Teacher of the Year
Sixth Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)
“My 2025 Point of Pride is the way our school community came together to uplift students beyond academics. Expanding the Fresh Start laundry initiative, strengthening Cozy Kitchen and building deeper relationships with families created spaces where students felt seen, supported and valued. I witnessed remarkable growth in their confidence, well-being and sense of belonging. I am proud of the collective work that ensured students’ basic needs were met with dignity and love, and I am grateful to contribute to the positive, student-centered impact happening across North Carolina’s public schools.”
Christy Probst
2025 Wells Fargo Southeast Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Morehead City Elementary School (Carteret County Public Schools)
“I am proud of our school community and family for working tirelessly to build one of the strongest climates and cultures in the district. We support one another, believe in our students, celebrate growth and look for the good in every individual. Our students are actively involved through art, media, music and our Stars and Stripes Club — opportunities that strengthen their engagement and enrich our student culture. We are truly a community school, united in creating a bright future together.”
Jason Johnson
2025 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
Principal, Orange High School (Orange County Schools)
“Winning the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Traveling across the state, learning from others, and advocating for public education has been an incredible experience. I have enjoyed meeting educators, community members, and students from all parts of North Carolina. Visiting the Northeast and Western regions has been especially meaningful and eye-opening, strengthening my resolve to advocate for these communities. What has meant the most to me, however, has been celebrating this achievement with my school community. Seeing how proud they are of this recognition, and knowing they feel a sense of ownership in the NC Principal of the Year award, truly touches my heart.”
Jessica Anthony
2025 Wells Fargo Northwest Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
“My Point of Pride for 2025 is being given the opportunity to raise awareness of arts integrated education and shine light on my amazing school – the school that built me as a leader – Davenport A+ Elementary! I am honored to work with the most passionate educators every single day, and to be able to uplift their voices at the state level through the Northwest Region Principal of the Year recognition has been one of my life's highest honors.”
John Lassiter
2023 & 2025 Wells Fargo Northeast Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
“My 2025 Point of Pride is that, in our final year at Hertford Grammar School, we are closing our story the way we have lived it: with consistent, high levels of student growth. Since the COVID pandemic, our students have met or exceeded academic growth every year. Our teachers, leaders and programs have earned multiple district and regional recognitions for educational impact, and we’ve steadily moved toward our vision of becoming a regionally recognized, community-focused school that prepares resilient thinkers who use technology as a powerful tool for learning.”
Karly Wells
2025 Wells Fargo Western Region Principal of the Year
Elementary Supervisor, Haywood County Schools
“A pride point from 2025 came when State Superintendent Mo Green visited Clyde Elementary on his ‘Mo Wants to Know’ Tour. He made his way through our school to see our afterschool program in action. I watched as students ran up to him confidently sharing what they love about their school. Standing in the hallway, a parent arrived to pick up his child. After introducing Mo, the parent proceeded to tell him, ‘Clyde feels like a family!’ Watching our parents and families beam with pride, knowing their voices reflected the heart of our school, was one of the most affirming moments of my year.”
Lydia Lunday
2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year
First Grade Teacher, Swain West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)
“This year, I’m proud to highlight just how powerful early education truly is. Too often, the work of the primary grades is seen as simple or automatic. But watching a child learn to read proves how foundational it really is. When students connect letters, sounds and meaning for the first time, their faces light up with understanding, and their futures begin to open. These ‘small’ moments are anything but small. They build confidence, open doors and create lifelong learners. Sharing that impact and witnessing it firsthand is the greatest pride of my work.”
Rachel Candaso
2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year
AVID Elective Teacher, Pitt County Schools
“My 2025 Point of Pride is launching our school’s first-ever WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) summer camp! This three-day initiative brought together teachers, our counselor and dedicated eighth-grade student leaders to prepare for a one-day transition camp welcoming incoming sixth graders to middle school. Watching our eighth graders confidently lead small groups through engaging, hands-on activities that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and perseverance was truly inspiring. The energy, laughter and leadership on display reminded us why connection and belonging matter most, especially during big transitions. It was the perfect way to kick off a new school year – together.”
Tamika Farmer
2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Central Region Teacher of the Year
Fourth Grade Math and Science Teacher, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)
“This year, I was honored to be named the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Central Region Teacher of the Year, a recognition that affirmed my commitment to students and my profession. I used my voice to advocate for my students’ needs, ensuring they felt seen, supported and valued. I built meaningful relationships with educators, leaders and partners across the state, expanding my impact and learning from others. Throughout it all, I proudly represented Edgecombe County Public Schools and G.W. Carver Elementary, sharing the powerful work happening in our community and uplifting the stories of the children we serve.”