I-SS honors teachers of the year, recognizes outgoing board members

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

I-SS Teachers of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year were recognized earlier this month. Teachers were joined by their principals and posed for a picture.

BY KARISSA MILLER

The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education recognized the district’s teachers of the year during the board’s meeting earlier this month.

“These individuals have gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating excellence in teaching, unwavering commitment to student success and a passion for lifelong learning,” said I-SS Executive Director of Human Resources Jill Parker.

“Their creativity, resilience and ability to adapt in an ever-evolving educational landscape make them stand out as true leaders within I-SS,” she added.

The school board recognized the following teachers:

♦ Agriculture Arts and Sciences Early College: Amy Fuhrman
♦ Career Academy and Tech School: Toni Ingram
♦ CCTL Early College: Natalie Williams
♦ Celeste Henkel Elementary: Sarah Cope
♦ Central Elementary: Margaret Kincaid
♦ Cloverleaf Elementary: Bryant Bruner
♦ Coddle Creek Elementary: Marie Palma
♦ Cool Spring Elementary: Jacqueline Ford
♦ Crossroads Arts & Science Early College: Kenneth Eichberg
♦ DPATS: Joanne Hutton
♦ East Iredell Middle: James Nelson
♦ Harmony Elementary: Stacey Josey
♦ I-SS Virtual Academy: Lauryn Johnson
♦ Lake Norman Elementary: Amanda Baer (Hess)
♦ Lake Norman High: Sarah Drum
♦ Lakeshore Elementary: Lisa Queen
♦ Lakeshore Middle: Logan Overcash
♦ NB Mills Elementary: Tina Durgin
♦ North Iredell High: Bryant York
♦ North Iredell Middle: Holly Saunders
♦ Northview Academy: Stewart Kincaid
♦ Oakwood IB: Shelia Sarrafi
♦ Scotts Elementary: Casey Compton
♦ Sharon Elementary: Rebekah Pierce
♦ Shepherd Elementary: Elizabeth Anderson
♦ Statesville High: Amanda Freeze
♦ The Brawley IB: Sarah Abrams
♦ Third Creek Elementary: LaToyia Davidson
♦ Third Creek Middle: Emily Robinson
♦ Troutman Elementary: Angela Benson
♦ Troutman Middle: Lacy Graham
♦ Union Grove Elementary: Jane Hager
♦ West Iredell High: Reginald Hooker
♦ West Iredell Middle: Lindsey Watts
♦ Woodland Heights Middle School: Melissa Calloway
♦ NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year: Noah Estes, Lake Norman High School

DISTRICT AWARDS
♦ Elementary Teacher of the Year: EIES Shaley Holmes
♦ Secondary Teacher of the Year: SIHS Heather Dougherty
♦ Teacher of the Year: WHES Adrian Bowie
♦ Assistant Principal of the Year: NIHS Scott Childers
♦ Principal of the Year: NIHS Diana Jones

School board members recognized

I-SS Superintendent Jeff James recognized two school board members Bill Howell and Charles Kelly for their years of service. He presented them with a plaque and thanked them for their dedication to the school system and children.

Pictured (rom left) are I-SS Board Chairman Bill Howell and Superintendent Jeff James.

Chairman Howell, who did not seek re-election in 2024, has served eight years on the school board. He was elected in 2016.

“It’s been bittersweet. I have enjoyed my eight years. I have enjoyed serving the children of Iredell-Statesville Schools,” Howell said.

“I think we’ve accomplished some great things. Dr. James has brought this school (system) along since he’s been superintendent. I appreciate what he’s done,” he added.

Pictured (from left) are Superintendent Jeff James and I-SS Board Vice Chair Charles Kelly.

Vice Chairman Kelly, who also did not seek re-election, has served 20 years on the school board. He was elected in 2004.

“It’s been a privilege and an honor,” Kelly said.

Constitution Day
Constitution Day was held on September 17. Forty-three volunteers were recognized at the school board meeting.

School board member Mike Kubiniec recognized 43 individuals who volunteered in 27 schools on Constitution Day. Volunteers included Bobby Youngblood, Cheryl Pletcher, Cindy Picarella, Connie Evans, Craig Mueller, Debra Wettreich, Denyse Naylor, Donny Bradley, Eyda Hernandez, George Gately, Haven Thomas, Jackie Swope, Jan Wright, Jeff McNeeley, Jeramy Smith, Joe Clendenin, John Fraley, John Taylor, Judy Gustin, Karen Ellis, Kathleen Kitchen, Kelli Harris, Larry Harris, Lisa Meier, Lydia Wroth, Lynette Saxton, Lynne Taylor, Michael Hoffman, Michael Moorefield, Michael Saxton, Pat Harrigan, Paula Mimnaugh, Ray Moore, Sean McGowan, Shirley Clendenin, Steve Zip, Terry Meier, Tom Burky, Wayne Pletcher and William Reese.