Hillcrest 4th Grade Teacher Ashley West Named ABSS Teacher of the Year, Smith Principal named POY during Evening of Excellence Celebration
Alamance-Burlington School System rolled out the red carpet Thursday, April 27, at Southern Alamance High School, creating an atmosphere akin to that of Hollywood’s most glamorous nights to honor its top educators, staff, and students as part of the District’s first annual Evening of Excellence Celebration. Attendees dressed to impress and were greeted by NJROTC cadets dressed in Service Dress Blues, flashing cameras, and a custom-designed red carpet to walk along.
The student-led event featured performances from the Cummings High School Band, Southern Alamance High School’s Jazz Band, Williams High School’s Orchestra, Eastern Alamance High School’s dance team, student singers, and poetry. A group of Williams High School students also took the audience on an artistic journey painting a massive canvas and creating an artistic masterpiece.
One of the many highlights was honoring the District’s Teachers of the Year from each school. Hillcrest Elementary math teacher Ashley West was named the 2023 ABSS Teacher of the Year. West is a Cummings High School graduate who returned several years ago to work in the District.
“I’m a product of ABSS schools. I was that troubled little girl in school who, thankfully, had teachers rally around me to point me in the right direction. That’s what inspired me to return to this community after living in Louisiana to teach and give back,” West said. “I’m honored to represent ABSS and be an advocate for public education as the District’s Teacher of the Year.”
West will represent ABSS in the regional Teacher of the Year competition. Ray Street Academy middle school science teacher Rocco Cabrera was named runner up. Both received golden apple trophies and gift bags full of cash and prizes.
Smith Elementary Principal Dr. Julie Hancock was named ABSS Principal of the Year. Hancock, too, is a product of ABSS schools and has transformed Smith Elementary in recent years into one of the highest performing schools in the District.
“This is an honor! I enjoy working in my community where I grew up,” Hancock said. “It’s also an honor to lead an amazing group of educators and work alongside our Smith families. Together, we have created a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.”
Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler awarded 18 high school seniors with the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence medallion. This is an elite group of students who exemplify the concept of “an involved, scholarly citizen” and have achieved excellence during their high school career in the areas of scholarship, citizenship, and involvement.
The following students from the ABSS high schools were selected this year:
Cummings High School: Kathryn Perez & Melvin Lara
Western Alamance: Connor Chinnici and Samantha Mock
CTEC: Laila Yarborough & Andrew Lambert
Eastern Alamance: Benjamin Salvatore & William Ratliffe
Alamance Virtual School: Jennifer Figueroa-Bahena and Tavis Trull
ABSS Early College at ACC: Mariah Garcia and John Sellars
Graham High School: Maritza Gonzalez-Ugalde and Makayla Williams
Southern Alamance: Shea Kirkpatrick and Sofia Soto
Williams High School: Molly Hunt and Jordan McDowell
This District also honored its 38 Classified Employees of the Year during the event.
More than $31,000 in prizes and gifts were given to the nominees and winners by various community partners.
“Our community partners are truly amazing,” said Sandy Ellington-Graves, ABSS Board Chair. “The donations not only provided the necessary resources for the event but also demonstrate their commitment to education and recognition for the important work our teachers and staff do each day.”
Two community awards were also handed out. The ABSS Partnership Excellence Award was given to the “It Takes a Village Project” at Elon University. It works collaboratively with Elon tutors, Alamance-Burlington Schools teachers, and principals to improve the academic attainment of elementary grade students in the 12 Title One schools from surrounding Alamance County communities.
This year, the ABSS Community Impact Award was given to Alamance Community College for its transformative impact on countless individuals, allowing them to achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
Here’s a full list of honorees and community partners:
SCHOOL | Teacher of Year | Classified Employee of Year |
Alamance Virtual School | Tonya Dobson | Iris Scott |
Alexander Wilson Elementary School | Melissa Harrelson | Ashley Williams |
Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School | Laurin Rose | Josh Berneking |
Audrey W. Garrett Elementary School | Jessica Whitson | Teresa Snider |
B. Everett Jordan Elementary School | Nikki Huey | Rosa Leon-Riggs |
Broadview Middle School | Mark Gerringer | Beatrice Gore |
CTEC | Chris Griggs | Sandra Regalado |
E. M. Holt Elementary School | Lindsay Keiper | Jessica Fleming |
E. M. Yoder Elementary School | Kayla Howell | Kimberlee Ross |
Early College at ACC | Vivian Hensley Noe | Kathy Williams |
Eastern Alamance High School | Aoife O'Neill | Allison Flack |
Eastlawn Elementary School | Marvin Smith | Alicia Alonso De Rodriguez |
Elon Elementary School | Manda Stiegel | Loren Page |
Graham High School | Angela Uribe | Emily Lugo |
Graham Middle School | Sandi Daigle | Melinda Anderson |
Grove Park Elementary School | Stephanie Januzys | Mirna Caminos |
Harvey R. Newlin Elementary School | Sarah Brown | Courtney Hamilton |
Haw River Elementary School | Takeia Belvin | Mary Chavious |
Hawfields Middle School | Rachel Clark | Curtiss Branch |
Highland Elementary School | Anita Choim | Pamela Deleon |
Hillcrest Elementary School | Ashley West | Dawn Rich |
Hugh M. Cummings High School | Kimberly Singletary | Ana Alanis |
Marvin B. Smith Elementary School | Adam Hays | Holly Barnes |
North Graham Elementary School | Sarah Barlekamp | Ana D’Amico |
Pleasant Grove Elementary School | Tracy Jefferies | Iris Pennix |
R. Homer Andrews Elementary School | Julie Bethea | Wendy Uribe Brambila |
Ray Street Academy | Rocco Cabrera | Durand Bailey |
South Graham Elementary School | Melodie Allshouse | Jeanne Polito |
South Mebane Elementary School | Natalie Kimrey | Susan Oldham |
Southern Alamance High School | Karla Moore | Valerie Roach |
Southern Alamance Middle School | Jonie Edmunds | Kim Crockford |
Sylvan Elementary School | Elizabeth Moize | Shirley Whitesell |
Turrentine Middle School | Sabrina Chatman | Ashley Snyder |
Walter M. Williams High School | Joanne Simao | Kelley Caviness |
Western Alamance High School | Karen Rhea | Larry McBroom |
Western Alamance Middle School | Treena Garrison | Troy Williamson |
Woodlawn Middle School | Michael Morris | Amanda Gardner |
Thanks to these community partners:
Samet Corporation
Moseley Architects
Dave's Discount Furniture
Pierce Group
Glen Raven
Maverick Radio & HOPE Radio
Carpet One Burlington
Allen Tate Realtors
Assured Partners
Horace Mann Insurance
TM Laser Works
Carolina Custom Promotions
Sunset Slush
Mellow Mushroom
Andy’s Custard
Papa Johns
Angelina Cafe Burlington
Skids #1 of Burlington
Office Depot
Sen. Galey, Rep. Ross, and Rep. Riddell
Workman Mechanical HVAC
Calming Hands Massage & Wellness
Farm Bureau of Alamance County - Sam Tuner Agent
Farm Bureau of Alamance County Women’s Committee
Burlington Sock Puppets
Jeff Throneburg Construction
Golden China in Graham
Herff Jones Graduate Service
da Vinci’s Table
For All Occasions
HVAC Experts of Snow Camp
The Mini Dingo of Burlington
