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Stanly County Schools honored educators at its 2022-2023 Leadership Celebration Tuesday night.

Winners were announced Wednesday afternoon on the district’s website.

The 2022-2023 SCS District Teacher of the Year is Meredith Howell of South Stanly High School.

Stanly County Schools said of Howell: “Meredith is the model of what a teacher should be: dedicated, creative, organized, a go-getter, intelligent, and concerned for equity for all students. She works to create opportunities for kids, both in the classroom and outside, as demonstrated through the Washington DC trip and the holocaust class. She is a driven, organized teacher who develops inspiring relationships with her students. Meredith embraces opportunities for professional development, and she has a wonderful rapport with students, parents, colleagues, and the community.”

Teachers of the Year finalists from each school were: Markita Hamilton, Albemarle High School; Kathryn Patterson, Albemarle Middle School; Anna Lashua, Aquadale Elementary School; Christy Pickler, Badin Elementary School; Alison Whisnant, Central Elementary School; Courtney Speights, East Elementary School; Susan Hinson, Millingport Elementary School; LouAnne Mullis, North Stanly Middle School; Joellen Teeter, Norwood Elementary School; Lauren Cody, Richfield Elementary School; Lisa Blalock, South Stanly Middle School; Carlee Rife, Stanfield Elementary School; Michele Smith, Stanly Early College High School; Erin Gardiner, Stanly STEM Early College High School; Kadie Love, West Stanly High School; Whitney Crayton, West Stanly Middle School.

The 2022-2023 SCS District Assistant Principal of the Year finalists were Brian Bradshaw of West Stanly High School and Marty Ingram of Albemarle Middle School, with Bradshaw getting the win.

Speaking of Bradshaw, SCS noted: “Mr. Bradshaw strives to listen and create relationships with students while still holding them accountable to school wide expectations. He leads with integrity and is extremely knowledgeable about Board Policy. He is not afraid to ask tough questions and stand up for what he knows is right! He is always willing to help out and be a presence wherever he is needed.”

The 2022-2023 SCS District Principal of the Year finalists were Jodi Autry of Endy Elementary School, Megan DePasquale of North Stanly Middle School, Kelly Dombrowski of STEM Early College, Julienne Fallen of South Stanly High School and Anne McLendon of Albemarle Middle School.

Commenting on McLendon, the winner, SCS said: “Ms. McLendon is an exceptional principal and leader. She has made incredible improvements to the AMS atmosphere and school culture. Mrs. McLendon has worked hard to build a climate of open communication and a ‘can do’ environment for Albemarle Middle School. This, along with a concentrated focus on academics, has established Mrs. McLendon as a strong change agent within the school.”