SCS Principal of the Year Beverly Pennington stands next to SCS Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis at the Excellence Recognitions ceremony on May 22. Photo courtesy Stanly County Schools

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ALBEMARLE — Local teachers and staff throughout the county were honored for their 2024-25 academic year achievements at the recent Stanly County Schools Excellence Recognitions night.

Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lydia Hedrick, and Chief Academic Officer Lynn Plummer were among the SCS representatives at the Agri-Civic Center on May 22 presenting awards to teachers and staff.

“Thursday evening was a wonderful night of celebration as we came together to honor the incredible individuals who make Stanly County Schools such a special place to learn and grow,” the public school district said in a statement following the event. “To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedication, your heart, and the difference you make every day. Stanly County Schools is stronger because of you.”

Beverly Pennington, principal at Albemarle High, was named by SCS as its Principal of the Year, while West Stanly Middle’s Mandy Efird was the recipient of the Assistant Principal of the Year award and Locust Elementary fourth-grade teacher Bailey McGuire was awarded as the district’s Teacher of the Year.

After the event, SCS recognized these three winners by name in a statement, highlighting their impacts on the county and each of their respective schools.

“Mrs. Pennington is a passionate and dedicated leader who brings vision, heart, and strength to her school community. Her commitment to students, staff, and the Bulldog family is truly inspiring. Ms. Efird leads with heart, dedication, and a deep commitment to student success. Her leadership makes a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire school community. Ms. McGuire’s passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and commitment to excellence truly make her stand out. She inspires those around her every day, and we are so proud to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.”

Millingport Elementary’s Natasha Krueger and Locust Elementary’s Kimberly Dean were also honored as finalists for the principal awards.

Many of the county’s 2024-25 Teacher of the Year award winners for their individual schools were present at the ceremony: Victor Ubaldo (Stanly STEM Early College); Stacy Salayers (Stanly Early College); Kelsie Hatley (Stanfield Elementary); Wendy Jeffson (East Albemarle Elementary); Kasey Byrd (Badin Elementary); Kellie Hinson (Millingport Elementary); Amanda Furr (Richfield Elementary); Andria Harris (North Stanly High); Erin Morehead (Central Elementary); Shannon Bullard (Endy Elementary); Meredith Hinshaw (South Stanly High) and Dustin Foley (Albemarle High).

A large group of Support Staff of the Year winners were also honored for their service: Jennifer Hamilton (South Stanly Middle); Vicki Dumas (Stanly Academy Learning Center); Traci Swaringen (Stanly STEM Early College); Star Huneycutt (Stanly Early College); Jessica Palmer (Millingport Elementary); Mike Marshburn (Badin Elementary); Gerald Labriola (West Stanly High); Jessica Strausser (East Albemarle Elementary); Tina Shaver (Endy Elementary); Lorena Salazar (Norwood Elementary); Selina Shelton (South Stanly High); Diana Popoca (Albemarle High); Kristin Strickland (Richfield Elementary) and Ashleigh McCollum (Locust Elementary).