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2025 Staff of the Year Banquet 

The Duplin County Education Foundation hosted its annual Teacher, Support Staff, Assistant Principal, and Principal of the Year Banquet, an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and gratitude for the outstanding educators and staff who make a difference every day in the lives of students across the district.

Wayne Casteen, President of the Duplin County Education Foundation, served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through a program that highlighted the incredible talent and dedication found throughout Duplin County Schools. Guests were also treated to a special musical performance of “A Million Dreams” by Kenansville Elementary students, Chasen McLamb and Rainor Bland, under the direction of music teacher Ms. Mary Sumner. Their heartfelt performance set an inspiring tone for the evening, reminding everyone of the bright futures our students are preparing to build.

The highlight of the banquet was the announcement of district-level honorees who will go on to represent Duplin County Schools in statewide recognition programs.

• Dr. Thomas Nichols was named Principal of the Year, receiving a $1,000 award,
  and will advance to the state-level competition.
   
• Mrs. Beverly Sholar earned the title of Assistant Principal of the Year, receiving a $1,000 award.
   
• Mrs. Laura Thornton, Digital Learning & Media Coordinator, was honored as Support Staff of the Year, receiving a $2,500 award.
   
• Ms. Beth Rose was named Teacher of the Year for Duplin County Schools and will represent the district in the state Teacher of the Year competition. She received a $5,000 award.
   

In addition, each school’s Teacher of the Year was recognized for their commitment to excellence and dedication to students. These honorees each received a $500 award in appreciation of their service.

Kari Roberts, Beulaville Elementary

Karen Rouse, B.F. Grady Elementary

Jeffery Hall, Center of Opportunity

Patrick Williams, Duplin Early College High School

Amanda Jenkins, East Duplin High School

Hannah Bell, James Kenan High School

Lindsey McLamb, Kenansville Elementary

Melanie Powell, North Duplin Elementary

Beth Rose, North Duplin Jr/Sr High School

 Melsheena Wilson, Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary

 Katrina Whitehead, Wallace Elementary

Laterri Underwood, Wallace-Rose Hill High School

Lamand Flowers, Warsaw Elementary

 

School Digital Learning & Media Coordinators, School Counselors, Social Workers, and Nurses are eligible for the Support Staff of the Year award. Staff members nominate colleagues from their department who are then selected as Support Staff of the Year and go on to represent the department at the district level. Support Staff nominees were:

 

Laura Thornton Digital Learning & Media Coordinator, North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School

Teri Jo Davis, School Social Worker, James Kenan High School

Emelie Anderson, School Nurse, Chinquapin Elementary

Tracy Curse, School Counselor, North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School 

Interim Superintendent Mr. Daren Tyndall shared his gratitude for the honorees and all educators across the district. “Our educators truly shape the future of Duplin County. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom—changing lives, inspiring dreams, and building pathways for success. We are proud to celebrate their incredible contributions tonight.”

The evening was a testament to the passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment of Duplin County’s educators and staff. Congratulations to all honorees on this well-deserved recognition.