Vance County Schools named its 2023 Educators of Excellence at a banquet on Thursday, Aug. 10 to honor nominated teachers, staff and administrators from across the schools in the district.
Teacher of the Year honors go to Analiza Maghanoy of EM Rollins STEAM Academy, according to information from VCS Director of Communications & Marketing Aarika Sandlin.
Others receiving top honors were Lillian King of Carver Elementary – Beginning Teacher of the Year; McShell Edmonds of Vance County High – Assistant Principal of the Year; and Dr. Michael Putney, Sr. of Dabney Elementary – Principal of the Year.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said the district benefits from the experience of leaders like the ones honored at the banquet.
“Vance County Schools is very fortunate to have dedicated and passionate teachers and leaders who work diligently day in and out to ensure the children in Vance County are receiving the best possible education, learning from innovative programs and experiences, and truly understanding how they can positively impact tomorrow.”
Maghanoy teaches third grade English Language Arts at EM Rollins STEAM Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Western Mindanao State University and a Master of Education Studies from the University of Newcastle, Australia.
“I know many outstanding teachers who give their best efforts to our students every day. I am humbled to be recognized as the Vance County Teacher of the Year, with gratitude to my strong administrators (present and past) for their unwavering support and inspiration to be the best I can to serve the students, parents, and the entire community of Vance County Schools”, Maghanoy stated.
King, also a third-grade teacher, works at Carver Elementary and majored in elementary education at N.C. Central University.
“I feel very honored to even be nominated and even more grateful to have been chosen by my district,” she said.
Top administrator awards went to Edmonds, who was named Assistant Principal of the Year.
“This achievement not only brings me joy but it fuels my motivation to continue pushing to strive for even greater heights. I am committed to using this achievement for continuous growth, learning and making a meaningful impact on my school community. I am so grateful for the support and guidance I received from fellow educators, the VCHS family, friends, and my family.”
Edmonds received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from N.C. Central University and a Master’s in School Administration from N.C. State University.
This is Putney’s third time as Principal of the Year, but he said he feels honored to receive the recognition. He’s been principal at Dabney since 1997.
“This is my passion. I do not see this as a job. I see this as a calling to be able to have an impact on others. To hear positive remarks from former students, staff, and parents fuels me to continue to strive to make a difference for others.”
Maghanoy and Putnam will represent Vance County in regional competition.
Following are the nominees from across the district competing for the awards:
2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
- Caroline Boyd, Aycock Elementary
- Debbie McCune, Carver Elementary
- Cynthia Moore, Clarke Elementary
- Karin Jennings, Dabney Elementary
- Analiza Maghanoy, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
- Julia Morton, E.O. Young Elementary
- Jamie Chin, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- Tina Terry, New Hope Elementary
- Kevin Johnson, Pinkston St. Elementary
- Jose Ortiz Covelli, STEM Early High
- Vicki-Ann Fullwood-Barrett, Vance County Early College
- Pamella Wickham, Vance County High
- Davia Johnson Wilkins, Vance County Middle
- Cynthia Nnaemeka, Vance Virtual Village Academy
- Hannah Whittemore, Zeb Vance Elementary
2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Matthew Weaver, Aycock Elementary
- Lillian King, Carver Elementary
- Nicole Clarke, Clarke Elementary
- Ty-Mhaj Hart, Dabney Elementary
- Rosa Bullock, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
- Marcia Cobbs, E.O. Young Elementary
- Loletta Davidson, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- Twanda Peace, Pinkston St. Elementary
- Quentillia Crutchfield, STEM Early High School
- Karen Suarez, Vance County High
- Damian Davis, Vance County Middle School
- Whitney Brodie, Zeb Vance Elementary
2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees:
- Dr. C’monee Wilkins, Clarke Elementary
- Facetia Branch, Dabney Elementary
- Desmond Thompson, Vance County Middle
- Angela Cusaac, Vance County High
- McShell Edmonds, Vance County High
2023-2024 Principal of the Year Nominees
- Dr. Carnetta Thomas, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
- Dr. Michael Putney, Sr., Dabney Elementary
- Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- Dr. Stephanie Ayscue, Vance County Middle School
- Dr. Jessica Perry, Vance Virtual Village Academy
