— Information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools honored outstanding educators and school leaders during its annual Educators of Excellence Celebration on Tuesday, June 2 at the Henderson Country Club.
The event recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year, while also celebrating nominees for Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year. These educators and administrators exemplify dedication, innovation, and excellence in serving students across the district.
“We are honored to recognize the incredible work taking place in our schools each day,” said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett. “Our students deserve the absolute best education and these accomplished educators and administrators inspire students, support colleagues, and prepare our students for success.”
VCS recognized Zeb Vance Elementary’s Grant Hairston as Teacher of the Year and Aycock Elementary’s Kevon Allen as District Beginning Teacher of the Year. Kristen Boyd, principal at E.O. Young Elementary was selected for Principal of the Year honors and Razvan Tegean of L.B. Yancey Elementary was selected as Assistant Principal of the Year.
The following educators were recognized as Teacher of the Year for their respective schools:
Advance Academy – Sheila Taylor
Aycock Elementary – Tracey Fontanet
Carver Elementary – Marinda Daye
Clarke Elementary – Venessa Lofters
Dabney Elementary – Tyreka Ward
Kelvin Henderson, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
E.O. Young Elementary – Emily Hunsinger
L.B. Yancey Elementary – Jamie Chin
New Hope Elementary – Jasmine Rogers
Pinkston Street Elementary – Marlou Fabruada
STEM Early High – Roanna Evans
Vance County Early College – Vicki Ann Fullwood-Barrett
Vance County High – Selvaraj Arulappan
Vance County Middle – Tashalie Nelson-Sleugh
Vance Virtual Village Academy – Angela Foster
Zeb Vance Elementary – Grant Hairston
Beginning Teacher of the Year honorees, by school, are:
Advance Academy – Gay Charisse Beran
Aycock Elementary – Kevon Allen
Carver Elementary – Kayla Boyd
Clarke Elementary – Sarah Pelos
Dabney Elementary – Nichole Campbell Gordon
E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy – David Rincon
E.O. Young Elementary – Chrystal Primiano
L.B. Yancey Elementary – Doris Gomez
New Hope Elementary – Angel Gilchrist
Pinkston Street Elementary – Deborah Hawley
STEM Early High – Alexandra DeGuzman
Vance County Early College – Ashley Bolling
Vance County High – Ronique Golding
Vance County Middle – Garnet Brooks
Zeb Vance Elementary – Kiangi Hill
The district recognized the following Principal of the Year nominees: Dr. Shannon Bullock (Vance County Middle School), Kristen Boyd (E.O. Young Elementary School) and Jessica Austin (STEM Early High School).
Assistant Principal of the Year nominees included Chabre’ Phillips (Aycock Elementary School), Sharita Jones (Carver Elementary School), David Cooper, Jr. (E.O. Young Elementary School), and Razvan Tegean (L.B. Yancey Elementary School).
Following is more information about each of the award recipients:
From left: Kevon Allen, Kristin Boyd, Razvan Tegean and Grant Hairston
Grant Hairston – Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year
Grant Hairston has a passion and dedication that define exceptional teaching. A graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Science Education, Hairston has spent the past 10 years inspiring students through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, including seven years serving the students of Vance County Schools at Zeb Vance Elementary School.
As a fifth-grade Science and Math teacher, Hairston is known for creating a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and learning becomes an adventure. He encourages students to ask questions, explore the world around them, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His teaching philosophy centers on learning alongside students, modeling curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of discovery.
His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. International experiences studying education and culture in Korea and serving as an instructional leader in South Africa have broadened Hairston’s perspective and strengthened his belief in the power of education to connect people, expand horizons, and create meaningful opportunities for students. He brings these global insights back to his classroom, enriching learning experiences and helping students see themselves as part of a larger world. Hairston finds joy in helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and discover their potential, celebrating each “lightbulb moment” that sparks a lifelong love of learning.
As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year, Hairston represents the very best of the teaching profession as an educator whose enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the future of our community.
Kevon Allen – Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year
Kevon Allen’s dedication and heart define him as an outstanding educator. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers College with a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, Allen has quickly distinguished himself as a talented educator and leader during his first year at Aycock Elementary School, where he teaches fourth-grade Mathematics.
Although education was not his original career aspiration, Allen believes teaching became his calling. Since entering the profession, he has embraced the opportunity to shape young lives, exceed expectations, and help develop future leaders. He approaches each day with the mindset of a lifelong learner, understanding that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and opening doors for students.
Allen is known for building relationships with his students and creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of success. He believes that teaching extends far beyond academics and that the lasting impact of an educator is found in the encouragement, confidence, and sense of belonging they provide. His students are inspired by his unwavering belief in their potential and his commitment to helping them move from “I can’t” to “I can.”
As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year, Allen represents the promise and potential of the next generation of educators. His passion for
student success, commitment to relationship-building, and dedication to fostering a positive learning environment make him a deserving recipient of this honor and a bright example of excellence in education.
Kristen Boyd – Vance County Schools Principal of the Year
Kristen Boyd’s educational journey is a testament to dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Vance County Schools. A proud graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and North Carolina State University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Boyd has devoted her entire 25-year career to serving the students, staff, and families of Vance County.
She began her career in 2001 as a second- and third-grade teacher at Aycock Elementary School, where her passion for student success and instructional excellence quickly distinguished her as a leader among her peers. After serving as assistant principal from 2007 to 2014, she served as principal of Aycock Elementary from 2014-2024 and in 2024, was named Principal of E.O. Young Elementary where she continues to inspire excellence and innovation.
Throughout her career, Boyd has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to continuous improvement. Her honors include Aycock Teacher of the Year in 2006, Superintendent’s Leadership Award, Disruptive Innovator Award, Vanceformation Award, and 2017-2018 VCS Principal of the Year. She has also participated in numerous leadership development programs, including Future Ready Leadership, Leadership Vance, NC Leaders in Personalized and Digital Learning, and Opportunity Culture Fellowship.
Known for her visionary leadership, strong relationships, and relentless focus on student achievement, Boyd has made a lasting impact on Aycock Elementary and the entire Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year, she exemplifies the very best of educational leadership and the profound difference one dedicated educator can make in the lives of students and colleagues alike.
Razvan Tegean – Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year
Razvan Tegean exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and student-centered focus that define exceptional school administrators. He is a graduate of Babes-Bolyai University in Romania with a degree in K-12 Physical Education and High Point University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. As the assistant principal at L.B. Yancey Elementary School, Mr. Tegean is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential.
An advocate for student achievement, Tegean’s hands-on approach to leadership is evident through his work supporting diverse student populations, strengthening intervention efforts, and providing instructional support to both students and teachers. Through innovative initiatives and targeted academic support, he has helped drive measurable gains in student performance while ensuring every child has access to opportunities for success.
Tegean is deeply invested in the professional growth of educators. Through classroom visits, coaching conversations, walkthroughs, and actionable feedback, he supports teachers in refining their practice and continuously improving outcomes for students. His commitment to collaboration and professional learning helps build leadership capacity throughout the school and strengthens a culture of excellence.
Known for his unwavering commitment to students and ability to inspire those around him, Tegean has made a lasting impact on L.B. Yancey Elementary and the broader Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year, he exemplifies the power of building relationships, supporting growth, and creating opportunities for success for every student and educator.
The Educators of Excellence Celebration highlights the commitment and impact of educators across Vance County Schools and serves as an opportunity for the district and community to celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of students each day.
For more information about Vance County Schools, visit the district website or follow Vance County Schools on social media.
