A Warren County educator has received a statewide honor for innovative approaches to classroom instruction and student engagement.
Dr. Acela Recentes was recognized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina and the North Carolina House of Representatives with the Innovator in Education and Workforce Development Award, according to information from Warren County Schools.
The honor highlights Recentes’ recent instructional innovation, which blends culinary arts, research and STEM to make mathematics more meaningful and accessible for students. By merging these disciplines, she has helped learners deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and connect them to real-world applications.
She credits her involvement in several professional educational organizations as a key factor in her continued growth. These affiliations, she noted, have expanded her opportunities for collaboration, professional learning, and elevating the quality of instruction she provides.
Recently recognized as the Warren Early College High School Teacher of the Year and a Champion for Children in Warren County, Recentes said she remains committed to modeling excellence and innovation on behalf of her school. Her goal is to inspire students to pursue their highest potential—both academically and beyond the classroom.
She said the award reflects not only her personal dedication to innovative teaching, but also the broader mission of her institution to foster creativity, relevance and excellence in education.
