GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne County Public Schools will spotlight its top educators and staff during the annual “Celebration of Excellence” on Tuesday, May 5.
The event, set for 6 p.m. at the Lane Tree Conference Center, will recognize finalists and announce winners for the district’s 2026–2027 Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. The ceremony is by invitation only and will honor all “Of the Year” nominees from across the district.
In addition to the top categories, the district will also recognize its Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year, School Counselor of the Year, Media Coordinator of the Year, and Instructional Assistant of the Year.
Among the Teacher of the Year finalists are Shacarla Woodard of Northwest Elementary, Toni Tadlock of Mount Olive Middle, and John Gerken of Southern Wayne High. Assistant Principal of the Year finalists include Shaconda Ford of Brogden Primary, Laurie Keck of Greenwood and Rosewood Middle, and Tequilla Taylor of Goldsboro High. Principal of the Year finalists are Tracy McKeel of Rosewood Elementary, Edward Cromartie Jr. of Mount Olive Middle, and Kelly Carter of Southern Wayne High.
District officials say the awards highlight excellence in education and the dedication of staff across Wayne County schools. Candidates for several of the honors undergo a rigorous selection process that includes portfolio submissions and interviews conducted by committees of education professionals from across the state.
The district’s Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year winners will go on to represent Wayne County at the regional level as part of statewide competitions.
In total, dozens of educators will be recognized, including each school’s Teacher of the Year for the upcoming academic year—representing a wide range of grade levels and subject areas across the district.
School leaders say the celebration serves not only to honor outstanding educators but also to inspire continued excellence in classrooms throughout Wayne County.
