Goldsboro, N.C. — Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) recognized outstanding educators and staff during its annual “Celebration of Excellence” held Tuesday evening at the Lane Tree Conference Center. The event celebrated the district’s top staff awards and honored individuals who exemplify dedication, leadership, and innovation in education.

Outgoing 2024-2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Heather Smith, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks, offering words of encouragement and appreciation to award recipients.

Among the honorees was Stephanie Grimes, a marketing teacher at Charles B. Aycock High School, named WCPS CTE Teacher of the Year. Known for her leadership as the NC DECA District II Chairperson, Grimes was praised for her role in organizing the 2024 Competitive Events Conference and for leading student initiatives such as hurricane relief efforts and partnerships with senior care homes. Her accomplishments earned her the Clifton B. Belcher Award, naming her the NC DECA Marketing Teacher of the Year.

Lori Benning, media coordinator at Grantham Middle School, was named WCPS Media Coordinator of the Year. Recognized for transforming the school library into a hub of creativity and engagement, Benning was applauded for innovative programs like book tastings and mystery reads, and for hosting the school’s most successful Book Fair to date.

Grantham Middle School’s Michelle Crawford-Jones was honored as School Counselor of the Year for her commitment to student advocacy and district-wide leadership. Her peers describe her as compassionate, dedicated, and instrumental in fostering positive change.

In one of the evening’s highest honors, Susan Dobbins Randolph, a science teacher at Wayne School of Engineering, was named the 2025-2026 WCPS Teacher of the Year. Randolph, who received a $1,000 award, was recognized for her holistic approach to education, including the creation of an outdoor club and her leadership of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Randall Meisenhelder, assistant principal at Spring Creek High, earned the title of 2025-2026 WCPS Assistant Principal of the Year for the second consecutive year. He received a $500 award in recognition of his ongoing impact on academic growth, instructional coaching, and community outreach.

Karla Smith, principal of Carver Elementary School, was named 2025-2026 WCPS Principal of the Year, receiving a $1,000 award. Smith was commended for her visionary leadership and unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

The evening also celebrated 33 school-level Teachers of the Year, each honored with a plaque presented by WCPS Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard.

Winners of the Teacher of the Year, CTE Teacher of the Year, and Principal of the Year awards will now advance to compete in regional competitions as part of state-level recognition programs. District-level awards such as Assistant Principal of the Year, Media Coordinator of the Year, and School Counselor of the Year reflect local excellence within WCPS.

For more information about WCPS and its recognition programs, visit www.waynecountyschools.org.