ROCKY POINT, N.C. — Pender County Schools celebrated outstanding leadership and teaching excellence at the annual Awards Banquet, held at Heide Trask High School. Among the highlights of the evening were the announcements of the Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2024-25 academic year.
Megan Justice, a Social Studies teacher at Topsail High School, was honored with the title of Teacher of the Year. Reflecting on her achievement, Justice expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am privileged to work alongside such passionate educators and students at Topsail High School. This award acknowledges their hard work and dedication."
As part of her award package, Justice received two round-trip airline tickets, including bags, seat selections, and priority boarding, compliments of Avelo Airlines. "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to travel and recharge before the next school year begins," Justice commented.
Dr. Sonya Oates, Principal of Cape Fear Elementary, received the title of Principal of the Year. In response to her win, Dr. Oates emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, "It is humbling to be recognized among such esteemed colleagues. This award reflects not only the dedication of our entire school community at Cape Fear Elementary but also our collective commitment to excellence in education."
Paula King-Jacobs, Assistant Principal at Burgaw Middle School, was named Assistant Principal of the Year. King-Jacobs expressed her gratitude, remarking, "I am incredibly honored to receive this award. None of this would be possible without the support of my colleagues, staff, and students at Burgaw Middle School. This recognition highlights our collective effort. I truly am honored to be celebrated in such a major way. Doing what I love each day is a blessing!"
The Awards Banquet serves as a platform to celebrate the exceptional contributions of educators and administrators within Pender County Schools. Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove remarked, "Our teachers, principals, and assistant principals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our students. Tonight, we honor their dedication, innovation, and passion for education."
In addition to honoring seasoned educators, the Awards Banquet also celebrated the promising talent of our first-year teachers, known as the Teachers of Promise. Among these exceptional individuals are AnnMargaret Mealey from STES, Danielle Milliner from SCE, Brittany King from WPMS, Madeleine Franco from CFE, Dawson Tippett from THS, Shannon Bordeaux from PHS, Laura Schlegel and Chloe McVetta from TMS, Emily Tindal from CFPE, Kassidi Justice from PILA, Stuart Laney from CFM, Heather Barnhill and Krystal Long from RPE, Caroline Balderson from HTHS, Jenna Keller from SCM, Emma Petronella from NTES, and Magdalena Hanusiak from SCM. Their dedication and enthusiasm for teaching are already making a significant impact on our students and school communities.
The Pender County Schools community extends heartfelt congratulations to Megan Justice, Dr. Sonya Oates, and Paula King-Jacobs on their well-deserved achievements.
Pender County Schools would like to thank the following area businesses for their generosity & support to our district. Thank you for your sponsorship towards our teacher of the year, principal of the year, and assistant principal of the year awards ceremony.
50 South Surf Shop- Topsail Island
Ace Hardware- Hampstead
Atlantic Seafood- Hampstead
Avelo Airlines- Wilmington
Battleship- North Carolina
Brown Dog Coffee- Burgaw
Burry Chocolates -Hampstead
Caliber Car Wash- Hampstead
Cape Fear Seafood Company- Wilmington
Carolina Eatery -Burgaw
Chic Fil A- Porters Neck
China Garden- Hampstead
Coastal Home- Hampstead
Coastal Wings- Surf City
Daddy Mack’s- Surf City
Diane Castro Real Estate - Hampstead
Dwelling Place Church-Burgaw
E.L. Photography-Ivanhoe
Eastern Outfitters- Hampstead
Equitable Advisors
ESS
Fancy Flamingo Boutique-Hampstead
Fat Daddy’s- Burgaw
Food Lion-Burgaw
Food Lion-Hampstead
Hampstead Oils & Vinegars-Hampstead
HES facilities management
Hwy 55- Hampstead
Jersey Mikes-Hampstead
Lawngevity Landscape Center- Hampstead
Lowe's Foods- Wilmington
Low-Tide Steakhouse- Surf City
Mark Butler Photography Topsail Island
McDonald’s of Hampstead
Surf City/Jacksonville/Long-Leaf Wilmington
Monarch Florist- Burgaw
NC Aquariums-Ft. Fisher/ Pine Knoll Shoals/Roanoke Island
Nothing Bundt Cakes- Wilmington
Onslow Bay Boat-Works-Holly Ridge
Oval & Ale- Hampstead
Path-Coastal Horizons
Paul’s Place Hotdogs- Rocky Point
Piggly Wiggly- Burgaw
Porch and Nest Gift Shop- Wilmington
Publix -Surf City
Renovation Church-Hampstead
Scoops Ice Cream- Burgaw
Sears Landing- Surf City
South Eastern Reality-Burgaw
Steadfast Nutrition- Hampstead
Taste of Sunrise- Coffee Hampstead
The Bagel Bakery-Hampstead
Topsail Popcorn- Surf City
Topsail Sports Exchange- Hampstead
Tractor Supply- Rocky Point
Wilmington Sharks Baseball
