EDENTON – The Edenton-Chowan Board of Education took time during its Monday, Jan. 13 meeting to celebrate a long list of district employees who have earned significant professional achievements and honors.
Board Chair George Lewis presented certificates and commendations to more than a dozen staff members who have excelled in their fields, from athletics to academics to technical certifications.
Athletic Department Honors
The recognitions began with two coaching honors. John A. Holmes High School Athletic Director Wes Mattera received the North Carolina High School Athletics Association’s Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award, one of the state’s most prestigious athletic honors.
“We love all your contributions here as the athletic director and all the service you’ve had in the past,” Lewis told Mattera.
Soccer coach Robert Turner was named North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association Region 1 Coach of the Year. Lewis, noting his own background as a collegiate soccer player, thanked Turner for his work with student athletes.
Educational Advancement
Several staff members were recognized for advancing their own education. Kionna Griffin completed the teacher assistant-to-teacher program and graduated with her bachelor’s degree, while Denae Lassiter recently earned her master’s degree.
“Anytime that we increase the knowledge, it’s personally good for you, and we love it because of the skills and attributes that come with that,” Lewis said.
Technology staff member Keegan Futrell was recognized for earning his Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate, an important credential for managing the district’s technology infrastructure.
Student Achievement on National Stage
Chowan Middle School Band Director Jeremiah Brown drew enthusiastic applause for being selected to march in the 2026 Rose Parade in California. Brown, who appeared at the meeting with CMS Principal Brittany Lopez, said it rained on the parade for the first time in 20 years during his participation.
“It was very fun to represent Edenton and Chowan on a national and global stage,” Brown told the board.
National Board Certification
Four educators achieved what Lewis called “one of the highest professional honors in teaching” by earning or maintaining National Board Certification.
Three teachers earned the certification for the first time: Haley Jones, Rachel O’Kelley, and LuAnn Shoemaker. Tracy Faircloth successfully maintained her certification.
“National Board certification represents the gold standard of accomplished teaching, requiring reflection, analysis of student learning, and clear evidence of impact in the classroom,” Lewis said, reading from prepared remarks. “This achievement reflects extraordinary dedication to students, professional growth, and the craft of teaching.”
Faircloth, who first earned National Board certification in 2005, noted this was her second renewal and likely her last before retirement.
Jones, in her ninth year of teaching, said she completed the rigorous certification process while managing a toddler and being pregnant with her second child. She encouraged other teachers to pursue the certification.
O’Kelley and Shoemaker, both science teachers, credited each other and instructional coach Ms. Brinson for their success. Board members noted the two teachers are now positioned to coach future candidates through the certification process.
They acknowledged that while about 12 to 14 teachers initially planned to pursue certification, having these successful candidates creates a support system for future applicants.
Financial Expertise Recognized
Two school bookkeepers, Kaye Spivey and Michelle Bunch, were recognized in absentia for completing the North Carolina Association of School Business Officials 2025 School Treasurer Certificate Program. Chief Financial Officer Sandy Pittman accepted their certificates.
The program “blends technical expertise with interpersonal skill development, equipping school treasurers with both the hard and soft skills needed to excel in today’s school finance environment,” according to the board’s recognition statement.
Student Artists Honored
The board also recognized winners of the district’s holiday card competition, which had been postponed from December. Student winners included Kinley Copeland from White Oak School, Isabelle Smith from D.F. Walker Elementary, Chloe Hayes from Chowan Middle School, and Jiaxin Cai from John A. Holmes High School. Their winning designs were displayed on screens during the meeting.
Board Appreciation
At the conclusion of the recognitions, Superintendent Tammi Ward turned the tables on the board members, presenting them with gifts in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month.
“We want our Board of Education members to know how much we do appreciate all that you do for me personally as the superintendent, but for the time and everything that you put in for our staff, our employees, our students, and our parents, and our communities,” the superintendent said.
