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Haywood County Schools names Stephanie Morgan 2024–25 Teacher of the Year; announces Principal of the Year
Summary
Haywood County Schools announced Stephanie Morgan of Haywood Early College as the 2024–25 Teacher of the Year and recognized a principal identified in the meeting as “Ms. Joy.” The district presented awards to teachers and showed a recognition video for honorees from multiple schools.
Haywood County Schools recognized its 2024–25 Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year during a district gathering, naming Stephanie Morgan of Haywood Early College as Teacher of the Year and announcing a principal identified in the meeting only as “Ms. Joy.”
The recognition highlights classroom teaching and school leadership across the district. Stephanie Morgan, the district’s 2024–25 Teacher of the Year, thanked colleagues and described the classroom culture she observed: "It is wonderful to be here with all of you and to celebrate ... From all that you've already done to start getting to know your students and build those crucial relationships, to that you truly care about them," Morgan said during her remarks. She emphasized student support, belief in students' potential and the importance of creating safe learning spaces.
District staff presented a short video honoring awardees and named multiple school-level winners and runners-up. The meeting named specific honorees including Gary Solis (Canton Middle School), Chase Smith (Haywood Early College), Kristi Solos (Pisgah High School) and Laurie Bass (Waynesville Middle School). The district also noted middle-school runner-up Kendra Plemons from Bethelwood. A separate announcement named Kristi Alma Solon (identified in the meeting in connection with a teacher award); the meeting record contains some overlapping remarks and clarifications about multiple school-level recognitions.
Officials showed a recognition video for awardees and invited sponsors to acknowledge the principal honoree. The principal of the year was referred to in the meeting as "Ms. Joy," and no full name or school assignment for that honoree was provided during the remarks.
The presentations were ceremonial recognitions of teaching and school leadership; no formal votes or policy actions on these items were recorded in the meeting transcript. The district expressed appreciation to awardees and the community for supporting schools.
