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McDowell honors teachers, principals and staff; Stacy Shaw named NCAT CTE finalist
Summary
The board recognized CTE teacher Stacy Shaw as a finalist for the NCAT 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year; Erin Rayfield was introduced as the district principal of the year, Amber Long was honored as teacher of the year, and staff employees of the month were announced.
McDowell County Schools used its Oct. 13 meeting to recognize educators and staff across the district.
Dr. Brock Womble, executive director of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCAT), presented a finalist certificate to Stacy Shaw, a consumer science teacher at McDowell High School, naming her a finalist for the NCAT 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award. NCAT will hold finalist interviews and a portfolio review in December and announce the winner at a December 4 recognition event in Greensboro.
Superintendent Dr. Tracy Grit announced Erin Rayfield as the district’s 2025–26 principal of the year; the board said it will hold formal recognition at a later meeting and noted Rayfield will represent the district at the regional competition.
Amber Long, the district’s teacher of the year, received tributes from colleagues describing her long service and personal impact on students. The meeting also included recognition of a certified employee of the month, Shannon Arrowood (first-grade teacher at West Marion Elementary), and a classified employee of the month, Francine Dillingham, who were introduced by principals and nominators.
School board members were honored with the North Carolina School Boards Association Silver Bell Award for meeting required training hours; the board also adopted a resolution nominating the McDowell County Board of Commissioners for the 2025 NC School Boards Association County Commissioners of the Year Award in appreciation of financial and other support.
Separately, NJROTC-related items were announced: the program will attend regional drill competitions and some board members will travel to Arlington National Cemetery to attend the interment of retired senior naval science instructor Captain Hardy Rose; the board encouraged community support for NJROTC fundraisers and events.
