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Lenoir County teacher named a finalist for statewide beginning-teacher award

Lenoir County Board of Education · January 6, 2026
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Summary

The board honored Lillian Hartshill of E.B. Frank Middle School as one of 27 finalists for the North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year award; NCAT representatives presented a certificate and explained the finalist program and timeline.

The Lenoir County Board of Education recognized Lillian Hartshill, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at E.B. Frank Middle School, as a finalist for the North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year award during its Jan. 5 meeting.

Dr. Brock Womble of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching introduced Hartshill and the NCAT leadership team, said the award celebrates the creativity and commitment of early-career teachers, and described the finalist process. "This recognition celebrates Lillian's outstanding contribution as a beginning teacher and the meaningful impact she is already making on her students in the broader community here in Lenoir County Public Schools," Dr. Womble said.

NCAT representatives noted finalists will attend week-long leadership-focused professional development in March, participate in interviews and portfolio reviews and that the winner will be announced at a March 12 recognition event at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

Superintendent Williams and school leaders praised Hartshill's classroom energy and impact on students during a brief presentation and photo opportunity. The board applauded the recognition; no formal board action was required.