Alexander County Schools honors teachers, staff and student nominations

The opening portion of the March 16 Alexander County Schools board meeting focused on awards and recognition. The board called forward honorees and shared brief remarks about their accomplishments.

Chief Justin Deal was introduced as the district Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year; the emcee quoted CTE leadership praising his dedication to students in the fire academy and his efforts to secure materials and resources for the program. Board members acknowledged him and sang "Happy Birthday" as the meeting recognized his birthday.

The board also recognized Sonia Teague as the district's Exceptional Children's Teacher of the Year; the emcee noted she had been honored earlier at a state meeting and read a nomination passage commending her compassion, patience and advocacy for students.

Heidi Campbell, a senior at Alexander Central High School, was announced as the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's state nominee for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Career and Technical Education. The emcee cited Campbell's 4.417 GPA, class rank (11th), AP/honors/CTE coursework in animal science and veterinary assisting, and FFA leadership and competitive success.

Superintendent Billgren introduced Dr. Danita Dalrevis, the district communications director, who received a NCSPRA Blue Ribbon silver award for outstanding electronic media. The board screened a video Dr. Dalrevis produced, which emphasized instructional excellence, student supports and operational effectiveness; board members praised the communications work.

The honors segment concluded and the meeting moved to regular business.