Congratulations!

You have been nominated by one/several community members as an outstanding educator in their community for WakeEd Partnership's Star Among Us award. This award is designed to recognize WCPSS educators who are making a dynamic difference both in their school community, and community-at-large. Inaugurated at the 2023 Stars of Education gala, previous recipients have included: Amanda Hummel (Hilburn Academy, Pre-K Special Education, 2023), Aneesa McKenzie-Thompson (Bugg Magnet Elementary, 3rd grade, 2024), and Aurelis Lugo (Herbert Akins Road Middle School, Visual Arts Specialist, 2025).  

By way of this invitation, we are inviting you to submit your application for consideration of this award. The recipient of this award will receive:

• $5,000 prize
• Invitation for self and guests to WakeEd Partnership's Stars of Education gala, and presentation of award at the event
• Seat on WakeEd Partnership's Programs Committee

 What is considered an "EDUCATOR": 

Has direct contact, service, or engagement with Wake County Public School System students, for at least 50% of their time. This is inclusive of: general classroom teachers, Instructional Assistants, school counselors, speech pathologists, media specialists, social workers, and school psychologists. Participate Learning teachers are ineligible. Personnel whose major responsibilities are administrative or supervisory are also not eligible.

This award is only open to those educators currently working in WCPSS. Charter, private, and other educational entities are not eligible for this award.

As a part of this application, you will be asked to create a response for two specific prompts. One response will be required to be a video response; the second response is short answer, and is written. Additionally, you will be asked to have two "Letter of Recommendation" submitted on your behalf - one from your current administration or supervisor (professional), and one from the community-at-large (community). "Community" can include parents, community members, others from outside organizations who can speak on your community impact. We discourage having a peer/colleague from the same school submit the second letter, as the goal of the second letter is to talk about your larger impact outside of the school building.  

 APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026

Please note: if you were a previous finalists within the last three years, you are ineligible to submit at this time.