February Board of Education Recognitions

Feb 10 2025

The Kannapolis Board of Education was proud to honor outstanding representatives from around the district at its February meeting.

Forest Park Elementary School

Ayden Humphreys is a fifth-grade student in Mrs. Bandy’s and Mrs. Drayton’s classes. Ayden is such a kind student who is very empathetic to all. He works hard in class and encourages the best of his classmates! Ayden puts great effort into his academics, always striving to gain new knowledge and skills and never giving up. He has a gentle and friendly spirit that makes everyone feel welcome and valued. Every day, Ayden shows his Forest Park Bear pride by spreading kindness and being a great role model for others. Ayden’s hard work, positive attitude, and big heart make our school a better place, and we are so lucky to have him!

Addie is a fifth-grade student in Mrs. Bandy’s and Mrs. Drayton’s classes at Forest Park. Addie shows kindness everywhere she goes. Addie brings so much joy to staff and students, always greeting others with a smile and kind words. Addie is an exemplary student and model for others. She has a sharp mind and a natural drive for growth—qualities that set her apart. It’s only a matter of time before she steps into leadership, and when she does, she’ll handle it with the same poise and insight she’s shown all along.

Forest Park is pleased to recognize Rebecca Coleman, Mindy Martin, Jose Silva, and Shelby Whitney for their work as the Forest Park PTO Leadership Team. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of Forest Park and its initiatives. The Forest Park PTO plays a vital role in enhancing the educational experiences of our students and provides opportunities for families to engage with the learning environment. Your partnership creates a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

Latoya Borders is one of the kindest and most caring individuals most of us will ever meet. Latoya is often the first KCS employee students interact with as she greets bus riders in the morning. She then serves Kindergarten and 4th-grade students throughout the day, and drives students home, leaving them with kind words and a smile!

Latoya has been an essential part of the transportation department and our school environment, consistently going above and beyond. Latoya is always there with a positive attitude and a caring heart.

Carrie Gentry brings a warm and caring attitude to Forest Park each day. She works hard at building strong relationships with students and staff alike. Carrie has consistently gone above and beyond in supporting our teachers and students to ensure a positive and productive learning environment. Her dedication to student success while providing individualized instruction has made a significant impact at Forest Park. Carrie is a valued member of our team and plays an essential role in creating an atmosphere where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Evelyn Craig is a first-year teacher at Forest Park, though one would not be able to tell because of her exceptional organization, thoughtful planning, and genuine dedication to her students' success. Mrs. Craig’s warm personality and kindness create an environment in which her Kindergarten students thrive! During dismissal, students love to spend a few minutes with Mrs. Craig, sharing about their day because they know she cares so much about them! Mrs. Craig is a vital part of the Forest Park family, and our students benefit from her presence each day.

Juliana Ballin is a first-grade teacher. She is an educator determined to provide her students with the very best instruction. Visitors to Ms. Ballin’s classroom would not know that she is a second-year teacher because of her organization and her well-thought-out and implemented lesson plans. Ms. Ballin welcomes students each morning with kind words and lots of encouragement! Throughout the day, she differentiates instruction for her students who have so many unique needs, and ensures every student feels safe and loved.

Daniel Safrit is a stellar 4th-grade teacher at Forest Park. He is a leader on his grade-level team as well as a valued member of the school improvement team. Mr. Safrit provides rigorous instruction that is engaging and memorable. If you visit Forest Park, you will find Mr. Safrit jumping in to support students, creating fun ways for them to learn, and if you’re a Star Wars fan, you’re in good company. Mr. Safrit builds positive relationships with his students and has a wonderful rapport with his colleagues.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Savannah Johnson, third-grade teacher, Shady Brook Elementary School.

Ms. Savannah Johnson, a third-grade teacher at Shady Brook Elementary, is an exceptional educator who has made a profound impact on her students and their families. One student shared, 'She teaches us very well, always helps with our work, and is stern when she needs to be. She is very kind.' Parents echo this sentiment, with one noting, 'She genuinely cares about her students and wants to see them thrive in their school environment. She always shows how much she cares, and we want to show her appreciation for the job she does every day.' Another parent shared, 'Mrs. Johnson is a hardworking and dedicated teacher who knows how to build relationships with each student. She taught my son and now my daughter and has truly made a difference in their lives and mine. She goes above and beyond to make sure each student is loved and learning to their highest potential.

Mrs. Johnson’s kindness, dedication, and ability to foster meaningful relationships with her students make her a standout educator. It is with great pride that we recognize her as the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for February. Congratulations, Savannah!

Retiree

Dale Bullock has been an integral part of the KCS Transportation Department, primarily transporting students with special needs. The care and compassion he provided to the students on his bus were always evident, making a difference in their daily lives. Though he briefly stepped away from KCS for a position closer to home, he quickly realized that KCS was where he truly belonged. We were thrilled when he returned, and now, as he embarks on his retirement, we will deeply miss his laughter in the breakroom and the warmth he brought to our team.

RISE Award Nominee

The Kannapolis City Board of Education is honored to recognize Beryl Torrence, Assistant Director of Operations with Transportation, for her remarkable achievements and dedication to education. In December, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Mrs. Torrence has been selected as one of North Carolina’s two nominees for the prestigious 2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. This national recognition, overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, celebrates classified school employees who provide exemplary service and make extraordinary contributions to their schools and communities. As a nominee, Mrs. Torrence represents not only Kannapolis City Schools but the entire state of North Carolina as an inspiring leader and advocate.

With nearly three decades of service, Mrs. Torrence has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues, and community. As the 2023-24 NCAE Education Support Professional of the Year, Mrs. Torrence has promoted student safety and staff morale while serving as a community advocate for racial equity, domestic violence prevention, and affordable housing. Her work reflects the spirit of the RISE Award, showcasing her exceptional performance, community engagement, and leadership. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Torrence on this well-deserved honor and thank her for her inspiring contributions to Kannapolis City Schools and beyond.