February Board of Education Recognitions

Feb 18 2026

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

Fred L. Wilson Elementary School

Although Victoria is new to FLW this year, she has already made a remarkable impact on our school community. She quickly learned and embraced our school expectations and has become a true role model for her peers. Victoria is always ready to lend a helping hand and approaches each day with a positive, can-do attitude.

Victoria is deeply valued by both her classmates and teachers for her empathy, kindness, and respect for others. She has built meaningful relationships in a short time and is truly loved by those around her. Her caring nature helps create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels included.

In the classroom, Victoria is a dedicated and focused learner. She consistently stays on task, follows directions, and takes great pride in her work. Her strong effort and commitment to learning are reflected in her high level of achievement. Her dedication, focus, and work ethic make her an excellent example for others.

Beyond the classroom, Victoria is also an active member of our school community. She is a vital part of our new Newspaper Club and helped publish the very first edition of the school newspaper — an accomplishment that shows her initiative, creativity, and school spirit.

Victoria has been selected as Student of the Month because she truly represents the best of FLW. Her positivity, responsibility, and heart for others make her an outstanding student and leader.

Diego comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine readiness to learn. From the moment he walks in with a smile, he sets the tone for a productive and welcoming classroom environment. He consistently follows school rules and expectations, while also going above and beyond to be kind, respectful, and supportive to both his teachers and his classmates.

Diego is the kind of student every school hopes to have. He shows respect in every interaction and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He approaches each day with a strong work ethic and a mindset that says there are no obstacles he cannot work through. He is eager to understand, eager to grow, and always willing to help in any situation.

Academically, Diego is engaged and curious. He actively participates in class and contributes thoughtful and unique perspectives to discussions. He listens to others with respect and builds meaningful connections with his peers, showing that learning is not just about academics, but also about understanding and appreciating the people around us. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a global leader. He proudly served as a Master of Ceremony at our Winter Concert, where he confidently addressed the audience in his second language of English.

Diego is a wonderful example of what it means to be a successful student at Fred L. Wilson. Through his positivity, respect, curiosity, and leadership, he makes our school a better place every single day. We will all miss his warm greetings and enjoyable conversation when he goes on to middle school next year, but we know he will continue to do great things!

Anna’s impact reaches every corner of our building. She leads and plans our PLC meetings with grade levels, helping teachers dig into standards, data, and instructional strategies that improve student learning. She coaches individual teachers with skill and compassion, supports our long-term substitutes so classrooms remain strong and consistent, and plays a key role in developing meaningful intervention plans for students who need extra support. Through all this, she remains focused on our school wide goals and keeps us grounded.

What makes Anna truly special is not just what she knows, but how she shows up. Anna looks for the good in every situation. She is kind, steady, and relentlessly supportive. Our staff knows they can count on her for encouragement, positivity, and practical help when they need it most.

Her influence also extends beyond instruction. Anna helps build strong community partnerships that benefit our students. She coordinates our Heroes in Me tutoring program in collaboration with the Academic Learning Center, ensuring reading tutors are well-prepared and in contact with classroom teachers. Because of her, that program runs smoothly and students receive targeted, meaningful support. She has also stepped into leadership of our after-school Project Scientist program, empowering our 4th-grade girls to explore, experiment, and see themselves as scientists and problem-solvers. She’s helping open doors and spark confidence in ways that will last far beyond elementary school.

Anna Hogan is a servant leader, a problem solver, a cheerleader for teachers, and most importantly, a champion for students. Our school is stronger, our staff is better supported, and our students are better served because of her work every single day.

We are proud to recognize Nurse Mims for her outstanding dedication and advocacy on behalf of our students, staff, and families. She consistently ensures that all medical documents and health records are accurate, current, and in compliance, helping our school operate safely and smoothly.

Nurse Mims approaches every situation with compassion, care, and professionalism, providing thoughtful support to students, staff, and families. In addition to addressing immediate medical needs, she plays a vital role in helping students develop confidence in managing their own health. Rather than simply doing things for them, she teaches students the process, empowering them to self-advocate and take ownership of their medical needs so they can return to learning as quickly as possible.

Nurse Mims also extends her impact beyond the school walls by conducting outreach to community health agencies, connecting families with essential resources and support. Her commitment to student independence, collaboration, and well-being strengthens our entire school community.

We are deeply grateful for her tireless efforts, advocacy, and unwavering care. Nurse Mims is an invaluable member of our school and truly exemplifies service to others.

Fred L. Wilson is proud to recognize Karen Robinson! Karen Robinson is a dedicated volunteer at Fred L. Wilson through a partnership with All Saints Episcopal Church and Academic Learning Center. As a leader of the nine-member volunteer team from All Saints Episcopal Church, Karen seamlessly coordinates many things behind the scenes. The wonderful team of volunteers currently serves 33 first and second-grade students through the Academic Learning Center’s “Hero in Me” program. Not only is this tutoring skill-based and intentional, it occurs during the school day at no cost to families! When asked about the volunteers' efforts and the tutoring program, Karen previously shared, “Our commonality is we love children and want to support these kids who just need a little boost”! This is just one example of how caring Karen is!

Karen's clear, professional communication with our instructional coach keeps schedules and adjustments running smoothly. Karen's steady, weekly presence helps build trust and strong bonds with the students. Her kindness and dedication shine through—most recently when she organized a book-fair donation so children could take home new books at no cost! Karen’s leadership and commitment make a real difference for Fred L. Wilson students. Thank you, Karen, for all you do!

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Brenda Mercer, teacher, North Kannapolis Elementary School.

Hilbish Ford is proud to recognize Mrs. Brenda Mercer as our Teacher of the Month for February 2026. Mrs. Mercer is known for her kindness, warmth, and the joy she brings to her classroom each day. She is always helpful and has a special way of keeping students smiling, making school a place they genuinely enjoy. Mrs. Mercer works tirelessly to support her students, consistently going above and beyond to ensure each child feels valued and successful. Her sweet and caring nature is evident in everything she does, and her dedication to teaching shines through in her daily interactions.

What truly sets Mrs. Mercer apart is the love and patience she shows her students. She creates a safe, welcoming environment where children feel heard, understood, and encouraged to be their best. Families appreciate the positive impact she has on their children, and students feel deeply connected to her care and support. Mrs. Mercer’s compassion, commitment, and genuine love for her students make her an exceptional educator and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.

We’re extremely proud to have Brenda Mercer as a part of our KCS family. We’re also delighted, on behalf of Hilbish Ford, to present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for February. Congratulations, Brenda!