January Board of Education Recognitions
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The Kannapolis Board of Education was proud to honor outstanding representatives from around the district at its January meeting.
Forest Park Elementary School
Forest Park would like to recognize Ayden Wilson for being an excellent student who consistently demonstrates responsibility and a strong commitment to learning. Ayden follows all Forest Park Bear Expectations and approaches each school day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do his best. His respectful behavior and dependable nature make him a pleasure to have in the classroom.
Ayden is a hardworking student who takes pride in his learning and has shown remarkable academic and personal growth. He remains focused during lessons, completes his work with care, and is always willing to challenge himself. His perseverance and dedication are evident in the progress he continues to make, and he consistently strives to improve.
In addition to his academic efforts, Ayden serves as a positive role model for his peers. He leads by example through his actions, kindness, and strong work ethic. Ayden’s consistency, responsibility, and growth truly reflect the values of Forest Park, and we are proud to recognize him for his achievements and contributions.
Forest Park would like to recognize Hazzel Reyes Hernandez for being an exceptional student, leader, and role model within our school community. Hazzel is an absolute ray of sunshine, and her warm demeanor and constant smile bring joy to everyone she encounters.
Hazzel is exceptionally responsible and well-mannered, consistently demonstrating kindness, respect, and a genuine willingness to help others. She can often be found assisting staff by preparing copies, supporting classrooms, and ensuring our flags are proudly displayed through her dedicated work with flag duty. In addition, Hazzel generously volunteers her time to support our kindergarten students and serves as a dependable classroom helper.
Through her leadership, service, and strong work ethic, Hazzel truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding student. She sets a positive example for her peers and represents the very best of Forest Park. We are incredibly proud of Hazzel and grateful for the joy, responsibility, and leadership she brings to our school each day.
Forest Park would like to recognize Erin Gibson for her dedication to students that extends far beyond the standard curriculum and expectations of the classroom. She consistently creates a stimulating, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Erin is known for her innovative teaching practices and her thoughtful approach to instruction, always seeking new ways to engage learners and meet the diverse needs of her students. She goes above and beyond to provide individualized support, ensuring each student receives the guidance and encouragement needed to grow academically and personally. Her unwavering commitment to the overall well-being of her students is evident in the strong relationships she builds and the trust she fosters within her classroom.
In addition to her impact on students, Erin is a dedicated and dependable teammate who invests countless extra hours to support her grade level and the Forest Park community. Through collaboration, intentional planning, and a willingness to step in wherever needed, she continually supports both her students and her team. Erin’s work not only raises academic expectations but also instills confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning in every student she serves.
Forest Park is grateful for Erin’s passion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Forest Park would like to recognize Ms. Stephanie Thomas for her outstanding leadership and dedication to our school community. Stephanie began her journey at Forest Park as a cafeteria staff member, where her strong work ethic, warm heart, and positive attitude were immediately evident.
When Stephanie stepped into the role of Interim Cafeteria Manager, she embraced the responsibility with confidence, kindness, and grace. She quickly became a steady and trusted leader, ensuring the cafeteria ran smoothly each day while continuing to greet students and staff with a welcoming smile. Her genuine care for others and her commitment to service are felt throughout our school.
Stephanie now serves as our permanent Cafeteria Manager, a role she has more than earned through her exceptional leadership. She manages her team with respect and encouragement, maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, and creates a positive environment where both students and staff feel valued. The admiration and trust of her team are a true testament to her leadership.
Forest Park is incredibly grateful for Stephanie Thomas and the dedication, heart, and professionalism she brings to her work each day. She is truly an invaluable asset to our Forest Park community.
This is not the first time Kedrick has been recognized at a KCS Board meeting. During his fifth-grade year at Forest Park Elementary, Kedrick was selected for recognition by the Forest Park staff for his diligence, strong character, and willingness to help others. Even at a young age, he stood out as a positive role model.
Those same qualities have continued to grow as Kedrick is now a seventh-grade student at Kannapolis Middle School. While he attends school each day and gives his best in the classroom, Kedrick also chooses to give back to Forest Park by arriving around 2:30 each afternoon to volunteer in the front office and for special school events.
As a volunteer, Kedrick consistently goes above and beyond. He dedicates his time to important tasks such as organizing files, preparing mailings, and assisting with general office needs—always with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to help. In addition, Kedrick is an invaluable asset during after-school events, where he willingly supports with set-up, manages sign-in sheets, and helps ensure smooth transitions.
Kedrick’s commitment, reliability, and servant leadership truly set him apart. The Forest Park Elementary staff and students are incredibly grateful for the joy, dedication, and heart he brings to serving our school community.
Mr. Fink served as a dedicated classroom teacher at Forest Park Elementary for decades, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. His commitment to education and his love for the Forest Park community did not end with his retirement. Even now, Mr. Fink continues to bring joy, encouragement, and meaningful support to both students and staff.
On a regular basis, Mr. Fink generously volunteers his time by providing reading support to third-grade students, helping build confidence, skills, and a love of learning. Beyond his work with students, he has a special way of uplifting the entire school community. Staff are often delighted by Mr. Fink’s thoughtful words of wisdom—frequently shared through a heartfelt poem—and his unexpected acts of kindness, including special treats that brighten the day.
Mr. Fink’s presence at Forest Park feels as natural and welcoming as ever. Though he is officially retired, his heart and spirit remain deeply rooted in our school. He continues to embody the values of service, care, and community that define Forest Park Elementary. Mr. Fink is, and will always be, an important part of our Forest Park Bear family.
As Mr. Fink taught us to say, “Once a Bear, Always a Bear!”
The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Brittany Robertson, teacher, Fred L. Wilson Elementary School.
Hilbish Ford is proud to recognize Ms. Brittany Robertson as our Teacher of the Month for January 2026. Ms. Robertson consistently goes above and beyond for her students and exemplifies what it means to be a true team player. Her dedication, positivity, and unwavering support for both students and colleagues make her highly deserving of this honor.
Ms. Robertson creates a safe, enthusiastic, and welcoming learning environment where students are encouraged to grow and succeed. She teaches with passion and resilience, inspiring her students to do their best each day. Her commitment to ensuring every child feels supported and capable is evident in all that she does.
Beyond her classroom, Ms. Robertson demonstrates outstanding teamwork and leadership. She is always willing to step in to help others and even uses personal resources to make sure her students have the supplies they need to be successful. Her energy, joy, and dedication uplift everyone around her, making a lasting impact on our school community.
We’re extremely proud to have Brittany Robertson 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 January. Congratulations, Brittany!
Retirees
Bob Marshall has been a dedicated and highly respected 8th grade EC Resource teacher whose impact on students and staff has been both significant and lasting. Throughout his career, Bob consistently advocated for students, provided thoughtful and effective instructional support, and collaborated closely with teachers to ensure that every student’s needs were met. His calm presence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students made him a trusted colleague and an invaluable member of our school community.
As Bob prepares to retire, we extend our sincere gratitude for his years of service, dedication, and care. His influence will continue to be felt through the countless students he supported and the colleagues he inspired. Bob leaves behind a strong and positive legacy, and he will be truly missed. We wish him all the best in this well-deserved next chapter.
“I’ve known Jeff Brandon for many years, dating back to when we taught on the same hallway—and I’ll always remember it for the distinct smell of the old Vocational Building. From those early days, Jeff stood out as someone you could always count on. As a CTE teacher, he quickly became our go-to person: always timely, always caring, and always willing to support both coworkers and students.”
Jeff’s dedication to his work and his genuine concern for people made a lasting impression on our school community. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure students were supported and colleagues felt valued, often without seeking recognition. His calm presence, reliability, and willingness to help wherever needed made him a trusted teammate and a true asset to our school. As Jeff begins this next chapter, we are grateful for the years of service and friendship he has given, and we wish him nothing but happiness, fulfillment, and well-deserved enjoyment in his retirement.
Rowena Willis has been a valued and dedicated School Nutrition Operator at A.L. Brown High School for over 6.5 years. Her presence will be deeply missed by her coworkers, the School Nutrition team, and most importantly, the students she served each day. Throughout her time at A.L. Brown, Rowena consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a caring heart, and a genuine commitment to the student’s nutrition needs.
No matter how fast paced or demanding meal service became, Rowena remained calm, positive, and welcoming. She was known for greeting students with a warm smile, speaking kindly to each one as they came through the serving line, and taking the time to make them feel seen and valued.
Her friendly demeanor and dedication helped create a welcoming environment in the cafeteria and made a lasting impression on countless students.
Rowena took great pride in her role as a School Nutrition operator and I hope she understands how important her work in School Nutrition was in supporting a student’s academic success.
She was a dependable team member who could always be counted on, and her positive attitude made a difference not only for students but also for her fellow coworkers.
As Rowena begins this next chapter, she will be relocating to the Philippines with her husband to enjoy a truly well-deserved retirement. We are grateful for her years of service, her dedication to our students, and the kindness she shared each day. On behalf of Kannapolis City Schools, we thank Rowena for her contributions and wish her nothing but happiness, good health, and joy in her retirement. She will be greatly missed by everyone in KCS.