March Board of Education Recognitions

Mar 5 2025

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

Shady Brook Elementary School

Cesar is a 5th-grade student at Shady Brook Elementary School. He has come to understand that whatever he believes, he can achieve. Over the past six months, his growth has been exponential. His curiosity and eagerness to learn know no bounds. Cesar is inquisitive and embraces the daily challenges of the classroom with resilience, perseverance, and creativity. It is fair to say that he is not only growing in knowledge but also in character, developing the skills to be kind, confident, and courageous.

Charlotte is an exceptional student who embodies kindness, gentleness, and a strong work ethic. She consistently strives for excellence in everything she does, always putting forth her best effort. Her peers hold her in high regard, often praising her generosity and willingness to help without being asked. A natural learner, Charlotte is deeply passionate about her education and constantly seeks ways to improve. Her dedication to both her own growth and the success of others makes her a truly remarkable student.

We are deeply grateful to Mr. Joey Adkins for his unwavering dedication to our school community. More than just a volunteer, he is a mentor, a role model, and a true pillar of support for both students and staff. Through his mentoring group for young boys, he instills the values of integrity, responsibility, and kindness, helping shape them into the men of tomorrow. His guidance extends beyond lessons and discussions—he leads by example, demonstrating what it truly means to be a good man.

Beyond his work with students, Mr. Adkins is a constant source of encouragement for our staff. His kindness and willingness to check in on others foster a culture of support that strengthens our entire school. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, donuts, or simply showing up when it matters most, Joey embodies the spirit of service and community. We are incredibly thankful for his dedication and the lasting impact he has on our school.

Tonight, we recognize Mr. Thaddeus Smith, a dedicated Shady Brook bus driver who consistently goes above and beyond to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students he transports. Always willing to step in whenever needed, he takes on more than what’s asked of him, ensuring everything runs smoothly and that each child is safe and cared for.

Mr. Smith’s strong communication with school leadership allows for seamless coordination, ensuring the needs of both students and staff are met. He knows each student by name and has their stops memorized, forming strong bonds and showing genuine care for their well-being. He holds high expectations, encouraging students to be responsible, respectful, and kind. His dedication and commitment to the students on his bus make him an invaluable part of the school community.

Tonight, we are honored to recognize Ms. Patty Hipp for her many years of dedicated service to Shady Brook. As our data manager, Patty plays a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes—but her impact extends far beyond numbers and records. She is the backbone of our school, bringing reliability, competence, and a deep understanding of what makes Shady Brook special. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence help keep our school on track, and her dedication does not go unnoticed.

What truly sets Patty apart is her ability to foster a sense of community within our school. She understands the heart of Shady Brook and works every day to uphold the culture that makes it feel like home. Whether through her hard work, her willingness to support others, or her quiet yet unwavering presence, Patty exemplifies what it means to be an essential part of our school family. We are deeply grateful for her service and the lasting impact she has made.

We are proud to recognize Ms. Deslyn Phillip-Sutherland for her outstanding dedication to excellence in education. Her commitment to high standards is evident in everything she does, from her engaging classroom instruction to her leadership in the Project Scientist Club. With energy and passion for learning, she inspires both students and colleagues, always striving for growth and excellence. Under her guidance, students not only thrive academically but also develop a love for discovery and critical thinking.

What makes Deslyn truly exceptional is her attention to the small details that make each student unique. She recognizes their individual strengths, challenges, and potential, ensuring that every child feels seen and supported in their learning journey. Through her dedication and care, she creates an environment where students can grow, achieve, and believe in themselves. Shady Brook is better because of her, and we are deeply grateful for her impact.

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

We are excited to recognize Jenn Brazee, the STEM teacher at North Kannapolis Elementary, for her outstanding dedication to education. Ms. Brazee’s passion for science and engineering shines through in everything she does, making learning both exciting and meaningful for her students.

She goes beyond teaching—she inspires. With a kind and nurturing approach, she provides students with the tools to feel confident, empowered, and eager to explore new ideas. Her ability to make complex concepts fun and accessible fosters a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Brazee truly embodies the spirit of education, and we are grateful for the lasting impact she has on her students. North Kannapolis Elementary and Kannapolis City Schools are better because of her, and we are happy to recognize her as the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for March.

Retiree

We are excited to celebrate with Mr. Mike Booth as he retires after more than 26 years of dedicated service with Kannapolis City Schools. Throughout his time here, Mr. Mike has worked tirelessly to ensure that students receive nutritious, well-prepared meals each day. His commitment to their well-being went beyond the food he served—he took the time to learn their favorite meals, sought feedback from teachers, and always cared about making lunchtime a positive experience.

Beyond his work in the kitchen, Mr. Mike was a familiar and friendly presence in the cafeteria, always ready with a warm greeting and a good conversation—especially about Northwest and A.L. Brown football during the season. His dedication, kindness, and attention to detail will be deeply missed by students and staff alike.

McKnight is better because of Mr. Mike, and while we will miss seeing him each day, we are grateful for the impact he has made. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement!