March Board of Education Recognitions

Mar 6 2026

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

McKnight Child Development Center

It is a privilege to recognize Maxton, a four-year-old student whose vibrant energy and helpful nature have made a lasting impact on the McKnight community.

Maxton is known for his infectious enthusiasm, arriving each day with a bright smile and a genuine eagerness to support his teachers and peers. He has distinguished himself as a natural collaborator, particularly in the Housekeeping Center, where he leads with creativity and inclusion. Maxton’s ability to build strong interpersonal connections is evident in his close relationship with his family and his talent for making every classmate feel welcome and included.

As Maxton prepares to transition to Kindergarten, he will be greatly missed at McKnight, but we are confident that his positive attitude and “can-do” spirit will lead to continued success in his educational journey.

Kayden is a cornerstone of his classroom community, consistently demonstrating a gentle and inclusive spirit toward all of his peers. He possesses a remarkable degree of social-emotional awareness, intuitively recognizing when a classmate is distressed and offering immediate comfort or support. His innate generosity and thoughtfulness during special occasions make him a cherished friend to everyone he meets.

Kayden arrives each morning with a vibrant readiness to learn. He shows talent in hands-on exploration, utilizing manipulatives and blocks to build, create, and solve problems. Kayden’s balance of academic focus and genuine kindness makes him a truly outstanding representative of our school.

Connection is the word that best captures Janis’s approach to teaching, mentoring, and the way she engages with everyone around her. In the classroom, she exemplifies outstanding teaching practices, beginning each year with a deliberate focus on building genuine relationships with her students. She nurtures not only teacher-child bonds, but also meaningful peer connections, creating a classroom community that truly feels like a family. These relationships form the foundation for all learning in her room, serving as the gateway to both academic growth and social-emotional development.

Beyond her classroom, Janis continues to cultivate connection throughout the school community. She is a trusted model and mentor to beginning teachers, whose openness, authenticity, and kindness naturally draw others to her. She listens with intention, offers thoughtful support, and advocates for changes that reflect the needs of her colleagues.

Connection is more than a theme in Janis’s work- it is a part of who she is. Through her intentional efforts, she makes a lasting and positive difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her.

Sheree Russell, Instructional Assistant at McKnight CDC since 2015, has been proudly selected by her peers as Classified Staff of the Year. With deep roots in Kannapolis as an A.L. Brown High School alumni and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, she brings both heart and professionalism to her role each day.

Respectful of all, reliable, and dependable, Sheree not only supports the teacher in her classroom but consistently steps up to support staff across the program. Known for giving the very best hugs and telling it like it is, she nurtures students, families, and colleagues with the warmth and wisdom of a grandmother. Her exceptional dedication and steady presence make her truly deserving of this honor.

We are proud to recognize Gaston Guevera as an award-winning parent volunteer whose dedication to our program always stands out. Gaston is a dependable and passionate supporter of our children and families, always willing to step in wherever he is needed.

His reliability and positive spirit make a meaningful difference in our community. Whether he is assisting with activities, supporting events, or simply offering encouragement to students and parents, Gaston consistently shows genuine care and commitment.

Gaston’s passion for working with our children and partnering with families reflects the heart of our program. He is also a prime example of what it means to be an involved Dad in his daughter’s life. He is an excellent role model for other parents in our program. We are deeply grateful for his time, energy, and unwavering dedication. This recognition is well deserved, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our community.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Twyonia Butler, teacher, G.W. Carver Elementary School.

Hilbish Ford is proud to recognize Mrs. Twyonia Butler as our Teacher of the Month for March 2026. Mrs. Butler is not only a wonderful teacher, but an even better person. In four years, she has not missed a single day of school- demonstrating incredible dedication and commitment to her students. Her hard work is reflected in her students’ success, as she earned the highest test scores across the entire 4th grade block.

Beyond the data, Mrs. Butler’s greatest impact is the lasting difference she makes in the lives of her students. She goes out of her way to build meaningful relationships, connecting with students both in and out of the classroom. She teaches her students to be confident in who they are, while giving them the courage and curiosity to pursue their education with excitement and ambition. One grandparent shared that after having Mrs. Butler as a 4th grade teacher, her granddaughter gained confidence and a renewed drive to excel in school. When the year ended, her granddaughter was devastated to leave her class- a true reflection of the bond Mrs. Butler builds with her students. Even during the summer, Mrs. Butler continued pouring into her students by organizing outings to the movies and skating, showing that her care extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Students consistently express how much Mrs. Butler means to them. They describe how she patiently helps them when they struggle, making them feel capable and confident. One student shared, “She helped us when we would struggle on our work and it made me feel like I could do anything. She inspires me to achieve my dreams and keep going no matter what. I wish I had Mrs. Butler for every grade!” Those words capture the heart of who Mrs. Butler is—an educator who inspires, uplifts, and leaves a lasting imprint on every child she teaches.

For her unwavering dedication, exceptional results, and profound impact on students and families, we proudly honor Mrs. Twyonia Butler as the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for March.