November Board of Education Recognitions

Nov 5 2024

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

Jackson Park Elementary School

Mailyn is a great 5th grade student and an all-around great classmate at Jackson Park! She is a hard worker, always willing to collaborate with others, and is a great helper in the classroom and throughout the building. She is a great example of the school-wide expectations of being safe, responsible, and respectful, and has really shown leadership and initiative as a strong mentor to a new student in her class that does not speak English.

Showing a genuine interest in learning, Mailyn is intrinsically motivated to do her best and help other students in her class and throughout the 5th Grade. She is a great example, not only of a great 5th grader, but also a Global Citizen.

Mailyn is not only a hard worker but also possesses a natural ability to connect with others, always approaching others with warmth, kindness, and a genuine desire to make friends.

Hudson Morneau is an outstanding 5th grader at Jackson Park known for his character, determination, compassion and drive. He loves to smile and laugh, and makes the classroom a positive and safe place for his friends and classmates. Hudson loves big and all those he encounters smile when they see him because he stops to give a hug or a positive word as he walks down the hallway. If he’s struggling with a lesson, he will look up, smile and say, “don’t you worry, I can do this.” It is this attitude that makes him a role model at Jackson Park. He leads others through his actions, words and work ethic.

However, what makes Hudson truly exceptional is his ability to lead by walking alongside his classmates, encouraging them as they go. His actions match his heart and that is what sets him apart. He is a true example of a global citizen with a selfless view of the world; his Panther pride that is hard to hide.

The commitment that the folks at Jackson Park United Methodist show to our school community goes far beyond simple collaboration—it’s a true embodiment of generosity, support, and care. Their congregation has made a remarkable impact on the lives of Jackson Park Elementary students, families, and staff. The gift of their time, the thoughtful ways they care for staff, and supplies and resources they provide for students are just a few examples of the many ways they offer invaluable support. Not only are they very proactive and thoughtful about how they offer help, they truly listen and work alongside Jackson Park to find ways they can help make the school the very best it can be for students and teachers. Mr. Farmer has also joined the Jackson Park Elementary School Leadership Team, allowing for collaboration in deep, meaningful, and well-targeted ways.

Jackson Park is excited to recognize Rick Mills for his many years of dedicated service, humor, and genuine care as an EC bus driver for Kannapolis City Schools. Rick has formed some of the most special and heartfelt bonds with his students, creating an environment of trust, safety, and laughter.

With his quick wit and no-nonsense style, he has a knack for making the kids laugh and feel valued in unique ways. The students know that behind his banter lies a deep care for each of them, and his bus rides are often filled with inside jokes and fun stories. His ability to connect with each child, meeting them exactly where they are, creates a bond that goes beyond the typical driver-student relationship.

But Rick’s dedication doesn’t stop with the students. He is a steadfast support to their families as well, going out of his way to check in with parents, communicate well, and make sure everyone feels seen and cared for. Whether it’s adjusting his route to accommodate a need or offering reassurance to a parent, his willingness to help is felt deeply by the entire community.

Above all, Rick Mills is fully trustworthy in every way. Families and schools know they can count on him to take the utmost care of their children. His presence has become an invaluable part of the transportation department’s fabric, representing our district with integrity, kindness, and humor. We are immensely grateful for his years of service and the countless ways he brightens the lives of our students and families.

Leslie Shue is known and appreciated for her longstanding commitment, kindness, and tireless dedication as a teacher assistant at Jackson Park. Over her many years at Jackson Park, Leslie has become an indispensable part of the school community, known for her eagerness to help, her incredible work ethic, and her constant support for both students and staff.

Leslie has a special gift for knowing exactly how to help in any situation. She’s always the first to step in to support students, whether it’s assisting with lessons, offering encouragement, or providing a calming presence when things get overwhelming for the teachers she supports. The traits make a world of difference to students, who know they can always count on her for a helping hand, a warm smile, and the support and accountability they need to be successful.

Leslie is also deeply committed to supporting teachers and finding ways to make their days easier and their classrooms run more smoothly. She has an uncanny ability to anticipate needs, often preparing materials, organizing spaces, or just being in the right place at the right time.

It is simply impossible to think about Jackson Park without Georgann Sapp’s name coming to mind. The countless things she has done for students and staff during her many years of unwavering dedication, creativity, and kindness as an art teacher have made her a cherished part of the school’s ethos, inspiring students, supporting colleagues, and enriching the culture of our community.

Georgann has an incredible way of connecting with students of all abilities, helping them see the beauty in their unique perspectives. In Georgann’s art room, every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to express themselves, and is taught the very best ways to do so. Her guidance goes far beyond teaching art techniques, instilling confidence, creativity, and resilience in every student, helping them find their voice through art.

Beyond the classroom, Georgann is always there for anyone who needs support—students, teachers, and parents alike. Whether it’s lending a hand with any part of the school processes and procedures, spearheading so much of the Global Magnet Endeavors, or simply offering a listening ear, she makes everyone feel welcome and valued. Georgann has a unique gift for fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere, making the school a true community.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Michelle Weaver, a teacher at G. W. Carver Elementary School.

Michelle Weaver, also known to her colleagues and friends as Missie, is a passionate and enthusiastic Kindergarten Teacher at G. W. Carver Elementary School. She creates an engaging and inviting classroom experience that supports students academically and socially. Mrs. Weaver has built a strong sense of community and trust within her classroom that extends to her families, and they have definitely recognized her willingness to go above and beyond for her students. The family who nominated Mrs. Weaver talked about her kindness and the loving approach she has with students, as well as the amazing work she does with them.

Mrs. Weaver goes beyond her role of Kindergarten teacher by leading and supporting beginning teachers at Carver and by overseeing Project Scientist.

We’re extremely proud to have Michelle Weaver 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 November. Congratulations, Missie!

North Carolina Association of Educators’ Educational Support Professional of the Year 2024-2025

The Kannapolis City Board of Education proudly recognizes Beryl Torrence, who has been named the North Carolina Association of Educators’ (NCAE) Educational Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. Ms. Torrence’s journey in education began at Forest Park Elementary as an assistant teacher, and she now serves as the Assistant Director of Operations for Transportation for Kannapolis City Schools. Over her two decades of dedication, she has significantly contributed to both her district and the broader educational community. As president of the Kannapolis Association of Educators (KAE) and Region 3 NCAE ESP Council Representative, Ms. Torrence has been a tireless advocate for educational professionals, particularly in her efforts to increase bus driver wages and expand professional development opportunities, including critical training like CPR and PBIS.

Ms. Torrence's commitment to service goes far beyond her professional role. She has been a key figure in initiatives that promote community building and healing, such as the Community BRIDGE Project, which fosters dialogue and understanding in response to societal challenges.

We celebrate Beryl Torrence's outstanding contributions and unwavering passion, which have made a lasting impact on the lives of students, staff, and families in Kannapolis City Schools and beyond.