October Board of Education Recognitions

Oct 15 2025

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

North Kannapolis Elementary School

Today, we are proud to recognize Remi Dwire, a remarkable first-grade student at North Kannapolis Elementary. Remi exemplifies the qualities of a model student, demonstrating integrity, kindness, and responsibility in every action. She is a shining example of what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe and this is evident every day.

Remi is a true friend to all. She is always looking for ways to help her classmates and staff, whether it’s assisting a friend in need, supporting a staff member, or returning items that belong to others. Her thoughtfulness and dedication show a level of integrity far beyond her years.

In the classroom, Remi protects and contributes to a productive and safe learning environment and sets a positive example for her peers. She cares deeply for her teachers and classmates, showing kindness and consideration in every interaction. Her willingness to step in, offer support, and be a friend makes our school community stronger and more caring each day.

Remi Dwire is a dedicated student whose actions reflect the very best of North Kannapolis. We celebrate her for her responsibility, her kindness, and her commitment to helping others. Thank you, Remi, for being a role model and for bringing your bright, compassionate spirit to our school every day.

Today, we are thrilled to recognize Austin Maniriho, an extraordinary fifth-grade student at North Kannapolis Elementary. Austin is a true leader and a shining example of what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe. He consistently demonstrates these qualities not only in the classroom but throughout the entire school community.

Austin approaches his learning with focus, dedication, and a genuine desire to do his best. He is a consistent leader around the school building, setting a positive example for his peers, and he extends that leadership to the school bus, showing all students what it means to create a safe and respectful environment while ensuring everyone gets to school and home safely. His integrity, kindness, and commitment to helping others make a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Austin is an exceptional role model whose positive energy and dedication inspire students and staff alike. While we are sad that we will only have him for the remainder of this school year before he transitions to middle school, we know his future is incredibly bright. There is no doubt that Austin will continue to make a difference wherever he goes, positively influencing the lives of those around him.

Today, we are thrilled to recognize Brittany Banks, an extraordinary member of the North Kannapolis family. Nominated by her peers, Brittany is the kind of person who makes our school stronger every day. Students, teachers, and staff alike feel her care, energy, and dedication.

Brittany truly “wears all the hats.” She steps in wherever she’s needed, always with a smile and a solution-focused mindset. At any moment, you can find Mrs. Banks supporting PLC conversations to advance our school goals, coaching teachers in classrooms to strengthen their pedagogical practices, providing teachers with a moment of coverage, celebrating her colleagues, and offering support whenever and wherever she can. She is flexible, reliable, and endlessly resourceful, demonstrating that no task is too big or too small when it comes to helping others succeed.

Her dedication goes far beyond expectations. Brittany goes above and beyond in everything she does, helping students grow academically and socially, supporting teachers with thoughtful guidance, and contributing to the smooth and successful operation of our school. She is a true champion of students and staff at North Kannapolis, working tirelessly every day to advocate for their needs, celebrate their successes, and ensure that every member of our school community feels supported, valued, and empowered.

What sets Brittany apart is not just her incredible work ethic, but the genuine care and passion she brings to her role. Brittany Banks is more than our Instructional Data Coach; she is a cornerstone of our school. Her influence shapes the growth of both students and staff, uplifts her peers, and strengthens the culture of North Kannapolis in ways that are profound and lasting. Today, we celebrate her remarkable contributions, her generosity, and the countless ways she uplifts our students, staff, and community. North Kannapolis is truly fortunate to have her as part of our family.

We are delighted to recognize Meredith Oehler, an exceptional instructional

assistant at North Kannapolis Elementary. Meredith’s dedication, positivity, and genuine care for all students make her an invaluable member of our school community. She embodies the very best of what it means to support students and staff alike. Meredith is the definition of a supportive team player. While she is assigned to

Kindergarten, she can often be found helping wherever there is a need. She willingly provides coverage so teachers can meet with specialists, pulls small groups of students for extra support, or simply takes a student on a walk to provide a needed moment of care. Her positive energy is contagious, and her calm, reassuring presence makes every classroom feel a little brighter.

Meredith’s willingness to step in wherever she is needed ensures that our instructional schedule runs smoothly, and her thoughtful, patient approach makes students feel valued and loved. No matter where she is in the building, Meredith is making a meaningful difference. She works tirelessly to build relationships with students, to support teachers, and to contribute to the success of North Kannapolis every single day.

Her professionalism, grace, and dedication inspire everyone around her. Meredith approaches every situation with positivity, giving her best in every moment, and demonstrating the heart of what every educator should strive to be. Her commitment, energy, and genuine care make her a true cornerstone of our school community.

Today, we celebrate Meredith Oehler for her remarkable contributions, her kindness, and the countless ways she uplifts students, teachers, and staff. North Kannapolis is incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our family.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Ebony Dymond, teacher, Shady Brook Elementary.

Ebony Dymond is such a special teacher who pours her heart into everything she does. A parent wrote: “Even though my son is no longer in her class, she still steps in to help care for his Diabetes at school and on field trips, showing just how deeply she cares for her students and their families.” She approaches every child with kindness, love, and support, working diligently to create a class culture where students not only grow academically but also feel safe and welcome. For the new children in her class, she has been a steady and patient guide, helping them through the sometimes-tough transition of becoming students.

Ms. Dymond is loved by her students, her peers, and the administration because she goes above and beyond each and every day. Her compassion, dedication, and commitment truly make her one of a kind, and we are so grateful for the lasting impact she has on those around her. We’re extremely proud to have Ebony Dymond as a part of our KCS family. We’re also delighted, on behalf of Hilbish Ford, to present him with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for October.

Congratulations, Ebony!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our own. Ms. Julie Hahn, science teacher at Kannapolis Middle School, has been named the 2025 Middle School Science Teacher Distinguished Service Award recipient by the North Carolina Science Teachers Association.

This recognition comes on top of her being named our KMS 6 September Flight Leader of the Month, and now she has earned statewide distinction as well. This is the highest honor for middle school science educators in North Carolina, and Ms. Hahn is the only middle school teacher in the entire state to receive this recognition this year.

The Distinguished Service in Science Education Awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond in advancing science instruction. Honorees are selected for their leadership, scientific knowledge, professional contributions, and dedication to ensuring all students receive a high-quality science education.

Ms. Hahn was chosen by science educators across North Carolina for her:

• Collaborative spirit and leadership beyond Kannapolis Middle

• Contributions to professional development and resource creation

• Excellence in classroom instruction

• Commitment to her students and to advancing science education statewide

She will be formally recognized at the NCSTA Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Hahn for this incredible accomplishment. Her passion, innovation, and commitment to her students truly make Kannapolis Middle School shine across the state.