September Board of Education Recognitions

Sep 15 2025

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

Jackson Park Elementary School

Willa is an exceptional fifth grader who comes into class each day with a smile on her face. She loves to learn and she LOVES to read! When we read our novel, or just even a short excerpt, she has such exceptional insight and thoughts that the entire class stops to pause to digest what she shares. She loves to learn, and she stops to examine anything that is new to take the time with it to ensure she isn’t just learning but growing and understanding.

It is not just these traits however that make Willa a great choice to represent Jackson Park. Willa has a kindness about her that is not just kindness but true compassion and empathy for her classmates. She has a calm understanding and patience when she knows someone needs a moment to process something or is having a bad day. She has been seen placing her hand gently on someone’s back when they are upset and need a friend. Working with a partner she is the first one to say, “Your opinion is important too.” It doesn’t matter who the person is because Willa treats everyone with the same respect. Willa just has a heart of gold that shines brightly. We teach our students to make the world a better place and I can not wait to see the lasting impact that Willa is going to make on our world and all the great things she will accomplish in life.

It is with great pride that we recognize Alan, a remarkable fifth-grade student, for his outstanding character and commitment to excellence and global perspective. Alan exemplifies what it means to be a model student—he is intelligent, respectful, responsible, and consistently kind to those around him.

Alan approaches each day with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. He is always eager to participate—whether it’s volunteering to read aloud, answering questions, or engaging thoughtfully in classroom discussions. His willingness to

help, paired with his genuine enthusiasm for learning, lifts the energy of the entire class.

As a global learner, Alan embraces the diversity of ideas and experiences that shape the world around him. His curiosity and respect for different perspectives allow him to connect with others in meaningful ways, both inside and outside the classroom. He demonstrates that learning is not just about mastering academic subjects, but about understanding and appreciating the broader world.

Alan’s excellent manners, leadership qualities, and dedication to doing his best in all that he does set a high standard. He truly represents the values we strive to instill in all of our students.

As the author John Wooden once said, "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Alan lives this truth every day, and we are honored to celebrate his achievements.

We are proud to recognize Alan for his positive example as a global learner and thank him for being such an outstanding member of our school community.

English Smith is an outstanding example of a parent who goes above and beyond for our school community. She generously gives her time and energy to support our school in multiple capacities, and her presence has made a meaningful difference for both our students and our staff. Whether she is helping with the planning and execution of our schoolwide Magnet events or stepping in as a substitute teacher, she does so with dependability, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to student success.

Her involvement in our Global Magnet events has been invaluable. She is always willing to assist and work with our staff in both the preparation and the day-of coordination, ensuring that these experiences run smoothly and provide memorable opportunities for our students. Her willingness to do whatever is needed—whether it be setting up, working with students, or supporting staff—has made her a trusted and appreciated member of our Global program and team.

In addition to her volunteer work, English serves as a very dependable substitute teacher. She brings consistency, warmth, and professionalism to the classroom, giving students a seamless learning experience and providing teachers with the reassurance that their classes are in excellent hands. Her strong rapport with students, coupled with her reliability, makes her a vital resource for our school.

Mrs. Smith’s contributions reflect a rare blend of generosity, skill, and dedication. She exemplifies the spirit of partnership between families and schools, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways she supports our school community.

Jackson Park is proud to honor Rick Mills for his many years of dedicated service, quick humor, and genuine care as an EC bus driver for Kannapolis City Schools. Over the years, Rick has built some of the most meaningful and heartfelt bonds with his students, creating a bus environment filled with trust, safety, and laughter.

With his sharp wit and straightforward style, Rick has a special way of making kids laugh and feel valued. His rides are often full of inside jokes and lighthearted stories, giving students a sense of belonging that goes far beyond transportation. Beneath the playful banter, every child knows they are cared for deeply, and Rick’s ability to meet students exactly where they are makes his relationships truly unique.

Rick’s impact also extends to families, as he consistently goes the extra mile to support and reassure them. Whether it’s adjusting to meet a specific need, keeping open lines of communication, or simply checking in to offer encouragement, his commitment is felt throughout the community. Parents know they can count on him to treat their children as his own, and that trust is invaluable.

Above all, Rick Mills exemplifies reliability and heart. He represents Kannapolis City Schools with integrity, kindness, and humor, and his presence has become an irreplaceable part of our transportation family. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and the countless ways he has brightened the lives of students and families alike.

Teresa Dotson is an invaluable member of our school community whose support extends far beyond a single classroom. She has become known for her unwavering commitment to both teachers and students, stepping into any setting with professionalism, patience, and a willingness to do whatever is needed. Her steady presence brings reassurance to staff and families alike, and her impact is felt daily across the school.

What sets Teresa apart is her ability to seamlessly support Combo Classes. Over time, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of curriculum expectations, instructional strategies, and the unique and very complicated logistics that need to be in place to provide instruction for two different grade levels in one class. She’s done this now with many teachers, and with various grade level spans, and each time the classroom teacher reports that they weren’t sure how they would have been able to do it without Teresa Dotson.

Teachers value her as a true partner in instruction. She anticipates needs, offers meaningful support, and contributes to the positive learning environment in every classroom she serves. Students, in turn, are drawn to her calm demeanor and caring nature, which fosters trust and helps them feel capable and encouraged.

Mrs. Dotson’s versatility and dedication make her an extraordinary asset to our school. Her ability to adapt, support, and enhance learning across grade levels is truly remarkable, and we are grateful for the many ways she strengthens both instruction and our school culture.

Mr. Sherrill is an exceptional 4th grade teacher whose influence reaches well beyond his classroom walls. He brings creativity, energy, and dedication to his teaching, ensuring his students are challenged, supported, and inspired every day. His classroom is a place where students feel motivated to grow academically and personally, and his commitment to their success is evident in the strong relationships he builds and the engaging instruction he provides.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Sherrill serves as the leader (and founder) of Jackson Park’s Student Council. Under his guidance, these student leaders, now called the “Global Reps”, have learned how to use their voices, work collaboratively, and take ownership in creating positive change within our school. His ability to mentor students in leadership not only strengthens school culture but also provides authentic opportunities for students to practice responsibility, teamwork, and service.

Mr. Sherrill is also deeply engaged in our Global Magnet program, contributing both ideas and action to bring our vision to life. He plays an active role in the design and implementation of schoolwide Global Magnet initiatives, helping connect students to

global perspectives and ensuring these opportunities are meaningful and accessible for all grade levels. His willingness to share ideas, lead projects, and support colleagues has made him a driving force in moving our program forward.

And even further, this year Mr. Sherrill has stepped up to be part of our Dual Language Launch in 4th Grade, working in strong tandem with his Spanish Teaching counterpart to build upon our schools now nearly complete Dual Language program. And his 4th Grade implementation is going fantastic thus far.

Through his teaching, leadership of Student Council, and investment in our Global Magnet program, Mr. Sherrill has become an integral part of our school’s growth and success. His dedication, innovation, and leadership make a lasting impact on both students and staff, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our school community.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Lou Mueller, teacher, Kannapolis Middle School 7th & 8th.

At Kannapolis Middle School - 7/8, we are fortunate to have teachers who go above and beyond to inspire a love of learning in their students. One shining example is Mr. Lou Mueller, whose energy, creativity, and dedication have left a lasting impression on his classroom and beyond. A parent wrote the following about Mr. Mueller: “My son was never

fond of social studies until this year. According to him, Mr. Mueller is the best! He talks about how Mr. Mueller engages his students using a reward system, which not only encourages learning but positive behavior as well. He incorporates fun projects and vocabulary to help students retain the information. You can tell he is passionate about teaching which helps to keep students connected.”

We’re extremely proud to have Lou Mueller 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 September.

Congratulations, Lou!

We are proud to recognize two of our outstanding students, Gage Whitney and Desire Stout-Bennett, who had the honor of attending the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School this summer. Governor’s School is the oldest statewide program of its kind in the nation, bringing together some of the brightest high school students for advanced study, leadership development, and personal growth. Selection is highly competitive, and being chosen is a testament to Desire and Gage’s exceptional talent, commitment, and achievement throughout their educational career.

Gage Whitney

Gage distinguished himself through his deep curiosity about science and technology, writing compelling essays on the ethical development of artificial intelligence and the groundbreaking potential of CRISPR gene editing. Beyond academics, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service—revitalizing the PTO at Forest Park Elementary, organizing food and hurricane relief drives, tutoring peers in advanced subjects, and volunteering countless hours in the community.

Gage’s perseverance also shines through personal challenges, where he has shown resilience, responsibility, and compassion in supporting his family. These qualities, combined with his academic excellence, make him an exemplary representative of Kannapolis City Schools. We congratulate Gage for this extraordinary honor and for making us Wonderfully proud.

Desire Stout Bennett

Desire distinguished herself through her passion for mathematics, using math as a tool for confidence and opportunity—especially for young women entering STEM fields. She shared that she was inspired by Hidden Figures and the achievements of women in math and science and in her application wrote about the importance of role models, mentorship, and breaking barriers so future generations can pursue their goals in technology, engineering, and beyond.

Beyond academics, Desire has demonstrated courage and growth through personal experiences. She attended the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program, where she shared she gained resilience, adaptability, and the value of trying new challenges even when they feel intimidating and is also an integral member of the tennis team where she is a team leader. These qualities, combined with her academic excellence, make Desire a strong representative of Kannapolis City Schools. We congratulate her on this honor and celebrate her achievement.

We congratulate Desire Stout-Bennett and Gage Whitney for representing Kannapolis City Schools with excellence and for making us Wonderfully proud.