Cape Fear Middle School is proud to announce that two of its outstanding teachers, Jessica Mills and Melissa Merritt, have been named Kenneth I. Lanier, Jr. Honored Educator Scholars for the 2025–2026 school year. This prestigious recognition is awarded by the Development Foundation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), Inc., and celebrates exceptional teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence.
The Kenneth I. Lanier, Jr. Honored Educator Scholarship was created to honor the educational legacy of Mr. Lanier and Pender County Schools’ commitment to high-quality teaching. Each year, the scholarship provides opportunity to attend a professional development seminar of the teachers choice at NCCAT.
The award covers the full cost of the NCCAT program, including travel, instruction, materials, meals, lodging, and substitute teacher expenses. In addition, each recipient receives a $250 award for use in the classroom.
Cape Fear Middle School Principal Bobby Simmons shared high praise for both educators:
“This is excellent news and well deserved,” said Mr. Simmons. “Mrs. Mills is an excellent teacher and an incredible person. She is always willing to help students, staff, and parents. I say all this because you have made an excellent choice in awarding Mrs. Mills as a Kenneth I. Lanier, Jr. Honored Educator Scholar. This is exciting news for Cape Fear Middle School and Pender County Schools.”
Regarding Ms. Merritt, Mr. Simmons added, “It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Merritt over the last two years. The growth our students have shown in 8th grade ELA has been incredible. Ms. Merritt is an excellent choice for this honor and will represent you very well. We are so excited for Cape Fear Middle School and Pender County Schools.”
Pender County Schools congratulates Ms. Mills and Ms. Merritt on this well-earned honor and is proud to support their continued professional growth.
