ROCKY POINT, NC - Pender County Schools celebrated the dedication, innovation, and leadership of its outstanding educators during the annual PCS Awards Night held at Heide Trask High School.
The ceremony recognized four individuals whose work has left a lasting impact on their students, schools, and the broader PCS community:
Teacher of the Year – Michelle Lee, Topsail Annandale Elementary
Beginning Teacher of the Year – Sophia Foster, Burgaw Middle
Principal of the Year – Jill Robertson, North Topsail Elementary
Assistant Principal of the Year – Christina Eames, South Topsail Elementary
Each honoree received a gift basket filled with generous contributions from district and community partners, with the total value of all awards exceeding $20,000. In addition, Michelle Lee, this year’s Teacher of the Year, received two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Avelo Airlines. She will also take part in the Go Global NC Global Teachers program thanks to a generous donation which covered the district’s matching contribution. This opportunity will allow her to participate in an immersive international professional development experience designed to enrich classroom instruction through global learning.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove commended the honorees during the ceremony, stating:
“These four educators exemplify what makes Pender County Schools special—dedication, compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to student growth. We’re proud to recognize their work and provide opportunities that celebrate their excellence and support their continued growth. Their leadership not only inspires students, but it also uplifts our entire district.”
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all educators who go above and beyond every day for our students.
Atlantic Seafood-Hampstead
Lobstah Shack-Surf City
Low-Tide Steakhouse- Surf City
Mark Butler Images-Holly Ridge
Larry’s Deli Q- Topsail Island
McDonald’s of Hampstead-Wilmington/Surf city
Kiwanis Club of Topsail/Sneads Ferry/Surf City
Bumblebee Market-Surf City
Brown Dog coffee-Burgaw
Hampstead Oils & Vinegar’s-Hampstead
Nothing Bundt Cakes- Military-Cut
Onslow Bay Boat-Works-Holly Ridge
Oval & Ale- Hampstead
Bella Luna treasures- Surf City
Carolina Shores Natural Soaps-Surf City
Publix -Surf City
Sears Landing- Surf City
Steadfast Nutrition- Hampstead
Taste of Sunrise- Coffee Hampstead
Ace Hardware-Hampstead
Topsail Popcorn- Surf City
Topsail Sports Exchange- Hampstead
Cape Fear Seafood-Porters Neck
Italian Bistro-Surf City
Burrito Shak-Hampstead
Sweet Alicious -Surf City
Chick Fil-A -Porters neck
Sea Mist & Grace-Surf City
Topsail Steamer-Surf City
Tinkerbelle Fairy Hair-Hampstead
Coral Cottage-Surf City
Shipwreck Mini Golf-Surf City
Shaka Taco- Surf City/Hampstead
Herrings Outdoors Beach Shop-surf city
Sugar Island Bookstore-Surf City
Margaritas Mexican Grill-Surf City
Shuckin’ Shak-Surf city
Our Yard your sale-Surf City
50 South Surf Shop- Topsail Island
Avelo Airlines- Wilmington
Battleship- North Carolina
Jersey Mikes-Hampstead
Burry Chocolates -Hampstead
Caliber Car Wash- Hampstead
Master Teacher- Trophies
Turbo’s Sawdust Plaques-Willard
Horace Mann- Warren Williams
Mia’s Marketplace-Surf City
K38 Baja Grill-Porters Neck
Cameron art museum-Wilmington
Mission BBQ- College Rd. Wilmington
Coastal Home- Hampstead
Coastal Wings- Surf City
Sawmill Grill-Hampstead
Diane Castro Real Estate - Hampstead
Dwelling Place Church-Burgaw
E.L. Photography-Ivanhoe
Equitable advisors
ESS (Substitute Teachers)
Fancy Flamingo Boutique-Hampstead
Fat Daddy’s- Burgaw
Food Lion-Burgaw
HES Facilities Mgmt. (Custodial)
Bandanas-Burgaw
Town of Burgaw
Town of Topsail Island
Town of Surf City
Twisted Artisans-Burgaw
Fitness Fusion-Burgaw
Pender County Schools CTE Dept.
The Carolina opry- myrtle beach
Tonya browns designs
Mitchell Henderson-Burgaw
Sandy Robinsons Designs
Tammy barns Sea Coast Realty
Bordeaux Construction
Moseley Architects
Dominos-Burgaw
Renovation Church-Hampstead
Scoops Ice Cream- Burgaw
Old Carolina Eatery-Burgaw
Paul’s Place Hotdogs- Rocky Point
Piggly Wiggly- Burgaw
Wilmington Sharks Baseball
Alabama Theatre-Myrtle Beach
Thank you for your love, support &
generosity to Pender County Schools!