Out Of This World Educator Awards

“If you ask Charles about his tenure as a teacher, he will not tell you about his numerous professional accolades, or that his class is often used as a model of fire training for other districts. Instead, he will tell you of his students’ success.”

After four years of active‑duty service in the Army, Charles Autrey became a middle school science and social studies teacher in 1999, while volunteering as a firefighter and first responder on the side.

In 2014, Mr. Autrey combined his love for teaching with his skill set as a firefighter instructor, opening McDowell County High School’s Fire Academy and serving as its Chief. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to provide his students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to graduate high school as career‑ready firefighters. His students have competed in the Skills USA National Level Firefighter Competition and have successfully gone on to firefighting careers in major cities.

Mr. Autrey’s tireless dedication also extends into his volunteer work with McDowell County’s Teen Court Program, summer training programs and Inferno Fire Camps for students, and serving as the Chief of Salem Volunteer Fire Department. His tireless dedication to his students and community have made him a role model to countless children.

“I love working with Mr. Boyd because I can see how much he cares for his students and the school.”

Phillip Boyd is the type of teacher who really gets to know his students, fostering a classroom atmosphere that is equal parts welcoming and educational. For years, students have benefited from his relentless passion, creative ideas, and drive to help them excel. He is regarded as not just a teacher, but a mentor and active community member.

As a Title 1 school, RJ Reynolds High has many students who are food insecure. Mr. Boyd’s idea for improving supplies distribution increased the amount of food families received by approximately 40%, ensuring fewer students would report to school each day feeling hungry and distracted. Additionally, he helped arrange for the school pantry to provide toiletries to students in need.

“Tisha Carnes is the change we want to see in this world, and I’m so grateful to get to work with her in our school.”

From early arrival to late dismissal, coaching cheerleading to school leadership meetings, community outreach to leading an afterschool tutoring program for her school’s underserved population, Tisha Carnes does it all. For the past 17 years, Ms. Carnes has dedicated her life to caring for students and creating a classroom where they can find their voice, purpose, and value.

As a Team Lead, Department Chair, and Beginning Teacher Mentor, Ms. Carnes leads by example, setting a positive role model for leadership, communication, and confidence. At faculty meetings, she proudly speaks up for her students and inspires her fellow teachers to think creatively, go the extra mile, and persevere. On nights and weekends, she also runs the The Gifted Arts Program for the community and memorably joined her students on the runway as a fashion model.

“Curtis has been instrumental in encouraging students to do their very best. Every opportunity he receives to make a difference he does.”

Educating is not just a job for Curtis Doe, but a part of who he is. He never misses an opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life — consistently volunteering to read to students or spending one‑on‑one time tutoring them in subjects like math.

A natural at finding teachable moments, Mr. Doe is known for making complicated math easily understandable to his class, while also infusing humor into his lessons to keep students engaged. He exhibits patience and always takes the time to ensure students grasp the information. His dedication has helped many students discover — and believe in — their current and future potential.

“Mrs. Grimsley has the ability to connect with her students on a different level. She takes the time to get to know each one and validates their feelings of self‑worth and value.”

As a teacher and member of the NC Agricultural Teachers Association for over 10 years, Candace Grimsley has made an impact on countless students in her classroom and in their careers. Under her leadership, students have participated and placed in several Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions, received the American FFA Degree, and made a Treasured Gems Sensory Garden on campus. Her FFA chapter was even recognized as the top overall chapter during the NC State FFA Convention through the National Chapter Award Program.

To help her students achieve these accomplishments, Ms. Grimsley dedicates significant time and money out of her own pocket. She stays after school to help students practice for interviews, provides coaching, and even personally drives the bus to FFA competitions. Her passion for teaching every day comes from her commitment to having a positive influence in every student’s life and creating a legacy her family, friends, and past and future students can be proud of.

“Ms. Le has been so incredibly influential in my life as an aspiring professional and young woman. She is an amazingly talented and selfless advisor.”

Five years ago, Michelle Le traded her corporate office for the classroom, and the move has afforded this passionate educator the opportunity to inspire students through DECA, a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Ms. Le is recognized for her business acumen, unwavering support, and selfless commitment to students in the program. When hardships have arisen for her students, she has stood alongside them, helping them prepare until all hours of the night so they could be set up for success. She strives to make everyone around her better and is regarded as a manager, influencer, and friend to her students.

“Not only is Darnell Murillo great with the kids, but she is great with the parents too. She’s very clear and respectful with her communication and is willing to do whatever it takes to see every student be successful.”

Darnell Murillo shares a special connection with her students. Not one to take herself too seriously, she dances, does pushups, and fitness videos alongside her class. An empathetic communicator whose style is described as calm, respectful, fun, and interesting, she goes out of her way to make each child feel heard and seen. She listens intently and makes strong eye contact, exhibiting positive behaviors that her students can emulate.

To keep students engaged, Ms. Murillo loves finding topics that resonate with her class and get them excited about learning. Her hope is that this will build a life‑long love of learning, which she herself exhibits. In addition to providing support and one‑on‑one attention to her students, Ms. Murillo’s fellow teachers greatly appreciate her assistance preparing materials and professional guidance.

“Dylan is a phenomenal Band Director. He pours his heart and soul into his students and goes above and beyond every day to help his students grow and learn.”

Dylan Sims is regarded as a phenomenal Band Director who goes above and beyond for his students. He starts the day giving free music lessons to students that need extra help. After school, he can be found at the middle or high school giving more instruction to band members.

His bands receive constant praise by the community, his colleagues, and the South Carolina Band Directors Association. He has established a Tri‑M Music Honor Society at York Middle School and has set record numbers in region band and all‑state auditioners and attendees.

To give more students opportunities, he has been known to pull money out of his own pocket to purchase instruments, supplies, and pay for private teachers to work one on one with students. In the time that he’s been at York Middle, he’s developed a culture of success that is unmatched by any other organization at the school.

“I have witnessed firsthand Ashley staying long into the night and weekends to make sure her students and teachers have what they need to be successful.”

For the past 17 years, Ashley Williams has dedicated her life to her students and fellow teachers. As the Curriculum Coach, Ms. Williams is known for creating an inviting and supportive environment for educators that sets them up for success.

During COVID‑19 and the ensuing teacher shortage, in addition to her everyday responsibilities, she stepped up to take on leadership roles in her building and cover a classroom that did not have a teacher. Her contagious energy and passion have earned her recognition as the Fox8 Teacher of the Week, a nomination for the FSI/ Carolina Panthers Teacher of the Week, and she was named Teacher of the Year in her first five years of teaching.

With an unwavering focus on students and doing what is right for them, Ms. Williams sets a daily example of what a great educator can be for those she mentors. In her pursuit to better serve Jacksonville Commons Middle, she is currently working towards a master’s in education for school administration.

“Mr. Williams is an administrator with a counselor’s heart. He has worked tirelessly to improve the student experience at the HOPE Alternative Learning Program.”

Quarry Williams established the HOPE Alternative Learning Program as a model of behavioral health support for students who have been long‑term suspended or expelled from their home base schools. He brings 20+ years of experience in teaching, administrative, and counselor roles to his work in improving the experience and educational outcomes for students, many of whom have experienced traumas.

HOPE creates a culture where students are empowered and inspired to maximize their potential and build on their strengths, providing skills and resources to positively impact their academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. In just one year, the program was shown to reduce suspension days by 28% and decrease disciplinary actions by 38%.

Mr. Williams has helped secure funding and support for HOPE and is sharing the model with other organizations so more students can benefit from the innovative program.