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Out Of This World Educator Awards

Featuring the best, brightest, most amazing stars out there who actively inspire learning every day!
Illustrations of spaceships with Educator Award mission patches.
Out of This World Award Trophy

Do you know someone in your community who has dedicated their life to educating others?

Great teachers inspire learners of all ages — from students to adults. Honoring educators in the Carolinas who have made an impact in either a traditional or non-traditional learning environment.

New nominations open August 2024.


Who Qualifies?

Anyone in the Carolinas who has made a difference in the lives of learners is eligible. From inspirational teachers in traditional classroom settings to volunteers teaching adults job skills and everything in between.

View Terms and Conditions

Including current or former:
  • Teachers and Professors
  • Administrators and Directors
  • Instructional Assistants
  • Mentors and Tutors
  • Counselors
  • Facilitators
  • Coaches

Meet the 2023 Winners

Carpentry Instructor

Mountain Heritage High School

Nominated By

John Anglin

“As a result of Mr. Dotts’ hard work to expose and involve students in many types of construction projects and his high expectations of them, they are highly sought-after employees at local construction companies.”

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff at Mountain Heritage High School teaches students today’s most in‑demand trade skills. Since joining CTE, Jeremy Dotts has revolutionized the program and empowered hundreds of students to pursue successful careers in the construction industry.

Mr. Dotts structures his classes as highly hands‑on, organizing students into construction crew teams to apply what they’re learning in class, think creatively to troubleshoot real‑world problems, adapt to meet the demands of a project, manage time, and work as a team. Each year, employers proactively recruit his students since their skills often exceed those of graduates from many collegiate construction programs.

Principal

School of Hope for Children with Autism

Nominated By

Ashlee Russell

“Amy’s passion for helping others is contagious. She is full of energy and has devoted her life to making a positive impact through education.”

Amy Sparks has given 35+ years of her life to serving children through education, 30 of which she spent in public schools. In the past six years, she has helped open a specialized school for children with Autism: The School of Hope in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The School of Hope enables children with Autism to learn in smaller environments with research-based methods, receive one‑on‑one support from specialists who visit the school, and participate in extracurricular activities such as learning piano and performing in recitals.

In addition to serving as the school’s principal, Ms. Sparks also started the Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation to help families in the community affected by Autism. Through this nonprofit, she has organized clinics to educate families on their legal rights, orchestrated festivals and events, and coordinated fundraising toward opening The School of Hope.

Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Army Instructor

Cleveland High School

Nominated By

Oller Harris

“Andre knows there are no problem students, just students with problems.”

Andre Harris sees the potential in every student who enters the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Cleveland High School in Bunnlevel, North Carolina. While many of his students have lacked a role model in their lives, Mr. Harris sets a strong example as both a teacher and leader.

For years, Mr. Harris has been investing his time, energy, and talents to equip students for the real world. His lessons include practical life skills like money management, public speaking, social etiquette, dressing appropriately for business, and how to treat everyone with respect. Thanks to his dogged encouragement, he has motivated countless students to go to trade school, college, or the military, many of whom have returned to thank him for his support.

Social Studies Teacher

Richmond Early College High School

Nominated By

Joy Harrelson

“Ms. Brayboy is a model of excellence and a fierce, devoted teacher who is eager about the learning, growth, mental and emotional health, and wellbeing of every student.”

Shannon Brayboy’s drive, compassion, and positivity inspire her students and fellow teachers, shaping the entire culture of Richmond Early College High School. She is passionate about teaching American history, civics, and personal finance; and is known for finding creative ways to present content that make students hungry to learn more.

Outside of her classroom, Ms. Brayboy founded the REaCH Native American Student Association. The club welcomes both Native American students who want to stay in touch with their heritage as well as those who are interested in learning about the culture. Recently, Ms. Brayboy created a REaCH News Team that enables students to gain experience as anchors, field reporters, technical directors, editors, and publishers of news programming.

Grade Splash Teacher

Eastfield Global Magnet School

Nominated By

Margarita Ramirez

“Vivian is an outstanding educator who is intentional and personal with our students, which creates a deeper rapport not only with them but also with the parents.”

As a grade splash teacher at Eastfield Global Magnet School in Marion, North Carolina, Vivian Alarcon is the definition of an educator who goes above and beyond to impact students. She regularly volunteers after school at Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA), a nonprofit focused on bridging barrier gaps, language accessibility, food security, and accessible health care.

At CULA, she teaches kids the importance of self‑care and how to identify emotions to help promote overall well‑being. Parents, colleagues, and students are perpetually impressed by her energy, determination, dedication, and vision. Always one to go the extra mile, Ms. Alarcon even gives students rides home after CULA so that transportation is never a barrier to participation.

1st Grade Teacher

Summersill Elementary

Nominated By

Raelene Daley

“Her passion and dedication for what she does, and her love for her students, shine through every day. There is no doubt of the lasting impact she is having on her students and their families.”

Last year, an administrator observed Hannah Sugg teaching a new math curriculum and was so impressed, she recommended Ms. Sugg model the lesson for other educators. This is just one example of Ms. Sugg’s passion for providing excellent academic instruction that meets the needs of every student in her class.

In addition to making learning fun and engaging, Ms. Sugg cares equally as much about meeting students’ social and emotional needs. She creates a culture of compassion and acceptance in her classroom with “kindness rules” for her students, and reinforces them with daily affirmations, reflections as a class, and collaborative and altruistic projects. Throughout the year, the class also completes kindness quests, such as creating cards or small crafts for staff members with words of encouragement.

Spanish Teacher

Southern Wayne High School

Nominated By

June Reynolds

“Ms. Darden is definitely a true role model for a teacher who enjoys her job, is passionate about seeing students learn and succeed, and is committed to making her community a better place!”

Despite having taught enough years to qualify for retirement, Joni Darden’s passion for teaching Spanish keeps her coming back to Southern Wayne High School every year. It’s common for Ms. Darden to bump into former students around town, and they’re always eager to reminisce with their favorite teacher who still knows them by their Spanish class name.

Ms. Darden’s current students come to her for help with other classes, enrolling in programs, or just life advice. Outside of her classroom, she volunteers with local organizations like the Restorative Justice Program, where she uses her translation services to help prevent teenagers from entering the criminal justice system.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs & Services

Pitt County Schools

Nominated By

Carol Rankin

“Dr. Lassiter is able to spot a good leader and mentor them to a higher level. He is able to tap into the hidden potential of others.”

Dr. Steve Lassiter’s commitment to students and servant‑leader style have helped him climb the education ranks, starting as a teacher, being promoted to principal, and ultimately earning a doctorate degree to become the assistant superintendent of educational programs and services for Pitt County Schools.

Leading from the heart, he has successfully mentored countless principals and teachers in finding new ways to engage and educate public school students. He is a strong believer that school districts should support all students by meeting them where they are, and he motivates staff members to be positive role models for students. Always one to focus on his students’ best interests and a strong advocate for staff at all levels, Dr. Lassiter lifts up everyone in his orbit to realize their full potential.

Tutor/Curriculum Coordinator

Billingsville Cotswold Elementary School

Nominated By

Betty Dial

“I have seen amazing results from her talents as an educator and mother. She has been a great asset to the community.”

Tamara Dial sparks a love of learning everywhere she goes. For more than two decades, she has taught at public schools and, outside of her classroom, she tutors and mentors students and generously volunteers her time year‑round to improve educational opportunities in her community.

This past summer, Ms. Dial worked as a curriculum coordinator for the Clara H. Jones Summer Institute, where she designed and implemented a new career readiness track to expose diverse students from varying socio‑economic backgrounds to career opportunities, including advanced aeronautics, emergency management, and wastewater treatment. Her tenacity and passion for education have inspired many of her students to become first‑generation college graduates and pursue teaching careers.

Lead Automotive Instructor

Beaufort County Community College

Nominated By

Cathy Van Gyzen

“Bryan has a heart of gold and goes above and beyond for his students in his free time.”

Bryan Van Gyzen is starting his 16th year at Beaufort County Community College as the Lead Automotive Instructor. He has been known to use his own money to help students purchase replacements for broken car parts, tires, or wipers when they can’t fit the expense into their budget.

In his free time, Mr. Van Gyzen makes himself available to his students via phone and email. He’s always willing to help students work through problems, assist with their homework, or find ways to overcome an issue they are facing. To provide the best possible education, Mr. Van Gyzen perpetually finds ways to enrich his classroom and workshop with hands‑on learning materials so his students gain the skills they need to land new career opportunities.

See The 2023 Awards In Action

Meet Our Previous Winners

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