2025 Education Celebration
2025 theme is Chapters of Excellence: Celebrating Educators Past, Present, and Future
Congratulations to these educators who exemplify the values of commitment, creativity, and care, and continue to shape the lives of Henderson County students every single day.
Principal of the Year
Dr. John Shepard, North Henderson High School
Teachers of the Year
Elizabeth Pastorius – Atkinson Elementary
Tabitha Pupo – Bruce Drysdale Elementary
Holly Kolarova – Clear Creek Elementary
Taylor Baumann – Dana Elementary
Autumn Thompson – Edneyville Elementary
Deana Hall – Etowah Elementary
Meredith Jones – Fletcher Elementary
Sheri Todd – Glenn C. Marlow Elementary
Amanda Upton – Hendersonville Elementary
Veronica Alverson – Hillandale Elementary
Jennifer Austin – Mills River Elementary
Claire Nichols – Sugarloaf Elementary
Caroline Hakel – Upward Elementary
Merritt Sumner – Apple Valley Middle
Anna Harris – Flat Rock Middle
Courtney Najdek – Hendersonville Middle
Anna Whitaker – Rugby Middle
Marley Moreno-Hollifield – HC Career Academy (Also, HCPS District Winner)
Matt Witt – HC Early College
Nathan Sterwerf – East Henderson High
Adam Brand – Hendersonville High
Julie Siegel – North Henderson High
Autumne Lowe – West Henderson High
District-Level Educator Awards
Beginning Teacher of the Year – Holly Miller (North Henderson)
Exceptional Children “Educator of Excellence” – Torey Owens (Sugarloaf)
CTE Teacher of the Year – Jason Livingston (West Henderson)
Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year – Erin McMunigle (Sugarloaf)
Media Coordinator of the Year – Ashley McVey (Hendersonville Middle)
School Nurse of the Year – Bethany Markey (Upward Elementary)
408 Appleola Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Leader Sponsors:
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
Campbell Shatley PLLC
Champion Credit Union
Curt and Sue Marker
James and Charlotte Walsh
Ingles
Wells Fargo Advisors/Jim Wiley
All Star Sponsors:
LS3P
Reid & Reid Dentistry and Orthodontics
Southern Alarm & Security
Epperson Tree
Caroline Albea Orthodontics
Gould Killiam CPA Group PA
Amy Singletary
Gifts and In-Kind Support Donated By:
Asheville Tourists
Blue Ridge Orthodontics
Boyd Automotive
Dana Elementary School
Chick-fil-A
Flowers by Larry
HenDough Chicken and Donuts
Hot Dog World
Leisure Craft
McFarlan Bakery
North Main Automotive
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Optimum
Reliant Mailing
Paula Roberts Photography
PF Chang’s
Point Lookout Vineyards
Starbucks
Stipe Creative
Shine
Van’s Chocolates
Golf Classic | Education Celebration | Sporting Clays
