2025 Education Celebration

The exciting event celebrated the dedicated educators of Henderson County. 

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)

2025 Education Hall of Fame Inductees

Lou Ann Morgan

Susan Riddle

Point Lookout Vineyards

408 Appleola Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792

2025 Education Celebration is Presented By:

Thank You 2025 Event Sponsors!

Venue & Future Educators Sponsor

Hall of Fame Sponsor

Outstanding Educators Sponsor

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