2026 Education Celebration
Ruby Jubilee: Celebrating 40 Years!
April 23, 2026
5:30 PM | Reception
6:00 PM | Dinner
7:00 PM | Awards & Presentation
Blue Ridge Community College
The exciting event celebrated the dedicated educators of Henderson County.
2026 marks our 40th anniversary of serving students, supporting educators, and strengthening schools. We look forward to honoring the individuals who make our community an exceptional place to learn and grow on this monumental year!
We look forward to inducting our 2026 class of the Education Hall of Fame!
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.
2026 Principal of the Year
Dr. Katelyn Davis, Apple Valley Middle School
2026 Teachers of the Year
Atkinson – Maggie DeCorah
Bruce Drysdale – Katie DeLizza
Clear Creek – Maya Bane
Dana – Amanda Parks
Edneyville – Wendi Bowen
Etowah – Amy Lindsey
Fletcher – Gina Benardo
Glenn C. Marlow – Cody Merriman
Hendersonville – Candi Mains
Hillandale – Megan Ford
Mills River – Lisa Hoffman
Sugarloaf – Felicia Bailey
Upward – Sarah Kennedy
Apple Valley – Holly Welch
Flat Rock – Stephanie Knighton
Hendersonville – Kelly Deese
Rugby – Carol Levi
Career Academy – David Hart
Early College – Natalie Pierce
East – Miranda Wall
Hendersonville – Patricia Seward
North – Colonel Erik Rundquist
West – Laura Clark
District Educator Awards
HCPS CTE Teacher of the Year – Matthew Rollins (East Henderson)
HCPS Outstanding Mathematics Teacher of the Year – Molly Wright (Rugby Middle)
HCPS Exceptional Children’s “Educator of Excellence” – Erin Celej (Etowah/Fletcher/AVMS)
HCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year – Sarah Schwartz (Mills River)
HCPS School Resource Officer of the Year – Lt. Tom Ammons
HCPS Media Specialist of the Year – Debra Ramsey (Dana)
HCPS School Nurse of the Year – Kim Ball (Fletcher)
2026 Education Celebration is Presented By:
Thank You 2026 Event Sponsors!
Venue & Future Educators Sponsor
Hall of Fame Sponsor
Outstanding Educators Sponsor
Golf Classic | Education Celebration | Sporting Clays