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Finalists for 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award announced

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Current and former NC BTOY together at NCCAT. Courtesy of Natalia Mejia

Twenty-seven educators from across North Carolina have been named finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. “These exceptional teachers have been recognized for their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to succeed,” according to a press release.

The award celebrates beginning teachers and supports their retention as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public and charter schools. One finalist will be named the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year during a ceremony on March 27, 2025, in Greensboro.

“NCCAT is honored to recognize this remarkable group of educators,” said Brock Womble, the executive director of NCCAT. “Each finalist has demonstrated a profound commitment to their students, schools, and communities. Their work exemplifies the best of teaching and highlights the critical role educators play in shaping our future. Congratulations to all our finalists — North Carolina is proud of you.”

“Supporting and retaining exceptional educators is essential to the success of North Carolina’s students and schools,” said Alfred Mays, the chief diversity officer at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, who is sponsoring this year’s event. “This award recognizes the passion, talent, and commitment of beginning teachers who inspire their students and communities. These finalists represent the future of education in our state, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

Meet the finalists

  • De’Ana Tyson, Alamance-Burlington School System
  • Andrew Cerillo, Ashe County School System
  • Luca Clemens, Asheville City School System
  • Katherine (Kate) Hilsabeck, Bradford Preparatory School
  • Malachi Curtis, Burke County Public School System
  • Summer Espinosa, Cabarrus County School System
  • Kalah Wilson, Carolina Charter Academy
  • Lauren Oliver, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System
  • Rebekah Byrd, Clinton City School System
  • Haleigh Baker, Cumberland County School System
  • Julie Morgan, Currituck County School System
  • Makenna Rose, Greene County School System
  • Alexander (Alex) Holmes, Guilford County School System
  • Scott Denton, Harnett County School System
  • Amber Maxwell, Hoke County School System
  • Grace Ward, Hyde County School System
  • Emma Maney, Jackson County Public School System
  • Priscilla Baker, Martin County School System
  • Kevin Ojaniit, New Hanover County School System
  • Yocelyn Almanza, Newton-Conover City School System
  • Kristen Douglas, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (NEAAT)
  • Estefania Page, Rutherford County School System
  • Bella Dobbins, Stanly County School System 
  • Sydney McKeaver, Surry County School System
  • Raven Spencer, Union County Public School System
  • Pieter Westerbeek, Wake County Public School System
  • Ashley Harper, Wayne County Public School System