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New teacher of the year crowned

Today, Keana Triplett was named the 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. 

Triplett is an English teacher at Ashe County High School, and says she is fortunate to be chosen and to be able to represent educators across the state. 

“Support of teachers is the key to having successful students,” she said at the ceremony. 

Triplett had eight competitors, including seven other regional teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year. 

Triplett replaces outgoing teacher of the year James Ford, a World History teacher at Garinger High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. 

Before Triplett was named, Ford had an opportunity to speak, and he had a few words of encouragement for the teachers vying to become 2015 teacher of the year. 

“All you have to offer in this capacity is yourself,” he said. Later he added,

“You make it clear that this is the most noble profession on Earth.” 

As teacher of the year, Triplett will spend her rein “traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession,” a press release stated. 

A number of perks come with the title, including use of a state vehicle for a year and a $7,500 award.

State Superintendent June Atkinson, who announced the winner, said this of Triplett in the press release:

“Keane wants to be the catalyst for her students’ success in life. By getting to know her students individually, she is able to meet them where they are and lead them where they want to go.” 

Alex Granados

Alex Granados was the senior reporter for EducationNC from December 2014-March 2023.