Pender County Schools honored top educators at its Awards Banquet, naming Teacher, Beginning Teacher, Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.
Pender County Schools recognized outstanding educators and school leaders during its annual Awards Banquet at Heide Trask High School, celebrating the people who serve students across the district every day. The event included the announcement of Teacher of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year.
Caitlyn Bachman Named Pender County Schools Teacher of the Year
Caitlyn Bachman, an art teacher at Topsail High School, was named Pender County Schools Teacher of the Year. Bachman was recognized for her work with students and for the role she plays in supporting arts education at Topsail High School.
“I am grateful to represent Pender County Schools and the teachers who work hard for students every day,” Bachman said. “Art gives students a chance to express themselves, try new things, and build confidence. I am thankful for my students, my colleagues, and the Topsail High School community.”
As part of the Teacher of the Year recognition, Bachman received two round-trip airline tickets from Avelo Airlines, including bags, seat selections, and priority boarding. Avelo Airlines has supported the district’s awards program for several years, and Pender County Schools thanked the airline for its continued support of local educators.
Nearly $20,000 Raised in Community Support
Pender County Schools also highlighted the community partners who helped make the awards possible. In total, community donations for this year’s awards totaled just under $20,000, with support from local businesses and organizations throughout the area.
Beginning Teacher of the Year: Fabianna Seri
Fabianna Seri, a multilingual teacher at Heide Trask High School, was named Beginning Teacher of the Year. Seri was recognized for the work she is already doing with students and for the care she brings to her classroom.
Principal of the Year: April Perkins
April Perkins, principal of Rocky Point Elementary School, was named Principal of the Year. Perkins was honored for her leadership and her work with students, staff, and families at Rocky Point Elementary.
Assistant Principal of the Year: John Bryant
John Bryant, assistant principal at Cape Fear Middle School, was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Bryant was recognized for his support of students and staff and for his contributions to the Cape Fear Middle School community.
Superintendent Brad Breedlove Congratulates Honorees
Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove congratulated the honorees and thanked the community partners who supported the event.
“Each of these honorees represents the kind of steady, student-focused work that happens in our schools every day,” Breedlove said. “We are proud of Ms. Bachman, Ms. Seri, Ms. Perkins, and Mr. Bryant, and we are grateful to Avelo Airlines and all of our community partners for helping us recognize the people who serve our students.”
Recognizing Excellence Across Pender County Schools
The annual Awards Banquet gives Pender County Schools an opportunity to recognize educators and administrators for their work across the district. Pender County Schools congratulates Caitlyn Bachman, Fabianna Seri, April Perkins, and John Bryant on this well-deserved recognition.
