WS Chronicle

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools wrapped up Teacher Appreciation Week by shining a light on some of the district’s best employees during the fourth annual Core Awards.

The annual event which was held virtually on Thursday, May 7, is where the district leaders announce Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Certified Instructional Support Personnel of the Year, and Classified Employee of the Year. The event is meant to celebrate the employees that not only are exceptional educators, but that live the district’s Core Values: equity, student-centered, accountability, integrity, high expectations, and collaboration. 

According to district leaders, there were more than 280 nominations. That number was then narrowed down to 25 finalists, five in each category. To be considered for the top prize, finalists had to complete a series of applications, essays, virtual interviews, and obtain reference letters. Each of the finalists were interviewed by the Core Award Selection Committee who determined the winner based on the interview, in-person observation of the candidates, and several overall other factors. 

This year’s winners are: 

Assistant Principal of the Year: Katie McGregor (Jefferson Elementary School)

Classified Employee of the Year: Leroy Collins Jr. (Reynolds High School)

Principal of the Year: Donald Wyatt (Mount Tabor High School)

Certified Instructional Support Personnel of the Year: Shelby Ijames (Caleb’s Creek Elementary School)

Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Solis (Hanes Magnet Middle School) 

Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year have the opportunity to advance to the statewide competitions. During the virtual ceremony, Superintendent Tricia McManus applauded all the nominees for their hard work. 

“To the 280 nominees and the finalists who will be recognized here tonight, amazing work,” McManus continued. “I will tell you that all of you are winners, but the real winners tonight are our students because they get to be educated every day by all the other amazing employees in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.”