Hillcrest Elementary fourth grade math teacher Ashley West has been named the 2023 ABSS Teacher of the Year for Alamance-Burlington Schools. West is a Cummings High School graduate who returned several years ago to work in the school system.
The announcement was made during a festive Evening of Excellence event held at Southern High School Thursday night.
“I’m a product of ABSS schools,” West said. ” I was that troubled little girl in school who, thankfully, had teachers rally around me to point me in the right direction. That’s what inspired me to return to this community after living in Louisiana to teach and give back. I’m honored to represent ABSS and be an advocate for public education as the District’s Teacher of the Year.”
West will represent ABSS in the regional Teacher of the Year competition.
Ray Street Academy middle school science teacher Rocco Cabrera was named runner up.
See all ABSS teacher of the year nominees: https://alamancenews.com/do-you-know-whos-the-teacher-of-the-year-at-your-childs-school/
At the same event, Smith Elementary Principal Dr. Julie Hancock was named ABSS Principal of the Year.
The school system noted that Hancock, too, is a product of ABSS schools; she has transformed Smith Elementary in recent years into one of the highest performing schools in the county, according to the school system.
“This is an honor! I enjoy working in my community where I grew up,” Hancock said. “It’s also an honor to lead an amazing group of educators and work alongside our Smith families. Together, we have created a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.”
Also recognized were 18 high school seniors who superintendent Dr. Dain Butler honored with Awards of Excellence.
See previous coverage of the 18 high school Awards of Excellence winners: https://alamancenews.com/abss-high-school-award-of-excellence-winners-named-by-superintendent/
