Author: garmank

We are thrilled to announce a monumental achievement in our community: the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball, held on February 24, 2024, at Laurel Ridge Country Club, surpassed a major milestone, raising over $1,012,000 in its 15-year history. Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, this year’s event brought together past kings and queens to celebrate the incredible support and generosity that has defined the event for over a decade.

The Mardi Gras Ball is our largest annual fundraiser, with numerous king and queen candidates helping to raise funds year after year. Their efforts, along with the contributions of community members, have made a significant difference in supporting the needs of our students and staff.

Jenny Wood, Executive Director, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me. Year after year, our community helps to offset the needs of our students and staff, and this year’s sell-out event was a shining example of that support.”

With the tremendous backing of our local community, we were able to reach this incredible milestone, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of giving and celebration in the years to come.

Save the Date: Join us for next year’s Mardi Gras Ball on February 22, 2025, at Laurel Ridge Country Club!

We are thrilled to share the inspiring stories of two of our outstanding educators, which are part of a larger initiative by WRESA to promote teaching in Western North Carolina. These profiles offer a glimpse into Heather Smith and Abigail Bentley’s teaching philosophies, innovative classroom methods, and deep commitment to their students.

Created collaboratively with Rhodes Branding, these testimonials showcase Heather and Abigail’s personal journeys and accomplishments and serve as a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment within Haywood County Schools.

Heather Smith: Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year

Heather Smith, an 8th grade math teacher at Waynesville Middle School, was honored as the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Heather’s journey in education is marked by her passion for teaching and her desire to make a lasting impact on her students. “As the Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, I am fortunate enough to be able to travel the beautiful state of North Carolina and be an ambassador for both teachers and students. For my platform, I hope to promote positivity and bring joy back into the classroom.”

Heather’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her personal experiences with inspiring teachers during her own school years. She elaborates, “I chose to become a teacher because of the teachers that I had. They saw in me what I never could see in myself. I wanted to bring out in my students the ability to see the paths and journeys that they could take. Their possibilities are endless.”

Abigail Bentley: NCCAT 2024 Empower North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year

Abigail Bentley, a passionate science teacher at Pisgah High School, was named the NCCAT 2024 Empower North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year. Abigail is known for her innovative use of kinesthetic learning to help students retain information more effectively. 

Abigail’s dedication to her students and her craft is evident in her teaching philosophy and the joy she finds in her work. She says, “Being recognized as the NCCAT 2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year was a huge honor. It was validating to have others acknowledge the effort I put into my work and I think that it has given me the confidence I need to continue to try new things in the classroom.”