Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has named the winners of the 2025 Core Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony held in the historic R.J. Reynolds Auditorium in Winston-Salem. WS/FCS employees, family members and friends attended annual ceremony.
The winners of the 2025 WS/FCS Core Awards are:
Robert Ash – Speas Elementary School, Principal of the Year
Jamille Rhodes – Konnoak Middle School, Assistant Principal of the Year
Cristofer Wiley – R.J. Reynolds High School, Teacher of the Year
Chasity Jones – Central Office Legal Department, Classified Employee of the Year
Jessica Schaefer – Cash Elementary School, Certified Instructional Support Personnel of the Year
Heather Hosey – R.J. Reynolds High School, Judy Mountjoy Volunteer of the Year
This was the eighth annual ceremony honoring employees who are considered exceptional educators and who embody the district’s core values of equity, student-centeredness, accountability, integrity, high expectations, and collaboration.
There were almost 350 nominees. After extensive interviews, essays, letters of recommendation from parents and co-workers, and observations, five finalists in each of the six categories were chosen.
Each winner was given an award designed by WS/FCS Art Teacher Sydney Hinkle and a $500 check. The entire event was paid for courtesy of four sponsors; Caudill Electric, Daggett Shuler Attorneys at Law, the Forsyth Education Partnership, and the Education Foundation for WS/FCS.
Also, it was announced that WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus has been chosen as the North Carolina Association of Educators’ 2025 Superintendent of the Year. Board Chair Deanna Kaplan made the announcement and Maria McGhee from the NCAE Principals Division and Jenny Easter, President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, joined her in congratulating McManus.
"FCAE deeply appreciates Superintendent McManus' commitment to open dialogue, collaboration, and genuine partnership with the union,” said Easter. "Having a superintendent who actively listens and values educators' voices makes a meaningful difference for our
schools, students, and our community. We are thrilled she has received this award from her colleagues in the NCAE Administrative Division.”
The NCAE Principal of the Year Award is presented annually by the NCAE Division of Principals/Administrators. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions to staff, students, and public education. Nominees are judged on professional practice, advocacy for the profession, community engagement, and leadership skills.