Catawba County Schools recognized outstanding educators and staff members from across the district during its annual End-of-Year Employee Celebration held at the Tarlton Complex on the campus of CVCC.

This year’s “Back to the ’80s” themed event featured retro music, neon colors, and a celebration of accomplishments from the 2025-2026 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover announced that Christian Underwood of Claremont Elementary School has been named the 2026 Catawba County Schools Teacher of the Year. Underwood was selected from a field of 28 candidates representing schools throughout the district.

As part of the honor, Underwood received a complimentary lease on a new Toyota Camry courtesy of Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota. The Teacher of the Year also received awards from the Education Foundation for Catawba County Schools and Horace Mann and will advance to regional competition.

Other major award recipients included:

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Bridget Lackey, Clyde Campbell Elementary School

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Kerri Wimberly, Bandys High School

Teacher Assistant of the Year: Annette Newton, Startown Elementary School

Principal of the Year: Shannon Plemmons, Maiden Elementary School

Assistant Principal of the Year: Lindsey Farnsworth, Fred T. Foard High School

Counselor of the Year: Honey Lee, Blackburn Elementary School

Media Coordinator of the Year: Whitney Shuffler, Fred T. Foard High School

Bus Driver of the Year: Anne Marie Chapman, Bunker Hill High School

Classified Employee of the Year: Kim Sipe, CTE

School Nutrition Employee of the Year: Sheila Honeycutt, Tuttle Elementary School

Operations and Maintenance Employee of the Year: Devin Houston, Assistant Director of Maintenance

Central Office Support Employee of the Year: Amanda Moose, Director of Media and Digital Literacy

Robotics Coach of the Year: Meredith Huret, Claremont Elementary School

District officials also recognized several first-year educators, educational office professionals, exceptional children’s staff members, and National Board Certification recipients during the celebration.

Catawba County Schools thanked the Education Foundation for Catawba County Schools, Horace Mann, and Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota for supporting the event.