Johnston County 2026 Flame for Learning Semifinalists Announced

Johnston County, NC – The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and Johnston County Public Schools is proud to recognize twenty outstanding educators as semifinalists for the 32nd Annual Flame for Learning Award. These exceptional teachers were nominated by their peers within the Johnston County Public School system for demonstrating remarkable creativity, innovation, and dedication in their classrooms.

The Flame for Learning Award, presented by Chick-fil-A of Smithfield, celebrates those who consistently go above and beyond in fostering excellence and innovation in education.

2026 Flame for Learning Semifinalists:

Oscar Anasco - Smithfield-Selma High
Hermilo Arbuyes, Jr. - Cleveland High
Elma Arquillano - Selma Elementary
Courtney Barefoot - Meadow School
Amanda Dauphinais - Innovation Academy
Moesha Gonzales - Swift Creek Middle
Darby High - Clayton High
Dorothy Holley - West Johnston High
Natalia Jaramillo Puerta - Cooper Elementary
James Johnson - North Johnston High
Alexa Knight - Meadow School
Meagan Leas - Archer Lodge Middle
Lena LeBoeuf - Swift Creek Elementary
Tracy Mitchell - East Clayton Elementary
Erica Morse - Polenta Elementary
Rebecca Reeves - Smithfield-Selma High
John Robertson - South Johnston High
Carlotta Stillings - Selma Elementary
Cori Walker - South Johnston High
Ana Zuniga - Selma Elementary

The recipient of the prestigious Flame for Learning Award will be announced at the award ceremony and will advance to represent Johnston County in the regional competition. The Johnston County Teacher of the Year will also be announced during the event.

Event Details:
What: 32nd Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Where: The Barn at Broadslab, 4676 NC Highway 50 South, Benson, NC 27504
Support Our Educators:

Businesses and community members are invited to support and invest in Johnston County's dynamic educators through sponsorships. Sponsorships are vital to making this event possible and directly contribute to recognizing and encouraging our teachers. Investing in education strengthens our local workforce and builds a brighter future, as today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.

For more details on how to become a sponsor, please visit www.triangleeastchamber.com.
 

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About Johnston County Coalition of Chambers

The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers includes Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce, Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce, and Triangle East Chamber of Commerce.

The Coalition supports countywide education and economic development initiatives to include but not limited to the Flame for Learning Award, JOCO WORKS, Launch JOCO, and Leadership Johnston.