The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers is pleased to announce the twenty semifinalists who have been selected for their excellence in the classroom. These exceptional educators have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and dedication to shaping the future of Johnston County students. The Teacher of the Year will be named during the 31st Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST at The Barn at Broadslab, located at 4676 NC Highway 50 South, Benson, NC 27504.
The semifinalists, selected from a pool of nominations submitted by fellow educators in the Johnston County Public School system, represent the best of Johnston County’s teachers. The Flame for Learning Award honors those who go above and beyond in fostering innovation and excellence in education.
2025 Flame for Learning Semifinalists:
- Micaela Acosta – Selma Elementary
- Heather Bryant – Clayton High
- LiAnn Cheong – Riverwood Elementary
- Karin Chmelo – East Clayton Elementary
- Lois D'Agostino – West View Elementary
- Edgar Delgado – Selma Elementary
- Nicole Fye – West View Elementary
- Amy Harder – Clayton High
- Brooke Hayward – Riverwood Elementary
- Dorothy Holley – West Johnston High
- Bethany Jones – Smithfield-Selma High
- Gail Lawhorn – River Dell Elementary
- William Marshall – West Johnston High
- Karen Newhart – Riverwood Elementary
- Karen Oden – Cleveland Elementary
- Jeff Peake – Clayton High
- Amera Scarlett Hemans – Cooper Elementary
- Kelsey Torres – West View Elementary
- Michelle Von Hoene – East Clayton Elementary
- Cori Walker – South Johnston High
The Flame for Learning Award, presented by Chick-fil-A of Smithfield, was created to recognize innovation, creativity, and excellence in teaching. These semifinalists were nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions to education. The winner of the Flame for Learning Award will go on to represent Johnston County in the regional competition, and the Teacher of the Year will be unveiled during the event.
Sponsorships are available for businesses or community members who would like to support and invest in Johnston County’s dynamic educators. Sponsorships will help make this event possible and directly contribute to recognizing and encouraging our educators. Investing in education strengthens our local workforce and builds a brighter future for Johnston County. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. For more details on how to become a sponsor for the Flame For Learning event, please visit www.triangleeastchamber.com
