Cochran is Teacher of the Year
Swanson named Principal of Year
Matt Cochran, of West Alexander Middle School, has been named Alexander County Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year.
The announcement came during a special luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, at Redbird Ridge Estate in Ellendale.
Cochran is not only a teacher, but also a mentor, bus driver, coach, and driver’s education teacher.
In addition to Cochran, Teacher of the Year nominees included: Juan Sierra, Alexander Central High School; Ashley Bumgarner, Alexander Early College; Kim Hertzler, Bethlehem Elementary; Ben Teague, East Alexander Middle School; Talia Godfrey, Ellendale Elementary; Kathi White, Hiddenite Elementary; Annie Cothren, Sugar Loaf Elementary; Lauren Dula, Stony Point Elementary; Tara Geiger, Taylorsville Elementary; and Kristine Ford, Wittenburg Elementary.
Also on Tuesday, East Alexander Middle School Principal Lee Swanson was awarded the celebrated Principal of the Year award. The recognition celebrates leaders who demonstrate leadership, a commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success. Melinda Glenn, Wittenburg Elementary Principal, was the other nominee for top principal.
Beginning Teacher of the Year nominees were: Brooke Williams, Alexander Central High School; Jocelyn Loyola-Lonjinos, East Alexander Middle School; Logan Seliga, West Alexander Middle School; Mackenzie Pritchard, Stony Point Elementary; CiLissa Harris, Sugar Loaf Elementary; and Angela Mahaffey, Taylorsville Elementary. CiLissa Harris was chosen for the Beginning Teacher of the Year honor.
Classified Support Staff of the Year nominees were: Misty Goodman, Alexander Central High School; Jeff Cockrell, Alexander Early College; Taylor Hollis, Bethlehem Elementary; Brandy Marlowe, East Alexander Middle School; Emily Brown, Ellendale Elementary; Sarah Watson, Hiddenite Elementary; David Woodward, Sugar Loaf Elementary; Gerri Pinnix, Stony Point Elementary; Jerry Herman, Taylorsville Elementary; Joy Fox, West Alexander Middle School; Angie Chatham, Wittenburg Elementary; and Becky Rosenberg, Central Services. The award was presented to Becky Rosenberg.
Certified Support Staff of the Year nominees were: Averi Miller, Alexander Central High School; Dr. Angela Charles, Student Success Center; Chrisi Williams, Bethlehem Elementary; Kelly This, East Alexander Middle School; Jill Fortner, Ellendale Elementary; Christy Crouse, Hiddenite Elementary; Liz Cronan, Sugar Loaf Elementary; Jennifer Robertson, Stony Point Elementary; Cristy Abel, Taylorsville Elementary; Lisa Bentley, West Alexander Middle School; Jordyn Mundy, Wittenburg Elementary; and Heidi Minton, Central Services. Liz Cronan received the Certified Support Staff of the Year award.
Taylorsville Savings Bank helped sponsor the event and bank officials presented each of the winners a $100 check. Sharp Business Systems also served as an event sponsor.
