Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Dare County Board of Education convened on April 14 for its monthly meeting, recognizing several teachers and staff for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Superintendent Steve Basnight led the celebration, acknowledging the tireless efforts of educators and staff who make a positive impact on students’ lives.

Quinn Capps, founder of Project Glam, was recognized for her efforts in providing free prom attire to students. This initiative 10-year program has made prom a special night for countless students, and the board commended Capps for her dedication. “She is an absolute force,” Basnight shared. Her program “makes prom a very special night for every student.”

Caitlin Spruill, director of elementary education, highlighted the stroke awareness efforts of Nags Head Elementary 5th-grade student Camden Harant, who applied his knowledge to help his grandfather in a medical emergency. Spruill praised Harant’s quick thinking and the impact of the stroke awareness program through the Outer Banks Hospital. “Camden took what he learned to heart … and showed all us the power of being informed and prepared.”

Dr. Shannon Castillo, director of career and technical education, recognized Darren Moore, as CTE Teacher of the Year. Moore teaches marketing, entrepreneurship and apparel and textile production at Cape Hatteras Secondary School. He was commended for “going above and beyond” to support his students’ interests, as exhibited when he took his students requests to bring back an apparel and textile production class to heart. In taking sewing classes and expanding his own knowledge and expertise, Moore was able to then teach such skills to his students, and was recognized for those efforts.

Basnight then made the final individual recognition of the evening. Alex Chandler, director of transportation, stepped in when a Manteo High School student was involved in an accident right at the intersection of the school. Chandler, who was sitting at the stop light at the time of accident, pulled his car over and “stepped in, calmed everyone down … and took charge.” Basnight stated, “This wasn’t part of his job, just part of him being a good guy.” The mother of the student involved in the accident reached out to Basnight personally to thank Chandler for being there to “support” her daughter.

In other business, director of secondary education Denise Fallon discussed the selection process for new student advisors to the board of education, with applications closing on Friday, April 18. In order to qualify for the position, 11^th grade students must meet a GPA of 3.0 and provide two teacher recommendations. Current student advisors will be recognized at the May 12 meeting for their service. Fallon shared that the current advisors have “represented us very well.”

Director of facilities Ian Adams provided an update on a lease agreement with Outer Banks Baseball, LLC, which has allowed the Outer Banks Flying Dutchmen, part of the Old North State League, to use the First Flight High School baseball field during their summer season.

The board also unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed increase in insurance premiums for state employees. The resolution, presented by Vice Chairman Ron Payne, highlights the importance of affordable healthcare for state employees.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!