Juana Rhili and Dr. Darrell Harris named 2025 GCS Principal and Teacher of the Year

Greensboro, N.C. – One of the Triad’s biggest stages became the temporary home for Guilford County Schools at the district’s annual Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday.  

Students, staff, families and community members were ushered into the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts with cheerleaders and the drumline from Northeast Guilford High leading the fanfare. The evening opened with the fan-favorite spirit parade. Sedalia Elementary and Southeast Guilford High took home the crown for having the most school spirit, setting the tone for a night dedicated to recognizing the district’s outstanding educators and employees.  

For the first time, several new groups received recognition, reflecting the many roles it takes to support student success. Nine classified employees who were named employee of the month throughout the 2024-2025 school year received a standing ovation for their hard work. The district also named the first: 

• Library Media Coordinator of the Year: Chesley Huskins (Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School) 

• School Psychologist of the Year: Allyson Laesch (Northwest Middle, Doris Henderson Newcomers, Sylvia Mendez Newcomers) 

Other recognitions included: 

• School Social Worker of the Year: Vanessa Jarmon (Bessemer Elementary) 

• Counselor of the Year: Suzanne Ladka (Ragsdale High) 

“This evening is about honoring the incredible people who prepare our students for the world,” Guilford County Board of Education Vice Chair Bettye Jenkins said. “From teachers and counselors to social workers and principals, each of you plays a vital role in shaping futures.” 

Rookie Teacher of the Year honors went to Madison Magyar, a third-grade teacher at Summerfield Elementary. Magyar was praised for creating a classroom culture where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and grow. 

Mentor of the Year was awarded to Erica Covington, English teacher at Southern High. Covington emphasizes vulnerability and shared learning in her mentorship, guiding new teachers with honesty and care. 

Eastern Guilford High took both top spots in the administrative categories.  Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the year went to Emily Stevenson and Dr. Darrell Harris. Dr. Harris said, “Creating a safe, inclusive, and identity-affirming school climate is central to our approach,” to creating pathways to success. “At EGHS, we foster a culture grounded in empathy, positive relationships, and mutual respect. We work intentionally to make sure every student feels seen, heard, and valued.”  

Dr. Harris also took home the secondary principal of the year award. Dr. Ashley Triplett, principal at Peck Expeditionary Learning received the Elementary Principal of the Year Award.  

The biggest award of the night came when the Teacher of the Year was announced. Juana Rhili, a veteran educator at Guilford Elementary earned the top honor. After the balloons and confetti fell, Rhili, who sets a classroom intention of making sure her students are world changers said, “Promoting and building the classroom community is a main goal of my classroom each year. Extending that beyond our classroom walls and giving students ownership of their learning and how we are seen in the community is equally important. I always tell my students that just because you are small doesn't mean that you can't leave your mark on the world." 

In addition to the districtwide honor, awards were also given by level: 

• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Juana Rhili (Guilford Elementary) 

• Middle School Teacher of the Year: Mitchelle McLeod (Hairston Middle) 

• High School Teacher of the Year: Conise Wright (High Point Central High) 

The celebration also included a surprise announcement from Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley, who revealed a $2.5 million investment to launch the Advanced Manufacturing Signature Career Academy at Southeast High. The new program will prepare students for high-demand jobs at the Toyota Battery Plant and other local companies. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and community,” Oakley said. “Thanks to our partners, Southeast High students will gain skills that lead directly to meaningful, well-paying careers.”  

Community involvement is key to achieving the district’s strategic direction. Partnerships propel the district’s work and foster student success. "Every day, shift_ed staff are in schools across the district, working hard to support students and educators, and we see first-hand how dedicated Guilford County Schools staff are. This event offers a rare chance for our community to thank educators and to celebrate their many successes," said Wendy Poteat, president and CEO of shift_ed, a headlining sponsor of Celebration of Excellence.  

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of additional sponsors, including headliner Shift_ed, gold sponsor Replacements Limited, Lenovo, and the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts as well as Cone Health, Truliant FCU, Brady Services, Ward Black Law, Lincoln Financial Group, Armfield Foundation, Main Event Entertainment and The Cemala Foundation. 

To see a recap of the event, visit www.gcsnc.com/celebrationofexcellence.