Celebration of Excellence: Lexington City Schools honors top educators and visionary leaders
{Contributed Photo: Lexington School Board Chair Brent Wall, Teacher of the Year Garland Beamer, and Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools.}
On May 13th, the Lexington City Schools community gathered at Holland Brooks to honor the outstanding individuals whose dedication and innovation continue to shape the future of education in our district. The evening was a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment of our educators and staff.
Garland Beamer: A Visionary in Education
Among the distinguished honorees was Garland Beamer, named Lexington City Schools Teacher of the Year. Garland has been a transformative figure at Lexington Senior High School, leading the SparkLab initiative—a cutting-edge program designed to immerse students in technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and game development. Under his leadership, SparkLab offers over 50 self-paced units, allowing students to explore their interests and earn High-Accelerated Learner credits. This innovative approach has provided students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, preparing them for future careers in tech industries.
Garland's dedication extends beyond the classroom. He has been instrumental in fostering a learning environment where students can explore, create, and collaborate without the constraints of traditional grading systems. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity and critical thinking, ensuring that students are not only prepared for academic success but are also equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Furthermore, Spark NC, an initiative spearheaded by Garland and other local educators, earned the prestigious Synergy Award at the Apple 2025 Education Conference, solidifying the program’s national recognition for its innovative approach to technology integration in education.
Joe Stone: Leading the Charge at the Middle School Level
Also recognized was Joe Stone, honored as Lexington City Schools Principal of the Year. Joe, who serves as Principal of Lexington Middle School, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding the school toward academic excellence and community engagement. Under his leadership, Lexington Middle has become a hub of innovation, collaboration, and student success.
One of Joe’s most notable achievements has been the implementation of personalized learning initiatives at the middle school level. Understanding that each student learns differently, Joe has been a champion for developing differentiated instruction models to support the individual needs of students. These strategies have enabled students to experience personalized growth, ensuring no one is left behind.
Joe has also focused on building a supportive and inclusive school culture. He has fostered strong relationships with both students and parents, ensuring that every student feels valued and heard. Joe’s emphasis on social-emotional learning has helped create a more cohesive environment where students are encouraged to grow not only academically but also emotionally and socially.
His dedication to collaborative teaching has also been a standout achievement. By encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration, Joe has empowered teachers to share ideas and strategies, which has enriched the learning experience for students. This culture of collaboration has resulted in improved student outcomes and a more unified school community.
Joe Stone’s leadership at Lexington Middle School continues to inspire students, staff, and the entire community, making him a deserving recipient of the Principal of the Year award.
A Quote from Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable individuals who have been recognized tonight. The commitment and passion our teachers, administrators, and staff bring to Lexington City Schools inspire all of us to empower, equip, and invest in our students. Each awardee embodies the core values that guide our district—Wellness and Safety, Excellence, Access and Opportunity, and Integrity and Fiscal Stewardship.
I extend heartfelt congratulations to our Teacher of the Year, Garland Beamer, and Principal of the Year, Joe Stone. Their leadership has had a profound impact on our students, and we look forward to building on their successes as we strive to help every student thrive in the hive,” said Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools.
Awards and Honorees
The evening also recognized other exemplary individuals within the district:
Lexington City Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year: Kalie Radonavitch
Lexington City Schools CTE Teacher of the Year: Michael Bess
Lexington City Schools Mentor of the Year: Margie Wenmoth
Lexington City Schools Classified Employee of the Year: Brittany Bagwell
Lexington City Schools Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Elizabeth Younger
Lexington City Schools Central Office Employee of the Year: Terrie Holshouser
Lexington City Schools Bus Driver of the Year: Bridget Effinger
Lexington City Schools School Nutrition School of the Year: South Lexington
Lexington City Schools Department of the Year: Technology
A Night of Gratitude and Reflection
The event also provided an opportunity to honor those with years of service to the district and celebrate the retirements of those who have dedicated much of their careers to nurturing future generations. Their legacy lives on in the halls of Lexington City Schools, continuing to inspire those who follow in their footsteps.
“We are only as strong as the people who serve our students and community every day,” said Mr. Brent Wall, Chair of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education. “The excellence we recognize tonight is the result of a collective effort—a shared commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
The Celebration of Excellence would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including:
Bunce Family Foundation
ESS
First National Bank
Pierce Group
Schneider Electric
Siemens
Surry Insurance
The Bradley Group
A special thank you to Doodle Designs by Markisha Cade and Shanna’s Catering & Confections for their contributions to making this event a memorable one.
