On April 23, Moore County Schools held its annual banquet, a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the exceptional educators who shape our community’s future.
The school district announced Quint Dunlap as the 2024-25 Alternate Teacher of the Year, Shannon Bates as the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year, and Stefanie Phillips as the 2024-25 Principal of the Year.
Quint Dunlap, an automotive teacher at Pinecrest High School, exemplifies dedication and community spirit, said the school district in a press release. With deep roots in the Westmoore community, Dunlap’s 17 years of experience in education are a testament to his commitment to student success. His passion for serving both students and the community is truly inspiring, and the school district is proud to have him represent Pinecrest High School as the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year and for serving the district in a backup capacity as the 2024-25 Alternate Teacher of the Year.
Shannon Bates, a devoted sixth-grade math teacher at Elise Middle School, has been honored as the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year. Bates’s educational journey is infused with a profound personal calling, as she returned to her hometown to teach, following in her mother’s footsteps. Her unwavering commitment to her students and community is commendable, evident in her tireless efforts to reach each student and make a lasting impact.
“I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to have received this recognition tonight amidst so many amazing educators,” said Bates. “I was impacted and blessed by a multitude of wonderful teachers during my own time as a student in Moore County Schools, and it is an honor to now represent my community and all of the hardworking, passionate educators that make up our county.”
As the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year for both Elise Middle School and the district, Moore County Schools has every confidence that she will represent the district admirably as she competes in the Sandhills Region for Teacher of the Year.
Stefanie Phillips, principal of Pinecrest High School, is the recipient of the 2024-25 Principal of the Year award. Phillips’s student-centered approach and remarkable leadership have significantly enriched the learning environment at her school. With 15 years of dedicated service to Moore County Schools, her impact extends far beyond the walls of her campus, contributing to the academic and cultural enrichment of the entire district.
“It is an honor to be named the Moore County Schools Principal of the Year,” said Phillips. “All of our MCS principals are deserving of this recognition, and I am honored that they chose me to represent them and our district this year. I am very blessed to have had family, mentors, and colleagues who have loved and supported me along the way. I am especially grateful for my parents, who taught me to work hard, love others, and hold fast to my faith. I am also grateful for the support of my assistant principals, Melonie Jones, Catrina Nordgren, Quame Patterson, Carlos Rodriguez and Alvita Thomas. They are relentless about our work at Pinecrest, and their work is just as much a part of this award as my own. We work hard each day to get to know each student and staff member because we know that relationships are the key to success. Those relationships built with our students, staff, and families have made the past six years at Pinecrest most rewarding. I can’t thank our Patriot community enough for their trust, love, and support of me and of our school.”
As the 2024-25 Principal of the Year for the district, Moore County Schools has full confidence that she will represent the district with distinction as she competes in the Sandhills Region for Principal of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair stated, “As Superintendent of Moore County Schools, I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Quint Dunlap, Shannon Bates, and Stefanie Phillips for their exceptional dedication and contributions to our district. Their passion for education, unwavering commitment to student success, and innovative leadership truly embody the spirit of excellence we strive for in our schools.
“We are immensely proud to have such outstanding individuals representing Moore County Schools as the Alternate Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Principal of the Year for 2024-25. Their impact on our students, staff, and community is immeasurable, and I have no doubt that they will continue to inspire and empower those around them for years to come.
“We are so thankful for everything Mr. Dunlap, Ms. Bates, and Ms. Phillips do to support our students, staff, parents, and communities. Congratulations, Mr. Dunlap, Ms. Bates, and Ms. Phillips!”
Feature photo: Stefanie Phillips (left), Shannon Bates, and Quint Dunlap.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
