Moore County Schools announced Carol Lamphier as the recipient of the 2024 Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year Award. Although Lamphier was unable to attend the annual volunteer luncheon held Wednesday, Southern Pines Elementary School Principal Dr. Pratt graciously accepted the award on her behalf and will present it to Lamphier at a later date.
Lamphier, a retired educator with over 45 years of experience in reading literacy, has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of students in Moore County. Since her retirement in 1991, Lamphier has continued to dedicate her time to improving the reading skills of young learners. Her extensive experience includes roles as a reading consultant and assistant principal, where she tirelessly advocated for literacy education.
In 2006, Lamphier joined Brownson Presbyterian Church and soon after helped establish the Brownson Buddies Tutoring Program at Southern Pines Elementary School. For the past four years, she has not only trained volunteers but also tutored students in grades three to five. Her deep passion for helping students shines through in her commitment, as she explains, “I love being with the kids and helping those who have needs. I look forward to each year.”
“Lamphier’s selfless dedication and unwavering passion for literacy have left a lasting impact on the students, teachers, administrators, and families of Southern Pines Elementary School,” said the school district in a press release. “We are truly grateful for her service and her commitment to shaping the future of Moore County Schools.”
The Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of Eileen Vansant, a lifelong educator who began her career teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, instructing students in grades one through eight. Vansant dedicated over 40 years to education before retiring to Southern Pines in 1995. Even in retirement, her passion for service continued, and she began volunteering at Southern Pines Elementary School at the age of 81. Her tireless commitment to education was recognized in 2003 when she received the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s Award. After her passing in 2004, then-volunteer coordinator Linda Hubbard established the Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year Award in her honor, recognizing individuals who demonstrate the same spirit of dedication and service to Moore County Schools.
“Moore County Schools is fortunate to have a vibrant volunteer community,” said the district. “Among the many roles they fulfill at our schools, perhaps the most important is serving as a positive example of servant leadership for our students. Their contributions are invaluable to our schools’ success, and we sincerely thank them for sharing their time, talents, and lives with us. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering in one of our schools, please visit www.ncmcs.org/community/volunteers.”
Feature photo: (Left to right) Southern Pines Elementary School Principal, Dr. Pratt, accepts the 2024 Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Carol Lamphier. Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair stands next to her.
Contributed article and photo.
