Moore County Schools hosted its second annual STEM and Technology Awards Day on May 29, recognizing outstanding accomplishments across the district in technology education. Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair delivered the keynote address, discussing the district’s commitment to STEM education and its role in preparing students for a dynamic professional landscape.
During the event, Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair and robotics program coordinator Will Allred recognized the robotics team, Machine Makers, from Elise Middle School. The Machine Makers took first place at the Middle School Robotics Competition held May 9 at Pinecrest High School. The Machine Makers demonstrated exceptional skill in programming, building, and problem-solving, earning the highest score as the competition concluded. This marked the second consecutive year Elise Middle School claimed the first-place trophy in the event.
Dawn Cazier of Southern Pines Elementary School has been recognized as the 2025 STEM and Computer Science Catalyst. An educator for 18 years and a noted classroom innovator, Cazier and her fifth-grade students were invited to Raleigh in fall 2024 to demonstrate their integration of technology—including coding and robotics—into elementary mathematics for leaders from across the state. This recognition, supported by Ed Frick and the Public Education Foundation of Moore County, includes a financial award to advance future STEM education in her classroom.
Ethan Hunt of Union Pines High School received the prestigious Frick Technology Achievement Award, the event’s top honor. This scholarship, generously sponsored by Frick, was presented by Locklair and Andrew Lyons on behalf of the Public Education Foundation of Moore County. The monetary award recognizes Hunt’s achievements and invests in his future technology endeavors.
Hunt attended Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, Crain’s Creek Middle School, and will graduate from Union Pines High School on June 6. He has excelled in advanced math and science courses through both Moore County Schools and Sandhills Community College. Ethan’s extracurricular activities include participation in the MCS STEM Camp, robotics clubs, and the Science Olympiad team at Union Pines High School. After graduation, Hunt plans to attend North Carolina State University to study engineering and computer science.
“Moore County Schools is dedicated to fostering student talent and equipping them to harness the limitless potential of technology,” said the school district in a press release. “Will Herring, Assistant Director for Technology, emphasized that while the future is unknown, the pace of technological advancement and change will only increase. He stressed that to thrive in this evolving environment, students must be clever, adaptable, opportunistic, and creative. Accordingly, Moore County Schools staff work diligently each day to ensure students are prepared for future success.”
Feature photo: The Machine Makers of Elise Middle School won the district’s Middle School Robotics Competition on May 9 at Pinecrest High School. Left to right: Kadence Dalmida, Samuel McCraw, Bree Person, Amanda Britt (Coach), Dr. Tim Locklair, and Darren Diego. All photos by Moore County Schools.
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