Amber Weary never forgot about teaching. In her first year leading a kindergarten class at McDeeds Creek Elementary, Amber planned on becoming a teacher after graduating high school.
Financial concerns forced her to leave Western Carolina University not long after she first started. It wasn’t until her daughter, Kristine Weary, finished high school that she returned to Western Carolina to realize a dream.
“I had to come back home,” Amber, when reflecting on what caused her early departure, said.
Kristine, now a graduate of Western Carolina, also teaches kindergarten at McDeeds Creek. It’s her second year at the school, which has six kindergarten classrooms. Back in college, her mom was right behind her, finishing in May of 2024.
“We graduated one semester apart,” Amber, who’s lived in Randolph County most of her life, said. “Going to college this late in life was not an easy thing to do. There were times that I questioned whether or not I needed to continue. She was one of the first ones to step up and reassure me.”
“I’m very proud of my mom,” Kristine said. “I’m thankful for my dad for supporting us.”
With Kristine living in Southern Pines, working in the same building brings mother and daughter together more than usual.
“We’re across the hall from each other,” Amber, who was an assistant in a classroom for 15 years prior to becoming a teacher, said. “It just kind of happened. I wouldn’t get to see her that often.”
Like her mom, Kristine is grateful for the chance to work with students.
“I love teaching,” she said. “Without it, I would feel like I wouldn’t have a lot to look forward to. I love working with children. My favorite part is having kids I’ve taught previously walking down the hall to see me.”
Amber realizes teaching children at such an early stage can mean more than intros to the alphabet.
“I like to know there’s somebody out there giving kids support they might not otherwise get,” she said. “That’s my biggest reward, knowing I can make a difference.”
To avoid confusion over the last name, Amber and Kristine have been nicknamed by the kids at McDeeds Creek. Amber is known as “Mama Weary.” Kristine is called “Baby Weary.”
The nicknames, with Kristine getting married in May 2026, won’t be needed down the road.
Away from school, Amber likes spending time with her five grandsons. Kristine is passionate about taking pictures.
“I’m a photographer on the side,” she said. “I just enjoy photography. I also like reading.”
While they come from different generations, there’s not much of a gap when it comes to long-range outlooks. Mother and daughter are happy with where they’re at.
“I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon,” Kristine said.
“I don’t really have an end goal in mind,” Amber said. “I just started. I’m going to keep going.”
Raised in Randolph County, Kristine has found the transition to life in Moore County a smooth one.
“I love it. Coming down to Southern Pines has been great,” she said. “I hope I don’t have to move.”
“I am so proud of her and the young woman that she’s become,” Amber said. “But, even more so, the teacher that she is.”
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Amber (left) and Kristine Weary. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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