2024 Stars of education

Join us in October to celebrate Wake County’s education champions. 

 

October 30, 2024 – Raleigh Convention Center

Our Awards

Lifetime achievement

This highest honor is given to an individual who has dedicated their life to improving and creating an unmatched impact on public education. 

 

Friend of Education

This award is given to someone who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public education and shares the personal qualities of the late Senator Vernon Malone. 

 

 

WCPSS Hall of fame

The Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame honors outstanding educators, alumni, and community leaders who through their lives have deeply impacted our community, city, state, or nation.

Community Stars

This NEW award is given to a star teacher and student who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their craft and aspirations, and in doing so elevate WCPSS. 

 

History of the Gala

Stars of Education is WakeEd Partnership’s annual awards gala dinner to celebrate and honor those who have made lasting contributions to public schools in Wake County. The event is WakeEd’s largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds going to support our mission and programs. At the gala each year WakeEd presents the Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award and inducts new members into the Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame. WakeEd also presents its Robert E. Bridges Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gala on a semi-regular basis during years where an honoree is selected. 

2024 Hall of Fame

Arts

Sara Maria Blanton

Athletics

Mark Indermaur

Business

Brad Wilson

Community

Barb Walsh

Education

Dr. Valencia Hicks-Harris

Entrepreneurship

Community Workforce Solutions

2024 Vernone malone
Friend of Education Award

Rep. Rosa Gill

Representative Rosa Gill has had a distinguished career dedicated to education and public service in Wake County, North Carolina. Gill, a native of Wake County, graduated from Shaw University with a major in Mathematics and pursued further studies at NCSU, NCCU, and Duke University. Her journey began as a classroom teacher, where she also served as a student council advisor and coached girls’ varsity tennis and track.

 

Gill’s commitment to education led her to the Wake County Public School Board of Education, where she served for ten years, including terms as Chair and Vice Chair. During her tenure, she worked on policies to enhance academic success, integrate schools, address busing and student assignment issues, and secure a $1 million school bond for facility expansion.


In 2009, Gill was appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives, filling a vacant seat. She was then elected to the General Assembly for seven consecutive two-year terms, where she became known for her advocacy in education, women’s and children’s issues, healthcare access, and social justice. After a long and impactful career, 24 years as an educator and 24 years in politics she decided not to seek reelection in 2024.

2024 Community Awards

Emerging Star

Nabiha Rahman, 2024

Star Among Us

Aneesa McKenzie-Thompson, 2024

Our Amazing 2024 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Award Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

photo booth sponsor

Event Sponsors

WCPSS Hall of Fame Sponsors

Stars Among Us Sponsors

Public School Champion Sponsors

Leadership Recognition Sponsors

Honor Roll Sponsors

Mark Steward Team Real Estate

Caroline McCullen Family & Friends

Triangle Community Foundation

Carruthers Foundation

Wake Stone

Capitol Broadcasting Company

WLFL/WRDC

AJ Fletcher Foundation

Wake PTA Council

NC State College of Education

Pierce Group Benefits

Alfred & Williams Company 

Mary Mac and Tom Bradshaw

Media Partners | In-Kind sponsors

Explore Previous Annual Galas

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