Stars of Education Gala Presented by Martin Marietta Returns November 9 at the Raleigh Convention Center
RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd), a business-backed nonprofit organization committed to supporting teachers, students, and public education in Wake County, today announced the honorees for its 13th annual Stars of Education Gala, presented by Martin Marietta. The event will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The event celebrates individuals whose leadership, service, and achievements have strengthened public education and enriched the Wake County community.
Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award
WakeEd Partnership is proud to honor Gary Greene, Founder of Greene Resources, with the 2026 Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award.
Presented since 1990, the Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to public education and exemplify the dedication and commitment of the late Senator Vernon Malone, a tireless advocate for educational opportunity.
“For more than three decades, Gary Greene has been one of the strongest champions for public education in Wake County,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “Anyone who knows Gary knows he is always willing to help. Whether mentoring young professionals, supporting students and educators, or providing leadership to organizations like WakeEd, he has spent a lifetime investing in others. His generosity with his time, talent, and leadership has touched countless lives across our community, and we are honored to recognize that legacy with the Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award.”
A Raleigh native and graduate of Wake County Public Schools, Greene attended Brentwood Elementary, East Millbrook Middle School, and Millbrook High School before graduating with honors from North Carolina State University. While attending NC State, he worked as a substitute teacher at East Millbrook Middle School. He later founded Greene Resources, one of the region’s most successful workforce and recruiting firms, while dedicating decades of service to civic, business, and educational organizations throughout the Triangle. Greene has served as chair of both WakeEd Partnership and the Greater Raleigh Chamber and continues to mentor students, young professionals, and community leaders throughout Wake County.
Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame
At the Stars of Education Gala, five remarkable honorees will be inducted into the Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame. Established in 2013, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact in the areas of Arts, Athletics, Business, Community Service, and Education.
The Class of 2026 inductees are:
Arts – Ragen Carlile
Ragen Carlile is a Raleigh native and 2024 Raleigh Medal of Arts recipient who has dedicated more than 27 years to expanding access to arts education and cultural opportunities throughout Wake County. Earlier in her career, she worked with arts organizations in Los Angeles and North Carolina, creating community-centered arts experiences that broadened access to cultural opportunities for audiences of all ages. As Vice President of Programming for United Arts Wake County, she has worked with schools, municipalities, and arts organizations to connect students, educators, and communities with meaningful arts experiences.
Athletics – Lawrence Dunn
Lawrence Dunn is a trailblazing educator and coach whose career in Wake County Public Schools spanned decades, beginning after his graduation from Berry O’Kelly High School in segregated Raleigh. A standout athlete who earned a basketball scholarship to North Carolina A&T State University, Dunn later returned home to mentor generations of students as a teacher and coach. He led championship teams at Garner High School and Athens Drive High School—where he was the inaugural men’s basketball coach—and was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 2012 for his lasting impact on student-athletes and the game.
Business – Ralph Ashworth
Ralph Ashworth is the founder of Ashworth Drugs, a beloved downtown Cary institution that served generations of families for 67 years. A longtime business and community leader, Ashworth helped shape Cary’s growth while remaining deeply committed to supporting students, educators, and families. Alongside his late wife, Daphne, he established the Cary Chamber’s Honor A Teacher program in 1991, creating a lasting tradition of recognizing outstanding educators across western Wake County. Over the years, Ashworth Drugs also employed hundreds of local students, providing valuable work experience and mentorship to generations of young people.
Community Service – Ethan Clark
Ethan Clark is the founder of North Carolina’s Weather Authority, a trusted source of weather information relied upon by communities across the state. A graduate of Broughton High School and NC State University, Clark has spent more than a decade providing accurate, localized forecasts while also promoting science education through visits and presentations at schools throughout North Carolina.
Education – Drew Cook
Drew Cook is a Wake County native and longtime Wake County Public Schools leader whose career was defined by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success. A graduate of Garner Senior High School, Cook returned to his alma mater as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal before advancing to district leadership. As Assistant Superintendent for Academics, he helped guide instructional initiatives impacting more than 160,000 students, including the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent learning recovery efforts. A former WCPSS Principal of the Year and North Carolina Principal of the Year, Cook retired in 2025 after nearly three decades of service to public education.
“This year’s Hall of Fame inductees represent the very best of Wake County,” said Poston. “Their stories reflect the many ways individuals can strengthen public education and improve the lives of students—from the arts and athletics to business, public service, and educational leadership. We are proud to welcome them into the Wake County Public Schools Hall of Fame.”
WakeEd’s Star Among Us Educator Award and Emerging Star Student Award recipients will be announced later this year.
Now in its 13th year, Stars of Education has recognized outstanding educators, students, business leaders, and community advocates whose contributions have strengthened public education across Wake County while helping support WakeEd’s mission-driven programs.
Visit our event web site for sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Stars of Education Gala. Individual tickets will be available soon. For more information, visit www.WakeEd.org/Stars.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a leading independent nonprofit backed by business and community leaders to support the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Since 1983, WakeEd has united businesses and the community in support of strong public schools because strong public schools build a stronger Wake County. For more information, visit www.WakeEd.org.