Stars of Education Gala

Stars of education

Monday, November 9, 2026, 5-8 PM
Raleigh Convention Center

Join us on November 9, 2026 to celebrate Wake County’s education champions.

2026 Honorees Announced >

Make a Nomination

View qualifications and nomination instructions >
EXTENDED! Due by March 26th!

Become a sponsor

Your investment demonstrates your partnership in championing the future of our community’s public schools.

Silent Auction

Bid. Win.

Support Wake County Public Schools.

For the first time, Stars of Education will feature a silent auction — giving guests another exciting way to support Wake County’s educators and students while taking home incredible experiences, packages and prizes. Stars of Education is WakeEd Partnership’s largest fundraising event of the year, bringing together business, education and community leaders to celebrate the people making an extraordinary difference in Wake County Public Schools.

Help Us Build an Amazing Auction

We’re inviting businesses, organizations and individuals to help make our inaugural silent auction a success by donating an item, package or one-of-a-kind experience.

Great auction donations include: Sports, concert and theater tickets; VIP and behind-the-scenes experiences; Weekend getaways and hotel stays; Restaurant and unique dining experiences; Golf, spa and entertainment packages; Technology, jewelry, artwork and premium merchandise; Gift cards and curated gift baskets; Unique products, services or experiences from local businesses

Have access to something special? Experiences people can’t simply buy are often some of the most exciting auction items. We welcome creative ideas and would love to work with you to build a great package.

Every Bid Makes a Difference

100% of silent auction proceeds support WakeEd Partnership’s mission to bring businesses and the community together to support educators and students throughout Wake County Public Schools.

Interested in donating an auction item or experience? Contact Sydney Wingo at swingo@wakeed.org

Silent auction items and bidding information will be available here as we get closer to Stars of Education.

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

Since 1990, this award has honored individuals who, like Senator Vernon Malone, champion public education and use their voice and leadership to uplift all students.

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.

2026 Hall of Fame

Arts

Ragen Carlile

Athletics

Lawrence Dunn

Business

Ralph Ashworth

Community

Ethan Clark

Education

Drew Cook

2026 Robert E. Bridges
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree

Dr. Alice J. Garrett

Dr. Alice J. Garrett is a retired educator whose remarkable 45-year career in public education has left a lasting legacy across North Carolina. She served with distinction as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and as Chief Consultant and Section Chief at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). In her leadership role at NCDPI, Dr. Garrett oversaw statewide efforts to support low-performing schools, working to ensure every child had access to a high-quality education—regardless of zip code.

Her dedication to equity and excellence in education has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the United States Congress and the NAACP President’s Award.

Even in retirement, Dr. Garrett continues her service to others. She is president of the Flood Group and the Bobby F. Garrett Cancer Benefit, Inc., and serves as Church School Superintendent for the Western District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the AME Church.

Dr. Garrett holds a B.A. in Social Science from Allen University, a Master of Teaching from Fordham University, and a Doctor of Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

WakeEd Partnership is proud to honor Dr. Alice J. Garrett with the 2025 Robert E. Bridges Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to students, educators, and communities throughout Wake County and across the state.

2026 Vernone malone
Friend of Education Award

Gary Greene

Gary Greene has spent a lifetime investing in people. As founder of Greene Resources and one of Wake County’s most respected business and civic leaders, he has helped thousands of individuals launch careers, supported countless community organizations, and championed public education for more than three decades.

A Raleigh native and graduate of Brentwood Elementary, East Millbrook Middle School, Millbrook High School, and North Carolina State University, Gary built Greene Resources into one of the Triangle’s most successful workforce and recruiting firms while earning a reputation for integrity, leadership, and community service. Along the way, he has served in leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of the Triangle, Rotary, Friends of Arts NC State, and WakeEd Partnership.

Gary’s commitment to public education is deeply personal. A product of Wake County Public Schools, he has long believed that strong public schools create opportunities for students, strengthen communities, and fuel economic growth. His involvement with WakeEd began more than two decades ago through the organization’s Pieces of Gold program and grew into board service, leadership roles, and ultimately chairmanship of the organization. Today, he remains WakeEd’s longest-serving board member and one of its most dedicated advocates.

Known for his willingness to mentor young professionals, support educators, coach youth sports, and connect people with opportunities for success, Gary has consistently focused on helping others reach their potential. His generosity with his time, talent, and leadership has touched countless lives across Wake County. Through his unwavering support of students, educators, and public education, Gary Greene exemplifies the spirit of Senator Vernon Malone and the values embodied by the Friend of Education Award. His legacy of service and leadership continues to strengthen both Wake County Public Schools and the broader community.