ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Rotary Club of Asheville has announced the winners of its 2026 Teachers of Excellence Awards, recognizing five local educators for their dedication and innovation in the classroom.
The recipients, selected from a pool of 30 nominees from Asheville City and Buncombe County schools, will each receive a $2,000 cash award. They will be honored at a luncheon at noon Thursday, Jan. 29, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St., Asheville.
The 2026 award winners are:
- Marianne Simmons, Hall Fletcher Elementary
- Tonya Gesing, Community High School
- Amy Sheeler, Asheville Middle School
- Robin Franklin, Enka High School
- William “Chandler” Greer, AC Reynolds High School
The selection process included detailed essays submitted by each nominee and their nominator, followed by interviews with 10 semi-finalists. A committee of three Rotarians and the presidents of the Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools Foundations chose the final five for their outstanding commitment to students.
Teachers are shaping the future of our youth through innovation, expertise and tireless enthusiasm, the Rotary Club said in a statement. These five educators exemplify the positive impact happening in our public schools every day.
The Teachers of Excellence program is one of 20 active service initiatives led by the Rotary Club of Asheville, combining member volunteerism and financial support to benefit local and global communities.