They are teacher leaders in their schools, and Thursday evening they all joined together for the 2025-26 Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year Celebration.
The event celebrates the Teachers of the Year from all 45 Buncombe County Schools, including seven BCS district finalists. The evening concluded with the surprise announcement that Darryl Fox of North Buncombe High School is the overall BCS Teacher of the Year. The Welding teacher will represent the school system in regional competition when the new school year begins.
“I am incredibly honored by this,” said Mr. Fox. “I know the caliber of teachers in my school, the North Buncombe district, and Buncombe County Schools. I am surprised, humbled, and so appreciative.”
Cherlon Young of HomeTrust Bank and Christy Cheek of the Buncombe County Schools Foundation awarded Mr. Fox with a check for $2,000 for his classroom.
Sarah Medsker of W.D. Williams Elementary was announced as the winner of the Ruth Henderson Award. The late Ruth Henderson was a beloved English and Business teacher at Erwin High School. Each year, the Teacher of the Year committee presents this award to a teacher who is community minded, altruistic, and carries on Ruth Henderson’s passion for teaching. Teacher of the Year Committee members shared how she used art to help students heal during recovery from Hurricane Helene. The Buncombe County Schools Foundation presented her with a check for $500 for her classroom.
“This is a remarkable evening,” said BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson. “It is incredible to be in a room of dedicated educators from each of our schools, representing 45 buildings filled with teaching professionals who are there supporting our students every day. In this challenging year, we celebrate them more than ever for the difference they make.”
Students were included on the celebration, with FCCLA members from North Buncombe Middle and North Buncombe High serving dinner, and the Enka High Orchestra performing.
The BCS Teacher of the Year Celebration is made possible thanks to generous partners. Special thanks to Pierce Group Benefits, the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, HomeTrust Bank, Brookstone Church, Smokey and the Pig, Becky’s Florist, and Ingles of Black Mountain for supporting the teachers of Buncombe County Schools.
See more photos from the BCS Teacher of the Year Celebration here.
