RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership, a nonprofit organization that supports teachers and students in Wake County Public Schools, announced the recipients of this year’s teacher award, the “Star Among Us” Award, given to one Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) educator, and the “Emerging Star” Award, given to one WCPSS senior high school student. Both awards include a $5,000 prize for each recipient and will be presented on November 5, 2025, at WakeEd’s 12th Annual Stars of Education Gala.
“The Stars of Education gala shines a spotlight on the passion, creativity, and leadership of our students and educators,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “It’s a celebration not just of individual achievement, but of the strength of public education in Wake County.”
The “Emerging Star” Award is being presented by Delta Dental to Wake Forest High School Senior Alejandro Garcia. Alejandro is passionate about leaving a legacy of equity and inclusion for those who come after him. Representing his school in the IGNITE program, he co-founded the Student Equity Team, which has strengthened student-staff connections and launched an on-campus school store to meet student needs. “Establishing a legacy that others can trace and build upon is at the core of my values,” Alejandro says, reflecting the purpose behind his leadership.
In addition to his work with equity initiatives, Alejandro has nurtured a more inclusive and culturally rich school environment. As president of the Spanish Honor Society, he has created opportunities for students to celebrate Latin American culture and the Spanish language, while his role as vice president of the Cultural Connections Club has highlighted the many cultures represented within the school community. Proud of his heritage and committed to lifting others, Alejandro plans to carry his passion for equity and community with him into higher education and beyond.
Students were nominated by their administrative staff, with input from teachers and other staff members across WCPSS’s high schools. There were 33 nominations in total, with 9 finalists including Mr. Garcia.
The “Star Among Us” Award is being presented by Equitable to Aurelis Lugo, a Visual Arts Specialist at Herbert Akins Road Middle School. Aurelis is a proud Puerto Rican artist, educator, and advocate who uses art as a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change. With more than sixteen years of teaching experience in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, she was named Herbert Akins Road Middle’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. She leads initiatives such as We Can Too, an exhibition highlighting the creativity of students with severe disabilities, and open studio nights that bring families and the community into the art-making process. Her artwork has been exhibited internationally, including in Puerto Rico, the United States, London, Tokyo, and the Dominican Republic.
She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts Education from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Media Content from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill. Her accolades include the NEA Global Learning Fellowship Award, the VOYA Unsung Heroes Award, recognition from the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for her cultural contributions, and selection to the 2025 School of the Arts Leaders Cohort by the National Art Education Association. Rooted in socio-emotional leadership, Lugo believes art can build dialogue, equity, and hope—and she continues to embody that mission as an educator, artist, and community leader.
Teachers were nominated through an open-community nomination process. During this time, over 300 nominations from across the district were submitted. Teachers nominated self-selected to participate further in the process. In the end, 13 finalists were selected including Ms. Lugo.
The “Emerging Star” Award and the “Star Among Us” Award is presented each year alongside the “Friend of Education Award.” Both the “Emerging Star” and “Star Among Us” awards are honors that are designed to recognize the brilliance of one high school senior and one K-12 educator from the WCPSS district, respectively, who have a strong presence within their school communities, and their communities-at-large.
For more information about WakeEd’s Stars of Education Gala, including tickets, tables, and sponsorships available, visit: https://www.wakeed.org/stars-of-education-gala/
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.
