Stars of Education is WakeEd Partnership’s annual awards gala to celebrate and honor those who have made lasting contributions to public schools in Wake County. The Wake County Public School System is North Carolina’s largest school district, with more than 161,000 students, 191 schools, and more than 10,000 teachers. This annual gala is WakeEd’s largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds going to support our mission and award-winning programs serving local students and teachers. 

During our first ever virtual Stars of Education gala in 2020, we were proud to present the prestigious Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award to Jill Staton Bullard, co-founder of the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Jill has been an champion for ending hunger in Raleigh and in surrounding counties for more than 27 years. Founded in 1989, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle saves 5.5 million pounds of healthy food from being thrown away and re-routes it to people in need. Six outstanding Wake County educators, alumni, and community leaders were also inducted into the Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame. Each member of the Class of 2020 has has deeply impacted public education or the quality of life in North Carolina through the Arts, Athletics, Business, Community Service, Education or Entrepreneurship.

We’re looking forward to celebrating in-person this year at Stars of Education on October 4, 2021. Stay tuned for more event information and announcements.