Stars of Education Gala

Stars of education

Join us on November 5, 2025 to celebrate Wake County’s education champions.

2025 Honorees Announced >

Become a sponsor

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

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.

2025 Hall of Fame

Arts

Byron “Bo” Reece

Athletics

Andy Fowler

Business

Sepi Saidi

Community

Jon Powell

Education

Jacqueline Ellis

Entrepreneurship

Venus Liles

2025 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.

2025 Vernone malone
Friend of Education Award

Dr. Randy Woodson

Dr. William “Randy” Woodson served as the 14th Chancellor of NC State University from 2010 to 2025, leading the university through a period of extraordinary growth and achievement. Under his leadership, NC State rose in national rankings, doubled undergraduate applications, and completed a $2 billion fundraising campaign—placing it among a small group of elite public universities. A nationally respected plant scientist and higher education leader, Dr. Woodson also prioritized partnerships that expanded NC State’s reach and impact across North Carolina.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Woodson was a steadfast champion for public education. He worked closely with the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) to support programs that strengthened STEM education, environmental learning, and student success. Initiatives like the Wake Green Schools Partnership, North Carolina Science Olympiad, and joint education advocacy efforts reflect his deep commitment to K–12 collaboration.
Dr. Woodson holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and Cornell University and previously served in leadership roles at Purdue University. Widely recognized for his approachable leadership and strategic vision, he has received honors including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and CEO of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal.

WakeEd Partnership proudly recognizes Dr. Woodson with the Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award for his transformative leadership and enduring contributions to public education in Wake County and beyond.