Photo caption: State Superintendent Mr. Maurice “Mo” Green, CCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, and PES Principal Mr. Lemondre Watson, honor Mr. Shane Henderson, recipient of the 2025 NC Milken Educator Award.
Photo credit: Chatham County Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2025
Pittsboro Elementary Celebrates 65 Years of Excellence and Student Achievement
Surprise Milken Educator Award announcement highlights landmark celebration
PITTSBORO, N.C. — On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Pittsboro Elementary School (PES) celebrated its 65th anniversary with a community-wide event honoring both the school’s long-standing legacy and the achievements of its students. Families, staff, community partners, and distinguished guests gathered under the leadership of Principal Lemondrè Watson to mark the occasion.
Adding to the celebration’s significance, North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green made a surprise appearance to announce the recipient of the 2025 North Carolina Milken Educator Award to Mr. Shane Henderson.
Henderson currently serves as a 4th grade teacher at PES, where he has spent the last decade making a profound impact on students and colleagues alike. A proud product of the Chatham County community, Henderson’s journey from bus driver to instructional assistant to classroom educator reflects his powerful growth mindset and unwavering commitment to student success. Known for his innovative, data-driven teaching practices, he recently led his fourth-grade class to a 16-point increase in reading proficiency and a 75% overall passing rate on end-of-year assessments. Beyond the classroom, Henderson organizes the Breakfast for Brainiacs club, leads as grade-level chair, serves on both the School Improvement and behavior teams, and even maintains his CDL license to step in as a bus driver when needed. He is also a sought-after voice in education, having presented strategies for boosting literacy at the National School Boards Association’s Conference for Public Education Leaders. Beloved by students, who celebrate his birthday like a national holiday, and respected by peers, Henderson is a passionate advocate for equity, student growth, and teacher leadership.
A National Honor Comes to Chatham County
Often dubbed the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards is the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program. While film has the Oscar™, music has the Grammy™, science the Nobel, and sports its gold medals, education has the Milken.
For over 30 years, the Milken Educator Awards, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, have celebrated early-to-mid career education professionals who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. The award comes with a $25,000 unrestricted financial prize and membership in the Milken Educator Network, a prestigious group of leaders who are shaping the future of education across the country.
Unlike traditional lifetime achievement awards, the Milken Award honors educators for what they’ve already accomplished, and the promise of what’s still to come.
A Celebration of Legacy and Promise
The morning was filled with joy, reflection, and recognition as the school honored both its 65-year history and the incredible achievements of its current students. Student success in academics, leadership, and community involvement was spotlighted throughout the program. Principal Watson reflected on the school's legacy, stating, “For 65 years, Pittsboro Elementary has been a place where young minds grow, curiosity thrives, and community roots run deep. Today is both a celebration of where we’ve been and a look toward where we’re going.”
“Pittsboro Elementary has long been a cornerstone of our district, and this celebration is a powerful reminder of the legacy and promise that define our schools,” said Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Superintendent of Chatham County Schools. “Recognizing one of our own with the prestigious Milken Educator Award is not just an honor for the individual, it’s a reflection of the excellence we strive for every day in Chatham County. It affirms our mission of ONE Chatham for ALL students by highlighting the transformative impact that passionate, dedicated educators have on every learner they serve.”
Superintendent Green praised the school’s continued impact, commending the educators and families that make Pittsboro Elementary a pillar in the Chatham County community.
To watch the recording of the event, visit https://bit.ly/PES_65th_Livestream.
About the Milken Educator Awards
The Milken Educator Awards were established in 1987 to reward and inspire excellence in education. Honorees are selected in collaboration with state education departments and are recognized during surprise ceremonies in front of their students and colleagues. To date, more than 2,900 educators have received the honor, totaling over $70 million in individual awards and professional development.
To learn more about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org
For more information about Chatham County Schools, please contact CCS’s Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión, at (919) 542-3626 or visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us.
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Contact:
Jessica Pasión
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: (919) 542-3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 9,000 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, anπd engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.
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