Cumberland County Schools -

Cumberland County Schools (CCS) proudly celebrates Raqi Barnett, theatre arts educator at E.E. Smith High School, who has been named the 2025 North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators (NCTAE) Educator of the Year.

The annual award recognizes an outstanding theatre arts teacher who demonstrates exceptional instructional quality, inspires students through creativity, and contributes meaningfully to the school and broader community.

Barnett, an active member of NCTAE, was nominated by peers and selected through a statewide voting process at the organization’s Fall Sharing event. She will also serve as Secretary on the NCTAE Board of Directors for 2025.

“Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Barnett, who has been named the 2025 North Carolina Theatre Arts Educator of the Year,” said E.E. Smith Principal Larry Parker. “She will also serve as the NC Theatre Arts Board Member Secretary for 2025 and is the first African American to receive this honor. We are so proud of her for representing E.E. Smith with excellence and creativity.”

This statewide recognition celebrates educators who go 'above and beyond' to elevate theatre programs, foster student engagement, and advance arts education across North Carolina.

Barnett’s achievement continues a tradition of excellence among CCS’ premier professionals, who consistently lead the way in education at the local, state and national levels.