In just two weeks, Cumberland County Schools is celebrating yet another prestigious “of the year” honor.
Following a student holiday orchestra performance in the Douglas Byrd Middle School gym, Social Studies teacher Manzell Spencer, Jr. was surprised with the announcement that he has been named the 2026 Sandhills Regional Teacher of the Year!
The news was met with cheers from students, teachers, staff, district leaders, representatives from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Spencer’s relatives, who gathered to celebrate the momentous achievement.
The reigning North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso of Pitt County Schools, delivered the official announcement and shared her congratulations and well-wishes with Spencer. As the Sandhills Regional winner, Spencer will now advance to represent the region in the competition for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year title.
Dr. Latreicia Allen, principal of John Griffin Middle School, was named the 2026 Sandhills Regional Principal of the Year on Dec. 1.
The photos below highlight Spencer's surprise announcement.
