Thomas Mattos Named Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Educator Extraordinaire
When it comes to dedication, innovation, and leadership in education, Thomas Mattos stands out as an extraordinary figure. With nearly two decades of teaching experience and a commitment to nurturing both students and fellow educators, Mr. Mattos has made an indelible impact on the community of Topsail High School in Pender County, North Carolina.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Mattos has taught a range of English courses, from standard to honors and inclusion classes. His expertise and passion for education earned him the prestigious title of Topsail High School Teacher of the Year in 2022, reflecting the admiration of his colleagues and his exceptional service.
Beyond the classroom, Mattos’s leadership shines. As the English Department Chair, he guides a team of thirteen teachers, ensuring curriculum alignment and fostering professional growth. He is also the founding director of the school’s Peer Tutoring Program, which played a role in helping the school achieve its first-ever ‘A’ rating.
From directing Shakespeare festivals to mentoring new teachers and spearheading intervention programs, Thomas Mattos exemplifies an education extraordinaire—dedicated, visionary, and inspiring.
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Names Shannon Boone as Educator Extraordinaire
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island proudly presents Shannon Boone as an Educator Extraordinaire! Shannon teaches Honors Chemistry and Physics, and Physical Science at Dixon High School. She has taught at Dixon HS for 10 years and in the Onslow County School District for 15 years. She completed her BS Degree in Biology and Secondary Education at Elon University and holds a MS Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from NC State University.
In addition to the excellent academic instruction that she provides to her students she is a shining example of service leadership. She serves as the Key Club and Student Government Advisor, Chairs the Prom Committee and is a Senior Class Advisor. In these roles, through her example and guidance, she is creating the environment and opportunities for young leaders to emerge, excel and serve their community.
Shannon enjoys spending time with her young daughters, Isla, 6 and Alora, 2 years old. They are an active family, enjoying playing outside, crafts, and new experiences and foods when traveling.
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Names Emily Hedrick as Educator Extraordinaire
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island is thrilled to honor another Educator Extraordinaire, Emily Hedrick. Ms. Hedrick is a teacher at Dixon Middle School in Onslow County, where she teaches eighth grade Language Arts. In April of this year Ms. Hedrick was honored as one of the Dixon Middle School Educators of the Year for Literacy. Each year Ms. Hedrick organizes, preps, and schedules over 300 eighth grade students to provide the opportunity for a 1:1 mock interview with a local business owner/manager, entrepreneur, or a community member with a wide range of career/work force knowledge. She always goes the extra mile for her students. She loves it when past students come back to visit! Ms. Hedrick is also very involved in her community, including volunteering as a member of Kiwanis. She supports the Greater Topsail Area Community Garden, often found planting and harvesting with her girls. Thank you for improving our world one community and one child at a time!
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Names Deb Farmer as Educator Extraordinaire
In March 2024 Pender County schools bestowed a well deserved honor upon Deborah Farmer, an educator at Surf City Middle School, naming her the mentor of the month. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contribution to peer mentorship and leadership within the educational community, underscoring the impact she has made. Farmer epitomizes the essence of an educator extraordinaire. With 15 years of teaching experience and a sixth grade math teacher since 2018, farmer demonstrates exceptional dedication to fostering leadership in her peers and students. As the advisor of the builders club sponsored by Kiwanis of Topsail Island, she actively encourages students to engage in servicing projects, including Elementary student tutoring, organizing food drives for Share the Table and beautifying the school’s discovery courtyard with a flower garden. Farmer instills compassion, responsibility, and service in her students Farmer’s impact as an educator extraordinaire is evident in her ability to inspire students to become compassionate leaders and her commitment to supporting her fellow educators. Her leadership and dedication shape a brighter future for Surf City Middle School community and beyond, leaving a lasting and significant impact.
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Names Siobhan Fargo as Educator Extraordinaire
Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island is thrilled to honor our first Educator Extraordinaire, Ms. Siobhan Fargo. Ms. Fargo is a member of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff at Topsail High School. She wears many hats to help the students, including CTE Career Development Counselor, Advisor for both the National Technical Honor Society and the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and member of the Prom Committee. She always goes the extra mile for her students. When field trips were at risk of not taking place due to lack of bus drivers, Ms. Fargo got her certification to be able to drive the students herself. She attended the FFA National Convention as advisor and chaperone. Beyond school, Ms. Fargo is a leader with the Greater Topsail Area Community Garden, The Spot Festival, and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 235. Thank you for improving our world one community and one child at a time!