Grace Mynatt Award of Excellence was presented at CCEF's annual Partners in Education Lunch recently. Created in honor of longtime educator and community advocate Grace Mynatt, this award recognizes an individual whose passion, dedication, and innovation have set students on a path for success far beyond the classroom. This year's recipient, Lara Cabaniss, embodies everything this award stands for.
Jessica Blanchard, R. Brown McAllister STEM elementary school's principal shared, “Lara is repeatedly igniting energy and enthusiasm about STEM, resulting in increased student engagement. As part of the district team for improving STEM, she collaborates with school and community leaders to build participation, especially among underrepresented groups.” Through her leadership, STEM is not just a subject but a vibrant, hands-on experience that prepares students with vital life skills for future careers.
Her accomplishments are numerous, but some highlights include winning the Milken National Award and helping expand the STEM program across 10 schools in Cabarrus County. She also led Coltrane-Webb Elementary to be designated as a STEM School of Distinction, the highest level of recognition. Most recently, she was selected to join the North Carolina Space Education Ambassadors program in collaboration with NASA, where she will help bring NASA’s educational content to students across the state.
Please join us in recognizing Lara Cabaniss as the recipient of this year’s Grace Mynatt Award of Excellence. Her work is truly shaping the future of our students and community.
