At Harrisburg Elementary, Erin Plummer and Kate Quigley have built something truly special. Beyond their roles as instructional leaders, the pair has cultivated a school-wide culture of creativity, collaboration, and confidence—most notably through the after-school theater program they co-founded and lead.
What began as a way to connect learning with the arts has blossomed into an empowering experience for students of all ages and abilities. Under Erin and Kate’s leadership, children who once hesitated to step forward now take the stage with pride—discovering teamwork, communication, and self-expression along the way.
Their program has also reached beyond the walls of Harrisburg Elementary, inspiring partnerships with other schools in the district. Through these collaborations, they’ve shared best practices, provided mentorship, and helped expand access to theater opportunities for more students—proving that when educators lead with passion, their influence multiplies across the community.
The impact of their leadership is perhaps best captured by their nominator, Assistant Principal Catherine Morrill, who wrote:
“They have created a space where every child—regardless of background or ability—feels seen, valued, and capable. Their work not only enriches our school community, it empowers students to believe in themselves and in what they can achieve together.”
That spirit of inclusion and empowerment is exactly what the Grace Mynatt Award of Excellence seeks to recognize. Named for CCEF’s founder and long-time advocate for innovative education, the award honors educators whose creativity and dedication transform classrooms—and students’ lives.
Erin Plummer and Kate Quigley received this year’s award during the Cabarrus County Education Foundation’s Partners in Education Lunch at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. The annual event brings together business, education, and community leaders to celebrate collaboration and reaffirm a shared belief: when schools and communities work together, students succeed.
Congratulations to Erin Plummer and Kate Quigley, whose creativity, compassion, and commitment to collaboration embody the very best of what teaching can be—and remind us why celebrating educators is at the heart of everything we do.
