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.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
