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.
AFCEA- NC Fort Bragg Chapter’s annual summit brings together leaders from industry, academic and research institutions, innovation hubs, Veteran organizations and elite Army and Special Operations commands. Graphic provided by Phil Williams
Fayetteville brokers and agents are entering 2026 with cautious optimism about what lies ahead.
Located at 225 Hay St. in downtown Fayetteville, Cameo Art House Theatre has two auditoriums and screens films ranging from classics to new releases. The theater also prioritizes spotlighting local and up-and-coming filmmakers. Photo by James Throsse
