Students, educators, and technology leaders were recognized for their innovation and excellence during the second annual Moore County Schools STEM and Technology Awards Day, held May 29 at Central Services in Carthage.
Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair delivered the keynote address, highlighting the district’s commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Locklair said the district’s mission is to ensure students are equipped to thrive in a “dynamic professional landscape.”
Among the day’s top honors, the Machine Makers robotics team from Elise Middle School took first place at the Middle School Robotics Competition, held earlier in May at Pinecrest High School. The team earned the highest score in the district for their performance in programming, building and problem-solving. This marks the second straight year Elise Middle has won the event.
Dawn Cazier, a veteran educator at Southern Pines Elementary, was named the 2025 STEM and Computer Science Catalyst for her innovative classroom work. Her fifth-grade students were invited to Raleigh last fall to demonstrate how they integrate coding and robotics into math instruction. The honor includes a financial award from the Public Education Foundation of Moore County to support future STEM initiatives in her classroom.
The day’s highest honor, the Frick Technology Achievement Award, was presented to Ethan Hunt, a senior at Union Pines High School. The scholarship, sponsored by local education advocate Ed Frick, recognizes Hunt’s academic excellence and his commitment to STEM disciplines.
A graduate of Vass-Lakeview Elementary and Crain’s Creek Middle, Hunt has been active in STEM camps, robotics, and Science Olympiad. He has also taken advanced courses through both Moore County Schools and Sandhills Community College. He will graduate June 6 and plans to study engineering and computer science at North Carolina State University.
Will Herring, Assistant Director for Technology, closed the program by encouraging students to embrace adaptability and creativity as essential skills in the face of accelerating technological change.
Moore County Schools leaders say events like STEM and Technology Awards Day showcase the district’s ongoing investment in the future—one student at a time.
