Alyssa Mabe, a senior at Union Pines High School, made history this week as the first student to sign the Grow Moore Teachers Pathway Scholarship agreement—a groundbreaking partnership aimed at addressing teacher shortages by cultivating homegrown educators.
During a signing ceremony held Wednesday, May 7, Mabe was honored by education leaders from Moore County Schools, Sandhills Community College (SCC), and UNC Pembroke. The scholarship marks the beginning of her journey toward becoming an elementary school teacher in her hometown.
“We are incredibly proud of Alyssa,” said Moore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair. “This milestone reflects not only her hard work and passion for education, but also the strength of the partnership that is building a brighter future for our students and our community.”
The Grow Moore Teachers Pathway Scholarship provides a seamless, cost-effective route for Moore County Schools graduates to earn an associate degree at SCC, transfer to UNC Pembroke to complete a teaching degree, and return to teach in Moore County Schools. The initiative blends dual enrollment, financial support, and community collaboration to create a pipeline of dedicated, local educators.
SCC President Sandy Stewart underscored the program’s long-term value: “We will always need teachers. This partnership is a unique pathway to help scholars teach in their community.”
Mabe, who will graduate on June 6, has long dreamed of becoming a teacher, inspired by her mother, Kimberly Mabe, an educator herself. “I want to be the same kind of teacher my mom is,” she said. “I’ve seen the impact she has made and how much she cares. I want to teach kids and make a difference in their lives.”
Known for her academic drive and community involvement, Mabe has been a consistent Honor Roll student and Distinguished List honoree throughout high school. She’s also a decorated FFA competitor, regional-level athlete in cross country and track, co-captain of her cross-country team, and an active mentor and youth leader at Red Branch Baptist Church.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Alyssa has amazing leadership skills and is an excellent team player,” said Rachel Wicker, agriculture teacher at Union Pines. “She would make a great addition to the teaching profession, especially here in Moore County.”
Nathan Oakes, Student Ministry Director at Red Branch, echoed that sentiment: “Alyssa is compassionate, resilient, and driven. I have every confidence she will become an incredible teacher and role model.”
With her path now set, Mabe will begin classes at SCC this fall before eventually transferring to UNC Pembroke. Her story is more than a personal achievement—it’s the first step in a local effort to ensure that Moore County classrooms are filled with passionate, qualified educators who understand and love their community.
