CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – Hiwassee Dam Middle School teacher Alex Vasquez has been named Cherokee County Schools’ 2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year.

Vasquez was surprised in her classroom by her students and members of the Cherokee County Schools Central Office team, who presented her with the award.

During the recognition, Vasquez spoke about her students and the work they put in throughout the 2025-26 school year. She said she was proud of their accomplishments and credited them with helping make her first year a meaningful experience.

Caesar Campana, Cherokee County Schools’ beginning teacher coordinator, also shared comments from Vasquez’s students about their teacher’s impact in the classroom.

According to the school system, students described Vasquez as someone who makes them feel valued, supported and encouraged.

The award recognizes Vasquez’s work as a beginning teacher and her commitment to her students at Hiwassee Dam Middle School.

Cherokee County Schools congratulated Vasquez on the honor and recognized her dedication to her students and the school community.