Ashley High School’s Mattie Johnson Named 2025 NHCS Rookie of the Year!
Ashley High School’s Mattie Johnson Named 2025 NHCS Rookie of the Year!
WILMINGTON, NC – The Downtown Wilmington Rotary Club held its annual Rookie of the Year Ceremony today, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements among beginning teachers. The spotlight shone brightly on Mattie Johnson, an English teacher at Ashley High School, as she was named the 2025 NHCS Rookie of the Year!
Since joining Ashley High School in December 2022, after earning her Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education English from UNC-Wilmington, Johnson has transformed her classroom into a hub of energy, engagement, and inspiration. Her passion for teaching and dedication to student success have left an undeniable mark on the school community.
Guided by her personal motto, “You Can Do Hard Better,” Johnson empowers her students to tackle challenges with confidence and resilience. She believes that while life’s obstacles don’t necessarily become easier, students can grow stronger, more skilled, and better equipped to overcome them.
Her structured, high-energy classroom environment fosters a love for reading and critical thinking, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed. Johnson attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her colleagues, administration, parents, and students, stating:
"When teachers feel supported in the things that are within control, we can refocus our energy into ensuring student success."
"When teachers feel supported in the things that are within control, we can refocus our energy into ensuring student success."
Ashley High School’s Assistant Principal, Michelle Kornegay, had high praise for Johnson’s leadership and impact:
"Ms. Johnson’s positive, consistent, and confident nature aligns perfectly with The Eagle Way, and we know her leadership potential will only continue to grow. We are beyond proud of her and cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor."
"Ms. Johnson’s positive, consistent, and confident nature aligns perfectly with The Eagle Way, and we know her leadership potential will only continue to grow. We are beyond proud of her and cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor."
Adding to the celebration, Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Barnes commended Johnson’s dedication to education and the lasting impact she is making:
"Mattie Johnson exemplifies everything we hope for in our educators—passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to student success. Her ability to inspire, challenge, and uplift her students is remarkable. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see her continued contributions to NHCS."
"Mattie Johnson exemplifies everything we hope for in our educators—passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to student success. Her ability to inspire, challenge, and uplift her students is remarkable. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see her continued contributions to NHCS."
As she continues to shape young minds, spark curiosity, and instill a love for learning, Mattie Johnson is proving that great teachers don’t just educate—they inspire.
Congratulations, Ms. Johnson, on this well-deserved honor!
