The Lake Norman Chamber honored three local educators at the 2026 Education PowerLuncheon held at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville. The event, presented by Atrium Health and sponsored by Cornelius Today, and WSIC featured Melinda Bales, former Huntersville Mayor who spoke about workforce development and career readiness and shared information about the Chamber’s Journey 360 program.
2026 Board Chair Leah Trowbridge presented the Educators of the Year to a Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS), Charter School, and Private School teacher. Assisting in the presentations were Melinda Bales and Brandi Jones, co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative.
The recipients included: Mrs. Angie Phillips – William A. Hough High School; Mrs Madelyn Daggerhart Alston – ASPIRE Trade High School, and. Mrs. Amy Thomaston – Lake Norman Christian School. Novant Health – Huntersville Medical Center received the “Inspire our Future Award” for its efforts in career readiness. A detailed description of each educator’s accomplishments can be found on the chamber’s website at www.lakenormanchamber.org.
Pic CMS 1 Caption. Mrs. Angie Phillips from William A. Hough High School was selected as the Charlotte Mecklenburg 2026 Teacher of the Year. Pictured with Angie is District #1 School Board Member Charlitta Hatch as well as Melinda Bales and Brandi Jones co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative, along with 2026 Chamber Board Chair Leah Trowbridge. Photo courtesy of Ocaid Photography.
Pic 2 Private: Mrs Amy Thomaston was recognized as the 2026 Private School Teacher of the Year from Lake Norman Christian School. Pictured with Amy is former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales along with Brandi Jones co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative, 2026 Chamber Board Chair Leah Trowbridge, and Dr Christian Williams – Head of School. Photo courtesy of Ocaid Photography.
Pic 3 Charter: Mrs. Madelyn Daggerhart Alston from ASPIRE Trade High School was recognized by the Lake Norman Chamber as the 2026 Charter School Teacher of the Year. Pictured with Lafrieeda Busby – Executive Director of ASPIRE Trade High School and Melinda Bales along with Brandi Jones co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative, and 2026 Chamber Board Chair Leah Trowbridge Photo courtesy of Ocaid Photography.
Pic 4 Inspire: Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center was recognized by the Chamber for their support of the Lake Norman Education Collaborative and dedication to career readiness for high school students. Representing Novant is Dylan Mott Administrative Fellow, Community Engagement Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and Melinda Bales along with Brandi Jones co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative, and 2026 Chamber Board Chair Leah Trowbridge Photo courtesy of Ocaid Photography.
