Robbins Elementary School Principal Heather Seawell has been named Moore County's 2009-2010 Principal of the Year, while West Pine Middle music teacher Marci Houseman was named Teacher of the Year.

Both were recognized recently at an awards ceremony.

Seawell is a 12-year veteran of the school system, starting out as a fifth-grade teacher. She is a past recipient of the N.C. Science Teacher Association Student Teacher of the Year.

Within four years of entering the classroom, she earned her National Board Certification. After teaching for five years, she was accepted as a N.C. Principal Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began as an administrative intern at New Century Middle, West Pine Middle and North Moore High. >In 2005, she received her master's degree in school administration and became assistant principal at Robbins Elementary and Elise Middle School.

"She has excelled and provided outstanding leadership for both teachers and students," Superintendent Susan Purser said.

The selection of the principal of the year is made by the school system's 22 principals. Seawell will now go on to compete against principals from 11 other counties for the regional honor. The state principal of the year will then be chosen from the eight regional winners.

"They are the guiding force which makes schools what they are today," Purser said of the system's principals, "That one phrase pretty much sums up the importance of the principal's role in our schools - and I want you to know that I'm extremely proud of the guiding forces we have leading Moore County's schools today.

"Principals, your job is an awesome one and quite often a thankless one, but I know I speak for everyone here tonight when I say you're appreciated and admired for what you do each day."

Houseman has taught for almost 11 years, three of which have been in her present position. She said she originally had no plans to become a teacher, but the "radiant countenance" of a teacher she saw with a class of public school students while she was in college convinced her to change her goal of becoming an optometrist.

Houseman said she has found "real joy" in motivating students to succeed.

"As I look at my students as individuals," she said. "I seek to provide musical experiences that build self-esteem and character. I invite students to see beyond their differences as they work toward a common goal. I supplement my curriculum with activities that encourage students to develop attributes and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, whether or not they pursue a musical career."

Houseman will now go on to represent Moore County in regional competition. Regional winners compete for the state award, which will be announced early next year.

Named as alternate Teacher of the Year was Solomon Dixon, a health and physical education teacher from Southern Middle School. Dixon said he was influenced greatly by his football coach and has used his athletic experiences to formulate his teaching methods, utilizing competition as a very successful motivator for students.

"My primary goal as a teacher is to play an integral part in the development and growth of all of my students," he said.

Dixon will serve in a back-up capacity in the event Houseman is unable to serve.

Individual school Teachers of the Year were also recognized. They are Amy Kirk, Aberdeen Elementary; Cynthia Lawhon, Aberdeen Primary; Jeanne Aiman, Academy Heights Elementary; Heidi Oxendine, Cameron Elementary; Mandy Nall, Carthage Elementary; Rachel Lewis, Elise Middle; Beth Massey, Highfalls Elementary;

Corinne Walls, New Century Middle School; Mike Brady, North Moore High; Pat Cheek, Pinckney Academy; Kristen Blue, Pinecrest High; Cathie Ward, Pinehurst Elementary; Martha Lewkowicz, Robbins Elementary School; Shelby Wooten, Sandhills Farm Life Elementary; Christine Leo, Southern Pines Elementary; Angie Meadows, Southern Pines Primary; Sarah Bright, Union Pines High; Vivian Lages, Vass-Lakeview Elementary; Anita Mashburn, West End Elementary; and Keely Ellis, Westmoore Elementary School.

Contact John Krahnert III by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.