Four finalists have been announced for the 2026 Rising Star Award for outstanding second-year teachers. They will be invited to attend the April 9 Wicomico Teacher of the Year Celebration with a guest, and that night education advocates Bill and Teresa McCain will announce the winner of the 2026 Rising Star Award.
Congratulations to these finalists, listed in alphabetical order:
Ayonna Brunson, Math, Salisbury Middle
Trinity Parker, 5th Grade, East Salisbury Elementary
Leslie Twining, Health Education, Bennett Middle
SeVonne Whittington, Kindergarten, Charles H. Chipman Elementary
Sixty-nine second-year teachers were eligible for Rising Star consideration. After the first round of scoring, the top 16 were named semifinalists. Those semifinalists for Rising Star were invited to submit a video for a chance to win this prestigious award – and the $1,000 that comes with it – from the award sponsors, the McCains.