Lake Norman Chamber Recognizes 2026 Educators of the Year

Huntersville, NC (April 21, 2026) – 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 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.