Union Academy Recognizes Teacher of the Year

Union Academy is proud to announce its 2024-2025 staff award winners, honoring those who exemplify excellence in education, character, and service to the school community.

Madison Courtney, Union Academy’s High School Art teacher, has been named Teacher of the Year. A passionate educator for ten years—eight of those at Union Academy—Mrs. Courtney is a graduate of NC State University, where she earned her B.A. in Art and Design. She currently teaches Exploratory Art, Visual Arts II, Honors Visual Arts III, Honors Visual Arts IV, and AP 2-D Art and Design.

“I was completely blown away,” Courtney shared. “There are so many amazing teachers at this school, and to be nominated for this honor is very humbling. I greatly admire all of the winners from previous years and have learned so much from many of them.”

Courtney’s impact in the classroom is rooted in both creative expression and deep compassion. “Teaching is the greatest job in the world. I tell anyone who asks,” she said. “There’s a Van Gogh quote: ‘I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.’ And that’s the heart of it for me. I love art, I believe in its power, but people are the most important works of art.

“These kids are a gift to me, a (sometimes untapped) gift to this world. Some of them need help realizing that potential and seeing everything they have to offer and contribute. I want them to know their worth. This generation inspires me—they’re brave, idealistic, resolute, authentic, and when they’re given an environment where they feel safe enough for unbridled creativity, magic happens. Art has been a safe haven for me all my life. But I don’t teach because I love art, I teach because I LOVE these kids. Beautiful children of God, every one of them. I love spending my days with them, and every day they affirm my deep belief that creativity paired with compassion can grow up and change the world.”

Rebecca Thomas, a fourth-grade teacher and proud Union Academy alumna, has been recognized as Beginning Teacher of the Year. Ms. Thomas brings energy, care, and a deep love for learning to her classroom, making a lasting impact in her first years of teaching.

Carolyn Marsh, a valued member of the elementary school team, has been named Instructional Assistant of the Year. Her compassion, reliability, and strong support for students and teachers alike have made her an essential part of the school’s daily success.

Brittany Rape, Union Academy’s Assistant Athletic Director, received the Grit and Grace Award for her unwavering work ethic, resilience, and leadership in supporting student-athletes. Her commitment to character-building and athletic excellence is a model of Union Academy’s core values.

“These individuals embody the heart of Union Academy,” said Communication Director Jennifer Sutton Smith. “We are proud to recognize their contributions to our students and community. Their dedication reflects the mission of Union Academy—to develop the whole student through community relationships, character education, and academic excellence.”