Kevin Ojaniit Named NCCAT BTOY Finalist

Kevin Ojaniit ’23 has been named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Ojaniit teaches seventh grade social studies and science at Myrtle Grove Middle School.

The award celebrates beginning teachers and supports their retention as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public and charter schools.

“NCCAT is honored to recognize this remarkable group of educators,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble in a press release. “Each finalist has demonstrated a profound commitment to their students, schools, and communities. Their work exemplifies the best of teaching and highlights the critical role educators play in shaping our future. Congratulations to all our finalists—North Carolina is proud of you.”

Mr. Ojaniit graduated from UNCW with a bachelor’s degree in history with a Secondary Education concentration. He is currently in his second year of teaching.

He was recently featured in a 2024 Seahawk Story: Kevin Ojaniit ’23.

The 27 finalists from across the state will attend a professional development week at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro in March. One finalist will be named the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year during a ceremony on March 27.

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