The Department of Public Instruction recognizes individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to student success, who exemplify leadership in education, and make a significant impact on students in our state. This tradition has continued from the Collaborative Conference for Student Achievement (CCSA) to the current Connecting Communities of Education Stakeholders Conference (CCES). The award was named for Marvin R. Pittman because he embodied these characteristics:

• Assisting students/staff in reaching their full potential
• Being a team player
• Being a leader in the community
• Being an excellent communicator

Dr. Mary W. Black Category: Support Staff Administrator  Dr. Black was nominated for her role as Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services in Cumberland County Schools. She is currently serving as Acting Superintendent. Dr. Black’s life-long commitment and leadership in education have influenced thousands of students globally over her 50 years in education.  Demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to student success through her daily advocacy, Dr. Black ensures all students are provided with the opportunity to access a free appropriate public education.

Marie Delaney Category: Support Staff Ms. Delaney was nominated for her role as a School Counselor at PIedmont IB Middle School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She is a Nationally Board Certified counselor who serves the district as a lead counselor. Ms. Delaney is a model for counselors and teachers in supporting and embracing diverse students and their unique/individual needs. Ms. Delaney never becomes complacent and is truly a lifelong learner, continuously reflecting on her practice and the programs and services offered at the school.

Nikii Pittman Category: Volunteer Ms. Pittman serves as a volunteer in McDowell County Schools. She is the driving force behind creating a career-oriented program for eighth graders that has grown into a program that provides mentoring services, career awareness, and the development of soft skills to high school students. Through her work at Columbia Forest Products as an HR professional, she continues to encourage the county's superintendent, central office staff, county sheriff, and company staff to improve programs implemented in order to meet students' changing needs.  Her enthusiasm and "can do" attitude makes her an amazing partner for McDowell County Schools.

Cristina Quattrone Category: Teacher Ms, Quattrone was nominated for her work as a 4th grade teacher at Tiller School in Beaufort County Schools. She is a dynamic teacher that draws students in through her playful personality and keeps them hooked by learning what they love and bringing it into the classroom. Cristina will leave a lasting legacy at her school through the community partnership she has established with the Duke University Marine Lab (DUML). She has worked with a DUML research scientist to create and implement a curriculum that integrates state standards and marine debris education. She is a true asset to Tiller School.

Meredith Williams Category: Administrator Ms. Williams was nominated for her work as principal at North Rowan High in Rowan-Salisbury Schools. She believes in "failing forward" and demonstrates a healthy transparency about her own learning that encourages risk-taking and reaching higher among the staff. She believes in innovation and has made such changes to her school: implementing a community schools model, aligning school calendar with local community college to allow upper classman to dually enroll, and creating the opportunity for personalized curriculums. Principal Williams has a strong vision of what North Rowan High can become and works to make that a reality.

The 2019 Marvin R. PIttman Champion Awards for Education luncheon is Tuesday, March 18, 2019, at 12 noon. Registration is required for attendance. 

Click here to register for the conference. Questions???? Email us at cces@dpi.nc.gov