A Grays Chapel Elementary School educator has been selected as the 2026-2027 Lynda Petty Honored Educator Scholar, a scholarship presented through the Development Foundation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT).

The scholarship honors the legacy of the late Lynda Petty, a longtime Randolph County education advocate who dedicated much of her life to supporting public education and children in the community. Widely known as the “First Lady of NASCAR,” Mrs. Petty was also a passionate leader in education. In addition to volunteering in local schools, she served on the Randolph County Board of Education for 16 years, from 1984 to 2000, including seven years as chairperson.

Through the Lynda Petty Honored Educator Scholarship, the 2026-2027 recipient will have the opportunity to attend an NCCAT professional development program of their choice during the school year.

The scholarship covers the full cost of participation, including instruction, food and lodging at the NCCAT campus, program materials, travel expenses to and from the campus, and the cost of a substitute teacher while the educator attends the program. In addition, the Petty Scholar will receive $250 to use in the classroom, providing an opportunity to bring additional resources and learning experiences to students.

This scholarship is a meaningful tribute to Mrs. Petty's commitment to education and her belief in the importance of supporting educators. It also provides a valuable opportunity for the recipient to continue growing professionally and bring new ideas and strategies back to the classroom.

The Randolph County School System congratulates Grays Chapel Elementary educator, Wendy Baldwin on this well-deserved honor and is proud to see her dedication to students and the teaching profession recognized through the legacy of Lynda Petty.

Congratulations Ms. Baldwin on being named the 2026-2027 Lynda Petty Honored Educator Scholar! Your commitment to Grays Chapel Elementary students and to education is making a difference every day.