Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is proud to recognize Nathan Emerick as the 2024-2025 Outstanding First Year Teacher. Kenia Perez-Melchor and Ralph Vitale were recognized as award finalists.
Emerick is an Exceptional Children Resource & Inclusion teacher at West View Elementary and a graduate of East Carolina University.
His nomination by the West View Elementary administration noted that Emerick goes above and beyond to be involved in every school community event. He assists with co-leading the "Singing Owls Chorus Team” and "Girls on the Run". He also attends all PTA meetings, fundraiser events, and parent nights. Emerick attends learning or educational opportunities that are offered if he feels it will better himself or benefit the school as a whole.
Kenia Perez-Melchor is a 2024-2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year finalist. A 2019 graduate of Smithfield-Selma High, she received her degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Perez-Melchor is a first-grade teacher at Four Oaks Elementary, and supports and empowers her students by motivating them to take ownership of their learning. In addition, Perez-Melchor helps her students build self-confidence by encouraging them to develop problem-solving skills.
Ralph Vitale is also a finalist for the 2024-2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year. As the Fire Science Academy Instructor at Smithfield-Selma High, Vitale effectively uses hands-on, real-world applications of fire science concepts to engage students, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Their ability to break down complex topics into relatable, easy-to-understand lessons facilitates deep understanding and student success.
A Wilson Community College graduate, Vitale spent 19 years as a fireman prior to joining JCPS. During that time he served as a firefighter, an engineer, and as a captain of the department.
This year, there were 36 nominees representing approximately 165 first year teachers. Emerick received a $500 grant from Randy Burge with Horace Mann Insurance. Perez-Melchor and Vitale each received a $250 grant from the Johnston County Education Foundation.
Dating back to as early as 1996, JCPS first year teachers have been recognized for their immediate impact on their students, their peers, and the school district as a whole.