Features

The Weekly Talon Presents: Student Choice Awards 2026

Lila Moore, Carden Stroud, Natalie Quance, Riley McNeil, Hayden Smith, Aaron Lobb, Addison Cline, and Jaynie Patton • June 5, 2026

Riley McNeil

The Weekly Talon once again presents its annual Student Choice Awards.

With just days left until the start of summer, it is once again time to reflect on another great year at Davie High. Though memories of the last nine months may be filled with football games, lunch table conversations, and classroom adventures, there is no doubt that what makes our school so special is the people inside it. Over the last week, students and staff were given the chance to show their appreciation for these impactful educators by voting for teacher and staff superlatives. Read on to learn more about these staff members who make every day a great day to be a War Eagle.

Student Choice Awards 2026

Teacher besties Kamryn Akers, Laura Doub, Meranda Shoemaker, and Megan Baker pose with their award. (Grace Carroll)

Best Teacher Besties: Kamryn Akers, Laura Doub, Megan Baker, and Meranda Shoemaker

Few people are fortunate enough to work with their best friend — but for several of Davie High School’s history teachers, this dream is the reality. Kamryn Akers, Laura Doub, Megan Baker, and Meranda Shoemaker teach in the same school building and the same department, allowing them to work side by side each day. These teacher besties are also bonded by another shared interest: their love of Taylor Swift. From designing Swift-themed bulletin boards to blasting her music throughout the history hallway, these teachers have been lovingly named “History's Swifties.”
Yvette Shore poses with her Student Choice Award. (Hayden Smith)

Most Likely to Have A Story for Everything: Yvette Shore

If you’ve ever been in a class with Yvette Shore, at some point during the lesson, she will have a story for you. From tales about her childhood and lessons she learned to random stories about her children that could be seen as cautionary tales. Just know, you never want to cross her, or you might end up being one of the tales of former students…
Collin Ferebee accepts his Student Choice Award (though he had been hoping for a different recognition). (Aaron Lobb)

Most Likely to Say “Chat, Is This Real?”: Collin Ferebee

From sarcastic comments to random slang, science teacher Collin Ferebee has mastered the art of staying in touch with student culture (and occasionally going viral on TikTok). Whether in the classroom breaking down difficult physics concepts or on the court coaching Davie High’s Women's Tennis team, Ferebee’s unique humor is sure to make every day more entertaining (and slightly more cringeworthy).
Matt Barker poses with his Student Choice Award amidst a sea of whiteboard fish. (Rachel Starkey)

Most Quotable Teacher: Matt Barker

From the comedic quips to unhinged sayings, every passing comment is quotable from English teacher Mathew Barker. Students at Davie High agree that no matter what the situation, Barker always has something funny to say that solidifies his place with the title of most quotable teacher.
Terrell Wilson locks in and strikes a pose with his Student Choice Award in hand. (Grace Carroll)

Most Likely to Say “Lock-In” Every Five Minutes: Terrell Wilson

From constantly buzzing phone notifications to side conversations with friends, distractions in school are nearly inescapable. Thankfully for Davie High, though, whether in the classroom, with his eSports club, or on the field, math teacher Terrell Wilson does all he can to keep his students engaged and on track — or, in the words of Gen Z, “locked in.”
Laura Doub poses in her room to show off her Student Choice Award. (Aaron Lobb)

Best Room: Laura Doub

History teacher Laura Doub’s room is sure to never go out of style. Full of colorful decorations, historical treasures, and, of course, plentiful Taylor Swift references, Doub’s classroom creates an immediately inviting atmosphere. This teacher is in her classroom era, earning the award for Davie High’s best classroom.
Bailey Grubb sits behind her desk (and far away from the TV) as she shows off her Student Choice Award (Hayden Smith)

Most Likely to Start Beef with the TV/Smart Board: Bailey Grubb

Grunts of frustration can be heard from Bailey Grubb’s classroom at the common foe for Davie High teachers: the smartboard. While she knows all the tips and tricks to whip the stubborn piece of technology back into shape, sometimes the smartboard fights back, and so does Grubb.
Shane Young poses with his Student Choice Award (Rachel Starkey)

Most Likely to Always Know What Time It Is Without Checking: Shane Young

Whenever you are bored in the middle of class, you might hope that class is almost over and ask for the time. Typically, somebody has to pull out their phone or check the clock to ensure an accurate measure. But not Shane Young. With a detail-oriented mind and pace perfected from years of preaching and teaching, this business teacher is right there with the exact time right off the top of his head.
Lisa Kenney poses with her favorite stapler and her Student Choice Award. (Rachel Starkey)

Most Likely to Have a Favorite Stapler: Lisa Kenney

Most of the teachers in the Davie High math department have some form of decoration in their rooms, from squishmellows, to gifts and projects from past students. Lisa Kenney is no different, but within her student school supplies section is a stapler that she loves. The stapler is called E-6 and was gifted to her after a fellow teacher had retired, but even though E-6 is an old girl, Kenney still prefers a younger stapler for her everyday use, namely the one she holds in her superlative photo.
James Lovato gestures to a blank screen, exemplifying the trait that earned him his Student Choice Award. (Aaron Lobb)

Most Likely to Gesture at Something that’s No Longer on the Board: James Lovato

Math classes are often accompanied by teachers working through problems on the board, whether that is learning how to solve equations or finding the p-value in a statistics problem. This work is vital in understanding the math, yet sometimes James Lovato doesn’t realize that his smartboard has turned off, and he is gesturing at a whole lot of nothing. Lovato, thankfully, often laughs at this mishap.
David Riegel poses with his Student Choice Award just outside the weight room at Davie High. (Hayden Smith)

Most Likely to Secretly Enjoy their Subject Way Too Much: David Riegel

A physical education class is a rite of passage for every freshman who comes through Davie, yet the activities that you do may vary from class to class. Davie Riegel—both p.e. and weightlifting teacher, takes teaching PE as quite the serious exercise. Some people refer to his class as training for the Olympics, and it just might be that. His joy and passion for his subject show in his classes, especially when students are running the mile. He may enjoy his subject just a little too much, but would we have it any other way?
Chelsea Dvorak poses with her Student Choice Award. (Grace Carroll)

Most Likely to be a TSA Agent: Chelsea Dvorak

In just two short years at Davie High, Chelsea Dvorak has made waves. When not assisting at the metal detectors, Dvorak can be spotted most mornings standing at the C stairwell hallway on the second floor at what staff and students call her “perch.” This spot is where all the freshmen are housed, and it's no secret that they all love her. In the mornings and at class changes, she always has groups of students standing and talking with her, not really portraying the image of a TSA Agent until it gets down to the wire before classes start. That's when she pulls out the big guns. The sprint bell rings, and her playlist of upbeat music shifts to something more ominous. “The Imperial March” blares out as a countdown, pushing students to move along as they rush to beat the tardy bell. Perhaps TSA could take a few lessons.
Britani Steger excitedly shows off her Student Choice Award (Grace Carroll)

Most Likely to be Mistaken for a Student: Brittani Steger

When walking down the crowded hallways, it can be hard to tell who’s a student and who’s a teacher, but Brittany Steger makes that confusion even more real. As the Sports and Event Marketing teacher, she brings a fun, upbeat energy to Davie High that keeps her students engaged and excited to learn. Known for her relatable personality and effortless style, it’s no surprise she was voted “Most Likely to be Mistaken for a Student.” Whether she’s teaching marketing strategies or connecting with her classes, Steger proves that sometimes the best teachers are the ones who feel just like one of us.
Striking a convincing, human-like pose, Jason Ward stands in his classroom with his Student Choice Award in hand. (Hayden Smith)

Most Likely to be a Robot: Jason Ward

For the past couple of years, Davie High students have clocked Jason Ward as having some sort of secret identity. The mild-mannered science teacher has been suspected of being a secret government agent or even hailing from outer space. But who ever said a secret agent space alien couldn’t also be a robot? According to Davie High students, this scenario is quite plausible. But what is it about Ward that draws these conspiracies? Is it his quiet, unassuming nature that must clearly hide a secret identity? Is it his love of wearing the same outfit every day like a hero from the pages of a comic book? Regardless, there is one secret that anybody knows Ward knows he could never keep: he loves his subjects and his students!
“That’s the one I wanted!” Nathan Handy poses with a smile on his face with his Student Choice Award. (Grace Carroll)

Most Likely to Win Survivor: Nathan Handy

“That’s the one I wanted!” Nathan Handy shouted when crowned in this year’s Student Choice Awards. The “Most Likely to Win Survivor” perfectly suits this P.E. coach who always requires sunglasses, a backpack, and a bucket hat when entering the outdoors during an hour-and-a-half class period. Previously winning “Most Likely to Run a Marathon (and Win)” back in 2025, he continues down the path of all things sporty and adventurous.
Gia Gerald smiles for the camera with her Student Choice Award. This is Gerald’s first year at Davie High. (Aaron Lobb)

Rookie of the Year (1st Year at Davie High): Gia Gerald

Despite being on staff at Davie High for less than a year, English teacher Gia Gerald has already made her mark. Her ability to connect with her students and create a welcoming classroom environment has earned her the title of Rookie of the Year, celebrating both her first year of teaching and her potential for the future.
Bob Bailey, custodian extraordinaire, poses in the cafeteria with his Student Choice Award (Rachel Starkey)

Best Hall of Famer (Staff Member Employed at Davie High for 10+ years): Bob Bailey

Many know Bob Bailey as the precious janitor they see in the mornings or at lunch, and many recognize him as someone who instantly brightens their day. A fan favorite throughout the school, Bailey has been committed to keeping the school a happy, clean environment for all students for many years and remains grateful for every opportunity he gets.

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About the Contributors

Lila Moore, Co-Editor in Chief

Lila Moore is the Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Weekly Talon for the 2025–2026 school year, along with being on the Dancing Boots and a Captain of Varsity Lacrosse. She is currently a senior and has been involved in the Weekly Talon since her sophomore year. She traditionally writes News Features, Sports Articles, or other events around the school. She is attending UNC Chapel Hill on a full ride to study Chemistry and Neuroscience. Her end goal is to be a pediatric oncologist.

Carden Stroud, Chief Opinion & Politics Editor

Carden Stroud is Chief Opinion & Politics Editor for the 2025–2026 school year. Along with this role, she is also a member of the SURF Board and Student Council. She is currently a junior and has been a member of the Talon since her freshman year. After high school, Carden plans to attend a four-year university and major in political science.

Natalie Quance, Junior Content Editor

Natalie Quance is a junior content editor for the 2025-2026 school year.

Riley McNeil, Junior Content Editor

Riley McNeil is a Junior Content Editor for the 2025- 2026 school year. Riley has been involved in the Weekly Talon all four years of her high school career. Outside of the Weekly Talon, Riley is an active member in the school’s NHS chapter and a part of the swim team. She can be seen at sports events taking pictures of the players, then following it up with a graphic or an article. Her goal is to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at NC State or UNC Charlotte, in hopes of pursuing a career in prosthetics or orthopedics.

Hayden Smith, Multimedia Content Manager

Hayden Smith is the multimedia content manager for the 2025-26 Weekly Talon.

Aaron Lobb, Photographer

Addison Cline, Staff Writer

Jaynie Patton, Staff Writer