Mar 24

Mar 24 Dana Buie of Churchland Elementary was awarded the Nancy Sink Frazier Distinguished Teacher

{Contributed Photo}

Dana Buie of Churchland Elementary School was awarded the 2025 Nancy Sink Frazier Distinguished Teacher in Special Education Award at a banquet held March 18.

Buie has taught exceptional students for more than thirty years. Principal Keri Lovell noted that Buie “consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all her students.” An initiative of Buie’s was the creation of a School Store where her students engage in hands-on activities by crafting lanyards, ink pens and seasonal items. She developed a popcorn and soda delivery system that gives her students opportunities to learn valuable life skill lessons about money.

These experiences enhance the student’s practical skills and develop confidence and independence.
Candidates for the award must have taught in special education for at least five years in one of the three local public school systems, be active or recently retired, and be nominated by their principal or supervisor. Seven nominations were received in 2025 representing elementary, middle and high school levels. Other nominees were Melissa Hege of Tyro Middle School, Wendy Lewis of Central Davidson High School, Brittany Montauban of Tyro Elementary,

Christine Motsinger of Oak Grove Middle School, Angie Pierce of both Friedberg; Northwest Elementary Schools and Madison Simerson of North Davidson Middle School. The featured speaker at the event was Riley Elliott, a student at Central Davidson High School. Elliott is inspired by her brother, Mason, who is on the autism spectrum. Elliott is busy teenager being a volunteer with the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser, D.A.R.E. program through the Sheriff’s Office and much more.

The late Mrs. Clarence Frazier, namesake of the teaching award, retired at age 71 from Davidson-Davie Community College in May 2001 and passed February 21, 2002. Through the college Frazier taught compensatory education for 26 years on the campus of The Workshop of Davidson, Inc. Daughters Becky Frazier and Marty Frazier Bontumasi were in attendance.

Frazier was described by Kara Cody, Executive Director of The Workshop of Davidson, Inc., as a wonderful teacher, dedicated, dependable, sincere, kind, gentle, and always looking for the good and positives in her students. Former student Jamie Adams attested to the kindness and loving nature of her teacher.
The four Civitan Clubs from the county jointly hosted teachers of exceptional children who have been invited as honored guests. Sponsoring clubs for the dinner included Davidson County, Silver Valley, Thomasville and Welcome.