North Augusta Elementary is bursting with pride as we celebrate TWO of our very own award-winning staff members who have been advanced to the Honor Court for Aiken County’s STARS Program, recognizing excellence across our district! 🌟👏
Please join us in congratulating:
🍎 First Year Teacher of the Year: Ms. Alee “Ms. Alee” Ashe
4K Teacher | North Augusta Elementary School
We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Alee Ashe — lovingly known by her students as “Ms. Alee” — as our 2026–2027 First Year Teacher of the Year! 🎉✨
Even in her first year of teaching, Ms. Ashe has already proven she’s a natural educator with a remarkable ability to connect with young learners. Teaching 4-year-olds takes patience, creativity, and a whole lot of heart — and Ms. Ashe brings ALL of that every single day.
Her classroom is a joyful, nurturing space where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. She skillfully balances structure with imagination, guiding her students through early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and FUN.
Colleagues describe Ms. Ashe as a “ray of sunshine” who brightens every hallway she walks through. Her energy, positivity, and “can-do” attitude inspire students and staff alike.
🌟 Ms. Ashe represents what it means to be a true Dolphin Leader, and we are so proud of the impact she is already making!
💎 GEM Staff Member of the Year: Mrs. Karen Ulmer
Attendance Clerk | North Augusta Elementary School
Our Giving Even More (GEM) Staff Member of the Year, Mrs. Karen Ulmer, truly lives up to her award — because she gives “even more” every single day! 💙🐬
While her official role is Attendance Clerk, her impact reaches far beyond attendance records. Mrs. Ulmer is a cornerstone of our school and a vital part of the front office—often the first friendly face that welcomes students and families each morning.
She is known for her dependability, generosity, and calm, caring presence. Whether she is supporting families, assisting students, helping behind the scenes, organizing major events, or adding those special touches that make NAUES feel like home — Mrs. Ulmer does it all with excellence and grace.
Staff members often describe her as the “glue that holds everything together” — and her positive attitude lifts everyone around her.
💎 Mrs. Ulmer’s heart for service, attention to detail, and constant dedication make her an irreplaceable part of our Dolphin family.
🎉 Congratulations, Ms. Ashe and Mrs. Ulmer!
We are so proud to see your hard work recognized at the district level through the STARS Program Honor Court. Thank you for your leadership, commitment, and love for students.
💛💙🐬 Once a Dolphin, always a Dolphin — and our Dolphins shine BRIGHT! 🌟
#NAUESDolphins #AikenCountySTARS #HonorCourt #TeacherOfTheYear #GEMAward #DolphinPride #ExcellenceInEducation #WeAreNAUES