Let me introduce myself to some and present myself to others whom God created me to be. My name is Sheila Seward Kearney. I am a dedicated educator, community servant, mentor, and woman of faith whose life has been guided by a passion for learning, service, and empowering others. I was reared in a loving single-parent household of six children, where I am the only daughter and the middle child. The values of faith, perseverance, family, and hard work instilled during my upbringing continue to shape my life and ministry today.

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My gifts and talents led me to graduate from Vance Senior High School in 1986 as a standout student-athlete. After playing 3 sports, which include volleyball, basketball, and softball, for 3 years in high school, I earned volleyball and basketball scholarships to Fayetteville State University, where I received numerous awards and honors throughout my collegiate career. In recognition of my outstanding athletic achievements, I was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

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After transferring to North Carolina Central University, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1991. I later obtained my Master of Education in Instructional Education from Central Michigan University in 2003, further strengthening my commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning.

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I devoted 33 years to the field of education, positively impacting countless students, families, and communities throughout my career. Although I officially retired from education in 2024, my passion for teaching remained strong. I returned back to the classroom and currently serve as a kindergarten teacher at La Crosse Elementary School, where I’m continuing to inspire and nurture young learners.

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Family is one of my greatest life highlights. I am blessed and happily married to Stephon, and is the proud mother of one son, Carlos, who was also a great athlete to play in the National Football League and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University Married to Tazjanne, a professional athletic trainer and dancer and a graduate of WSSU. I also have two bonus adult children, Jonathan, a Navy veteran (Brittany) she works in the nursing department, and Jasmine whom is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University, a skilled artist. Together, we are blessed with six cherished grandchildren: Kyler, who is a skilled athlete in basketball and baseball. Carlos II plays football, wrestles, and plays the French horn and saxophone in the band; Nyla a club cheerleader and track runner; Carrigan future athlete; Carsyn future singer; and Kayla is born to be a professor.

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I thank God for my family dynamic and the path he has given me thus far and are looking forward to bigger and greater heights.

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I am an active member of Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church and an honorary member of Greater Lovely Hill Missionary Baptist Church. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Daisy Garden Club, and served for many years as a high school and collegiate basketball/volleyball coach and official before retiring from both.

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In my free time, I enjoy praising and worshiping the Lord, fishing, dancing, camping, gardening, traveling, reading, attending high school and college sporting events, and spending quality time with family and friends. Through Harvest and Learn Outreach and my family farm business, Place –N-The Country Farm & Venue, I continue with my mission of encouraging, educating, and uplifting others while sharing the love of God and the importance of lifelong learning.