04/17/2026
Congratulations Kayla!!
Matt Smith with Hometown Hero Kayla Keurzoneff of Central Elementary School. Ask any great teacher what their favorite moment in the classroom is, and chances are — it's the same one.
It's the aha moment.
That flash in a child's eyes when something that seemed impossible suddenly makes perfect sense. Kayla Keurzoneff has spent thirteen years living for that moment.
A graduate of UNC Charlotte with a degree in Elementary Education, Kayla has taught across Cabarrus County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and even outside Washington, D.C. — before bringing all of that experience home to Central Elementary School in Stanly County, where she now teaches third grade.
In her five years here, Kayla has been recognized as a Stanly Star, served as a Lead Mentor, and led on the School Leadership Team, the PBIS Team, and as grade-level chair. She doesn't just teach — she shapes the school.
But what drives her isn't the accolades. It's the student who once thought math was impossible — and now raises their hand with confidence. It's helping children discover that learning isn't just something that happens to them — it's something they're capable of.
Kayla Keurzoneff believes in her students before they believe in themselves. She plants seeds of confidence that will grow long after those students leave her classroom — and that is a legacy that can't be measured on any report card.
Please join us in honoring our Hometown Hero — KAYLA KEURZONEFF