April 21. The Lake Norman Chamber honored three local educators at the 2025 Education PowerLuncheon held at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville. The event, presented by Atrium Health and sponsored by HomeTrust Bank and Business Today/Cornelius Today, and WSIC featured Brett Fansler, Executive Director for Corporate Engagement at Central Piedmont Community College.

2025 Board Chair Brian Sisson presented the Educators of the Year to a Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS), Charter School, and Private School teacher. Assisting in the presentations were former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales and Brandi Jones, co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative.

Recipients included: 1SG – Retired Nestor Rivera – Hopewell High School, Demi Ckezepis – Lake Norman Charter Elementary School, and Audrey Belvin – Southlake Christian School.

Mrs. Demi Ckezepis Lake Norman Charter Elementary School (center) was selected as the 2025 Charter School Educator of the Year. Pictured with Demi is former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales along with Brandi Jones co-chairs of the Chamber’s Education Collaborative, 2025 Chamber Board Chair Brian Sisson, and Michelle Holland – Principal for Lake Norman Charter Elementary School. Photo | Ocaid Photography.