College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduate Michael Alexander was one of eight finalists for the 2003-04 North Carolina Teacher of the Year award — and the winner was fellow N.C. State alumnus Allison Ormond, a College of Education graduate. N.C. State was the only institution to have two of its graduates selected as finalists for the award.

“ These recognitions are indicative of the high-quality teachers that N.C. State is known for preparing,” said Dr. Kathryn Moore, dean of N.C. State’s College of Education.

Ormond teaches language arts and social studies to seventh graders at Rockingham County Middle School. She will spend the coming year traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession. She will also serve as an advisor to the state Board of Education, receive a one-time stipend of $7,500 and attend a national education conference.

Alexander teaches agriculture at West Stanly High School in Stanly County. He holds two N.C. State bachelor of science degrees in animal science and agricultural education and received his master’s in agricultural education in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.

He will receive a $5,000 stipend for being named a finalist. He will also serve on the superintendent’s administrative council and on other state committees.