Coach, Teacher, Leader: North Henderson’s Sue Moon Named National Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Teacher of the Year

14 leadership students, Coach Sue Moon, and four Chick-fil-a members pose for a photo with the Chick-fil-a cow. The students are wearing Chick-fil-a paper hats and holding mini cows. The backdrop is a North Henderson Knight logo in purple. The location is the school media center

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that Sue Moon, a dedicated teacher and coach at North Henderson High School, has been named the 2025 Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Teacher of the Year.

Coach Moon was selected for this prestigious honor in recognition of her unwavering commitment to students and her community, particularly for her outstanding leadership and support of Hendersonville in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She will represent both the Atlantic region and the entire nation as the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Teacher of the Year.

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership development program in which local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators partner with high schools to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders. Through a seven-month curriculum, teachers guide students in service-oriented projects that create meaningful community impact.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy on behalf of the students and staff of North Henderson High School. This truly is a team award,” said Moon. “It is the goal of our Leadership Class to empower every member of our school in our service projects and school events. We try to build a culture where we are PROUD TO BE KNIGHTS.”

To celebrate this incredible achievement, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy surprised Coach Moon with the award on Friday, February 28, at North Henderson High School—with the help of the Chick-fil-A Cow and her leadership students.

“Coach Moon exemplifies what it means to be a leader,” said HCPS Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “She challenges students to reach their full potential, models leadership in and out of the classroom, and consistently steps up to support her community when it matters most. Her impact on North Henderson and our community is immeasurable, and we are proud to see her receive this well-earned recognition.”

In addition to the February recognition, Coach Moon will also be honored at the Chick-fil-A Celebration of Impact event on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. The event will also recognize Joel Benson, Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Hendersonville, and a student participant from the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy at North Henderson High School.