Keshetta Henderson, an English teacher at Cedar Ridge High School, was named the 2008-09 Orange County Schools teacher of the year at the Sun Trust Gold Star Award Banquet. Henderson received a $1,000 cash award and the Gold Star Award Plaque from Sun Trust Bank and will compete against teachers of the year from the Piedmont-Triad Central Region.

"Ms. Henderson is a phenomenal teacher," said Gary Thornburg, principal of Cedar Ridge High School. "Her energy level and strong work ethic contribute to her high level of success in the classroom."

Henderson began her teaching career at Cedar Ridge, where she has taught English for five years. She received a bachelor's degree in English from Howard University and a secondary education certification from UNC-Wilmington. She is enrolled in the master's of science of education in curriculum and instruction-English education program at N.C. State University.