Lydia Sale Lunday, the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year, is a passionate first grade teacher in Swain County Schools entering her seventh year in the classroom. A 2019 graduate of Belmont Abbey College and former Crusaders volleyball player, Lydia earned her degree in elementary education before completing a Master’s in Literacy from Western Carolina University and becoming a certified Reading Specialist in 2025. Her vibrant classroom reflects her belief that every child deserves not only a place to learn, but a place to belong, a philosophy driven by her passion for inclusion, literacy, and advocacy for underserved and rural populations. Named Swain County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2019–2020, Lydia has been a consistent champion for equitable, high-quality public education, both in and beyond the classroom. Her dedication is beautifully complemented by the personal joy of her recent August wedding to her best friend, Michael, and the everyday happiness she shares with their 100-pound ‘lap dog,’ Knox. Whether she’s nurturing her houseplants, spending time with her close-knit family, or drawing strength from her faith, Lydia’s infectious enthusiasm and steadfast commitment continue to inspire her students, her community, and the future of education in North Carolina.