SANFORD, NC - B.T. Bullock speech language pathologist, Shani Whilby, has been chosen as the district winner of the Exceptional Children (EC) Educator of Excellence Award. She will be recognized at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction EC Division’s 73rd Conference on Exceptional Children in mid-November.
Whilby began her career with Lee County Schools in 2010, joining the staff at B.T. Bullock Elementary and she has remained a key member of the staff since then. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from Northeastern University in Boston and a Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, which she completed in 2024.
“B.T. Bullock is just home,” stated Whilby simply. “That’s where an opening was in Lee County Schools, and I have loved it from day one. Bullock is a really special place.” Even though her primary responsibilities are at B.T. Bullock, Mrs. Whilby is known for going the extra mile to help other speech language pathologists across the district.
“Lee County is extremely fortunate that she has chosen to practice her profession here and that our students are able to reap the benefits of her extensive knowledge, professional expertise, and genuine concern for their well-being,” said Rachel Hurt, Director of Exceptional Children for Lee County Schools.
Her tenure in Lee County Schools has been marked with a dedication to her profession, her students, and co-workers. One co-worker noted that, “Shani always goes above and beyond for her students. She is always creating and working on fun activities and visuals to help her speech students learn and grow. She not only advocates for her students, but for her coworkers. Shani handles everything that comes her way with the grace and dignity that everyone should strive for.
“The best part of my job is just the kids. Just pure, unfiltered kids. I get to help them communicate and interact in their environments,” said Whilby. “I honestly cannot name one thing that I’m most proud of. Kids’ names and faces are just scrolling through my mind. Really, the progress that they make, every single accomplishment that they achieve is what makes me proud.”
