Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE) presented two inaugural awards to Seattle Public Schools staff members at its 3rd Annual Night of Excellence Fundraising Gala.  

Alex Rankin was named Black Male Educator of the Year for his work at South Shore PreK-8 as an extended resource teacher. Chris Carter, the executive director of Southwest region was honored as the Black Male Administrator of the Year recipient.  

These honors celebrate the commitment, passion, and transformative impact of Black male educators and administrators within the Greater Seattle King County area and are awarded to recipients whose dedication has made a lasting difference for students, families, and educational institutions. 

The award initiative was launched through ACE’s Black Educator Institute, a network dedicated to supporting and empowering Black educators across the state and beyond. 

“We’re honored to recognize these leaders in education. Their work is critical in shaping the future and inspiring students to reach their full potential,” said Black Educator Coordinator Chelsea Oguike. We are committed to highlighting their achievements and amplifying their impact, and we look forward to making these awards a longstanding tradition.” 

ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black male youth and adults through various educational and community programs. By providing vital resources and support, ACE aims to create opportunities that nurture the growth and development of future leaders. 

Throughout the nomination process, members of ACE’s network submitted their top choices for Black male educators and administrators who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to education and leadership. 

Carter and Rankin agreed to join the selection committee for the 2025 awardees. 

More information about Academy for Creating Excellenc (ACE).