06/09/2026
💙💛 Wife. Mom. Daughter. Teacher. Dedicated. Committed. Selfless. Mentor. Friend. Impact. Legacy. These are a few words that Mrs. Katherine Alphin was met with today as she celebrated the end of an era where she has served Onslow County Schools in multiple teaching roles in the last 31.5 years. She has been a Richlands Elementary School Bobcat, an icon if you will, for the last 26 years. If you’ve attended Richlands Elementary in the last 26 years, chances are you’ve seen Mrs. Alphin around - running like the road runner, giving words of wisdom, and teaching like no one is watching. Mrs. Alphin left us today asking us to reflect on a twist to our mission statement that we say at school everyday - “As Richlands Educators, we get to learn. We do serve, and we do lead.” She then challenged us with another play on our words that we say everyday “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” She encouraged us to make it a great day, a great summer, a great next school year, a great career, but most importantly a great life because the choice is ours. We are so incredibly blessed to have had her wisdom and expertise in our hallways. We are confident that her leadership, guidance, and mentorship has created a legacy that will continue to be felt in our building and beyond for years to come. Mrs. Alphin, happy retirement! We are so happy for you! 💙💛
