CFNN Reporter Maddie Seagroves

Here at Cape Fear High School we are blessed with some of the best teachers and staff in the county. This week, the students of CFHS have chosen Amber Autry as teacher of the week! Cape Fear is so lucky to have her as a leader in the classroom.

Miss Autry attended college at NC State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Concentration in STEM. She teaches Biology, Earth Science, and has taken over being the SGA advisor. Miss Autry’s teaching career started here at Cape Fear High School and she is currently in her second year.

“I was in SGA when I was in high school and I remember it being a really good class where we could really put our input into the things the school did. I love school spirit and going out for spirit weeks. Weeks like homecoming are when the school feels the most together. Im very passionate about making sure our school and community is represented well and led well by good role models.” says Miss Autry

Miss Autry originally planned to teach in Elementary school and completed her student teaching in Kindergarten, but the stars aligned for her to work here at Cape Fear, and it has been the best decision she’s ever made!

Miss Autry loves teaching because of the positive relationships she has been able to build with her students and the love for science she’s been able to instill in them. She loves her coworkers and the welcoming environment that they create. Miss Autry is incredibly thankful for the constant support from the admin and the rest of school staff. 

“I’ve enjoyed having Miss Autry as our new SGA leader. This is only the second week of school and we’ve already picked spirit week themes, football themes, and our homecoming dance theme. She has stepped up into this role with ease, and has made SGA so much fun already.” says Ashlynn Spell.

“I truly love coming to work everyday and being able to create a positive, loving, and safe environment for students to learn in,” said Miss Autry.

Outside of the classroom Miss Autry spends most of her free time reading, traveling, watching (and making) TikToks, shopping, going to NC State football games, and hanging out with her friends and family! 

Miss Autry grew up in Stedman, North Carolina, and graduated from Cape Fear High School in 2020! She has two older siblings, Brandon and Rachel, and two younger siblings, Natalie and Blake. Her little sister Miss A, works around the school as an EC Support Assistant and her mom Ms. Tracy Autry, also works here in the EC department!

“It’s great working with my daughter, I’m very proud of her and I love seeing her blossom as a teacher. I knew from when she was little that she was destined to be a teacher, she loves kids, she loves teaching, and I knew she would do good.” says Miss Autry’s mom, Ms. Tracy Autry.

“It’s inspiring and it’s fun having her to look up to, and having her here to help her out in any way I can. She’s very patient and helpful and has always been there helping me with schoolwork so I knew teaching is what she was meant to do.” says Miss A, Miss Autry’s little sister.

“I have always loved science!” says Miss Autry. Miss Autry’s passion for science began with her first-grade teacher, Ms. Adams, who always made sure to recognize the importance of science and how fun it can be. Her love for science continued to grow as she participated in Science Olympiad and then blossomed in high school when she took Biology, Anatomy, and Marine Biology with Ms. Edmonds.  

Several people come to mind when Miss Autry thinks about who inspired her to become a teacher. Her teachers in elementary school sparked her love for school and learning, including Mrs. Pankey, Mrs. Spruill, Ms. Adams, Mrs. Davis, and Mrs. Rogers. 

Her passion for teaching grew tremendously thanks to amazing Middle and High school teachers like, Mr. Haire, Mrs. Lucas, Mr. Britt, Coach Joe Grates, Ms. Edmonds, and Mr. Lucas who always pushed her to succeed and were a great support system as she determined what she wanted to do after high school. 

Each of these teachers had a special impact on her life and inspired her to choose this profession. Miss Autry truly believes she would not be the person she is today without these incredible influences in her life.

We are beyond grateful for Miss Autry, and hope she continues her teaching career with us at Cape Fear High. She is making learning enjoyable for many. The staff and students greatly appreciate her!