[Photo: Mario Malabunga received the award this Monday at a surprise announcement. (Contributed photo)

Mario Malabunga, Drone Pilot Instructor at Hoke County High School, was selected as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year. Students, CTE staff, and school administrators surprised Malabunga Monday morning with the announcement. The Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards celebrates all-star teachers who are working diligently to help students in underserved and underrepresented communities discover all the possibilities computer science and robotics bring for the future. Award recipients receive $25,000 to expand computer science and/or robotics education at their school, plus an additional $5,000 cash award.