By admin 
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Raqi Barnett teaches theatre arts at E.E. Smith High School in Cumberland County, where it all started with a small budget.
“They had like $230-something in the account, and the classes weren’t filled,” she said.
Since then, she and her students have put on major productions, won competitions, been awarded grants, and formed a partnership with the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in Fayetteville.
“I have kids that come back from years ago, and they support the kids that are there now,” Barnett said.
And things have truly turned around since she arrived here in 2014.
“Being in the scene shop was where my classroom was; now I have an actual classroom, scene shop, and an auditorium where I can rotate around and teach,” Barnett said.
She was even named the 2025 North Carolina Theatre Arts Educator of the Year. But just months before receiving this prestigious recognition, she faced an unexpected, personal challenge offstage.
“I was diagnosed with blood cancer last summer in June,” Barnett said.
She says her physicians are still trying to identify the type of blood cancer she is facing. And she says even though it is not curable, it is manageable.
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“At times it’s been difficult because I have never missed so much school,” she said.
Barnett says she has to get weekly blood transfusions and chemo biweekly.
It’s the treatment that has led her to slow down.
“I love to dance; I can’t dance as I used to with all that energy, and I teach with energy,” Barnett said.
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And she says she is thankful for her students, colleagues, friends, and family, along with her faith, for helping her navigate this journey.
“I thank God I have him in my life and that he’s able to help me to get through this, and others to help me not to lose faith,” Barnett said.
Barnett is still teaching throughout this journey and says she is thankful for her village for helping her continue her love of teaching. She also teaches modeling and dance.