1997 Edinburgh Graduate Stacey Ayers Named Circle K Regional Manager of the Year
Local residents stopping for their morning coffee (or Diet Coke) at Circle K are familiar with the welcoming smile of Stacey Ayers. Now, that signature hospitality has earned the 1997 Edinburgh High School graduate major corporate recognition.
Ayers was recently named the 2026 Manager of the Year for Region 4150 and selected as a recipient of the prestigious Circle K Ambassador Club award. The accolade, which evaluates store performance and leadership, includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, this coming January.
Ayers credits her success to her faithful employees and her "bonus dad," Denny Streeval. In fact, taking over the Edinburgh location meant succeeding Streeval as store manager, a move that brought her career full circle. Ayers started as a third-shift cashier in Edinburgh, moved to Taylorsville as an assistant manager, and worked at several other local stores before returning to run her hometown branch.
"I feel like I've come full circle, back to my hometown where I still reside," Ayers said.
Her roots run deep in the community. Not only did Ayers graduate from Edinburgh, but her children attended and grandchild currently attends Edinburgh schools as well. She remembers her time in school fondly, noting that the local staff and teachers pushed students to do their best. Among her biggest influences were Mr. Brand, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Flory, and Mr. East, with art class being a particular favorite.
Though she describes herself as quiet and shy during her school years, Ayers admitted she surprised herself by how much she missed it after graduation, naming the commencement ceremony itself as her favorite memory. Growing up, her days were filled with swimming at the local pool, hanging out with friends especially after getting her license, and working at the local Dairy Queen.
Ayers proves that coming from a small town is no barrier to big success. Her advice to current students reflects her own successful journey.
"Education is very important; however, what path you take to get where you are going does not have to look the same as everyone else," she said.
Under her leadership, the Edinburgh Circle K has transformed into a community hub. Regular patrons note that the morning routine feels like visiting family. One daily customer shared that seeing Ayers' smile and the same familiar faces every day has created a "morning crew", a true family away from home. By cultivating that warm atmosphere, this Edinburgh graduate has turned a routine convenience store stop into a staple of Edinburgh community life.
Sherri Sweet, Secretary to the Superintendent and School Board, profiles an ECHS alumnus once a month. To learn more about the Edinburgh School Corporation, its alumni and activities, visit ecsc.k12.in.us