Rachel Derege and Daralynn Chatham, both rising eighth-graders at McGee’s Crossroads Middle, competed in the North Carolina State Finals for the 2026 National Civics Bee®.
They tested their knowledge of civics with more than 850 students from around the state at the James B. Hunt Library on the North Carolina State University campus.
Derege and Chatham finished first and second, respectively, in the local competition. 👏
Read more about these standout JCPS students here: https://bit.ly/4oINRQ5
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Join us for a short and impactful online information session designed to guide you through the pathway of launching your teaching career!
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JCPS is committed to ensuring that its leaders are prepared to lead students forward in the classrooms and in life.
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Gavin Bledsoe, a 2026 graduate from Cleveland High, will be attending North Carolina State University as a recipient of the Goodnight Scholarship!
The Goodnight Scholarship program at North Carolina State University awards STEM education students $24,000-$25,000 a year. It also allows them access to many opportunities that will help them succeed as they prepare for their career in STEM.
Gavin has always enjoyed working with his hands, but his passion for engineering took shape through the classes he took in school. As an engineering major at North Carolina State University, he looks forward to exploring the practical, hands-on side of the field and also, the thoughtful, methodical processes as well.
Good luck Gavin!
Watch his highlight video here: https://bit.ly/4xFB30K
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Join us this Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, at 2 PM for our Welcome Wednesdays session, an open-door approach to assisting individuals aspiring to become a part of the JCPS team!
Welcome Wednesdays is a hands-on, in-person opportunity for individuals to receive assistance with applications and to ask questions about the various job openings we have within the district.
See you soon!
We would like to send a huge shout out to all of the volunteers and staff for their service, dedication, and commitment to supporting our community!
Wilson’s Mills High, future home of the Green Waves, is quickly taking shape! With construction nearing the end, excitement continues to build as we prepare to welcome students through these doors in just a few short months.
We want to make sure that you do not miss a thing! Follow and/or like all of Wilson’s Mills High’s social media pages for updates and happenings!
Facebook: wmhsJCPS
Instagram: @wmhsJCPS
YouTube: @wmhsJCPS
Check out the social media announcement video here: https://bit.ly/4eoJciP
Jacob Winfield, an eighth-grade student at Innovation Academy, spelled his way to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Winfield was one of just eight students from North Carolina to qualify for the national level competition.
He began competing in district-wide spelling bees as a fourth-grade student at Riverwood Elementary and has participated in the competition every year since.
Learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee and what inspired Winfield to begin his spelling bee journey here: https://bit.ly/4eMajUZ
Smithfield-Selma High School Class of 2026 graduates Lola Hansley, Olivia Dillon, Ariana Resaul, and Brianna Huff completed the JOCO TEACH Program, graduating with both their high school diplomas and an Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation from Johnston Community College.
Last week, they took an exciting step toward their future careers by signing contracts to return to JCPS as educators after completing college!
Lola will attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington to pursue a degree in education with a concentration in Middle Grades English Language Arts. Brianna will also attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she will pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Olivia will attend Meredith College to pursue a degree in education with a concentration in High School English Language Arts. Lastly, Ariana will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
Takiyah Hargrove, a 2026 graduate from Smithfield-Selma High, will be attending East Carolina University as a recipient of the NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship!
The NC Teaching Fellows program is an educational program designed for those who aspire to pursue a career in education. It aims to provide a pathway for individuals to provide a difference in students' lives through access to unique experiences, a strong alumni network, and coaching/professional development for new teachers. Takiyah is now eligible to receive up to $5,000 per semester.
Takiyah is excited to meet new people, gain new experiences, and find new perspectives within the education field. Her goal extends beyond just teaching, but to make a difference in education as a whole.
Good luck Takiyah!
Watch her highlight video here: https://bit.ly/4oPx3XP
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Congratulations to Amanda Best, bookkeeper and head secretary for Johnston County Early College Academy! She is our Classified Employee of the Month for May! 👏
Incredibly organized, she ensures that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. Ms. Best plays a vital role in supporting school events such as Parent Night, FAFSA Night, graduation, and senior awards.
Her contributions are invaluable, and being named May Employee of the Month solidifies Best's efforts. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4oqgxwY
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
Another great year is in the books, and another great graduating class is ready to conquer the world and fulfill their dreams!
#JCPSForward
#JCPSProud
Congratulations to Kellen Smith the 2026 Sam Narron Baseball Award Recipient! ⚾️
A recent South Johnston High School graduate, Smith has worked hard his entire baseball career to get to where he is now. From a master class on the mound to left-handed home runs, Kellen has a bright future ahead.
His dad instilled in him from a young age that, "...baseball is 90% mental and 10% physical, and if you’re winning the mental game, you’re going to win on the field.” And Kellen shares that mentality with his team and coaches.
We know that he will do great things at East Carolina University and in "The Jungle"!
Be sure to check out Smith's video interview and read more about his baseball and educational journey here: https://bit.ly/4vDKkEJ
This all-in-one hub features game schedules, ticket purchasing, conference standings, and individual stats. You’ll also find important resources like eligibility requirements, rules and regulations, and parent information.
Plus, explore the JCPS Hall of Fame and celebrate the achievements of past athletic standouts!
Visit the site here: https://bit.ly/JCPSAZ
Join us this Wednesday, June 10th, 2026, at 2 PM for our Welcome Wednesdays session, an open-door approach to assisting individuals aspiring to become a part of the JCPS team!
Welcome Wednesdays is a hands-on, in-person opportunity for individuals to receive assistance with applications and to ask questions about the various job openings we have within the district.
See you soon!
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship is a program that partners with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities to connect high-achieving high school seniors with a full four-year scholarship.
Noah looks forward to beginning his studies in Computer Science, melding his love of music and mathematics to help find solutions to today’s problems. He feels that these two passions will allow him to view programming through a different lens.
Good luck Noah! View his interview here: https://bit.ly/4xhemQr
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
Begin your path with TeachFORWARD!
Join us for a short and impactful online information session designed to guide you through the pathway of launching your teaching career!
Register today: https://bit.ly/TeachFORWARD
#JCPSForward
The training is being facilitated by trainers from Sandy Hook Promise (SHP). SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. SAVE promise club leaders are helping accomplish this mission.
Johnston County Public Schools is excited to partner in this important endeavor and knows that it will have an incredibly positive impact on the nearly 40 students and adults in attendance.
These 119 devoted JCPS team members were honored with a celebratory banquet, as they stepped into the next journey. Whether it's traveling, beginning a new hobby, relaxing, or returning to JCPS part-time, we wish these exceptional employees the best.
Our gratitude for their years of service run deep and will be felt for years to come.
Thank you and enjoy this new chapter of life!✨
