JCPS is committed to ensuring that its leaders are prepared to lead students forward in the classrooms and in life.
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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
#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
Please refer to the NC DHHS Sun Bucks Website for more information on how to qualify or enroll, here: https://bit.ly/3S7izpz
JCPS is celebrating the bright futures ahead of each and every one of you!
Check out this video for a quick reminder of the date, time, and location for each graduation ceremony. https://bit.ly/4f7c2ow
#JCPSForward
Check out the latest news from the desk of Dr. Ewell here: https://app.smore.com/n/54ms2
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Catch up on the latest Spartan News from the desk of Dr. Ewell here: https://app.smore.com/n/y5pd2
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These incredible students are heading off to college to become the next generation of JCPS educators:
Olivia Dillon: Meredith College (High School English)
Lola Hansley: University of North Carolina-Wilmington (Middle Grades)
Brianna Huff: University of North Carolina-Wilmington (Elementary Ed)
Ariana Resaul: University of North Carolina-Charlotte (Elementary Ed)
Through the JOCO TEACH program, these seniors are graduating with both their high school diplomas and Associate degrees from Johnston Community College. After college, they’ll be coming back home to teach right here in Johnston County! 🏫🙌
We are so proud of your hard work and can’t wait to see you back in the classroom!
Read more about this amazing program: https://bit.ly/3RokXIh
#JCPSForward
Last night, May 12, 2026, we were honored to have Mr. Jason Spivey, a junior at Smithfield-Selma High, lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Board of Education Meeting.
Jason has become a familiar and inspiring presence within the school community. For the past three years, he has proudly served as the voice of the Special Olympics Spring Games, bringing enthusiasm and energy to this celebrated event. Before joining the high school, Jason was well known at Smithfield Middle School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance each morning with pride and confidence.
As an original member of the Unified Track team, Jason continues to demonstrate determination, perseverance, and school spirit in all that he does. His positive attitude and commitment to giving his very best serve as an inspiration to those around him.
If you ask Jason, two of the things he looks forward to the most are leading Special Olympics activities each year, and celebrating an important milestone next year as he graduates from high school alongside his twin brother, Donnie.
Jason Spivey is a star among stars and has a promising future ahead.
Full details for Class of 2026 ceremonies are available on the JCPS Graduation Information webpage: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/graduation
For school-specific questions, contact your school.
Catch up with the latest Spartan News here: https://app.smore.com/n/rb2ck
#SSStrong
South Smithfield Elementary School students, families, and staff kicked off Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day with their annual parade from Smithfield Civitan Field to campus. Whether cruising on bikes and scooters, skating along, or walking with friends, everyone showed up ready to move and have fun!
The Smithfield-Selma High School drumline provided beats with the cheerful crowd as they promoted healthy habits, happy hearts, and a great way to start the day!
Check out the latest Spartan news from the desk of Dr. Ewell HERE.
Catch up on the latest Spartan news from Dr. Ewell here: https://app.smore.com/n/9wp3y
#SSStrong
What an incredible way to close out the Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games 2026!
Today, we had 22 middle and high school teams representing JCPS, and our Special Olympics athletes made the day unforgettable! They led the day from start to finish with determination, lots of energy, and incredible support for one another.
We are so grateful for Special Olympics Johnston County, our Special Olympics athletes, JCPS staff, volunteers, and families who made the Spring Games amazing!
Read more about the third and final day here: https://bit.ly/4sUSFCe
Andrew gives generously of his time, including helping teammates with transportation, which he sees as an opportunity to build connections. His character will leave a lasting impact on the school community.
Congratulations, Andrew, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Smithfield-Selma High! 👏
We had an unforgettable night celebrating 20 exceptional JCPS educators at the 32nd annual Flame For Learning Award Ceremony in the presence of friends, family, colleagues, and more!
There were 218 nominations for this year’s title, representing 15 schools across the school district. Nearly all semifinalists were first-time nominees, underscoring the depth of outstanding educators across the JCPS team. Nominated by colleagues and administrators, the semifinalists advanced through a judging process that included interviews and submitting their classroom best practices for review.
On behalf of Johnston County Public Schools, the Johnston County Board of Education, and the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers, congratulations to all of the semifinalists, finalists, and James Johnson, the 2026 Teacher of the Year. 👏
Read more about the 2026 Flame For Learning Award Ceremony here: https://bit.ly/3QpEnMz
