SMITHFIELD – During the December 12, 2023, regular session meeting, the Board of Education recognized the 2023-2024 Living Legends Mrs. Ethel Breeden Armwood, Mrs. Ruth Edwards High, and Mr. Bruce Bunn.
The Living Legend Award is presented to former Johnston County Public Schools educators who were dedicated to the children they taught and left a legacy of influential teaching styles.
This is the 20th year of honoring the Living Legends of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Twenty years is celebrated with platinum, a symbol of strength and endurance. These honorees have demonstrated strength and endurance with JCPS for a combined total of approximately 100 years as educators.
Mrs. Ethel Armwood worked as a K-3 teacher at Pine Level Elementary, and later returned as a substitute following retirement. “I was a very happy kindergarten teacher and I wanted my students to be happy learners,” she stated.
The Fayetteville State University Alum’s philosophy of an effective teacher is the belief that every child can learn. She believes that the role of the teacher is to explore ways and find the gift in each student, so they can reach their highest potential.
Mrs. Ruth Edwards High served the district in many ways, primarily as a lead kindergarten through sixth grade teacher and AIG director.
High’s philosophy for being a successful teacher includes having love and respect for each child, having a passion for teaching, and believing that there isn’t one career path for every student. Her philosophy also includes incorporating empathy, introducing critical thinking skills, and implementing hands-on learning to teach students life skills.
She is a graduate of Meredith College, East Carolina University, and North Carolina State University. While a student at Meredith College she received the Alumni Award from the Department of Psychology.
Mr. Bruce Bunn served in many capacities as an educator, including teacher, interim principal, assistant principal, and principal. After retirement, Mr. Bunn returned to JCPS as a temporary administrator, serving as an Interim Principal and assisting Human Resources.
The Appalachian State and East Carolina University graduate said, “Teachers must believe that every child can learn and proceed accordingly. That is their job, to find the most appropriate way for each child to learn. Students don’t care how much a teacher knows unless they know that the teacher cares for students.”
Bunn taught middle school social studies, and served as principal at West Clayton.
Johnston County Public Schools has a rich legacy of legendary educators. These three individuals will have their names added to the long list of legendary educators hanging inside the Living Legends Room of the Evander S. Simpson Building located at 2320 US 70 Business Highway East in Smithfield.
