Tiffany Coello, a third-grade student at South Smithfield Elementary, stands proudly with her family following her recognition as the 1st place winner in the All-County Honors Art Gallery competition. JCPS Photo
SMITHFIELD – On Monday, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) hosted its Spring Special Recognition Celebration at Corinth Holders High.
Swift Creek Middle’s Hunter Allen pauses for a quick photo after being recognized as a member of the Southeastern Band Directors Association Middle School All-District Band. JCPS Photo
JCPS parents, families, JCPS leadership, and Johnston County Board of Education members attended the celebration that recognized more than 400 students and staff members for academic, athletic, extracurricular, and professional achievements.
(L to R) Riverwood Elementary Assistant Principal Shannon Pawlak, Liann Cheong, Brooke Hayward, Malena Thieme, and Principal Leigh White are all smiles at the celebration event. Cheong, Hayward, and Thieme were recognized as National Board Certified Teachers. JCPS Photo
The event highlighted outstanding accomplishments in various categories, including: Battle of the Books, District Spelling Bee, Science Olympiad, Career and Technical Education, NC Governor’s School, Arts Education, Athletics, National Board Certification, Beginning Teacher of the Year Award, and JCPS Employee of the Year Award.
2025 JCPS Employee of the Year (EOY) recipients receive awards during the event. From left: Letitia Lee (Central Services EOY), Melanie Lee (Administrative and Auxiliary Services EOY), Ernie Woodard (Facilities and Construction EOY), Kathryn Farrior (Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability EOY), and Melissa Waring (Media Specialist EOY). JCPS Photo
“The Spring Special Recognition Celebration event showcased just how wonderful the staff and students of Johnston County Public Schools truly are,” noted JCPS Chief of Communications Richard L. Carr. “It is remarkable that the Johnston County Board of Education and Superintendent Bracy have chosen to recognize the academic and professional excellence of our students and employees in this manner.”
JCPS High School Coach of the Year Kristian Stewart (left) and Middle School Coach of the Year Dean Wade (right) pose with JCPS Athletic Director Josh Plisko (center) with their award plaques in hand. JCPS Photo
According to Carr, the individuals and teams recognized have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, service, leadership, and professional growth, embodying the commitment to excellence that defines JCPS.
Standouts Lannah Price (South Johnston High), Andrew Grimes (Clayton High), and Jay Poole (North Johnston High) are recognized for outstanding athletic accomplishments that consist of East-West All-Star Volleyball Game Participant, Carolina Classic All-Star Basketball Game Participant, and Carolina Classic All-Star Basketball Games Women’s Head Coach, respectively. JCPS Photo
JCPS prides itself in recognizing the accomplishments of all students and staff, and strives to provide the educational and professional resources needed to maintain high-level learning environments and a culture conducive to professional development and growth.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) student Rebecca Stancil (left) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisor Kristy Wheeler relish the moment as Stancil is celebrated as the FFA Prepared Public Speaking 1st place winner. JCPS PhotoKenia Perez-Melchor, a fourth-grade teacher at Four Oaks Elementary, awaits the calling of her name as runner-up of the JCPS Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year, while co-runner-up Ralph Vitale (middle) of Smithfield-Selma High, and Overall Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Nathan Emerick (back) of West View Elementary look on. JCPS PhotoJCPS Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews provides opening remarks during Session Two of the district-wide Spring celebration event. JCPS Photo
