For the 20th year, the Johnston Baptist Association graciously welcomed back the Johnston County Schools (JCS) family with a special luncheon to show their support for the upcoming school year.
While many faith communities provided meals for schools on their first week back to school, one of the largest luncheon events was held at West Johnston High in Benson on Wednesday.
About 1,000 teachers from the West Johnston and Cleveland attendance areas and other JCS employees filled the cafeteria and enjoyed a free meal courtesy of the Johnston Baptist Association, an organization that has long been a supporter and community partner of JCS.
Assisting in the event’s food service were Justices Paul Martin Newby and Bob Edmunds. Also in attendance were Johnston Baptist Association’s Dade Sherman, Johnston County Board of Education member Donna White, Johnston County Manager Rick Hester, and Johnston County Commissioner Jeff Carver.
Sponsoring the event were the First Baptist Church of Smithfield, Sleep Inn and Suites of Smithfield, Franklyn Bakery, Merita Bread, Pepsi, Stevens Sausage, Super 8 Hotel of Smithfield, Duke Energy, and Dade Sherman.
The meal included hamburgers and hotdogs with all the popular trimmings, chips, soda, and dessert. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a dance competition and win a new recliner courtesy of Tucker Furniture.
“We are very grateful for the generosity of all of our community partners,” said Johnston County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ross Renfrow. “For 20 years the Johnston Baptist Association has done a tremendous job of helping us kickoff the new school year.”
Teachers reported back to school on Monday, Aug. 22, and students report back to school on Monday, Aug. 29.
