[Press Release] Nash County Public Schools Celebrates Student, Staff, Family, and District Achievements During May Board of Education Meeting

NASHVILLE, N.C. — Nash County Public Schools recognized a wide range of student, staff, family, school, and district accomplishments during the May Board of Education meeting, celebrating excellence in academics, athletics, STEM education, the arts, family engagement, leadership, and service across the district.

The meeting opened with students from Nashville Elementary School leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Students Braylen Battle, John Tate Bissette, and Isaac Paugh were welcomed and recognized for their participation.

The May meeting included several recognitions highlighting the dedication, talent, and leadership found throughout Nash County Public Schools.

Lorie Styles Recognized as an #ncpsHERO

Lorie Styles pictured with Dr. Steve Ellis

Nash County Public Schools recognized Lorie Styles, secretary-treasurer at Coopers Elementary School, as an #ncpsHERO. Styles was nominated for her leadership, professionalism, and willingness to support others across the district.

In the nomination read during the meeting, Styles was praised for being “the first to offer help, share knowledge, and support to teammates across our organization.” Her work during annual OSHA forms training was highlighted as an example of her ability to turn difficult issues into clarity, guidance, and resolved outcomes.

“Lorie’s commitment to excellence shows her passion and sets the standard the whole team looks up to,” the nomination stated. “She recognizes every win, big or small, with her contagious smile.”

Student-Led Nash Connect Tutoring Program Recognized

The Board also recognized students and staff connected to Nash Connect, a student-led tutoring program created by Kristopher Brown and Kadience Costa, sixth graders at Red Oak Middle School who attended Nashville Elementary School last year.

After recognizing the challenges younger students face when learning to read and preparing for end-of-grade assessments, Kristopher Brown and Kadience Costa developed the idea for Nash Connect as a way to give back to their former elementary school community.

Working with their former fifth-grade teacher, Ashley Cahoon, and with support from third-grade teachers Tara Baker and Melissa Bridgers, the students began organizing weekly tutoring sessions for third-grade students at Nashville Elementary (NES). Fellow middle school students Mohammad Hassan and Nashih Hassan also joined the effort.

The students hope to expand Nash Connect next school year by recruiting additional student tutors from Nash Central Middle School.

Those recognized included:

• Kristopher Brown,
• Kadience Costa
• Mohammad Hassan
• Nashih Hassan
• Ashley Cahoon, 5th Grade Teacher, Adult Sponsor, NES
• Tara Baker, 3rd Grade Teacher, NES
• Melissa Bridgers, 3rd Grade Teacher, NES

Athletic Achievements Celebrated

Nash County Public Schools also recognized several athletic accomplishments from across the district.

Northern Nash High School Head Basketball Coach Henry Drake was recognized, along with Northern Nash High School Basketball Coaches Ashley Davis, Mitchell Wells, Moe Deloach, and Davis Spragley. The Northern Nash Boys Basketball Team was also recognized.

Pictured Above (left to right): Northern Nash High Basketball Team

Pictured Above (left to right): Northern Nash High Basketball Coaches

Additional athletic recognitions included Northern Nash High School student Khaleek Evans, State Champion in the 500m indoor track event, and his coach, Jacoby Bullock.

Pictured above (left to right): Angie Miller, Jacoby Bullock, Khaleek Evans, Dr. Steve Ellis

Rocky Mount High School Junior, Candrice Davis, was also recognized as the 2026 Indoor State Champion in the Girls 5A High Jump. Her season best in the high jump was 5’2”, which was the height she cleared to win the championship. Her overall personal best is 5’4”.

Pictured above (left to right): Angie Miller, Sonya Pickett, Candrice Davis, Dr. Steve Ellis

 

Educators Recognized for Participation in CORE Collaborative Cohort 1

Two Nash County Public Schools educators were recognized for participating in the CORE Collaborative Cohort 1, a statewide professional learning initiative focused on building trauma-informed, resilience-centered school environments.

Cara Patterson, Assistant Principal at Northern Nash High, and Cyndi Jarvis-Steele, School Counselor at Tar River Academy, were honored for their commitment to professional learning, reflection, and collaboration with educators from across North Carolina.

Through their participation, Patterson and Jarvis-Steele are bringing strategies back to Nash County Public Schools that support adult well-being, collective care, thoughtful decision-making, and student success.

“While the CORE Collaborative is an external initiative, the impact of their learning is felt right here in Nash County Public Schools,” Dr. Ellis shared during the recognition. “Their commitment to professional growth and to the well-being of our school communities reflects the very best of NCPS.”

Pictured above (left to right): Car Patterson, Cyndi Jarvis Steele, Dr. Steve Ellis

Red Oak Elementary and G.R. Edwards Elementary Recommended as Model STEM Schools of Distinction

Red Oak Elementary School and G.R. Edwards Elementary School were recommended for designation as Model STEM Schools of Distinction, the highest designation possible.

The schools were recognized for their dedication to innovative, high-quality teaching and learning. Following successful site visits, both schools demonstrated strong alignment with the North Carolina STEM framework through engaging, student-centered instruction and collaborative learning environments.

Students at both schools actively participate in hands-on, project-based learning experiences that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork across STEM disciplines. Through meaningful community partnerships and real-world connections, learning extends beyond the classroom and helps prepare students for future success.

The district also recognized Mrs. Allison Williams, Principal of Red Oak Elementary; Dr. Allen M. Wilson, Principal of G.R. Edwards Elementary; and district STEM Coordinator Marcy Keener for their leadership in making this recognition possible. To learn more about this recommended honor, visit https://www.ncpschools.net/aboutus/news/news-details/~board/ncps-updates/post/red-oak-elementary-and-gr-edwards-elementary-earn-a-recommendation-for-nc-stem-school-of-distinction. 

Pictured above (left to right): Allison Williams, Markevis Silver, Marcy Keener, Morgan Dollar, Natalie Shearin, Dr. Allen M. Wilson, Dr. Steve Ellis

 

Melinda Byrd Recognized for Outstanding Mathematics Instruction

Nash County Public Schools recognized Melinda Byrd as part of the 2026 Outstanding Elementary Mathematics Teacher Awards Program.

In partnership with the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, this recognition honors a K–5 teacher who exemplifies excellence in mathematics teaching.

Byrd was recognized for delivering high-quality instruction, inspiring enthusiasm for mathematics, and motivating students to achieve at high levels.

“We are proud to recognize Melinda Byrd, who represents the very best of our district’s commitment to student success in mathematics,” the recognition stated.

Pictured Above: Melinda Byrd and Dr. Steve Ellis

 

Amanda Thomas Named 2026 NCPS Science Teacher of the Year

Nash County Public Schools also announced Mrs. Amanda Thomas as the 2026 NCPS Science Teacher of the Year.

The award, now in its second year, recognizes excellence in science education across the district. It celebrates educators who spark curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and help students better understand the world around them.

Thomas was selected after a review of an exceptional group of nominees. The award honors an educator who has served in their current role for at least three years and demonstrates exemplary teaching through creativity, innovative lesson design, and leadership in strengthening science instruction and student engagement.

As part of this recognition, Thomas will receive registration, travel, and lodging to attend the 2026 North Carolina Science Teachers Association Conference in November.

Pictured above: Amanda Thomas and Dr. Steve Ellis

 

Shelly Maloney Recognized for National Art Education Award

Nash County Public Schools recognized Shelly Maloney for receiving the CSTAE Curriculum Writer Award from the National Art Education Association.

This award honors exceptional contributions to curriculum development and a commitment to high-quality arts education. Through her work, students benefit from engaging, standards-aligned instruction that fosters creativity and critical thinking.

Nash County Public Schools also recognized Northern Nash High School for supporting Maloney’s achievement by sending her to Chicago in March to accept the award.

Pictured above: Shelly Maloney and Dr. Steve Ellis

Seven NCPS Students Accepted to North Carolina Governor’s School

The district also recognized students selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School this summer. Governor’s School is a highly competitive and prestigious program that brings together top students from across North Carolina for an immersive learning experience.

This year, Nash County Public Schools had 13 applicants, and seven students were accepted.

Accepted students included:

• Early College: Amir Hedgepeth, Mathematics
• Nash Central: Matthew McKeller, Theater
• Southern Nash: Emma Batchelor, English
• Southern Nash: Arian Campos-Lopez, Social Science
• Southern Nash: Jordyn Dunning, Instrumental Music
• Southern Nash: Elizabeth Salazar, Mathematics
• Southern Nash: Brody Wallace, Instrumental Music

 

Calm & Kind Parenting Program Graduates Recognized

Nash County Public Schools continued its focus on supporting early childhood families through the Calm & Kind Parenting curriculum.

For the past eleven years, Nash County Public Schools has implemented the Parenting Partners curriculum to support and empower families across the district. For the second year, the Calm & Kind training series, a component of Parenting Partners, has been offered to Prekindergarten families and has expanded to include Kindergarten families.

The expansion reflects the district’s commitment to meeting families where they are and providing developmentally appropriate support that strengthens early learning and positive family relationships.

Recently, seven parents completed the Calm & Kind training, and five were present to be recognized during the Board meeting.

Recognized parents included:

• Candice Compton
• Joseph Compton
• Mary Compton
• Paola Flores
• Ebony Cherry

The district also recognized staff members who made the program possible.

Facilitators included:

• Angela King
• Marletha Muhammad
• Queen Boyd

Child Care Providers included:

• Taniqua Rackley
• Mary Wright

The next series of Calm and Kind Parenting classes will begin in October 2026.

 

Dr. Steve Ellis Named 2026 CCRESA Superintendent of the Year

Nash County Public Schools also recognized Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis, who has been named the 2026 Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Ellis received the recognition during the CCRESA Board of Directors meeting on Friday, May 1, 2026.

As the CCRESA Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Ellis will advance to compete for the A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year award, alongside regional Superintendents of the Year from the other seven RESAs across the state. The statewide winner will be announced on October 8, 2026. The recipient of the A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year award will then compete for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year recognition.

Under Dr. Ellis’ leadership, Nash County Public Schools successfully exited low-performing district status in 2022–2023 after being designated as low-performing every year from 2014–2015 through 2021–2022. Since that time, the district has remained out of low-performing status and continues to exceed the state’s averages in post-pandemic recovery academic gains.

The May Board of Education meeting reflected the many ways Nash County Public Schools students, staff, families, and leaders continue to demonstrate excellence, service, and commitment to student success.

“Our district is filled with students, staff, and families who continue to lead, serve, and achieve in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Steve Ellis, Superintendent of Nash County Public Schools. These recognitions are a reminder of the incredible work happening across NCPS every day. We are proud to celebrate these accomplishments and the people behind them.

To learn more about Dr. Ellis’ award, visit https://www.ncpschools.net/aboutus/news/news-details/~board/ncps-updates/post/nash-county-public-schools-superintendent-dr-steve-ellis-named-2026-ccresa-superintendent-of-the-year

Pictured above (left to right): Angie Miller, Sheila Wallace, Dr. Steve Ellis, Melissa Dancy-Smith, Dr. Leondus Farrow Jr. 

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Media Contact:
Caroline Johnson
Nash County Public Schools
csjohnson@ncpschools.net