[Press Release] Red Oak Elementary and G.R. Edwards Elementary Officially Recognized as Model STEM Schools of Distinction

NASH COUNTY, NC — Nash County Public Schools is proud to announce that Red Oak Elementary School and G.R. Edwards Elementary School have officially been recognized as North Carolina Model STEM Schools of Distinction, the highest level of recognition awarded through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s STEM Schools of Distinction program.

The schools received their official designation during the North Carolina State Board of Education meeting after previously being recommended for the honor following site visits during the 2025-2026 school year.

Red Oak Elementary hosted its site visit on February 25, 2026, while G.R. Edwards Elementary welcomed state reviewers on April 15, 2026. During the evaluation process, schools were reviewed using the NCDPI STEM School Progress Rubric, which focuses on student opportunities, classroom environment, school structures, school culture, and community connections. G.R. Edwards Elementary earned a perfect score on its evaluation and rubric.

At both schools, students are provided with hands-on, project-based learning opportunities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“The work happening at Red Oak Elementary and G.R. Edwards Elementary shows how powerful STEM education can be when it is embedded into a school’s culture,” said Melissa Dancy-Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services and Accountability. “Their official recognition as Model STEM Schools of Distinction celebrates their commitment to preparing students to think critically, collaborate, and solve the challenges of tomorrow.”

The designation reflects the continued commitment of both school communities to providing students with innovative and engaging learning experiences that prepare them for future success.

Photo Note: Dr. Allen M. Wilson, who served as principal of G.R. Edwards Elementary School during the 2025-2026 school year and now serves as principal of Southern Nash Middle School, is pictured in the center wearing a yellow tie. Pictured with him are Natalie Shearin, Media Coordinator at G.R. Edwards Elementary; Jessica Daughtridge, Principal of G.R. Edwards Elementary; Monique Hargrove-Jones, Executive Director of Elementary Education; Marcy Keener, NCPS STEM Coordinator; and Melissa Dancy-Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services and Accountability, pictured in the yellow dress.

 

Photo Note: Pictured in the center is Allison Williams, Principal of Red Oak Elementary, wearing a blue and green dress. To her left is Markevis Silver, who served as Assistant Principal at Red Oak Elementary during the 2025-2026 school year and now serves as Assistant Principal at Englewood Elementary.

 

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Media Contact

Caroline Johnson

Communication Department

csjohnson@ncpschools.net