Pender County Schools -

HAMPSTEAD, NC — Pender County Schools and Bordeaux Construction celebrated a significant milestone Friday morning with the Topping Ceremony for the new J.H. Lea Schools campus. The Topping Out Ceremony, held at 11:00 a.m. at the construction site, commemorated the placement of the final structural steel beam (a symbolic moment representing progress, partnership, and promise for the future of Pender County students).

The event was hosted by Pender County Schools and Bordeaux Construction and began with welcome remarks from Don Hall, Chair of the Pender County Board of Education. Mr. Hall reflected on the collaborative efforts that have brought the project to this important stage and expressed gratitude to the many partners who have helped move the vision forward.

Remarks were also delivered by Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools, and Randy Burton, Chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners. Their comments highlighted the shared commitment between the school district and county leadership to invest in facilities that support student growth, innovation, and long-term community success.

“This final beam represents more than the completion of a structural phase — it symbolizes the strength of our community’s commitment to education,” said Dr. Breedlove after the event. “Just as this beam helps hold this building together, the support of our families, county leaders, educators, and community partners forms the foundation that holds Pender County Schools together. We are a close-knit family, and projects like this remind us what we can accomplish when we build together as a team.”

Following the dignitary remarks, Ben Warren of Bordeaux Construction shared the history and purpose of a topping ceremony — a longstanding construction tradition recognizing the completion of a building’s structural frame and honoring the workers who made it possible.

Dignitaries and guests in attendance were then invited to sign the final steel beam, leaving their signatures on a permanent part of the school’s structure. Moments later, the beam was lifted by crane and carefully set into place, drawing applause from the crowd gathered onsite.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks and guided tours of the developing campus, offering attendees a firsthand look at the progress underway.

Those in attendance included members of the Pender County Board of Education — Don Hall, Chair; Jennifer Hansen, Vice Chair; and Beth Burns, Board Member — along with district leadership including Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent; Dr. Kevin Taylor, Assistant Superintendent; Dr. Joel Grim, Chief Operations Officer; and Dr. Brandy Sawyer, Chief Academic Officer; Bill Nelson, Safety Coordinator; and Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance; Dr. Sonya Oates, Director of Elementary Education; Paula King-Jacobs, Principal of Malpass Corner Elementary; and Brittany Moore, Principal of C.F. Pope Elementary School.

The Bordeaux Construction and MBP Project Teams were also present, alongside county leaders including Randy Burton, Chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioners Brad George, Jerry Groves, and Dr. Jimmy Tate. Colby Sawyer, County Manager, Margaret Blue, Finance Director & Assistant County Manager, and Tim Kiser, Director of Utility Management, attended in support of the project.

Community partners and distinguished guests included Representative Carson Smith (District 16); and Tammie Parris, President of the Pender Education Partnership.

Pender County Schools extends sincere appreciation to all elected officials, community leaders, project partners, staff members, and guests who attended this important milestone. We are grateful for the continued collaboration and support from our community, including those who may not have been individually named, whose partnership makes transformative projects like the J.H. Lea Schools possible.

As the final beam now rests in place, the structure stands not only as steel and concrete, but as a powerful symbol of progress, partnership, and the bright future ahead for Pender County students.