🏆 Topsail High School Shines at NC DECA CDC 2026!
What an incredible showing for Topsail High School at the North Carolina DECA Career Development Conference in Greensboro!
This year’s CDC was the largest in state history, with 6,200+ students in attendance — and our Pirates stood out among the best in North Carolina. With 33 competitors, our team not only performed at a high level competitively but also demonstrated exceptional professionalism, character, and leadership throughout the conference.
And yes — three straight days in professional attire. That alone deserves recognition.
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🌟 Series Honor Awards (Top 10 in NC)
• James Russell (Senior) – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making (Top 10 in Testing)
• Tyler Andrews (Sophomore) – Principles of Entrepreneurship (Top 10 in Role Play)
• Grayson Dill (Junior) – Sports & Entertainment Marketing (Top 10 in Testing)
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🏅 Grand Awards — Advancing to ICDC in Atlanta!
These students have qualified for the International Career Development Conference in April:
• Tyler Andrews (Sophomore) – 7th Place, Principles of Entrepreneurship
• Stephen Drescher & James Russell (Seniors) – 7th Place, Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
They will represent Topsail and North Carolina at ICDC in Atlanta — an outstanding accomplishment.
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📜 American Marketing Association (AMA) Professional Credential
• Grayson Dill
• Luke Husby
• Lane Schott
• Derek Walz
Earning an industry-recognized credential while competing at the state level demonstrates both technical competence and commitment to excellence.
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🎖 DECA Proficiency Pins
Audrey Betz, George Calvillo, Juli-Ana Benson-Clements, Luke Husby, Nicholas Wentworth, Stephen Drescher, James Russell, Annie Buskirk, Lane Schott, Tyler Andrews, Aiden Odle, Camryn Czepiel, Jack Waddell, Connor Tyson, Madison Brantley, Olivia Barras, Cayden Allen, Lily Brooks, Parker Perkins, Ray Zwack, Lily Long, Derek Walz, Grayson Dill, Sam Kessel, Ben Moore
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Beyond awards, what stands out most is the growth: collaboration in workshops, networking with peers across the state, and representing Topsail with pride and professionalism at every event.
This is what Career & Technical Education looks like in action — skill development, credential attainment, competitive excellence, and leadership.
Go Pirates!
Oh, the stories we shared! 📖💛 Our Central Office crew celebrated Read Across America Day by reading with students at Cape Fear Elementary and Pender Innovative Learning Academy. Thank you Jennifer Hansen, Dr. Breedlove, Kayla Davidson, Fallon Fuller, Jennifer Herbstreit, Craig Lawson, Loren Macon, Dr. Sonya Oates, and Melissa Wilson!
Children in Ms. C's class at Malpass Corner are learning about the weather.
Carolyn Allen, a freshman at Topsail High School, was able to experience leadership and service firsthand during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day, spending the day at the Regimental Office for the 2nd Marine Division with the United States Marine Corps aboard Camp Lejeune.
From observing high-level operations to learning how teamwork, discipline, and leadership drive mission success, Carolyn is gaining a powerful look into careers in military service and administration.
Thank you to the 2nd Marine Division for opening doors and providing this meaningful career exploration opportunity for our student.
From observing high-level operations to learning how teamwork, discipline, and leadership drive mission success, Carolyn is gaining a powerful look into careers in military service and administration.
Thank you to the 2nd Marine Division for opening doors and providing this meaningful career exploration opportunity for our student.
💙👥 It’s School Social Work Week! 🧠🏫
Pender County Schools proudly recognizes the incredible work of our school social workers who support students’ mental health, well-being, and success—in and out of the classroom. Your care, connection, and advocacy make a lasting impact every day.
Thank you for being a lifeline for our students and families. We appreciate all you do! 🙌
Pender County Schools proudly recognizes the incredible work of our school social workers who support students’ mental health, well-being, and success—in and out of the classroom. Your care, connection, and advocacy make a lasting impact every day.
Thank you for being a lifeline for our students and families. We appreciate all you do! 🙌
📚It’s Read Across America Week! 🎉📖
Pender County Schools is celebrating the power of reading and the joy of stories all week long! 📘✨ From dress-up days to guest readers, our students are diving into books that spark imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. 👦👧
Grab your favorite book and join us as we turn the page toward a brighter future—one story at a time! 📚🎈
Pender County Schools is celebrating the power of reading and the joy of stories all week long! 📘✨ From dress-up days to guest readers, our students are diving into books that spark imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. 👦👧
Grab your favorite book and join us as we turn the page toward a brighter future—one story at a time! 📚🎈
🍳🥐National School Breakfast Week🍳🥐
Attention Students📣📣
Stop by ANY cafeteria for free breakfast AND lunch at all schools this week! Visit our menus through the link below.
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/documents/breakfast-and-lunch-menus/350971
Attention Students📣📣
Stop by ANY cafeteria for free breakfast AND lunch at all schools this week! Visit our menus through the link below.
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/documents/breakfast-and-lunch-menus/350971
National Strawberry Day at Rocky Point Elementary School!
Caleb Cook is building his future during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing with Coastal Living Homes LLC 🏗️
From learning about residential construction to seeing how planning, craftsmanship, and teamwork come together on a job site, Caleb is gaining hands-on insight into careers in the building trades.
Thank you to Coastal Living Homes LLC for partnering with us and supporting real-world career exploration!
From learning about residential construction to seeing how planning, craftsmanship, and teamwork come together on a job site, Caleb is gaining hands-on insight into careers in the building trades.
Thank you to Coastal Living Homes LLC for partnering with us and supporting real-world career exploration!
Ellison Gosma is stepping onto the field of opportunity during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, spending the day with NC Courage Soccer ⚽
From seeing professional training and operations up close to learning about careers in athletics, sports management, and performance, Ellison is gaining valuable insight into the world of professional sports.
Thank you to NC Courage Soccer for investing in our students and providing this exciting real-world experience!
From seeing professional training and operations up close to learning about careers in athletics, sports management, and performance, Ellison is gaining valuable insight into the world of professional sports.
Thank you to NC Courage Soccer for investing in our students and providing this exciting real-world experience!
Journey Johnson is getting a firsthand look at education during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing at Cape Fear Middle School 🍎
From observing classroom learning to seeing how educators support students each day, Journey is exploring the impact and opportunities within the field of education.
Thank you to Cape Fear Middle School for welcoming our student and supporting career exploration!
From observing classroom learning to seeing how educators support students each day, Journey is exploring the impact and opportunities within the field of education.
Thank you to Cape Fear Middle School for welcoming our student and supporting career exploration!
Coble Pollock is stepping into the world of law during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing at Pollock & Pollock, Attorneys at Law ⚖️
From learning about legal processes to observing how attorneys advocate for their clients, Coble is gaining valuable insight into careers in the legal field.
Thank you to Pollock & Pollock for welcoming our student and supporting real-world career exploration!
From learning about legal processes to observing how attorneys advocate for their clients, Coble is gaining valuable insight into careers in the legal field.
Thank you to Pollock & Pollock for welcoming our student and supporting real-world career exploration!
Mason Foss is exploring the power of student support during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, spending the day with Communities In Schools Cape Fear 📚
From learning how wraparound services support students and families to seeing advocacy and mentorship in action, Mason is gaining insight into careers that make a difference beyond the classroom.
Thank you to Communities In Schools Cape Fear for investing in our students and demonstrating the impact of community partnerships!
From learning how wraparound services support students and families to seeing advocacy and mentorship in action, Mason is gaining insight into careers that make a difference beyond the classroom.
Thank you to Communities In Schools Cape Fear for investing in our students and demonstrating the impact of community partnerships!
Alana Williams is gaining a behind-the-scenes look at education during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing at South Topsail Elementary School 🍎
From observing classroom instruction to learning about the many roles that support student success, Alana is exploring the impact and opportunities within the field of education.
Thank you to South Topsail Elementary for welcoming our student and supporting career exploration!
From observing classroom instruction to learning about the many roles that support student success, Alana is exploring the impact and opportunities within the field of education.
Thank you to South Topsail Elementary for welcoming our student and supporting career exploration!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Lisa Troy, EC and ISD Administrative Assistant in the Instructional Services Department.
Lisa does a great job supporting the day-to-day work of our department. Along with her regular responsibilities supporting EC and the Chief Academic Officer, she has also stepped in to help support the CTE Director during a time when that department did not have an administrative assistant. She has handled those extra duties without hesitation and has helped keep things moving forward.
Lisa is also someone people across the district can count on. She’s always willing to help answer questions, share what she knows, and support other departments when needed. Her positive attitude and steady support make a difference for the people she works with every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Lisa, for your flexibility, reliability, and the support you provide to Instructional Services and beyond.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Lisa Troy, EC and ISD Administrative Assistant in the Instructional Services Department.
Lisa does a great job supporting the day-to-day work of our department. Along with her regular responsibilities supporting EC and the Chief Academic Officer, she has also stepped in to help support the CTE Director during a time when that department did not have an administrative assistant. She has handled those extra duties without hesitation and has helped keep things moving forward.
Lisa is also someone people across the district can count on. She’s always willing to help answer questions, share what she knows, and support other departments when needed. Her positive attitude and steady support make a difference for the people she works with every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Lisa, for your flexibility, reliability, and the support you provide to Instructional Services and beyond.
Austin Walz is powering up his career exploration during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing with the Electric Cooperative ⚡
From learning about electrical systems and safety to seeing how teams keep communities powered, Austin is gaining valuable, hands-on insight into careers in the energy industry.
Thank you to the Electric Co-op for partnering with us and investing in our students’ futures!
From learning about electrical systems and safety to seeing how teams keep communities powered, Austin is gaining valuable, hands-on insight into careers in the energy industry.
Thank you to the Electric Co-op for partnering with us and investing in our students’ futures!
Owen Fields is blooming in career exploration during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing at Brunswick Town Florist 🌸
From learning floral design techniques to understanding customer service and small business operations, Owen is gaining hands-on insight into the creative and business sides of the floral industry.
Thank you to Brunswick Town Florist for welcoming our student and supporting real-world learning!
From learning floral design techniques to understanding customer service and small business operations, Owen is gaining hands-on insight into the creative and business sides of the floral industry.
Thank you to Brunswick Town Florist for welcoming our student and supporting real-world learning!
Hailey Fargo is gaining a behind-the-scenes look at district leadership during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing with Pender County Schools Cabinet Leadership 🏫
From learning about decision-making and district operations to seeing how leadership supports schools, staff, and students, Hailey is exploring the impact of leadership in education.
Thank you to Pender County Schools Cabinet Leadership for opening doors and investing in the next generation of leaders!
From learning about decision-making and district operations to seeing how leadership supports schools, staff, and students, Hailey is exploring the impact of leadership in education.
Thank you to Pender County Schools Cabinet Leadership for opening doors and investing in the next generation of leaders!
Maddie Siemon is getting a close-up look at animal care during Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day 2026, job shadowing at Topsail Animal Hospital 🐾
From observing veterinary procedures to learning about daily clinic operations and compassionate care, Maddie is exploring careers in animal health and wellness.
Thank you to Topsail Animal Hospital for welcoming our student and supporting hands-on career exploration!
From observing veterinary procedures to learning about daily clinic operations and compassionate care, Maddie is exploring careers in animal health and wellness.
Thank you to Topsail Animal Hospital for welcoming our student and supporting hands-on career exploration!
