Cape Fear Community College is hosting a Financial Aid & FAFSA Night on Tuesday, January 13, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at CFCC Union Station (Room 212).
✔️ Get one-on-one help from trained financial aid professionals
✔️ Step-by-step guidance to maximize your aid eligibility
✔️ Learn about scholarships and CFCC programs
✔️ Open to high school students, college students, adult learners, and families
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 Free to attend!
👉 Learn more: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert help and take the next step toward your education!
🎓 ¿Necesitas ayuda para completar la FAFSA? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarte! 💰
Cape Fear Community College organizará una Noche de Ayuda Financiera y FAFSA el martes 13 de enero, de 6:00 a 7:30 p. m., en CFCC Union Station (salón 212).
✔️ Asistencia personalizada con profesionales capacitados en ayuda financiera
✔️ Orientación paso a paso para maximizar tu elegibilidad de ayuda
✔️ Información sobre oportunidades de becas y programas de CFCC
✔️ Abierto a estudiantes de secundaria, estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes adultos y familias
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 ¡Evento gratuito!
👉 Más información: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de recibir ayuda experta y dar el siguiente paso hacia tu educación!


🎓 Curious about Pender Early College High School?
Don’t miss the upcoming PECHS Q&A and Application Information Session!
Come learn about what PECHS has to offer when it comes to academics, student opportunities, and the application process. Bring your questions, they’re happy to talk about classes, extracurriculars, and anything PECHS-related!

Elizabeth is a 12th grader at Topsail High School, nominated by another student for her kindness, leadership, and strong academic performance.
Elizabeth maintains a 4.7 GPA while staying involved in several school activities. She serves as president of the STAN Club, works as a student director for the THS theatre program, and helped start the EC Buddies Club. Her classmate shared that one thing that stands out about Elizabeth is how she treats everyone with respect and works to make sure all students feel valued.
Most mornings, Elizabeth arrives at school around 6:30 a.m. so she can greet and support students with special needs as they start their day. Her consistent effort has helped build a more welcoming environment within the school, and many students have noticed how her leadership has encouraged greater understanding and inclusion.
Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys reading, writing, pickleball, and singing. Her favorite food is Burrito Shak, and her favorite color is purple. She has a dog named Rey, and her favorite poem is “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.
💜 Thank you, Elizabeth, for the kindness and commitment you show at Topsail High School.

Meet Chloe, a bright 7th grader at Burgaw Middle School (BMS), recognized for her outstanding 💖 kindness and warm-hearted spirit.
Chloe is always ready to lend a helping hand and make everyone feel included. One morning, she noticed a classmate who was a little shy and nervous about joining the crowded breakfast line 🍎. Without hesitation, Chloe started a friendly conversation 😊, invited the student to stand in line with her, and even sat with them at the breakfast table—turning an anxious moment into the start of a new friendship 🤝.
Her small acts of kindness create a ripple effect throughout BMS, inspiring her peers to look out for one another and build a more caring school community 💙.
Outside of school, Chloe enjoys softball 🥎, drawing 🎨, and bracelet making 🧵. She shares her home with her pets, dogs Bonnie 🐶 and Clyde 🐕, cat Ally 🐱, and hamster Remy 🐹. Her favorite food is pasta 🍝, her favorite color is blue 💙, and an interesting fact about her, Chloe dreams of becoming both a fashion designer 👗 and working in Emergency Medical Services 🚑 one day.
💙❤️ Congratulations, Chloe, you are a shining example of kindness and compassion at Burgaw Middle School!

✨TEACHER TUESDAY✨Ms. Stephanie Chandler teaches EC Pre-K at Surf City Elementary. Since joining the team, she has helped families feel more at ease through her communication, patience, and willingness to listen. She takes time to learn about each child and family before offering suggestions or making changes, which parents and staff appreciate.
What stands out most about Ms. Chandler is her openness to learning and her steady support of students and families during challenging or uncertain moments. She works closely with her team and is always willing to collaborate.
Ms. Chandler previously worked in Pender County Schools before relocating with her military family. Staff who knew her then say she brought the same positive attitude and teamwork during her earlier years. After returning, she has jumped right back in and continues to be grateful for feedback and guidance. She regularly follows up, puts suggestions into practice, and shows appreciation for the time others invest in helping her.
Thank you, Ms. Chandler, for your dedication to students, families, and your team at Surf City Elementary. 💛🌟









As we welcome 2026, we look forward to new opportunities, fresh goals, and continued growth for our students, staff, and community. 🌟 Thank you for being part of our PCS family—your support makes all the difference.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, success, and strong partnerships! 🎊


❄️🎄 Happy Holidays from Pender County Schools! 🎉⛄
As we take time to rest and celebrate with family and friends, we wish all of our students, families, and staff a joyful and peaceful holiday season. 💙💛 We look forward to a bright and successful new year together!
Stay safe, and enjoy the break! 🌟🎁

This week we’re excited to recognize Ms. Jen Julien, Data Manager at Cape Fear Middle School.
Ms. Julien is much more than a data manager, she is deeply involved in many aspects of CFMS. From leading the Sunshine Committee to supporting athletic events by running the scoreboard on game days 🏀, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students and staff. Her care for others and commitment to student success are evident in everything she does.
One of Ms. Julien’s passions is improving student attendance, and she has made it her mission to help CFMS reach the highest attendance rates possible. Through creative attendance competitions, student conferences, and thoughtful data tracking, she works tirelessly to keep students engaged and present each day. 📊✨
Ms. Julien also brings positivity to the school community by highlighting students and staff on digital signage throughout the building, helping everyone feel seen and celebrated. Her compassion, drive, and willingness to listen make CFMS a better place for all. 💛💙
Thank you, Ms. Julien, for your dedication, leadership, and the many ways you help CFMS shine!

🏈 Pender-Topsail Post & Voice 2025 All-County Football Team Announced 🏈
The Pender-Topsail Post & Voice has released its 2025 All-County Football Team, recognizing standout players and coaches from across the county for their performances this season.
Athletes from multiple programs earned All-County honors after strong individual and team efforts, highlighted by Zy’Quan Murphy (Pender) being named All-County Player of the Year and Tom Eanes (Pender) earning Coach of the Year.
From big-game performances to consistent excellence on both sides of the ball, this year’s All-County selections reflect the depth of football talent across the region.
👉 Read the full All-County team and player breakdown from the Post & Voice: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AAxYn53bW/

A huge congratulations to Zy’Quan Murphy, who was voted the 2025 StarNews High School Football Player of the Year!🏈
Zy’Quan’s leadership, work ethic, and on-field excellence helped lead Pender to another record-breaking season and captured the attention of fans across the region.
👉 Check out the StarNews feature on Zy’Quan’s incredible year: https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/12/02/2025-starnews-football-player-of-the-year-poll/87525667007/

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Raelyn is a 5th grader at Surf City Elementary. She was nominated for showing kindness and leadership toward a younger student who was new to the school.
One morning during car drop-off, Raelyn noticed a kindergartner who was upset and unsure about walking into school. Without being asked, she offered to walk him to his classroom. Since then, she has continued to check on him, talk with him when he seems nervous, and make sure he feels included. Her support helped him settle into his new routine and feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Her actions reflect the caring environment SCE works to build. She shows responsibility and compassion, and she is a positive example for other students—especially the younger Sea Turtles.
Outside of school, Raelyn enjoys fishing and volleyball. Her favorite food is crab legs, and her favorite color is pink. She has two dogs—Koa and Ellie—and two cats, Teddy and Charlie. She also once scored the winning point in a championship basketball game.
💗 Thank you, Raelyn, for the kindness and leadership you show at Surf City Elementary.

What stands out most about Mr. Elmore is his reliability. He’s willing to help whenever he’s needed—before school, during the day, or after dismissal. Staff often refer to him as “Mr. Dependable” because they know they can count on him.
Recently, a teacher at CFMS had a flat tire during a heavy rainstorm. Mr. Elmore went outside and helped change the tire, giving up his own time to make sure the staff member was safe and able to leave. It’s one example of the way he consistently steps in for others.
Thank you, Mr. Elmore, for your steady support of students and staff at Cape Fear Middle School. 💛🔧

UPDATED to reflect HTHS graduation changed to the football stadium.
We look forward to celebrating our seniors and their hard work as they take this important next step.✨
If you have questions, please reach out to your school’s main office.

