Tonight, we had the honor of celebrating an incredible group of educators and staff members during our annual Retirement Banquet. Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and colleagues across Pender County Schools.
Thank you for your years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and the legacy you leave behind. You will always be part of the PCS family!
Wishing you all the best in your well-earned retirement! 💙🍎
🌟 Feature Friday - Brandy Edwards! 🌟
Brandy Edwards, Middle Grades Math Interventionist at Burgaw Middle School, is the quiet engine that keeps everything running behind the scenes—and always with a smile. From filling out last-minute data charts to stepping up when duties shift unexpectedly, Mrs. Edwards consistently goes above and beyond without being asked. Her dedication to both students and staff shows in the countless small but meaningful ways she supports the school community every single day.
💬 “She’s the kind of person who sees what needs to be done—and just does it.”
But Brandy brings more than just hard work. Her warmth, humor, and uplifting energy make Burgaw Middle a brighter, more connected place. She not only helps us stay organized—she helps us feel like family.
Thank you, Mrs. Edwards, for all the heart you bring to BMS! 💙📚👏
Big congratulations to our Heide Trask High School students!
Today, several students earned Electrical Helper and OSHA 10 credentials through our Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship course—gaining real-world skills that power up their futures!
In our Animal Science class, students earned their Canine Basic Care and Handling credentials, showcasing their commitment to animal care and professionalism in the field.
Way to go, Titans! You’ve just given yourselves a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Keep leveling up and leading the way!
#CTEWorks #HTHS #OnePender #CareerReady #PowerOf1Percent
📚 Battle of the Books Champions Recognized!
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, students from South Topsail Elementary and Topsail Middle School were recognized for their impressive 3rd place finishes in the regional Battle of the Books competition!
Congratulations to these young readers and their coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and dedication. 📖👏
🌟 Student Spotlight: Peyton | 3rd Grade | C.F. Pope Elementary 🌟
Peyton leads with kindness every day! 💖 Whether she’s cheering up a classmate or helping others stay on track, Peyton is the kind of friend and leader who makes a big difference. Her thoughtful actions and positive attitude set the tone for her classroom and inspire others to do the same. 👏
🥩 Favorite Food: Outback Steakhouse
🎀 Favorite Color: Pink
⚽ Hobbies: Softball & Soccer
🐶 Pets: 2 dogs—Bear & Daisy
👯 Fun Fact: She has twin sisters!
Way to go, Peyton! Keep spreading kindness! ✨
🎓 Thank You, Board Interns!
A big thank you to our Board of Education student interns Morgan Augustine and Dayleen Murillo for their service during the 2024-2025 school year! (Janiyah James not pictured)
These students provided valuable insights and represented their peers with maturity and professionalism throughout the year.
We appreciate your voice and commitment to PCS!
⚓ Topsail High Coast Guard JROTC Honored
Members of Topsail High School’s Coast Guard JROTC were celebrated at the Board of Education meeting for their outstanding performance and community leadership this school year.
From drill competitions to service projects, these cadets have represented PCS and the Coast Guard with honor and excellence.
📚 Meet Dr. Kellie Henry, 9th Grade English Teacher at Topsail High School! 🍎
🎓 30 Years in Education | 📖 National Board Certified | 🎓 Doctorate Degree Holder
Dr. Henry knew from a young age she was meant to teach—calling it a “calling from God.” Inspired by her grandmother, a teacher and her greatest life mentor, Dr. Henry has spent three decades bringing passion, empathy, and dedication to the classroom.
She teaches English because she loves reading and writing, and finds true joy hearing students talk about the books they love. For her, it’s the relationships that matter most—those daily check-ins from former students are what keep her inspired.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Henry is a travel consultant who loves to explore the Caribbean and Walt Disney World. She also enjoys painting, doing puzzles, and spending time with her spirited Jack Russell terrier, Isabel. 🐾
Her teaching philosophy? "Students may not remember everything you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel."
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms across the Pender County community!
Your kindness, strength, and support uplift our students and staff every day.
We celebrate you today and always
⏳ One week to go! The PEP 10th Anniversary Gala is happening Saturday, May 17, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎉
Enjoy an elegant dinner, dancing, and a silent auction—all while supporting students & teachers in Pender County Schools.
🎟 Tickets are still available! Get yours before it’s too late: PenderEducationPartnership.org
🗣️💬 STUDENT VOICES AT THE TABLE!
VIDEO LINK - https://youtu.be/t_Z_eMzhdgc
Today marked the final Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meeting of the year, bringing together high school students from across Pender County Schools for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and insight. 🎓 These students meet quarterly to share their perspectives directly with district leadership—ensuring that the voices of those we serve most are heard loud and clear. 💙
This meeting focused on school finance, with Chief Financial Officer Lisa Nowlin walking students through how budgets are developed, how funding is prioritized, and how financial decisions impact classrooms and campuses. 💼📊 It was an eye-opening experience that helped students better understand the responsibilities and complexities behind district-level decision-making.
We are incredibly proud of these student leaders for their thoughtful input and active participation. Their feedback helps inform our work, strengthens our schools, and reminds us that the best ideas often come from those walking the halls every day. 👏 Thank you to every student who served on the council this year—you are making a difference! 🌟 #OnePender
Full Pender Early College Teacher Appreciation Week Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdCsBx3D7PbFMJfqm7iRVI_j9CPbqnM9
Full North Topsail Elementary Teacher Appreciation Week Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdCsBx3D7PYDQ80K7o0B2zeb9fWmswgw
🎉 Employee Spotlight on Carrie Hankins! 🎉
Carrie Hankins, Student Systems Coordinator in Testing and Accountability, is the guiding force behind our district’s successful transition to Infinite Campus. Leading a team of over 20 data managers, she has shown remarkable patience, determination, and leadership every step of the way. Ms. Hankins ensures her team has the tools, training, and support they need—and she always advocates for their success.
💬 “Carrie always tells the Data Team: we’ll get through it together—as a team.”
Thank you, Ms. Hankins, for your steady leadership and for lifting up those around you every day! 💻📊👏
🚨 Reminder: Community Meeting TONIGHT for Imagine Pender 2050! 🚨
The Imagine Pender 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan is ready for your feedback! 🌟 Don't miss your chance to help shape the future of Pender County. The next community meeting is TONIGHT at Heide Trask High School.
📅 Date: TONIGHT, Thursday, May 8th
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heide Trask High School Cafeteria
14328 State Hwy 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457
Come learn more about the draft plan, see the new map, and share your feedback with us. Your input is crucial! 🗣️💬
If you can’t make it, you can still take the online survey until June 6th here: Pender County Get Involved
Let’s build the future of Pender County—together! 🌱
Full Pender High Teacher Appreciation Week Playlist
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdCsBx3D7Paxr5oC8KOyWvUaYUmeJkz8
🌟 Student Spotlight: Mason | 5th Grade | North Topsail Elementary 🌟
Mason’s artistic talent truly stands out! 🎨 He brings our Wit and Wisdom curriculum to life with detailed, creative artwork that inspires his classmates to explore their own creativity. His ability to capture attention through art is a gift that brightens the classroom every day!
🥢 Favorite Food: Edamame
🔷 Favorite Color: Pale Blue
✏️ Hobby: Drawing
🐾 Pets: 8 pets!
😲 Fun Fact: Mason is already an uncle!
Keep creating, Mason—you’re an inspiration! 👏✨
Full C.F. Pope Elementary Teacher Appreciation Week Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdCsBx3D7Paw5QZPIyRZlqizKhbLCh55
