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.
Cape Fear Community College is offering FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) evening classes for adults in Pender County.
🗓 Classes begin January 5–6, 2026
📍 Locations: Burgaw, Rocky Point, and Willard
🕕 Evening classes: 6:30–9:30 PM
👩🏫 Designed for adult learners
💲 No cost to attend
📣 Oportunidad para la comunidad: Clases GRATUITAS de ESL para adultos
Cape Fear Community College ofrece clases GRATUITAS de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) en horario nocturno para adultos en el condado de Pender.
🗓 Las clases comienzan el 5–6 de enero de 2026
📍 Ubicaciones: Burgaw, Rocky Point y Willard
🕕 Clases nocturnas: 6:30–9:30 p. m.
👩🏫 Diseñadas para estudiantes adultos
💲 Sin costo para asistir
This week we’re proud to recognize Mrs. Molly Nugent, Instructional Assistant and Bus Driver at Topsail Annandale Elementary School.
Mrs. Nugent is a dependable, dedicated member of the TAES community who consistently goes above and beyond to keep things running smoothly. In the classroom, she is a true partner — supporting instruction, helping students thrive, and stepping in wherever she’s needed. Outside the classroom, she continues to shine, taking on bus routes with care and even volunteering her time to support holiday activities and her sons’ teachers. 🚍✨
Her positive impact extends far beyond one room. Mrs. Nugent is the kind of coworker who is always looking for ways to help, improve routines, and contribute to a supportive school environment. Her initiative, reliability, and dedication make TAES a better place for students, staff, and families alike. 💛
💙 Thank you, Mrs. Nugent, for your hard work, your kindness, and your constant commitment to making a difference throughout the building!
Conley is a 3rd grader at South Topsail Elementary. He was nominated for showing kindness to his classmates throughout the school day.
Conley often looks for ways to help others, especially students who are new to STE. He makes sure they feel included in activities and checks in when he notices something that doesn’t seem fair. Staff members say he is quick to step in and support younger students who may feel unsure or need a friendly face.
His actions help create a school environment where students feel comfortable and welcome.
Outside of school, Conley enjoys lacrosse and farming. His favorite food is a PBJ, and his favorite color is green. At home, he has a dog named Rogue and three cats—Spike, Sparkles, and Cruise. Conley says he hopes to become a farmer so he can care for animals and crops, and also a police officer so he can help people.
💚 Thank you, Conley, for the kindness you show at South Topsail Elementary.
Parents also notice how she builds individual connections with students. One family shared that Ms. Soose attended their son’s baseball game to cheer him on. He was excited to see her there, and the family appreciated the support.
Thank you, Ms. Soose, for the care and consistency you provide to students at C.F. Pope. ⚾💛
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Mr. Michael Taylor, Chief Officer of Student Support Services, as he prepares to retire at the end of December after an incredible 27 years of service in public education, including the last seven with Pender County Schools. 🇺🇸🎓
Mr. Taylor’s dedication to service began early — at just 18 years old, he joined the United States Marine Corps, beginning a lifelong journey of leadership, discipline, and commitment to others. Throughout his career in education, he has worn many hats and met every challenge with humility, expertise, and a willingness to help. His deep knowledge across the education spectrum and steady guidance have made him a trusted resource for colleagues across the district.
Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Taylor is known for his kindness and positivity. His friendly attitude brightens each day, and he’s always quick to share a kind word or lend support. He leads with compassion, puts others first, and embodies what it means to serve with heart and integrity. 💛💙
Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for your years of service, leadership, and care. Your impact on Pender County Schools — and on the many people you’ve guided along the way — will not be forgotten. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement! 🎉👏
Pender High School celebrated another round of Order of the Patriot Award winners today! These students were recognized for their hard work, growth, and the everyday choices that show integrity and effort—stuff that doesn’t always get seen but definitely deserves to be celebrated.
Huge congrats to this semester’s recipients:
Chloe Moore, Jackson Kestler, Gianina Orwat, Malcolm Baldwin, Abigail Pate, Aiden Anderson, Gicel Sanchez-Cruz, Jared Sanchez-Cruz, Jasmine Ramirez Hernandez, Holly Smith, Keirisson Brown, Grace Stutts, Anthony Corbett, Yarinet Leon Quiroz, Johnah Murphy, Jenna Charlton, and Avery Lewis.
We’re proud of each of you! 👏❤️💙 https://youtube.com/shorts/tmkTc8t3-ec
This week, our TMS 8th graders in Mr. Brittain’s and Mr. Chase’s classes took another exciting step in their NC Career Development Plans! 🎓✨
Students explored high school courses, learned how to make intentional choices, and began connecting their education to their interests and long-term goals. They even drafted their first high school course plans—recognizing that plans grow and change as they discover new opportunities. 🌟
A huge thank you to our dedicated TMS teachers, counselor Ms. Wood, THS counselors Mr. Buchanan and Ms. Ward, and our Middle School Career Development Coordinator, Michele Simmons for guiding our students every step of the way.
Proud of our Pirates and their bright futures ahead! 💙💛
#onepender
