HAMPSTEAD, NC — Topsail High School has been named the 2024-2025 recipient of the Exemplary School Award by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). This prestigious honor recognizes the Pirates as the top overall high school athletic program in the state.
Presented annually with the support of the North Carolina Coaches’ Association and the North Carolina Athletic Directors’ Association, the Exemplary School Award honors one school that demonstrates outstanding achievement across a comprehensive athletic program. Criteria include athletic success, a wide range of sports offerings, strong facilities, academic performance, community engagement, and overall program excellence.
In addition to a trophy and banner, Topsail High will receive a $1,000 cash award in recognition of its accomplishments.
Topsail High School, located in Hampstead and part of the Pender County Schools district, competes in the Mideastern 3A/4A Conference and holds a Level 3 status in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) School Honor Roll program. To earn this distinction, more than 90 percent of the school's coaches completed NFHS Learning Center courses in topics such as sportsmanship, strength and conditioning, behavior modeling, parental engagement, and preventing bullying and hazing.
Dr. Michael Sasscer, principal of Topsail High School, praised the efforts of the entire school community:
“This honor is a testament to the devotion our coaches, student-athletes, staff and community pour into excellence. I am so proud of each member of our team for their sacrifices and investments to allow students to compete at the highest level—both athletically and academically. This recognition truly speaks to our traditions built over time and the character of our entire school family."
For more information about the NCHSAA and its awards programs, visit www.nchsaa.org.