RAEFORD – The Hoke County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, June 13, with mostly recognitions on the agenda.
The board recognized Hoke County’s two students that were selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School in the summer.
“Of all the AIG students across the state, 700 were chosen to attend Governor’s school this summer,” said Director of AIG and Advanced Placement Linden Cummings. “Two of our amazing students are part of those 700.
“The goal of the Governor’s School is for students to build a vibrant learning community. Each summer, selected students are invited to help build that learning community. Students are encouraged to explore; ask questions with the purpose of learning for their own sake and discovering new possibilities that come from their instructions, without the regular pressure of tests, scores and grades.”
The two students from Hoke County High School who were selected were Alyssa Pridgeon and Akaysha Clark.
Hoke County was also designated as a Purple Star Award District, which is awarded to counties that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
“North Carolina’s long been home to a large population of active-duty guards, reserves and veteran armed service members,” said Executive Director of Student Support Services Peggy Owens. “In recognition of the state’s military history, the Department of Public Instruction is pleased to award over 336 schools for purple stars. Among the 336, there were 11 school districts who were designated as the district purple star award.”
The board also recognized Hoke County High School teacher Mario Malabunga who was named an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year.
Only 10 teachers are recognized nationally, and winners receive both a personal $5,000 cash award and a $25,000 award to their school district to expand computer science and robotics education at their school.
“We are happy to celebrate an all-star teacher who is working diligently to help our students in Hoke County Schools to discover all possibilities of computer science and robotics,” said Hoke County High School Associate Principal Sabrina Finkbeiner.
The board was also made aware of the awarding of a $13,000 Go Grant through the NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council to Scurlock Elementary that went towards the construction of a new gazebo structure on campus.
Finally, the board approved an RFP for legal counsel services for Hoke County Schools. The deadline to receive submissions for the bid is July 7, 2023.
The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 11.
