This past week in our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has been filled with moments of reflection, celebration, and inspiration — reminding us of the strong legacy we are privileged to inherit and the bright future our students are shaping.
Welcoming a New Voice to the Board
On Tuesday evening, we welcomed a new member to our Board of Trustees. Halifax County Judge Teresa Freeman administered the oath of office to Mr. Phil Hux, who will serve the remainder of a term through 2029, replacing former board member Valencia Davis. Mr. Hux, a proud graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, stood proudly as his children held the Bible and his grandchildren and wife looked on.
In his remarks, Mr. Hux said, “I want to contribute to help ensure that [my grandchildren] get the same education and opportunities that I did when going to school here.” We are grateful for his commitment and his desire to give back to the school system that helped shape his life and family.
Arts Enrichment Through Generous Endowment
Also during Tuesday’s board meeting, we celebrated the recipients of this year’s Newsom Family Endowment for the Arts Grants. Thanks to the legacy of Mr. Mac Newsom, a 1961 RRHS graduate, four teachers received a combined $5,000 to support innovative art education initiatives in our schools.
Shelley Rideout of Chaloner Middle School will purchase a mobile display tower to enhance our Chaloner Middle School Night of the Arts events.
Mary Durham of Belmont Elementary School will expand her third-grade Biography Unit with books and supplies to promote arts-based, project learning.
Brooks Ard and the fourth-grade team at Manning Elementary School will reinvigorate the annual pumpkin decorating contest by removing barriers to participation.
Ashley Baucom of Chaloner Middle School will be able to provide a band instrument for a student who otherwise could not afford to participate.
We thank Mr. Newsom’s family for their ongoing support, which has now provided over $27,000 in funding for the arts across our district.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
One of my favorite traditions, the Senior Walk, took place Thursday, May 22.
Seniors from Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College took their final walk from RREC to RRHS along Hamilton Street and through the halls of their elementary and middle schools. They were cheered on by younger students and reunited with the teachers and staff who have guided them throughout their journey. It was a beautiful and emotional day for all involved.
On Friday evening, May 23, RREC celebrated its graduation ceremony in the RRHS Auditorium. We are incredibly proud of our graduates, who have earned over $4.6 million in scholarships. Their accomplishments are truly impressive. Graduation speakers included RREC Principal Jance Moody, Halifax Community College President Dr. Patrena Elliott, RRGSD Public and Student Information Officer Mandy Clark, Superintendent Dr. Julie Thompson, Valedictorian Jackson Taylor, and Salutatorian Khamauri Wood.
One of the most touching moments of the night was when Specialist Michael Cook of the United States Army surprised his brother Brandon just after Brandon received his high school diploma. There was not a dry eye in the house!
Looking ahead, our Baccalaureate service will be held Sunday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m., and Roanoke Rapids High School’s Graduation will take place Friday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Athletic and Academic Excellence on Display
Congratulations to the RRHS Women’s Soccer Team, who secured a 5-0 victory over East Duplin on Thursday night and now advance to the Final Four! They will face Franklin Academy tonight (Tuesday, May 27), at Wake Prep Academy at 7:00 p.m. Let’s show them our full support!
We are equally proud of our KidWind Team, who traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, for the World Competition and returned with the Innovation Award for their advanced solar project.
Their design, featuring cutting-edge wiring and microcircuit controllers, was the most sophisticated in the competition. Congratulations to team members Josiah Ausby, Linley Godsey, Sara Fender, Abigail Argumedo, and Na’ja Mason as well as their coach, Shannon Dickinson.
End-of-Year Excitement at Our Schools
At Manning Elementary School, students celebrated the end of the year with a joyful Fifth Grade Dance and a spirited Field Day. On May 21, students in grades 1-5 participated in Step Up Night, meeting their next-year teachers and learning about the grade ahead.
Teacher Assistant and Bus Driver Karmunisha Richardson and Superintendent Dr. Julie Thompson celebrate Mrs. Richardson’s commendation by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles for being a safe and courteous bus driver
Belmont Elementary School first graders enjoyed a hands-on science field trip to the 4H Center, focused on pollination. Over 250 students were recognized for meeting their STRETCH goals on i-Ready diagnostics with a fun glow-in-the-dark dodgeball event! Step Up Night and Kindergarten Signing Day were also special highlights this week, creating enthusiasm for the year to come.
Mrs. Sheri Chang's first grade class at Belmont Elementary School learned about the needs of plants by planting grass seed and creating houses
Testing Season Is Here
Our elementary and middle school students began End-of-Grade (EOG) testing on Friday, May 23. We ask our families to help students prepare with a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. Encourage them to take their time, relax, and show what they know—we believe in them and we’re already proud of how much they’ve grown.
As we wrap up the final weeks of the 2024–2025 school year, let us continue to honor the traditions that make our district special while celebrating the achievements that will lead us into an even brighter future. From the school board to the soccer field, from classrooms to concerts, from test days to graduation caps — it’s all part of what makes us Yellow Jackets.
Together, we succeed!