This week, our district had the distinct honor of hosting a truly special event that showcased both our students’ leadership and our community’s hospitality. 

On Monday, October 27, Roanoke Rapids High School welcomed over 115 student delegates and advisors from 15 schools across the region for the 2025 Eastern District Leadership Conference, themed “Behind the Scenes of Leadership.”

As superintendent, it was a privilege for me to extend a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and set the tone for a day centered on leadership, service, and connection as well as speak alongside Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas, president of Chowan University and a long-time supporter of student government. 

The energy in the room was inspiring: students eager to learn, collaborate, and step up as change makers in their schools and communities.

A special thanks goes out to Gary Edwards, Kelly Sparks, Edward Gardner, and Kaitlin Gibson, along with our incredible Student Council members for their dedication in organizing such a meaningful conference. 

A special shout-out to Makenna Whitley, Eastern District Chair, and Emilee Campbell, Eastern District Vice-Chair, who presided over the event with grace and confidence, supported by Azaria Crudup of Rocky Mount High School, Eastern District High School Vice Chair.

Delegates participated in student-led “skillshops,” engaged in a service project for Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville, and exchanged innovative ideas for student leadership. Advisors also benefited from shared professional learning, guided by John McLeod and Patty Little, whose expertise helped make the day a success.

This event exemplified the spirit of leadership and community that defines our district. We are incredibly proud of our Student Council for representing Roanoke Rapids so well on a regional stage.

Fall Sports Enter Playoff Season

As October winds down, the excitement of playoff season is upon us. Both our RRHS Football and Soccer teams have earned their spots in the NCHSAA State Playoffs.

Under Head Coach Chris Lyons, our Yellow Jacket football team wrapped up the regular season with a 2-8 record, finishing fifth in the conference (1-4 in conference play). The first round of state playoffs will take place on Friday, November 7.

Our RRHS Men’s Soccer team, led by Head Coach Craig Jean, had a strong season, finishing second in the conference with a solid 12-5 overall record and 7-3 in conference play. The first round of state playoffs will take place on Tuesday, November 4.

We encourage everyone in our community to come out, cheer loud, and show your Yellow Jacket pride!

Investing in Our Educators

On October 28, our district held a Professional Development Day for all staff. These days are a vital opportunity for collaboration, reflection, and growth. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Lauren Hinnant, Executive Director of Instructional Services, for her exceptional leadership in organizing the day’s sessions.

A huge thank-you also goes out to the many staff members who shared their expertise by presenting.

Their willingness to lead sessions, mentor peers, and exchange best practices strengthens our collective commitment to excellence. Professional development days like this are essential to ensuring our educators continue to provide engaging, effective, and innovative instruction to every student.

Community Reading Day at Clara Hearne

One of the highlights of my week was participating in Community Reading Day at Clara Hearne

Pre-Kindergarten Center on Thursday, October 30. Reading to our youngest learners is always such a joy. This month, I shared The Smart Cookie by Jori John and Pete Oswald and When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovann with Mrs. Beth Brewer and Mrs. Cathy Duhadaway’s class.

Thank you to Director Katina Hantz for organizing this monthly event, which helps instill a love of reading early in our students’ educational journeys. The children’s enthusiasm and curiosity are a reminder of why early literacy is so important and so rewarding.

Trunk or Treat Brings Families Together

Later that same evening, I joined Public and Student Information Officer Mandy Clark at Belmont Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat, organized by the leaders of the Belmont Sunshine Committee Whitney Murphy and Kendra Floyd and supported by Principal Lindsey Goble, Assistant Principal Josh Clark, and our amazing Belmont faculty and staff.

From hayrides and face painting to games, popcorn, and candy, the event was a celebration of community spirit and family fun. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many parents, some of whom Mrs. Clark and I remembered teaching or advising years ago at Roanoke Rapids High School. These connections remind us of the lasting relationships that make our district feel like one big family.

Pumpkin Book Projects at Manning Elementary

To close out the week, Board Members Michael Salanik, Carol Dean, and Ed Liverman joined Director of Student Services Sara Council, Mrs. Clark, and me at Manning Elementary School for the annual Fourth Grade Pumpkin Patch event on Friday, October 31.

Students proudly presented their creative pumpkin book report projects, transforming pumpkins into characters from their favorite stories. This project was supported by the Newsom Family Endowment. We were honored to have Mrs. Lindsay Newsom, widow of Mr. Mac Newsom, in attendance to share her husband’s legacy and to judge the projects. One student per class received special recognition, and all of the projects will remain on display through next week’s Book Fair Open House Night on Thursday, November 6.

A big thank you goes out to our Manning fourth grade teachers Brooks Ard, Jodi Carlisle, Celina Langley, and Meghan Allen; art teacher Savannah Shearin; and media coordinator April Deberry for their hard work in coordinating this wonderful opportunity for our students.

Our students’ creativity and enthusiasm for reading were truly inspiring and proof that learning can be both rigorous and joyful.

Closing Thoughts

This week has been a shining example of what makes our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District so special: students leading with purpose, teachers learning with passion, and our community coming together to celebrate learning at every level.

Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at community events, our Yellow Jackets continue to demonstrate excellence, heart, and pride. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making this district such a wonderful place to learn and grow. #TogetherWeSucceed