As we close out Find Your Fit, Build Your Future: Celebrating Choice in NC Public Schools, we’re ending where this initiative has pointed all along: North Carolina public schools are launchpads.
Every day across our state, students walk into classrooms, labs, studios, gyms and auditoriums that open doors. They explore Career and Technical Education pathways, audition for specialized arts programs, compete in athletics, earn industry credentials and college credits — all at local public schools, completely tuition free.
When students find their fit, incredible things can happen.
A student in Catawba County Schools can grow up to star in a global streaming series, like Drew Starkey of Outer Banks. A student in Cumberland County Schools can channel creativity into a music career that resonates worldwide, like J. Cole. A student from South Caldwell High can turn a love of music into a nationally recognized career, like Eric Church. A graduate of A.C. Reynolds High in Buncombe County can do the same, like Luke Combs.
Students in Wake County, Guilford County, Durham Public Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and districts across the state have gone on to excel in film, television, music, athletics, writing and public service. From Ken Jeong (Walter Hines Page Senior High School) to Reneé Rapp (Northwest School of the Arts), from Michael Jordan (Emsley A. Laney High School) to Drake Maye (Myers Park High School), from leaders like Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson (both Chapel Hill High School) — their journeys began in local public schools surrounded by educators who saw potential and programs designed to nurture it.
Here are just a few more of North Carolina’s well-known public school alumni:
- Eric Church, Country Artist – South Caldwell High School, Caldwell County Schools
- J. Cole, Rapper/Record Producer – Terry Sanford High School, Cumberland County Schools
- Luke Combs, Country Artist – A.C. Reynolds High School, Buncombe County Schools
- Ariana DeBose, Actress/Singer/Dancer – Wake Forest-Rolesville High School, Wake County Public School System
- Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer), Screenwriters/Producers – Charles E. Jordan High School, Durham Public Schools
- Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver – Mooresville High School, Mooresville Graded School District
- Zach Galifianakis, Actor – Wilkes Central High School, Wilkes County Schools
- Andy Griffith, Actor – Mount Airy High School, Mount Airy City Schools
- Scotty McCreery, Country Artist – Garner Magnet High School, Wake County Public School System
- Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, YouTubers/Comedians – Harnett Central High School, Harnett County Schools
- Julius Peppers, NFL Player – Southern Nash High School, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools
- Richard Petty, NASCAR Driver – Randleman High School, Randolph County School System
- Hunter Schafer, Actress – UNC School of the Arts High School Program
- Drew Starkey, Actor – St. Stephens High School, Catawba County Schools
- Margaret Qualley, Actress – UNC School of the Arts High School Program
North Carolina public schools have also launched leaders in science, business and education. Christina Koch, who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and is a Mission Specialist on NASA's Artemis II mission, grew up in Jacksonville and attended White Oak High School in Onslow County Schools before completing her studies at the North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham. Debra L. Lee, who grew up in Greensboro attending James B. Dudley High School in Guilford County Schools, rose to become CEO and Chairman of BET Networks, one of the most influential Black women in corporate America and the godmother of Black entertainment.
Jim Goodnight, co-founder and CEO of SAS Institute and the state's leading tech entrepreneur, excelled in mathematics at New Hanover High School in New Hanover County Schools before building one of the world's largest analytics software companies right here in Cary. Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, got his start at Rocky Mount High School before going on to lead one of the world's most influential technology companies. The Reverend Billy Graham, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century, graduated from what is now Sharon High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. And the late Governor James B. Hunt Jr., four-term North Carolina governor and one of the most consequential public education advocates in the nation's history, began his journey in the public schools of Wilson County.
Of course, these well-known names are only a snapshot. They’re memorable examples of a bigger reality: public schools are full of future nurses, electricians, engineers, teachers, chefs, entrepreneurs, first responders, artists and community leaders — students who may never trend on social media but who will shape the future in very real, lasting ways.
North Carolina public schools are building futures every day — in rural towns, growing suburbs and vibrant cities from Murphy to Manteo. They are launching students into careers, college, service and leadership. They are cultivating artists, entrepreneurs, engineers, teachers, health care professionals and public servants.
So as we close this initiative, we leave you with this reminder:
You don’t have to leave North Carolina public schools to go far. In fact, NC public schools can take you anywhere.