The North Carolina STEM Schools of Distinction Program recognizes the best in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education throughout North Carolina, elevating content standards and preparing the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and creators. Schools receiving this honor demonstrate outstanding leadership and learning that empowers keen creative thinking, reasoning and teamwork.
Nine schools from across the state were recently acknowledged at the North Carolina State Board of Education’s September meeting for their exemplary leadership and instruction in STEM education. The following schools, which have demonstrated a high-quality culture of STEM education, consistent with the North Carolina STEM Schools Progress Rubric, were recognized:
Hertford Grammar School – Perquimans County Schools
Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy – Davidson County Schools
G.R. Edwards Elementary – Nash County Schools
Red Oak Elementary – Nash County Schools
Rock Ridge Elementary – Wilson County Schools
Greene County Middle School – Greene County Schools
Oakhurst STEAM Academy – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Northwest Elementary – Pitt County Schools
Rea Farms STEAM Academy – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
In 2024, Hertford Grammar School, located in Perquimans County, learned that it would be consolidated with Perquimans County Middle School. Knowing that a chapter in their schools’ history was about to end, Hertford Grammar School wanted to close the doors with an impressive summit.
“Last year, we set three big goals: become a STEM School of Distinction, become a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School, and exceed state growth,” said Dr. John Lassiter, principal of Hertford Grammar School. “I am incredibly proud to stand here today to celebrate our team accomplishing all three.”
Lassiter, who was named Northeast Regional Wells Fargo Principal of the Year in 2025, credited the incredible staff at Hertford Grammar School who pulled together to make this dream a reality.
Retired superintendent Dr. Tanya Turner, current superintendent Dr. Shawn Wilson and 2026 Northeast Region Teacher of the Year Heather Dail were especially instrumental in achieving this distinction, Lassiter shared.
“Those accomplishments are a fitting tribute to the hard work, innovation and commitment to children that defined Hertford Grammar School (HGS) for generations. They allowed us to close one chapter with tremendous pride while carrying the very best of HGS forward into a new school and a new opportunity for the children of Perquimans County,” Lassiter added. “I have a core belief that a child’s zip code should never determine the quality of education they receive or the opportunities placed in front of them. Through the STEM School of Distinction pathway, we took a tremendous step toward that belief this year in Perquimans County.”
Other notable celebrations include:
National World Language Award
Three North Carolina students earned awards in the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) National Jeunes Amis du Francais (JAF) Poetry Memorization Contest. The JAF is the national French honor society for elementary, middle and junior high school students. Addison Lambert and Dhruv Patil from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Perssie-Joy Boateng from Wake County Public School System were recognized for their recent achievements.
English Language Development Recognition Award
Audry Wilson with Orange County Schools was named recipient of the English Language Development Recognition Award (ERA). The ERA award honors the extraordinary work of North Carolina public school English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers who advance multilingual learners’ academic, linguistic and personal success.
Celebrating the Power of Community Support
The Winston-Salem and Forsyth County communities were recognized for their perseverance, effort and sacrifice toward addressing recent budget challenges. A community-wide commitment to fundraising while leaning on neighboring individuals, businesses and other local support was built around a shared belief: that their children and public schools were worth it.
Hometown Hero
After devoting nearly 60 years of service to various roles throughout public education, J. Wendell Hall was named the most recent recipient of the Hometown Hero Award presented by the Hertford County Board of Commissioners. Hall currently serves on the Hertford County Board of Education as well as the North Carolina State Board of Education.
Full photo gallery from the North Carolina State Board of Education September Meeting is available here.