Preparing students for life after graduation begins long before they earn a diploma. In rural North Carolina, middle schools play a critical role in helping students build strong academic foundations, develop confidence and begin connecting classroom learning with careers. Through the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, educators are strengthening school environments and classroom instruction, making these opportunities possible.
Celebrate the Good
Whether she is talking about language, culture, family partnerships or student perspectives,
Northwest Elementary School was identified as an attendance bright spot by N.C. Department of
Public Instruction following significant improvement toward chronic absenteeism.
Walk through the front doors of P.W. Moore Elementary in Elizabeth City, NC and you'll notice something right away: it doesn't just feel like a building where kids learn their ABCs. It feels like home.
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. Other notable celebrations include: National World Language Award, English Language Development Recognition Award and Hometown Hero.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's (NCDPI) Office of District and School Support Services (ODSSS) is pleased to congratulate Bladen County Schools on being selected as the 2026–27 NCDPI sponsored district partner to receive professional development and coaching services from Relay Graduate School of Education.
Jennifer McBrayer is the principal at CHASE Middle School (Rutherford County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
LaTresha Wilson is the principal at Tuckaseegee Elementary School (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Dr. Marlow Artis is the principal at Craven Early College High School (Craven County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Dr. Latreicia Allen is the principal at John Griffin Middle School (Cumberland County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Dr. Darrell A. Harris, Jr. is the principal at Eastern Guilford High School (Guilford County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Dustin Farmer is the principal at Ashe County High School (Ashe County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Kelly E. Flora is the principal at Nags Head Elementary School (Dare County Schools) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Dr. Mariah Walker is the principal at Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy (Wake County Public School System) and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Deborah Brown is the Middle School Director at The Exploris School and one of nine finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on May 15. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.