The May Bladen County Board of Education Board of Education (BOE) meeting was filled with moments of pride and recognition, showcasing the remarkable accomplishments of students from various schools in the district. The meeting began with a heartfelt thank you to the students from Bladenboro Middle School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a tone of community and patriotism.
Spotlights & Recognitions:
– Essay Contest Winners:
– Violet Allen from West Bladen High School (WBHS) was honored as the local winner of the VFW’s Voice of Democracy Essay Contest.
– Jerod Smith from Clarkton School of Discovery received recognition as the local winner of the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
Science Fair Achievements:
– Jeremiah Bryan was celebrated for his success at the Bladen County Science Fair, where he earned 1st place, and at the North Carolina Regional Science Fair, where he secured 2nd place.
Envirothon Team Success:
– The Bladenboro Middle School Envirothon Team, consisting of Alondra Gutierrez, Ashanti Nava Navarrete, Kendall Pinyan, Jeremiah Bryan, and sponsor Margaret Shelton, was recognized for their outstanding performance at the Area 7 Envirothon Competition, tying for the highest middle school team in Current Environmental Issues and placing 3rd overall.
Music Excellence:
– MaKenzie Jackson, a student at Bladenboro Middle School (BMS), was honored for her selection to participate in the UNC Regional Honor Band. Kristen Parker, the BMS band teacher, was also recognized.
Athletic Achievements:
– The BMS Baseball Team was celebrated as the Waccamaw AA Conference Champions. Congratulations to team members Will Allen, Dalton Ammons, Rylan Bordeaux, Cole Brisson, Gavin Brisson, Ashton Bryan, Jeremiah Bryan, Luke Bryant, Joseph Burney, Brooks Carroll, Corbin Chadwick, Gauge King, Sawyer King, Devin Stanley, Aiden Thompson, Gaston Russ, Keithan Russ, Andrew Wren, and coaches Tim Benton, Steve Thurman, and Keith Wren.
Envirothon Teams from Tar Heel School:
– Three teams advanced to the State Envirothon Competition: Yng Dreamerz (Serenity Council, Aiden Davis, Levi Velasco Garcia, and Carnell Lewis), Chromosome Crusaders (Andy Basilio-Ortiz, Nazir Campbell, Landon Cornwell, Jacob Grimsley, and Franco Jiguan), and Tree Huggers (Jason Dowless, Ethan Ortiz Garcia, Mason Greene, Kevin Gonzalez Monroy, Jose Rodriguez Teran) along with sponsors Nikki Bryant and Brett Jackson.
History Club Distinction:
– The East Bladen High School (EBHS) History Club was recognized as one of six clubs nationwide to be honored as a National History Club of the Year. Members include Tatum Allen, Janice Alvarez, Sid Armitage, Cabria Baldwin, Eve Blanks, Chandler Bordeaux, Gabriella Bray, Jackson Bridgers, Makayla Caudle, Jacob Caulder, Gerardo Contreras, Hailen Croke, Damonty Davis, Dajour Davis, Claire DeVane, DeAdra Dimery, Jonah Duncan, Addison Futral, Jalen Graham, Kai Grooms, Makenzie Inman, Zoey Jernigan, Lukas Johnson, Onyx Johnson, Matilda Kinlaw, Natalie Kropp, Bethany Kulp, Naideah Leach, Chelsea Lesane, Emily Lewis, Anthony McMullen, Jena Packer, Heidi Rebollar Ventura, Mattie Richardson, Dyiamon Robinson, D’Maurieé Rodgers, Saray Rodriguez, Katie Salgado-Baza, Shana Singletary, Madison Smith, Paul Smith, Ruby Stephens, Allysa Stringfield, Madison Sullivan, and club sponsors Sunday Allen, Linda Beard, and Traci Parks.
Golf and Tennis Achievements:
– Five members of the EBHS Golf Team and WBHS Golf Team were recognized for participating in Regionals, along with their respective coaches.
– Four members of the EBHS Tennis Team were also acknowledged for their participation in Regionals.
Track Team Success:
– Members of the WBHS Track Team were celebrated for their victories at the Conference Championship Meet. Notable achievements included 1st place finishes in various events, with several athletes advancing to the State Meet.
Additional Highlights:
– Community Participation:
– Seven community members spoke during the Citizen Participation segment, showcasing active community engagement.
Tar Heel School Construction Project:
– An update was provided on the Tar Heel School Construction Project, with plans for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 21, 2024.
Leader In Me Program:
– The BOE heard presentations on the Leader In Me Program, aimed at building leadership capacity and character development in grades PreK-8.
School Restructuring and Realignment Plan:
– The Board approved Phase 1 of the School Restructuring and Realignment Plan for 2024-2025, which focuses on limiting student transfers due to school capacity issues and addressing facility needs at Bladenboro Middle School and Elizabethtown Primary School without closing any schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
Upcoming Dates:
– Tuesday, May 28 – Friday, May 31: Early Release Days, with the last day of Tar Heel School on Friday, May 31.
The May BOE meeting was a testament to the dedication and achievements of students, teachers, and the community, reflecting the spirit of #WeAreBCS and #OneTeamOneGoal.
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