HAMLET — Students selected for the Caddell-McGee Scholarship Wingate Wayfind program, along with educators and athletic teams, were recognized during the January Richmond County school board meeting.
Dr. Kate Smith outlined the selection process for the Wingate Wayfind scholars, explaining that multiple data points and interviews were used to identify students whose goals aligned with the program.
“So after our packet review for each student that included a thorough look at academic data, attendance data, discipline data, teacher recommendation data, and we had a few follow-up interviews,” said Dr. Smith. “We looked for just overall readiness and interest for what Wingate has to offer. And so we selected ten of the strongest candidates um those who have their goals most aligned with what Wayfind scholars program through Wingate is all about.”
Students selected for the program include Cherise Baker and Macy Bowden of Hamlet Middle School; Jacob Benton, Sydney Carter and Alexandra Gonzalez of Ellerbe Middle School; Erin Carter, Dean Cottle, Justin Jenkins, Jayce Prisk and Nolan Robinson of Rockingham Middle School; and Miranda Perez, Myrae Broady, Erin Drumwright and Shalah Mills of Richmond Senior High School.
The board also introduced Kendra Faries as the new community schools coordinator at Washington Street Elementary School.
“Her experience spans behavioral health, community partnerships, and countywide improvement. and she has a grounded understanding of what families need and how schools link them to meaningful resources which is the core of this position,” said Dr. Smith. “It is clear through her background experiences, her references, her interview that Kendra is passionate about working at schools, families, and local partners to strengthen the whole community.”
Four educators were also honored with Inspiring Excellence awards. Mitch Gibson and Joanetta McBride of Washington Street Elementary School were recognized, along with Shana Payne and Nora Carrillo of Rockingham Middle School.
“The two inspiring excellence recipients you will hear about this evening are significantly huge key players in the process. Our theme for the school year is Eagle Up, we rise together. We are well on our way to doing just that. So, as we say, watch us soar,” said Dina Gunnells, principal of Washington Street Elementary School, speaking about Gibson and McBride.
Windy Taylor, principal of Rockingham Middle School, presented the award to Payne. Carrillo was not present at the meeting.
“Shana Payne is a dedicated and inspiring teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with her students. She creates a welcoming learning environment where social studies is brought to life, helping students appreciate and understand history in engaging and relevant ways.”
Several student-athletes and teams were also recognized for fall conference championships, including the county middle school track team, Charleigh Nantz of Ellerbe Middle School for winning the Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference individual golf championship, and the Richmond Raider varsity football team for its Mid-South Conference title.
“I think they have a whole lot to celebrate this season with some major wins,” said Cameron Whitley, executive director of communications for Richmond County Schools. “Including they have five players committed to play football at the college level, a team average GPA of 3.38 and back-to-back conference championships in the very first Mid-south conference champions.”
“Some of the champions in the fall of Rockingham Middle School could not be here tonight because they are all athletes in the truest sense— they are playing basketball tonight. So, they’ll be back to join us in February,” Whitley said.