North Carolina Leaders Welcome Students Back to School in Chatham County

The Chatham County Schools kicked off the new academic year with an inspiring convocation, emphasizing the vital role of educators and community partners in shaping the future of students. North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, Maurice Moe Greene, opened the event with a heartfelt message of gratitude, recognizing the dedication of teachers, principals, and support staff. "Your work changes lives, builds futures, and inspires hope," Greene stated, highlighting the promise of public education as a new school year begins.

Representative Robert Reeves echoed this sentiment, welcoming students and educators back to school and praising their commitment to unlocking student potential. He encouraged a year filled with hard work and success, reinforcing the importance of community support in education.

Brittany Sandifer from the Chatham Education Foundation announced exciting opportunities for teachers, including grants of up to $1,000 for innovative classroom projects and resources to enhance classroom libraries through the Chatham Reads program. She emphasized the foundation's commitment to supporting educators and ensuring they have the necessary supplies for a successful year.

Carlos Lima, Executive Director of United Way of Chatham County, also addressed the gathering, thanking educators for their daily efforts and inviting them to connect with the United Way's mission to combat homelessness and poverty in the community.

The event concluded with a call to action from Brandy and Jen, leaders of the Chatham County Association of Educators, urging all staff to participate in upcoming meetings to strengthen their collective voice in educational advocacy.

As the school year unfolds, the collaborative spirit among educators, community organizations, and local leaders sets a hopeful tone for the challenges and achievements ahead.