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Gaston County Schools spotlights Lighthouse school recertification, mobile dental services, teacher art award and two athletes
Summary
At the Aug. 18 meeting the board recognized Carr Elementary’s recertification as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, Contegra Health’s mobile dental program results, Cherryville High art teacher Lacey Dellinger’s national selection, and two local athletes named to WSOC-TV’s Big 22 list of players to watch.
The Gaston County Board of Education used its Aug. 18 meeting to recognize accomplishments across the district, including a Lighthouse recertification at Carr Elementary, summer mobile dental services, a national art selection and two student-athletes named to WSOC-TV’s Big 22 players to watch.
Carr Elementary School: The board honored Carr for recertification as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, valid for two years. Presentation materials said the Lighthouse review team commended Carr’s school environment for reflecting Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits, for posting public goals and for fostering a culture in which “everyone is welcome, valued, cared for, and supported.” The school was first designated as a Lighthouse school in 2019–20 and has now earned the recognition a second time.
Contegra Health mobile dental program: Board materials said Contegra’s program served 1,817 students in 2024–25 (up from about 1,600 the prior year). Services included dental exams, X-rays as needed, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and referrals; more than 5,700 cavities were identified, nearly 1,800 sealants applied and 50 students were referred to a Contegra family dentist for follow-up. “The total value of care provided was more than $202,000,” the presentation said.
Art teacher recognition: Cherryville High School art teacher Lacey Dellinger was recognized after her painting "What a Croc" was selected for Cape Fear Studios’ 14th annual 2-D national art competition. The board noted Dellinger’s work will be exhibited in Fayetteville over the summer and that a full series will appear in September at Gaston College’s Beam Gallery.
Student-athlete honors: The board recognized Caleb Gordon of Ashbrook High School and Patrick Blee of Southpointe High School as WSOC-TV Big 22 players to watch. The board recounted career statistics and said voting for finalists begins Sept. 5 and the winning player’s school receives a $10,000 prize.
Quotes and context: Superintendent Dr. Houchard and board members congratulated school staff, volunteers and partner organizations; several presenters thanked Contegra staff and Carr Elementary representatives who attended the meeting.
No board action was required for these recognitions; they were presented as part of the “good news” agenda item.
