Several recent graduates addressed the board to report receipt of national scholarships and to describe how Johnston County Public Schools supported their paths to college. District teachers and aspiring leaders also spoke about career growth, professional development and school community.

Ayeska Lutel, identified as a recent graduate of Cleveland High School, said she was “in shock” after learning she had matched through the National College Match and told the board she plans to attend Duke University in the fall with a double major in economics and public policy on a pre‑law track.

Noor Issa, introduced as a recent graduate of the Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy, said she received the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship and will attend Johns Hopkins University to study chemical and biomolecular engineering and biophysics on a pre‑med path. Noor described her initial surprise, confirmed by the scholarship organization, and said she hopes to use her studies to help people in critical moments.

Riley Baker, a recent graduate of West Johnston High School and recipient of the Park Scholarship, said the notification came as a shock and that they plan to attend NC State University’s honors college to major in zoology with a minor in entomology.

Multiple teachers and school leaders gave brief remarks praising Johnston County Public Schools as a supportive workplace and learning environment. Speakers included Allison Bayou (teacher, Burrowwood Elementary), Crystal Glover (principal intern, Cooper Academy), Maritza Rosado (principal, Selma Elementary), Austin Denning (math teacher, South Johnston High School), and others who highlighted collaboration, professional development offerings such as an Assistant Principal Institute, and the district’s bilingual-education supports.

These remarks were delivered during the open-session portion of the meeting as recognition and testimonial items; no board action was required on the statements.