Superintendent Highlights Lincoln Links, Job Fair and Community Support; Students and Teams Receive Awards

Superintendent Dr. Allen and associate superintendent Heath Belcher used the Dec. 10 board meeting to report district program activity and recognize students and teams for recent achievements.

Heath Belcher read a personalized version of the district mission statement and acknowledged district staff and teachers: "Lincoln County Schools will work together with students, families, and the community to ensure a quality and innovative education in a safe environment where Grace Belcher becomes a responsible contributing citizen and a lifelong learner," Belcher said during his remarks.

Dr. Allen highlighted several district efforts since the previous board meeting: staff presentations at the state School Board Association conference about the Lincoln Links program; a district job fair held at East Lincoln and Lincoln High School to connect juniors and seniors with employers and postsecondary opportunities; and the Asbury Resource Center—s winter shopping day, which served 145 students with support from Asbury United Methodist Church volunteers. Dr. Allen also reported that the East Lincoln Goodfellows Association raised more than $11,000 to support school programs and student assistance funds.

The meeting proceeded with presentations and recognitions. Winners of the superintendent—s Christmas card contest were announced with one winner selected per grade group: Amelia Stamey (elementary K–2), Angela Wells (elementary 3–5), Collins Elmore (middle school 6–8), and Riley Candler (high school 9–12). Each winner received a framed print of their artwork, the original piece and a certificate.

The board recognized multiple athletic teams and individual accomplishments across the district. Among the honors announced were: East Lincoln Girls Golf (Western Foothills 3A conference champions and a conference coach of the year), East Lincoln men—s soccer (conference champions; Zachary Hoyt named conference player of the year), East Lincoln women—s tennis (strong season with Carson Sink named conference player of the year), Lincoln High football (Catawba Valley 2A conference champions; Jelathan Mayfield named defensive player of the year), North Lincoln cross country (men—s team regional champions and second at state; individual honors noted), and other conference- and state-level recognitions across fall sports.

Additional community recognitions included Lincoln Leads awards for volunteers and school leaders who organized events such as Veterans Day programs, canned food drives and other school activities.

Those recognized were invited to the front of the room for photos and certificates; the board paused its business to celebrate the achievements before resuming the agenda.