Haywood County Schools honors student-athletes, teachers and principals at board meeting

The Haywood County Schools Board of Education spent a portion of its meeting recognizing student athletic achievements, outstanding educators and schools that earned state academic-growth and graduation awards.

High school athletics School athletic directors and coaches from Pisgah, Tuscola and other district high schools presented fall-season recognitions. Pisgah’s football, volleyball, soccer, golf and cross-country programs were honored, with coaches noting conference championships and individual player awards. Pisgah’s soccer team was recognized for reaching the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

From Tuscola, coaches highlighted a successful fall across soccer, golf, football and volleyball; Tuscola’s girls golf won its region and the program advanced to state competition.

Teacher, principal and staff honors The board recognized Stephanie Morgan, a Pisgah High School math teacher, as Haywood County Schools Teacher of the Year. Morgan thanked colleagues and mentors and said, "No teacher is an island," reflecting on the support she received throughout her career.

Carly Wells, principal of Clyde Elementary, was named principal of the year and will move on to the regional interview process. Jason (last name reported at the meeting as Hunts), the district human-resources director, was recognized for about 12 years of service in that role; he reflected on colleagues and leaders who influenced his career.

Haywood Early College and state awards District officials noted that Haywood Early College was named an Apple School of Distinction (a designation awarded to a small number of schools worldwide for innovative use of technology) and that multiple schools received certificates from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for outstanding graduation rates and for meeting or exceeding academic growth standards.

State acknowledgments included a 95.7% graduation rate at Pisgah High School and a 97.4% graduation rate at Haywood Early College, among other school-level growth awards.

Why it matters Board members and presenters emphasized that athletic and academic recognitions reflect both student effort and support from coaches, teachers and families. The honors also underscore district priorities on academic growth and sustaining program excellence.

Ending: Board members applauded the students, staff and community partners and said they would continue reporting academic and extracurricular successes at future meetings.