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McDowell Early College named National Blue Ribbon; board honors emergency responders and student achievers
Summary
McDowell Early College received a 2024 National Blue Ribbon award — one of five in North Carolina — and the school board used Monday’s meeting to honor the school, emergency responders who aided Hurricane Helene recovery, an FFA national degree recipient and four outgoing board members.
McDowell Early College was celebrated Monday after being designated a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, a national honor the superintendent said recognizes sustained growth and excellence.
“We will honor McDowell County Early College for earning a national blue ribbon this evening,” Superintendent Dr. Tracy Grit told the McDowell County Board of Education. He noted the program recognizes schools that “modeled the kind of excellence and sound practice that all American schools should strive for.”
Miss Robinson, principal of McDowell Early College, accepted the district’s recognition on behalf of staff and students and said the school’s success rests on long-standing relationships. “Relationships are key to our success at McDowell Early College,” she said, describing family homerooms and alumni engagement as central to student outcomes.
Teachers who appeared in a video introduced at the meeting reiterated that point. Dr. Greg Kerr, a biology teacher who traveled with Early College staff on a GoGlobal NC trip to South Korea, said the school’s focus on connections and supportive grading helped drive growth that factored into the Blue Ribbon selection.
The board also recognized local emergency services director William Keller for leadership during Hurricane Helene, crediting his team and volunteers with large-scale rescues that helped the district reopen schools. Keller, accepting the award on behalf of his team, recounted the response: “Prior to Helene, we had hoisted one person by helicopter in the history of this county’s emergency operation center. After Helene struck, we hoisted up 100 people plus, and 200 plus by boat and by ground rescue teams.”
Officials also honored Jay English for earning the National FFA American degree and acknowledged four outgoing board members for their years of service to McDowell County Schools.
The district framed the recognitions as part of a broader recovery narrative: board members and administrators repeatedly thanked teachers, staff and volunteers for their roles during the storm and in the weeks since.
The board’s next steps include continuing recovery work at flood-damaged schools and scheduling community events tied to the awards and recognitions.
