The Pitt County Board of Education used part of its Dec. 1 agenda to spotlight student and staff achievements across the district. The board presented a certificate to J.H. Rose High School's volleyball program after earning the 6A state championship and recognized Jennifer Gilligan of D.H. Conley High School for recording her 600th career win as a head volleyball coach.

The board also honored Petrilla Hardy of Lake Forest Elementary School as the North Carolina Science Teachers Association 2025 District 1 outstanding elementary science teacher. Julie Simpson, the district’s director of digital learning and media, described a West Grant that provided $56,838 to update a school media center to a more modern, student-friendly layout; the renovation was completed in mid-October and students are already using the updated space.

Additional recognitions included student art contest winners, teacher and staff awards for service and training (including Carol Rankin’s statewide training distinction), the Silver Bell Award for board training compliance and an Innovation and Excellence in Public Education award tied to district initiatives.