Lenoir County board spotlights student STEM, CTE and student‑run tech teams
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Summary
Board members recognized regional science fair winners and scholarship finalists and heard student demonstrations from a district technology team and Career & Technical Education programs highlighting credentials, internships and competition results.
The Lenoir County Public Schools board of education recognized dozens of student accomplishments and showcased district career and technology programs at its Feb. 9, 2026, meeting.
Board members celebrated students who placed at the Region 1 North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair at East Carolina University, noting that more than half of the division winners came from Lenoir County Public Schools and that 16 projects advanced to the state fair at NC State University. The district said finalists and advancing projects will be honored at a future board meeting.
The board also introduced scholarship finalists. Two students — Cody Baggett of South Lenoir High School and Hallie Powell of Lenoir County Early College High School — were named finalists for the Morehead‑Cain scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill. "I want to be a doctor — I want to help people," Baggett said when asked about his aspirations. Madeline Gilmore and another student were introduced as finalists for the Goodnight Scholarship, which the board described as a highly selective full‑ride program that supports STEM study.
The meeting included a student technology team presentation from Continia/Quintinius Savannah (digital learning specialist Danielle Grosskloos). Middle and upper‑elementary students described weekly meetings and the Cougar News Network broadcast, digital storytelling projects and classroom partnerships. "We meet each Monday morning from 07:45 to 08:30," student Maylyn Towers said as she introduced the broadcast work; other student presenters described roles as anchors, videographer and scriptwriter and explained how broadcasts are shared on social media for families and classrooms.
Dr. Amy Jones and CTE staff highlighted Career & Technical Education month and said LCPS students earned "2,804 credentials" last year, including OSHA 10‑hour, CPR and food protection certifications. Students and teachers from North Lenoir, Kinston and South Lenoir described FCCLA, HOSA and a new culinary arts program; a South Lenoir team placed in the top five at the North Carolina Junior Chef competition. "CTE changes lives," Dr. Jones told the board, summarizing the district's message about pathways to college and careers.
Why it matters: The recognitions and student presentations illustrate the district's emphasis on STEM, work‑based learning and credentialing that administrators say help students graduate and enter the workforce. The student demonstrations also provide a direct example of classroom work and local program outcomes that the board oversees.
Looking ahead: District leaders said many of the recognized students will attend upcoming state competitions, and the board plans follow‑up celebrations for scholarship finalists and district fair winners.