Lincoln County Schools board spotlights spelling bee champion, state athletes and senior students

At its March 10 meeting the Lincoln County Schools Board of Education recognized student achievements across the district, including a county spelling bee champion, state-placing wrestlers and swimmers, and senior-spotlight presentations.

The board recognized Mahira, a fifth grader at Rock Springs Elementary School, as the county spelling bee champion and Ryker, a seventh grader at North Lincoln Middle School, as runner-up; trophies and certificates were announced. The district also honored multiple wrestling and swimming state placers and the coaches who supported them.

Superintendent Dr. Allen noted that Caroline Jenkins Beam, an English teacher at West Lincoln High School, was competing this week for North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year at Wake Forest, and he highlighted district Read Across America activities and recognition of Special Olympians and school resource officers and social workers.

Two seniors gave brief senior-spotlight remarks. Raya Hull, a senior at West Lincoln High School, said the district "has raised me to be a leader" and described plans to study history and political science before law school. Blake Leonard, a senior at West Logan High School, said music "is always my passion" and described plans to enlist in the Navy and continue music pursuits.

Other recognitions included a county sixth-grade essay contest winner, Marvin Gonzalez (Lincolnton Middle School), who will present at the Rotary luncheon on March 16 and receive a $100 prize. The board praised school staff members nominated for teamwork and culture at West Lincoln High School and announced several team championships across the district.

The meeting's recognitions preceded the board's routine business items and votes later in the agenda.