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This edition has an array of exciting topics to keep you informed and engaged.

• Forest Hills students use affirmations to inspire mental health awareness
• Piedmont High student soars to new heights
• Wayfind Class of 2024: inspiring futures, celebrating success
• Porter Ridge High achieves Lighthouse status, first high school in UCPS, second in the state
• Inaugural AgTech ambassadors cultivate leadership
• Class of 2024: From language hurdles to leadership heights

That's only a few of our highlights, enjoy the read and stay connected to the exciting happenings in our district. Stay tuned for next month's special edition honoring our 2024 graduates!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Anna Warren and her Counseling and Mental Health II class at Forest Hills High launched an impactful project. They created vibrant posters, bookmarks, and affirmation cards in English and Spanish to promote mental well-being throughout the school.

Warren emphasized the importance of open dialogue about mental health, aiming to combat feelings of isolation during crises. The response from staff was positive, with teachers appreciating the thoughtful design.

Magdiel Santiago, an 11th-grade student involved in the project, highlighted the need for accessible information for Spanish-speaking peers. Posters were displayed school-wide, and materials were distributed during lunch and in common areas to ensure widespread visibility.

The initiative extended to informative videos for the school's broadcast, featuring interviews with counselors and personal affirmations from students and teachers. Cordelia Rushing, a 10th grader involved in the project, stressed the importance of accessible support and guidance.

The project's message is clear: "It's okay not to be okay." Through their efforts, these students spread awareness and emphasized the importance of mental health support in the school and broader community.

Cadet Lt. Col. Kaden Hill's passion for aviation started with video games and is now set to become a reality. Thanks to his dedication and the Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) program at Piedmont High, Kaden has earned a $20,000 scholarship for flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

After rigorous preparation and passing challenging tests, Kaden will join the prestigious AFJROTC Flight Academy Chief of Staff Private Pilot program this summer. This intensive eight-week course, held at top universities, leads to a private pilot's certification.

"The end goal of the scholarship is to get my private pilot's license, and I'll only be 17, which is the earliest you can get it. Typically, it can take about three years, but this course is accelerated. I'll be flying almost every day," said Kaden. "This will also help me reach my dream of becoming an Air Force pilot."

Forest Hills and Monroe High seniors recently celebrated their completion of the Wayfind program at Wingate University's Batte Fine Arts Center. Wayfind, a collaboration between UCPS and Wingate University, pairs students with mentors to prep for college, particularly benefiting potential first-generation college students.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan commended the graduates' resilience, noting their impressive 3.8 GPA despite starting during the pandemic. All 18 are set to continue at Wingate with scholarships totaling $3 million over four years.

Scholars like Melany Paiz-Hong and Liliana Perez shared their transformative experiences. Melany, once reliant on Google Translate, now confidently speaks English thanks to the program. She highlighted the diverse skills acquired and her determination to support fellow bilingual students.

Liliana echoed gratitude for Wayfind, emphasizing its role in college readiness and career exploration. She thanked her mentors for their support.

The ceremony concluded with each graduate receiving a medallion, symbolizing their achievement. Congrats, Class of 2024!

Porter Ridge High School has been named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, joining over 600 schools globally with this distinction. It is the first high school in UCPS and the second in North Carolina to receive this honor, recognizing its leadership achievements and commitment to empowering students.

Leader in Me is an evidence-based model that equips students with essential leadership and life skills. The Lighthouse designation, set by FranklinCovey, is a significant benchmark schools typically achieve four to five years into the Leader in Me process.

On May 6, Principal Dr. Fisenne announced the achievement in a surprise gathering, joined by Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan and senior leaders. Students and staff celebrated with cheers and a congratulatory banner.

The Lighthouse Team, including seniors Maggie Green, Harrison Johnson and Robyn Harvey, has been crucial to this success. Starting with 10 members, the team has grown to 40, meeting weekly to drive positive changes in the school. Their advisor, math teacher Emily Greer, provided guidance and encouragement.

UCPS now has seven Lighthouse schools, including Indian Trail Elementary, Rocky River Elementary, Benton Heights Elementary, Sun Valley Middle, Prospect Elementary, Sandy Ridge Elementary and Porter Ridge High.

Earlier this year, Porter Ridge High participated in the Leader in Me Symposium 2024 in Charlotte, showcasing its commitment to the program to nearly 1,000 educators nationwide.

Congratulations to Porter Ridge High School for this outstanding achievement!

Board of Education approved 2024-2025 budget proposal

On May 7, the Union County Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 budget proposal presented by Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan.

The approved budget has four main priority areas: investing in our employees, investing in mandatory operational increases, investing in capital infrastructure and advancing academic performance.

The approved budget has been submitted to the Union County Board of Commissioners. They are expected to review their budget in June.

Did you miss the meeting? You can catch up by watching it below.

East Union Middle Ambassadors

Union Elementary Ambassadors

Wingate Elementary Ambassadors

Congratulations to the inaugural class of Agrotechnology (AgTech) Ambassadors at East Union Middle, Union Elementary and Wingate Elementary!

School ambassadors represent their school at events, promote programs, lead tours and engage in community outreach. They support new and prospective students, provide feedback to administrators and serve as leaders and role models.

Union County Public Schools offers AgTech programs at Union Elementary, Wingate Elementary, East Union Middle and Forest Hills High. AgTech integrates technology with agriculture, preparing students for over 300 diverse careers beyond farming, such as veterinary medicine, robotics, and marketing.

Union County Early College (UCEC) senior Leslie De Jesus recently graduated with her high school diploma and associate’s degree, kicking off the 2024 graduation season.

Leslie, who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household, learned English in school and used her bilingual skills to connect with diverse communities. She volunteered at organizations like Common Heart, helping Spanish-speaking families feel welcome.

Initially shy, Leslie found her voice through school activities and community involvement. She led various clubs, including the Interact Club and the SPCC National Society of Leadership and Success, inspiring her peers to pursue social good.

Leslie balanced her busy schedule with strong time management and support from school staff. Her resilience was evident as she overcame setbacks, like retaking a statistics course, to achieve her goals. Her mother, a constant source of support, instilled in her the drive to succeed.

Leslie’s achievements included numerous awards and acceptance to 12 colleges. She chose the University of North Carolina Greensboro for its community feel and support for Spanish-speaking families. Inspired by her heritage and passion for social justice, Leslie plans to become an immigration lawyer.

With her ambitious spirit and dedication to helping others, Leslie is poised to make a significant impact in her community and beyond.

Graduation Schedule

On May 9, UCPS celebrated the U Awards, recognizing excellence in education across multiple categories: Beginning Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Principal of the Year. Teachers of the Year from all 53 schools were also honored.

The event at the Dowd Center Theatre featured performances by the Central Academy of Technology & Arts Mixed Quartet under Choir Director Bradley Stiver. Dr. Andrew Houlihan, UCPS Superintendent, Kathy Heintel, Board of Education Chairperson, and Sarah Lefebvre, 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of educators.

Award Winners

Click on the links below to see reactions as the winners were announced.

• Beginning Teacher of the Year: Raven Symone Spencer, Wingate Elementary
• Teacher of the Year: Yaronda Kilgo, Rock Rest Elementary
• Assistant Principal of the Year: Elizabeth Gobble, Weddington Middle
• Principal of the Year: Kelly Frycz, Sardis Elementary

Congratulations to Jinjing Chen, a Dual Language Immersion teacher at Marvin Elementary School. She was named one of three Participate Learning Teachers of the Year!

The teachers recognized showed an exceptional commitment to their students and school community and have exemplified our shared mission of uniting our world through global learning.

Originally from Shanghai, China, Chen brings a wealth of international experience and education to her role, including a master's in education management from the University of Sydney and a bachelor's in teaching Chinese as a Second Language from the University of Suzhou.

Chen's dedication to teaching global perspectives is evident through her strong connections with students, colleagues and the community, her rich cultural experiences and her active leadership.

Winners received a $1,000 check for their personal use, a new Apple laptop and a commemorative framed certificate.

Winners may also have opportunities to engage in professional development, present at conferences and events, receive sponsorships and share their expertise with the Participate Learning Network.

Last year, Sardis Elementary launched an exciting new club that gives students a taste of real-world journalism experience. This unique opportunity allows students to interview, write and photograph for the school's newspaper, developing their creativity and enhancing their writing skills.

Recently, three students from the club had the chance to interview UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan. Merey Madikyzy, a bright and curious first grader, Madeline Hilse, a passionate fifth grader and Ottis Allen, an enthusiastic fourth grader, wore their press badges with pride and conducted a professional interview. Their thoughtful questions and keen observations highlighted their growth and confidence as budding reporters.

"When we interview someone, we study their background," said Merey. "For Dr. Houlihan, we went onto the website and read about him. We did the same when we interviewed the mayor and a restaurant owner." 

Ottis has loved the photography part of it, too.

"It's my second favorite to writing. It's fun to get a good shot. It tells another part of the story," said Ottis. 

Madeline said she learned a lot that she did not know about Dr. Houlihan before and after the interview.

"I had no idea he had won the Southwest Regional Superintendent of the Year twice, which is great," said Madeline. "After talking to him, I was amazed by how many meetings he has and his schedule."

The students were surprised to see the superintendent without a limousine and bodyguards, expecting a presidential-style arrival.

"He's the boss of all the schools," said Ottis. "It was exciting to meet him. What stood out to me was when we asked him about his favorite part of his job. He told us it was going into the schools and meeting kids like us."

They all agreed this was one of their favorite interviews. 

The writing club, initiated by teachers Lori Stalcup and Alli Geisinger, started with a humble group of 12 students. In just a year, it has blossomed to include 20 students, now welcoming even a few eager third graders. The club's expansion shows its success in engaging students and nurturing their passion for storytelling.

"We brought in three third graders this year because of how good their writing was because it has been only for fourth and fifth graders," said Merey. "No matter what level your writing is at, they can join. We are here to learn to be better writers."

As these students know, no interview would be complete without fun facts. Their interests also extend to Sardis Rocks, the school’s rock band. Madeline and Merey sing while Ottis plays the guitar.

By participating in the club, these young reporters are improving their writing skills and learning valuable life skills such as critical thinking, communication and teamwork. The journalism club at Sardis Elementary is an incredible platform for students to explore their interests and develop new talents. For Stalcup, it is a dream come true.

"I've always wanted a newspaper so children can express themselves outside of what the classroom demands," said Stalcup. "It allows them to work on communication and collaboration skills. It helps them express themselves with no judgment. It is a way for them to write about their experiences. Everyone in the club has a role." 

The digital publication comes out once a month. Geisinger said her sister in Massachusetts reads it faithfully. 

"She's our biggest fan," said Geisinger. "I love seeing how much they've grown and how much pride they take in themselves. They happily wear their press badges. They come up with their own ideas, so it has empowered them to be independent thinkers."

Stay tuned for more exciting stories from these promising young journalists!

• May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday (schools and offices closed)
• June 4 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
• June 7 - Last day for students on the Traditional calendar
• June 10 - Required Teacher Workday for Traditional and Wolfe School
• June 11 - Required Teacher Workday for Traditional
• June 11 - Optional Teacher Workday for Wolfe School
• June 12 - Optional Teacher Workday for Traditional and Wolfe School
• Graduation Schedule

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