Board of Education recognizes “good news” honorees

Board of Education recognizes “good news” honorees during September and October meetings

Each month, the Gaston County Board of Education recognizes students, employees, community partners, and others during the “good news” portion of the regular meeting.  Here is a look at who was honored during the September and October 2025 meetings.

■ The Gaston County Schools Finance Department was recognized for receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.  The award, which is one of the highest honors in school financial management, is presented by the Association of School Business Officials International.  This marks the 28th consecutive year that Gaston County Schools has earned the recognition.

■ South Point High School counselor Erin Stokes was recognized for receiving the 2025 Yale Educator Award.  The award, which is presented by the Yale University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, honors educators who inspire and support their students to reach high levels of achievement and excellence.  Ms. Stokes was nominated for the award by James Dover, a 2025 graduate of South Point High School and co-valedictorian who attends Yale.

■ Members of the newly-established Student-Athlete Advisory Council were recognized for their efforts to be leaders for all students who are involved in sports in Gaston County Schools.  The council meets quarterly and includes two students from each high school with sports.  The students share their insight and experiences about what it means to be a student-athlete, and through their involvement with the council, they have the opportunity to grow as leaders, represent their school, and have a voice in athletics.

■ Teachers who have been involved in the year-long “Gaston County Schools AIG Local Endorsement” (G.A.L.E.) training were recognized for completing the program.  The G.A.L.E. coursework is designed to promote best instructional practices related to AIG instruction; teachers who complete the program are able to work with academically and intellectually gifted students.

Earning the G.A.L.E. certification are Sierra Jenkins and Michael Solomon, Belmont Middle School; Morgan McCarey and Sarah Snipes, Cramerton Middle School; Lacey Pruett, Sydney Russell, and Sarah Word, John Chavis Middle School; Emily Trakas, East Gaston High School; Morgan Hannifin, W.C. Friday Middle School; Jasmin Melton, Holbrook Middle School; Taylor Helms, Pinewood Elementary School; James Prince, Southwest Middle School; April Deal, Stanley Middle School; and Mary Bowen, Springfield Elementary School.

■ Cramerton Middle School was recognized for two honors – earning the Paideia Classroom Certification and being named a 2025 National Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics of North Carolina.  

The Paideia Classroom distinction is the second of three levels in the Paideia School certification process, and it highlights the school’s strong commitment to fostering a learning environment where students and teachers engage in meaningful discussion, critical thinking, and creative exploration.  Using the Paideia model to create a strong and balanced learning experience, teachers focus on direct instruction to share information, coaching to build academic skills, and seminar discussions to explore ideas. 

The National Unified Champion School honor is a significant recognition from the Special Olympics for promoting a sense of community, involving everyone, and showing acceptance, kindness, and understanding within the school.  Cramerton has hosted various activities to bring students together, including a unified volleyball tournament, unified basketball games, and weekly club meetings that focus on fun, friendship, and teamwork. 

■ National Principals Month was recognized with a proclamation approved by the Board.  In attendance to accept the proclamation on behalf of all principals, assistant principals, and school administrators in Gaston County Schools were Jaime Wallace of Woodhill Elementary School, the current Gaston County Schools Principal of the Year; Charlotte Friday of W.A. Bess Elementary School, the current Gaston County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year; Rebecca Huffstetler of East Gaston High School, the chairman of the Principals Leadership Team; and Josh Allen of South Point High School, the secretary of the Principals Leadership Team.