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Lenoir County Public Schools educators have once again proven that innovation thrives in their classrooms, and this year their bright ideas are shining brighter than ever.

For the 2025-2026 school year, 65 LCPS teachers have been selected to receive Bright Ideas Grants from Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, earning a combined $51,602.16 to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life. This marks a new high for LCPS, surpassing last year’s record of 62 winners and $47,685.41 in grant funding.

When the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education added to the roster of STEM Schools of Distinction with a high-profile announcement last month, no school district in the state added more names to that list than Lenoir County Public Schools.

The recognition of Northwest Elementary School, EB Frink Middle School and Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School made LCPS one of only two districts with multiple honorees this year and, on the list of 63 STEM Schools of Distinction accumulating since 2014, one of only four districts with three or more recognized schools.

With local employers hungry for qualified workers and more students anxious to go to work, Lenoir County Public Schools has stepped up with instructional programs and personalized assistance that high school graduates can literally take to the bank.

When it came time to name a new director of facilities maintenance, Lenoir County Public Schools had to look no farther than a middle school principal prized for his experience with LCPS, appreciated for his nuts-and-bolts knowledge of school operations and renowned for his get-it-done attitude.

Dr. Stephanie Harrell, the STEM Coordinator for Lenoir County Public Schools, is one of only 15 educators
statewide selected for the 2025–26 NC Space Education Ambassadors program, a NASA-affiliated
initiative housed at NC State University through the NC Space Grant.

On Thursday, at its annual Retirement Luncheon, Lenoir County Public Schools celebrated the people and the process by honoring 36 individuals, including Hunter, who – at least for now – are calling the 2024-2025 school year their last. The retirees, in aggregate, represent 952 years of service. They wrapped up their careers at 21 different LCPS schools and departments, completing tenures that ranged in length from 16 to 45 years.

The Lenoir County Public Schools Class of 2025 was celebrated in five graduation ceremonies over the past month, culminating Saturday with nearly 600 students receiving diplomas from South Lenoir High School, Kinston High and North Lenoir High. Earlier ceremonies were held for the 11 graduates of Lenoir County Learning Academy on Friday, and for the 53 seniors of Lenoir County Early College High School in May.

Lenoir County Public Schools is expanding and refreshing its lineup of summer programs, offering rising 6th through 12th-grade students a series of immersive and engaging experiences that blend academics, career exploration and hands-on learning.