Rockingham County Schools
#Star Students, Bright Futures
McMichael High School Senior - Adrianna Kelly
When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis during the summer before my senior year, the perfect world I had carefully built suddenly fell silent. In that silence, however, I found a voice I never knew I had. I was in the middle of my hospital internship when everything changed. I missed days of work because I was in the hospital, surrounded by loud machines and constant testing that forced me to face what was happening to my body. The uncertainty and fear I felt while getting blood tests and spinal taps only grew as the days passed. The pain was intense, but I pushed through it because I was terrified that I would lose my dream of one day working in healthcare. Over the next two months, my health rapidly declined, and my symptoms became impossible to ignore. The senior year that was supposed to bring excitement, memories, and hope instead began with fear, frustration, and uncertainty. It became difficult for me to walk, talk, and even eat. Simple tasks I had done all my life suddenly required relearning. Everyday activities at school became exhausting, and there were moments when I felt completely defeated. I watched my friends move forward with their lives while I struggled just to keep up. I began to question everything, whether I would ever be able to attend college, continue my passion for healthcare, or live the future I had imagined for myself. Multiple Sclerosis is an invisible disease, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin surrounding the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. There were times when I seemed distant or inconsiderate to others, when in reality I was just a teenage girl learning how to function in a body that no longer felt familiar. My diagnosis changed every part of my life in a matter of months, and getting better was not quick or easy. I had to attend physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speak with a psychologist as I learned how to adapt physically and emotionally. During that time, I connected with others who also lived with chronic illnesses. Hearing their stories and seeing how their experiences shaped them made me realize that I was not fighting alone. Slowly, with the support of my family, friends, doctors, and the incredible staff at McMichael High School, I began to find hope again. I am especially grateful for Mrs. Williams, Ms. Moricle, and Ms. Beaupre, who continuously supported and encouraged me throughout the hardest moments of my senior year. Their kindness and understanding reminded me that I did not have to face this battle by myself. As my treatments started working, I slowly regained my strength and confidence. By the second semester of senior year, I was finally able to thrive again. Although I still face challenges and setbacks, I have learned that my condition does not define who I am or what I am capable of accomplishing. Instead, this experience has transformed me. I have always loved helping people, and my journey with MS made me realize how quickly life can change for anyone in the blink of an eye. At first, I thought my diagnosis had taken away my dream of pursuing healthcare, but over time I realized it had actually given me something even more valuable: empathy. During my hospital stays, what I needed most was someone who truly understood the fears, frustrations, and uncertainty I was experiencing. Now, I want to become that person for others. My diagnosis taught me not to judge others because you never know what someone may be silently battling. Not all struggles are visible, and my experiences have made me more patient, compassionate, and understanding toward the people around me. I recently got accepted to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and I am excited to begin this next chapter in the fall. Although my journey with Multiple Sclerosis has brought many hardships, I do not see it as the end of my story. Instead, I see it as a transformation that gave me the strength, voice, and motivation to pursue a career in medicine and advocate for patients who feel unheard. At first, the silence after my diagnosis felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. But my journey with MS has not taken me away from my dreams, it has given me the empathy and resilience to chase them even harder. I will forever be grateful for the support I received, the progress I have made, and the health I still have today.
When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis during the summer before my senior year, the perfect world I had carefully built suddenly fell silent. In that silence, however, I found a voice I never knew I had. I was in the middle of my hospital internship when everything changed. I missed days of work because I was in the hospital, surrounded by loud machines and constant testing that forced me to face what was happening to my body. The uncertainty and fear I felt while getting blood tests and spinal taps only grew as the days passed. The pain was intense, but I pushed through it because I was terrified that I would lose my dream of one day working in healthcare. Over the next two months, my health rapidly declined, and my symptoms became impossible to ignore. The senior year that was supposed to bring excitement, memories, and hope instead began with fear, frustration, and uncertainty. It became difficult for me to walk, talk, and even eat. Simple tasks I had done all my life suddenly required relearning. Everyday activities at school became exhausting, and there were moments when I felt completely defeated. I watched my friends move forward with their lives while I struggled just to keep up. I began to question everything, whether I would ever be able to attend college, continue my passion for healthcare, or live the future I had imagined for myself. Multiple Sclerosis is an invisible disease, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin surrounding the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. There were times when I seemed distant or inconsiderate to others, when in reality I was just a teenage girl learning how to function in a body that no longer felt familiar. My diagnosis changed every part of my life in a matter of months, and getting better was not quick or easy. I had to attend physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speak with a psychologist as I learned how to adapt physically and emotionally. During that time, I connected with others who also lived with chronic illnesses. Hearing their stories and seeing how their experiences shaped them made me realize that I was not fighting alone. Slowly, with the support of my family, friends, doctors, and the incredible staff at McMichael High School, I began to find hope again. I am especially grateful for Mrs. Williams, Ms. Moricle, and Ms. Beaupre, who continuously supported and encouraged me throughout the hardest moments of my senior year. Their kindness and understanding reminded me that I did not have to face this battle by myself. As my treatments started working, I slowly regained my strength and confidence. By the second semester of senior year, I was finally able to thrive again. Although I still face challenges and setbacks, I have learned that my condition does not define who I am or what I am capable of accomplishing. Instead, this experience has transformed me. I have always loved helping people, and my journey with MS made me realize how quickly life can change for anyone in the blink of an eye. At first, I thought my diagnosis had taken away my dream of pursuing healthcare, but over time I realized it had actually given me something even more valuable: empathy. During my hospital stays, what I needed most was someone who truly understood the fears, frustrations, and uncertainty I was experiencing. Now, I want to become that person for others. My diagnosis taught me not to judge others because you never know what someone may be silently battling. Not all struggles are visible, and my experiences have made me more patient, compassionate, and understanding toward the people around me. I recently got accepted to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and I am excited to begin this next chapter in the fall. Although my journey with Multiple Sclerosis has brought many hardships, I do not see it as the end of my story. Instead, I see it as a transformation that gave me the strength, voice, and motivation to pursue a career in medicine and advocate for patients who feel unheard. At first, the silence after my diagnosis felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. But my journey with MS has not taken me away from my dreams, it has given me the empathy and resilience to chase them even harder. I will forever be grateful for the support I received, the progress I have made, and the health I still have today.
My name is Carter Lynn, and I am a senior at Rockingham County High School. When I first entered high school as a freshman, I set a quiet goal for myself: to one day attend an Ivy League university. I was drawn to the idea of being in an environment where learning is deeply valued, one where students challenge one another, ask meaningful questions, and push intellectual boundaries. I wanted to be part of a community that would expand my perspective and prepare me to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
I knew achieving this goal would require more than good grades. It would take rigorous coursework, high test scores, and a competitive application. I challenged myself with an academic schedule that took advantage of the many opportunities available to students. This included honors and Advanced Placement classes at RCHS, dual-enrollment courses through Rockingham Community College, and AP courses through the North Carolina Virtual Public High School. I pursued these opportunities not just to build a strong application, but because I genuinely wanted to learn and grow. Along the way, the support and guidance of my teachers played a major role in my development, constantly encouraging me to think deeper and aim higher.
Balancing my academic coursework with athletics, music, and other extracurricular activities, including volunteer work, proved to be one of my greatest challenges. Junior year and the first semester of senior year, during college application season, were especially demanding. Managing this workload required discipline, persistence, and continual improvement in time management, all skills that will serve me well in college.
This fall, I have the privilege of attending Yale University, where I plan to study environmental engineering and political science. Looking back, I am grateful to the teachers, librarians, coaches, and others who have shaped my journey. I am thankful for my family’s support, and especially my mom, whose constant encouragement and belief in me helped me stay focused on my goals. Achieving the goal that I set is something I carry with pride, not just as an accomplishment, but as a reminder of what consistent effort and support can make possible. I am proud to be a Rockingham County High School graduate, and I am excited to carry what I have learned forward as I continue to grow, serve, and make a positive impact.
I knew achieving this goal would require more than good grades. It would take rigorous coursework, high test scores, and a competitive application. I challenged myself with an academic schedule that took advantage of the many opportunities available to students. This included honors and Advanced Placement classes at RCHS, dual-enrollment courses through Rockingham Community College, and AP courses through the North Carolina Virtual Public High School. I pursued these opportunities not just to build a strong application, but because I genuinely wanted to learn and grow. Along the way, the support and guidance of my teachers played a major role in my development, constantly encouraging me to think deeper and aim higher.
Balancing my academic coursework with athletics, music, and other extracurricular activities, including volunteer work, proved to be one of my greatest challenges. Junior year and the first semester of senior year, during college application season, were especially demanding. Managing this workload required discipline, persistence, and continual improvement in time management, all skills that will serve me well in college.
This fall, I have the privilege of attending Yale University, where I plan to study environmental engineering and political science. Looking back, I am grateful to the teachers, librarians, coaches, and others who have shaped my journey. I am thankful for my family’s support, and especially my mom, whose constant encouragement and belief in me helped me stay focused on my goals. Achieving the goal that I set is something I carry with pride, not just as an accomplishment, but as a reminder of what consistent effort and support can make possible. I am proud to be a Rockingham County High School graduate, and I am excited to carry what I have learned forward as I continue to grow, serve, and make a positive impact.
My name is Madison Norris, and I am a senior graduating from Rockingham County High School. As I look back on my time in high school, I can see how much I have grown through both my achievements and the challenges I have overcome. My journey has shaped my determination, strengthened my confidence, and helped me discover the kind of impact I want to make in the future.
One of the most important parts of my high school experience has been being a visually impaired swimmer on the swim team. Competing in a sport without full vision has not always been easy, but it has taught me resilience, trust, and perseverance. There were moments when I had to push through uncertainty and adapt in ways others may not have to, but those challenges made me stronger. A major influence in my growth has been my coach, Jodi Troxler. She has helped me tremendously, not only in the pool as a coach, but also outside of the pool in everyday life. Her support, encouragement, and belief in me have made a lasting difference. She has shown me how to stay confident, work hard, and believe in myself no matter the obstacles I face.
Throughout high school, I have faced challenges related to being visually impaired, but I have learned how to overcome them with determination and the support of those around me. These experiences have motivated me to not only succeed for myself, but also to make things better for others. That is why my senior research project focuses on installing braille plaques throughout the school. As someone who navigates the building daily, I understand how important accessibility is. This project is my way of helping create a more inclusive environment so that future visually impaired students can feel more independent and supported in their school experience.
Academically, I have challenged myself by taking honors-level courses while balancing athletics and other responsibilities. These experiences have prepared me for the next step in my education and have helped me build a strong foundation for my future goals.
After graduation, I plan to further my education at Rockingham Community College before transferring to a university. I want to become a social worker because I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives around me. My own experiences have shown me how important support, guidance, and understanding can be, and I hope to provide that same kind of help to others in my career.
My high school journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and meaningful experiences that have shaped who I am today. I am proud of what I have accomplished and excited to continue my education and pursue a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others.
One of the most important parts of my high school experience has been being a visually impaired swimmer on the swim team. Competing in a sport without full vision has not always been easy, but it has taught me resilience, trust, and perseverance. There were moments when I had to push through uncertainty and adapt in ways others may not have to, but those challenges made me stronger. A major influence in my growth has been my coach, Jodi Troxler. She has helped me tremendously, not only in the pool as a coach, but also outside of the pool in everyday life. Her support, encouragement, and belief in me have made a lasting difference. She has shown me how to stay confident, work hard, and believe in myself no matter the obstacles I face.
Throughout high school, I have faced challenges related to being visually impaired, but I have learned how to overcome them with determination and the support of those around me. These experiences have motivated me to not only succeed for myself, but also to make things better for others. That is why my senior research project focuses on installing braille plaques throughout the school. As someone who navigates the building daily, I understand how important accessibility is. This project is my way of helping create a more inclusive environment so that future visually impaired students can feel more independent and supported in their school experience.
Academically, I have challenged myself by taking honors-level courses while balancing athletics and other responsibilities. These experiences have prepared me for the next step in my education and have helped me build a strong foundation for my future goals.
After graduation, I plan to further my education at Rockingham Community College before transferring to a university. I want to become a social worker because I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives around me. My own experiences have shown me how important support, guidance, and understanding can be, and I hope to provide that same kind of help to others in my career.
My high school journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and meaningful experiences that have shaped who I am today. I am proud of what I have accomplished and excited to continue my education and pursue a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others.
A quote that Andrew lives by is to “Never take criticism from someone you would never take advice from.”
Andrew Myers is a highly accomplished graduating senior here at Morehead High School. He boasts a 4.36 GPA and has had an extremely commendable high school resume. Though he has made the most of his high school experience, educationally, this drive for educational excellence is fueled by more than what comes to the surface.
While in the third grade, one of Andrew’s parents was incarcerated. Through this experience, Andrew decided he wanted to be his best self and used this experience as motivation for his future. Motivation, it was indeed. Now, Andrew is fully committed to attending college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Biology and obtain his ultimate goal of becoming a Medical Doctor specializing in Orthopedic Medicine.
This goal for his future wasn’t just influenced by his life experiences; it was also molded by the amazing Morehead and Rockingham Community College staff that put him in the position to chase his dreams. Notable supporters of his accomplishments include Dr. Leesa Dabbs, who is the Health Science teacher at Morehead, and Mrs. Nicky Edwards, who is the program coordinator for the Nurse Aide program at RCC. Through going through the Health Science Academy at Morehead and receiving his CNA certification at RCC, Andrew learned of his interest in the medical field and has been able to gain extraordinary experience, which will last him a lifetime.
Though leaving high school will be a major life shift, Andrew will never forget Morehead. He notes that his high school experience was nothing short of remarkable. The thing he will miss most about Morehead is the camaraderie that the school brought in spirit, as well as the tight-knit community that he created. Andrew will always be a true panther at heart and will forever rep his “Panther Pride”.
Andrew Myers is a highly accomplished graduating senior here at Morehead High School. He boasts a 4.36 GPA and has had an extremely commendable high school resume. Though he has made the most of his high school experience, educationally, this drive for educational excellence is fueled by more than what comes to the surface.
While in the third grade, one of Andrew’s parents was incarcerated. Through this experience, Andrew decided he wanted to be his best self and used this experience as motivation for his future. Motivation, it was indeed. Now, Andrew is fully committed to attending college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Biology and obtain his ultimate goal of becoming a Medical Doctor specializing in Orthopedic Medicine.
This goal for his future wasn’t just influenced by his life experiences; it was also molded by the amazing Morehead and Rockingham Community College staff that put him in the position to chase his dreams. Notable supporters of his accomplishments include Dr. Leesa Dabbs, who is the Health Science teacher at Morehead, and Mrs. Nicky Edwards, who is the program coordinator for the Nurse Aide program at RCC. Through going through the Health Science Academy at Morehead and receiving his CNA certification at RCC, Andrew learned of his interest in the medical field and has been able to gain extraordinary experience, which will last him a lifetime.
Though leaving high school will be a major life shift, Andrew will never forget Morehead. He notes that his high school experience was nothing short of remarkable. The thing he will miss most about Morehead is the camaraderie that the school brought in spirit, as well as the tight-knit community that he created. Andrew will always be a true panther at heart and will forever rep his “Panther Pride”.
A quote that Maliyah lives by is “ I trust in the next chapter because I know the author.”
Maliyah Fish is a highly accomplished graduating senior here at Morehead High School. She boasts a 4.38 GPA and has an exemplary high school resume. Though she has made an exceptional mark on the school, Maliyah has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her success. These obstacles, however, paved the way for her ambitions of success.
Throughout her high school career, Maliyah has always been super involved in the school community, being a student leader through participation in various clubs, sports, and student council all four years of high school! However, outside of school, Maliyah works harder than the average student. Throughout her high school years, she has had to work two jobs to help provide for her family. Instead of using this to weigh her down, she has used this experience as motivation to do well in school and save money to free the load on her parents to help pay for her ultimate goal of going to college.
Reaching that ultimate goal, she did! Maliyah plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall, majoring in Elementary Education. Becoming a teacher is something that she has wanted to do her whole life. She wants to be the teacher who makes every student feel included and not discriminated against.
Though leaving high school will be a major life change, Maliyah will never forget the teachers at Morehead who helped her along the way. She notes that the unlimited support from Morehead teachers, such as Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Bigelow, Mrs. Lemons, Mrs. Blackwell, and Dr. Dabbs, has all pushed her to keep going and reach her goals.
Maliyah notes that her high school experience was nothing short of amazing. The thing she will miss most about Morehead is the spirit in the school culture through sporting events as a cheerleader, as well as the memories that she has made through her school involvement. Maliyah will always be a true panther at heart and will forever rep her “Panther Pride”.
Maliyah Fish is a highly accomplished graduating senior here at Morehead High School. She boasts a 4.38 GPA and has an exemplary high school resume. Though she has made an exceptional mark on the school, Maliyah has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her success. These obstacles, however, paved the way for her ambitions of success.
Throughout her high school career, Maliyah has always been super involved in the school community, being a student leader through participation in various clubs, sports, and student council all four years of high school! However, outside of school, Maliyah works harder than the average student. Throughout her high school years, she has had to work two jobs to help provide for her family. Instead of using this to weigh her down, she has used this experience as motivation to do well in school and save money to free the load on her parents to help pay for her ultimate goal of going to college.
Reaching that ultimate goal, she did! Maliyah plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall, majoring in Elementary Education. Becoming a teacher is something that she has wanted to do her whole life. She wants to be the teacher who makes every student feel included and not discriminated against.
Though leaving high school will be a major life change, Maliyah will never forget the teachers at Morehead who helped her along the way. She notes that the unlimited support from Morehead teachers, such as Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Bigelow, Mrs. Lemons, Mrs. Blackwell, and Dr. Dabbs, has all pushed her to keep going and reach her goals.
Maliyah notes that her high school experience was nothing short of amazing. The thing she will miss most about Morehead is the spirit in the school culture through sporting events as a cheerleader, as well as the memories that she has made through her school involvement. Maliyah will always be a true panther at heart and will forever rep her “Panther Pride”.
Good evening RCS families,
We would like to share an important update regarding the recent Instructure Canvas security incident. Based on an interim assessment conducted by CrowdStrike, a third-party cybersecurity firm engaged in the response, NCDPI has been informed that the Canvas environment is considered safe for operations.
As a result, NCDPI will begin returning Canvas-related services to normal operations, including restoring access through NCEdCloud and re-enabling system connections.
Out of an abundance of caution, RCS placed our system into maintenance mode to ensure the safety and security of our staff, students, and families. We anticipate that Canvas access will be restored for RCS users by 7:30 AM on Tuesday, May 11.
We will continue working closely with NCDPI and Instructure to monitor the situation and determine any further impact. At this time, both NCDPI and Instructure have indicated that Canvas is secure and safe for use.
While this was an unfortunate incident, it serves as a good reminder to remain cautious with digital communications. If you receive any suspicious emails or messages, please avoid clicking links or sharing personal information.
Thank you for your patience and support throughout this situation.
We would like to share an important update regarding the recent Instructure Canvas security incident. Based on an interim assessment conducted by CrowdStrike, a third-party cybersecurity firm engaged in the response, NCDPI has been informed that the Canvas environment is considered safe for operations.
As a result, NCDPI will begin returning Canvas-related services to normal operations, including restoring access through NCEdCloud and re-enabling system connections.
Out of an abundance of caution, RCS placed our system into maintenance mode to ensure the safety and security of our staff, students, and families. We anticipate that Canvas access will be restored for RCS users by 7:30 AM on Tuesday, May 11.
We will continue working closely with NCDPI and Instructure to monitor the situation and determine any further impact. At this time, both NCDPI and Instructure have indicated that Canvas is secure and safe for use.
While this was an unfortunate incident, it serves as a good reminder to remain cautious with digital communications. If you receive any suspicious emails or messages, please avoid clicking links or sharing personal information.
Thank you for your patience and support throughout this situation.
Laurel-Ann Attaway is a senior at Rockingham County High School. Her high school journey has been defined by service and a commitment to giving back to her community. She has learned that even small actions can create a meaningful impact, a belief that has guided much of her high school experience. For Laurel-Ann, education has been about more than just academics, it’s been about learning how to use what she has been given to serve others.
Throughout high school, she has worked hard academically, graduating summa cum laude from RCHS while completing dual enrollment coursework through Rockingham Community College, where she will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree. Balancing college classes, leadership roles, sports, volunteer service, and work has come with challenges for Laurel-Ann. There were long nights, busy schedules, and moments where managing all of her responsibilities was overwhelming. These experiences have taught her perseverance, resilience, and the importance of staying committed.
What has made Laurel-Ann’s educational journey most meaningful has been the opportunities to serve her school, community, state, and even the nation. Service has been at the heart of many of her experiences. As founder and president of RCHS’s Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter, Laurel-Ann has collaborated with others to lead initiatives focused on traffic safety, substance use, and mental health awareness. Through her involvement, she had the opportunity to serve on both the state and national student leadership councils for Students Against Destructive Decisions, where she was able to take what she learned in the Rockingham County community and share it with a broader audience. These experiences gave her the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. and New York City to present and collaborate with students and leaders from across the country. Laurel-Ann has served as a presenter at several national safety events, addressing topics such as youth leadership, prevention, and service. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy and shown her the power of youth using their voices for change.
Giving back locally has remained a central part of her life. This commitment is reflected in her earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her sustained dedication to her community. Some of her service includes Teen Court, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, interning with the District Attorney, coaching youth cheer, participating in the Leadership and Service Ambassador Program, and volunteering with Special Olympics, all of which has deepened her understanding that leadership is most meaningful when it is rooted in service to others. Through these experiences, she has come to truly embrace the “butterfly effect,” believing that each small act of kindness that is offered creates ripples that grow into waves around the world.
Dance has also been an important part of Laurel-Ann’s journey. As a member of the Academy of Dance Senior Competition Team and a participant in the North Carolina Governor’s School for Dance, she has learned discipline, creativity, and confidence. Dance has given her a way to express herself and has taught her lessons about teamwork that have extended into every aspect of her life.
Laurel-Ann will attend Duke University in the fall, where she plans to double major in Political Science and Psychology before attending law school. Her goal is to become an attorney focused on victim advocacy and continue a life dedicated to service. When she looks back on high school, she will remember not just the academic milestones, but the people, opportunities, and community that shaped her. Rockingham County has poured so much into her, and she hopes in some small way she has been able to give back. That spirit of service is what has defined her journey, and it is what she hopes to carry forward in every chapter ahead.
Throughout high school, she has worked hard academically, graduating summa cum laude from RCHS while completing dual enrollment coursework through Rockingham Community College, where she will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree. Balancing college classes, leadership roles, sports, volunteer service, and work has come with challenges for Laurel-Ann. There were long nights, busy schedules, and moments where managing all of her responsibilities was overwhelming. These experiences have taught her perseverance, resilience, and the importance of staying committed.
What has made Laurel-Ann’s educational journey most meaningful has been the opportunities to serve her school, community, state, and even the nation. Service has been at the heart of many of her experiences. As founder and president of RCHS’s Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter, Laurel-Ann has collaborated with others to lead initiatives focused on traffic safety, substance use, and mental health awareness. Through her involvement, she had the opportunity to serve on both the state and national student leadership councils for Students Against Destructive Decisions, where she was able to take what she learned in the Rockingham County community and share it with a broader audience. These experiences gave her the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. and New York City to present and collaborate with students and leaders from across the country. Laurel-Ann has served as a presenter at several national safety events, addressing topics such as youth leadership, prevention, and service. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy and shown her the power of youth using their voices for change.
Giving back locally has remained a central part of her life. This commitment is reflected in her earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her sustained dedication to her community. Some of her service includes Teen Court, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, interning with the District Attorney, coaching youth cheer, participating in the Leadership and Service Ambassador Program, and volunteering with Special Olympics, all of which has deepened her understanding that leadership is most meaningful when it is rooted in service to others. Through these experiences, she has come to truly embrace the “butterfly effect,” believing that each small act of kindness that is offered creates ripples that grow into waves around the world.
Dance has also been an important part of Laurel-Ann’s journey. As a member of the Academy of Dance Senior Competition Team and a participant in the North Carolina Governor’s School for Dance, she has learned discipline, creativity, and confidence. Dance has given her a way to express herself and has taught her lessons about teamwork that have extended into every aspect of her life.
Laurel-Ann will attend Duke University in the fall, where she plans to double major in Political Science and Psychology before attending law school. Her goal is to become an attorney focused on victim advocacy and continue a life dedicated to service. When she looks back on high school, she will remember not just the academic milestones, but the people, opportunities, and community that shaped her. Rockingham County has poured so much into her, and she hopes in some small way she has been able to give back. That spirit of service is what has defined her journey, and it is what she hopes to carry forward in every chapter ahead.
Morehead High School Senior
Diana Mora Martinez
A quote that Diana lives by is “ Porque en la vida podemos retroceder y recuperar el tiempo perdido, pero sí podemos a volver a empezar”
Diana is a highly accomplished graduating senior here at Morehead High School. She boasts a 4.39 GPA and has an exceptional high school resume. Though she has made extraordinary achievements during her time at Morehead, Diana has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her success. These obstacles, however, have proven to be a guide for future endeavors that are much bigger than high school.
Throughout her high school career, Diana has had to overcome many obstacles that many may not see on the surface. Being raised by immigrant parents comes with its challenges; however, Diana has remained perseverant, which is something that was embedded in her by her parents. Through her many challenges as a first-generation American, Diana has worked two times harder than the average student. Despite everything, she is set to be a first-generation high school graduate as well as a first-generation college student.
Through hard work and dedication, Diana has created a solid plan for her future. She is committed to attending Wake Forest University in the fall with plans to major in Political Science. After undergrad, Diana plans to go even further and hopes to go to law school to become an immigration lawyer. She has a strong passion for fighting for the rights of immigrants and their families and hopes to create a system of equity.
Though leaving high school will be a major life change, Diana will never forget the support system of her amazing friends that she has created at Morehead. Diana also notes that Morehead teacher Mr. Alcorn has been a major catalyst in helping prepare her for college by truly guiding her student success. Though she has plans of going far in life, Diana will forever be a panther at heart!
Rockingham County Schools Staff and Families,
As we continue to monitor the Instructure Canvas security incident, we will share any new information we receive. The safety and security of our students and user information remains our top priority. Therefore, access to Canvas has been removed for all users at this time.
We do not recommend that parents or guardians log in through the Canvas app or the online parent portal until we can confirm that the platform is secure.
Our schools are working to provide alternative methods for submitting assignments and continuing instruction during this time. We are also working with the state and our technology partners to monitor the situation and determine next steps. Below is a message we received from Instructure regarding our district data.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
INSTRUCTURE
We are writing to inform you of a significant update in a recent Canvas security incident that specifically impacted your institution.
On May 7, an unauthorized actor made changes to the pages that appeared when some students and teachers were logged in. We quickly identified this unauthorized activity and immediately took steps to contain it, including temporarily taking Canvas offline into maintenance mode as a precaution to prevent further unauthorized access. Working in coordination with our independent forensics partner, we have found no evidence that the unauthorized actor established persistence, obtained credentials for accounts within your institution, or exfiltrated any additional data.
Additionally, we have confirmed that the unauthorized actor carried out this activity by exploiting an issue related to our Free-For-Teacher accounts. The entry point for the incident last week was also through the Free-For-Teacher accounts. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily shut down our Free-For-Teacher accounts.
This decision was not made lightly. Our priority is to protect all Canvas users and ensure the platform's security and integrity. Free-For-Teacher accounts have been a core part of our platform and we are committed to resolving the issues with these accounts. While we work through these issues, shutting down our Free-For-Teacher accounts gives us the confidence to restore access to Canvas, which is now fully back online and available for use.
We are working around the clock to resolve this matter, provide you with transparency about this incident, and deliver the best educational experience possible. We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Please visit http://www.instructure.com/incident_update for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Steve Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Instructure
As we continue to monitor the Instructure Canvas security incident, we will share any new information we receive. The safety and security of our students and user information remains our top priority. Therefore, access to Canvas has been removed for all users at this time.
We do not recommend that parents or guardians log in through the Canvas app or the online parent portal until we can confirm that the platform is secure.
Our schools are working to provide alternative methods for submitting assignments and continuing instruction during this time. We are also working with the state and our technology partners to monitor the situation and determine next steps. Below is a message we received from Instructure regarding our district data.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
INSTRUCTURE
We are writing to inform you of a significant update in a recent Canvas security incident that specifically impacted your institution.
On May 7, an unauthorized actor made changes to the pages that appeared when some students and teachers were logged in. We quickly identified this unauthorized activity and immediately took steps to contain it, including temporarily taking Canvas offline into maintenance mode as a precaution to prevent further unauthorized access. Working in coordination with our independent forensics partner, we have found no evidence that the unauthorized actor established persistence, obtained credentials for accounts within your institution, or exfiltrated any additional data.
Additionally, we have confirmed that the unauthorized actor carried out this activity by exploiting an issue related to our Free-For-Teacher accounts. The entry point for the incident last week was also through the Free-For-Teacher accounts. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily shut down our Free-For-Teacher accounts.
This decision was not made lightly. Our priority is to protect all Canvas users and ensure the platform's security and integrity. Free-For-Teacher accounts have been a core part of our platform and we are committed to resolving the issues with these accounts. While we work through these issues, shutting down our Free-For-Teacher accounts gives us the confidence to restore access to Canvas, which is now fully back online and available for use.
We are working around the clock to resolve this matter, provide you with transparency about this incident, and deliver the best educational experience possible. We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Please visit http://www.instructure.com/incident_update for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Steve Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Instructure
The transportation request link is now live on the RCS website under the Transportation section. Even if your student is already riding, please encourage parents to complete the request to help avoid delays at the start of the school year and ensure transportation is assigned in a timely manner. The request will remain available for parents through July 31, 2026.
https://rockapex.maxapex.net/apex/r/rcstech/rcs_sum_trans
Rockingham County Schools CTE High School is hiring. Please take a look at the positions for Computer Science, Health Science, and Family/Consumer Science.
🎓 RCS District pride was on full display for the 2026 Senior Decision Day! From college commitments to career-ready certifications, our seniors took to the stage to share their future plans with the world. A huge thank you to our incredible RCC partners and staff for creating an atmosphere of celebration and support for our students. Our seniors aren't just graduating; they are launching into their next great adventure with the full weight of the RCS community behind them! #RCSPride #DecisionDay2026 #FutureReady
The transportation request link is now live on the RCS website under the Transportation section. Even if your student is already riding, please encourage parents to complete the request to help avoid delays at the start of the school year and ensure transportation is assigned in a timely manner. The request will remain available for parents through July 31, 2026.
https://rockapex.maxapex.net/apex/r/rcstech/rcs_sum_trans/1?session=17059288577423
https://rockapex.maxapex.net/apex/r/rcstech/rcs_sum_trans/1?session=17059288577423
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of a new administrator, naming Stephanie Wray as the next principal of Dalton L. McMichael High School, effective July 1, 2026.
Wray brings 25 years of experience with Rockingham County Schools to her new role. A proud 1996 graduate of McMichael High School, she has served the district in a variety of capacities, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. For the past 11 years, she has led Western Rockingham Middle School as principal. Reflecting on her time there, Wray shared that she is “grateful to have had the opportunity to lead WRMS alongside an amazing group of teachers and staff for over a decade.”
A lifelong resident of western Rockingham County, Wray said she is “honored to be selected as the next principal of her alma mater, Dalton L. McMichael High School.” She looks forward to continuing her work in the western zone and building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
Wray holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Elon University. She also earned her licensure in school administration from Appalachian State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Appalachian State, with an anticipated completion in 2027.
Wray brings 25 years of experience with Rockingham County Schools to her new role. A proud 1996 graduate of McMichael High School, she has served the district in a variety of capacities, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. For the past 11 years, she has led Western Rockingham Middle School as principal. Reflecting on her time there, Wray shared that she is “grateful to have had the opportunity to lead WRMS alongside an amazing group of teachers and staff for over a decade.”
A lifelong resident of western Rockingham County, Wray said she is “honored to be selected as the next principal of her alma mater, Dalton L. McMichael High School.” She looks forward to continuing her work in the western zone and building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
Wray holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Elon University. She also earned her licensure in school administration from Appalachian State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Appalachian State, with an anticipated completion in 2027.
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of a new administrator, naming Kevin Hairston as principal of Rockingham County Early College High School, effective July 1, 2026.
Hairston brings more than 22 years of experience in education to his new role. He began his career with Rockingham County Schools at Rockingham County High School, where he served as a dropout prevention counselor for four years. He then spent nine years at Rockingham County Early College High School as the school’s first school counselor.
For the past nine years, Hairston has served as an assistant principal at Northern Guilford High School, gaining extensive experience in school leadership.
Hairston holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from Radford University, as well as a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. He also earned his principal certification from Appalachian State University.
Hairston brings more than 22 years of experience in education to his new role. He began his career with Rockingham County Schools at Rockingham County High School, where he served as a dropout prevention counselor for four years. He then spent nine years at Rockingham County Early College High School as the school’s first school counselor.
For the past nine years, Hairston has served as an assistant principal at Northern Guilford High School, gaining extensive experience in school leadership.
Hairston holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from Radford University, as well as a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. He also earned his principal certification from Appalachian State University.
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of a new administrator, naming Jennifer Poe as Coordinator of Teacher Support, effective July 1, 2026.
A graduate of Rockingham County Schools, Poe brings 25 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. She began her career with Guilford County Schools in 2001 and transitioned into school leadership in 2017. Since then, she has served as an assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Bethany Elementary School before being named principal of Lincoln Elementary School in March 2024.
Poe is a highly effective school leader with nine years of administrative experience and a proven record of meeting or exceeding academic growth each year. Under her leadership, Lincoln Elementary exceeded expected growth for a third consecutive year, met or exceeded growth across all student subgroups, and improved its North Carolina Report Card grade to a B. This success reflects her strong focus on high-quality instructional practices, consistent feedback and support for teachers, and a commitment to fostering a positive, student-centered school culture.
“I am honored to continue serving and supporting the teachers of Rockingham County Schools,” Poe said. “I understand the importance of building teacher capacity, supporting beginning teachers, retaining teachers, strengthening instructional practices, and increasing student achievement. I am committed to providing strong instructional leadership and targeted support that empowers teachers to grow in their practice and positively impact students across our county.”
A graduate of Rockingham County Schools, Poe brings 25 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. She began her career with Guilford County Schools in 2001 and transitioned into school leadership in 2017. Since then, she has served as an assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Bethany Elementary School before being named principal of Lincoln Elementary School in March 2024.
Poe is a highly effective school leader with nine years of administrative experience and a proven record of meeting or exceeding academic growth each year. Under her leadership, Lincoln Elementary exceeded expected growth for a third consecutive year, met or exceeded growth across all student subgroups, and improved its North Carolina Report Card grade to a B. This success reflects her strong focus on high-quality instructional practices, consistent feedback and support for teachers, and a commitment to fostering a positive, student-centered school culture.
“I am honored to continue serving and supporting the teachers of Rockingham County Schools,” Poe said. “I understand the importance of building teacher capacity, supporting beginning teachers, retaining teachers, strengthening instructional practices, and increasing student achievement. I am committed to providing strong instructional leadership and targeted support that empowers teachers to grow in their practice and positively impact students across our county.”
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of a new administrator, naming Kasie Pruitt as Director of Federal Programs, effective July 1, 2026.
A graduate of Rockingham County High School and a product of Rockingham County Schools, Pruitt brings 24 years of experience in the district as she begins her 25th year in education. She started her career as a teacher at Wentworth Elementary School and Rockingham County Middle School before serving as assistant principal at Monroeton Elementary School and Leaksville-Spray Elementary School.
For the past 11 years, Pruitt has served as principal of Stoneville Elementary School, which she describes as “a true hidden gem” in the district. Reflecting on her time there, she shared that she will always value the experience and the many lessons it has taught her.
Pruitt is also a proud parent of two children who attend Rockingham County Schools and says she is grateful for the support they have received throughout their educational journey. A strong advocate for public education, she is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels safe, successful, loved, and heard each day at school.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the new Director of Federal Programs,” Pruitt said. “This role provides an opportunity to make a positive impact across all schools in our district and to support students, staff, and the community in a broader capacity.”
A graduate of Rockingham County High School and a product of Rockingham County Schools, Pruitt brings 24 years of experience in the district as she begins her 25th year in education. She started her career as a teacher at Wentworth Elementary School and Rockingham County Middle School before serving as assistant principal at Monroeton Elementary School and Leaksville-Spray Elementary School.
For the past 11 years, Pruitt has served as principal of Stoneville Elementary School, which she describes as “a true hidden gem” in the district. Reflecting on her time there, she shared that she will always value the experience and the many lessons it has taught her.
Pruitt is also a proud parent of two children who attend Rockingham County Schools and says she is grateful for the support they have received throughout their educational journey. A strong advocate for public education, she is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels safe, successful, loved, and heard each day at school.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the new Director of Federal Programs,” Pruitt said. “This role provides an opportunity to make a positive impact across all schools in our district and to support students, staff, and the community in a broader capacity.”
RCS School Nutrition did it again. They celebrated Earth Day today with Oreo Dirt Pudding Cups.
We’re Hiring: Director of Secondary Schools – Rockingham County Schools
Rockingham County Schools is looking for a strong, student-centered leader to join our team as Director of Secondary Schools!
In this role, you will:
✔️ Support and supervise middle and high school principals
✔️ Lead secondary curriculum and instructional programming
✔️ Use data to drive school improvement and student success
✔️ Collaborate with district teams to support grades 6–12
✔️ Coach and develop school leaders
We’re seeking someone with proven school leadership experience who is passionate about supporting educators and helping students thrive.
If you—or someone you know—are ready to make a meaningful impact across our secondary schools, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity!
🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://rockinghamnc.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5643065
#NowHiring #EducationJobs #SchoolLeadership #RockinghamCountySchools #MakeADifference
Rockingham County Schools is looking for a strong, student-centered leader to join our team as Director of Secondary Schools!
In this role, you will:
✔️ Support and supervise middle and high school principals
✔️ Lead secondary curriculum and instructional programming
✔️ Use data to drive school improvement and student success
✔️ Collaborate with district teams to support grades 6–12
✔️ Coach and develop school leaders
We’re seeking someone with proven school leadership experience who is passionate about supporting educators and helping students thrive.
If you—or someone you know—are ready to make a meaningful impact across our secondary schools, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity!
🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://rockinghamnc.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5643065
#NowHiring #EducationJobs #SchoolLeadership #RockinghamCountySchools #MakeADifference
Rockingham County Schools Staff and Families,
A Moss Street Elementary Family of three kids has been impacted by a house fire the other night with a total loss of all property. Moss Street families have shown continued support in assisting the students impacted by the recent house fire. We are reaching out to our District Families to ask your support for this family.
We have gathered the following clothing and shoe sizes for the three students:
Boy: Men’s small clothing, shoe size 8
Girl 1: Girls size 16, shoe size 5 (big kids)
Girl 2: Girls size 18, shoe size 7.5
Our thoughts and prayers remain with this family as they navigate this difficult time. Any assistance you can provide to help meet these needs is sincerely appreciated.
For additional information or to coordinate support, please contact Christy Albertson or Contact Moss Street Elementary (336) 349-5370
Thank you again for your compassion and generosity.
A Moss Street Elementary Family of three kids has been impacted by a house fire the other night with a total loss of all property. Moss Street families have shown continued support in assisting the students impacted by the recent house fire. We are reaching out to our District Families to ask your support for this family.
We have gathered the following clothing and shoe sizes for the three students:
Boy: Men’s small clothing, shoe size 8
Girl 1: Girls size 16, shoe size 5 (big kids)
Girl 2: Girls size 18, shoe size 7.5
Our thoughts and prayers remain with this family as they navigate this difficult time. Any assistance you can provide to help meet these needs is sincerely appreciated.
For additional information or to coordinate support, please contact Christy Albertson or Contact Moss Street Elementary (336) 349-5370
Thank you again for your compassion and generosity.