LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOLS HEALTH ACADEMY HONORED WITH GOVERNOR’S NCWORKS AWARD OF DISTINCTION

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The Lincoln County Schools Health Academy, a groundbreaking collaboration between Lincoln County Schools, Gaston College, Atrium Health Lincoln, and the Lincoln Economic Development Association/Lincoln County Rotary Student Fund (“Rotary Rooted”), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Governor’s NCWorks Award of Distinction for Outstanding Innovative Partnership.

Governor Josh Stein announced the winners on October 15 and 16 during ceremonies held in Greensboro as part of the 38th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference, hosted by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The awards recognize exceptional accomplishments and contributions to workforce development across the state.

“This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and heart that has gone into this partnership,” said Dr. John Hauser, President of Gaston College. “This Academy proves that when education, healthcare, and community partners collaborate, we can build vital career pathways for our students.”

Launched in the fall of 2024, the Lincoln County Schools Health Academy was created to address a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Lincoln County. The program unites education, healthcare, and economic development partners around a shared mission: to build a sustainable local talent pipeline for high-demand health careers.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work that has gone into making this program a success for our students and community over multiple years,” said Dr. Aaron Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools. “We value our partnerships with Rotary Rooted, Gaston College, and Atrium Health for making this opportunity accessible, affordable, and timely for the healthcare pipeline of our community.”

“We are excited to have this wonderful opportunity for our students to get a jumpstart on their college education and careers,” said Dr. Cale Sain, Chief of Postsecondary Readiness and CTE. “A big thank you to Gaston College and Atrium Health-Lincoln for the support they have shown to our students and our school community.”

The Academy provides students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue post-secondary education. What sets the program apart is the introduction of North Carolina’s first-ever Practical Nursing (PN) program for high school students. Upon graduating high school, participants in the PN cohort are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) — allowing them to begin their healthcare careers debt-free and job-ready.

Currently, the Health Academy serves 36 students — eight from the inaugural PN cohort and 28 from the second cohort. These students represent the next generation of healthcare professionals prepared to meet the needs of Lincoln County and beyond.

Governor Stein praised this year’s honorees, stating, “These award recipients are further proof that when it comes to workforce development, no state will outwork North Carolina.”

The recognition underscores Lincoln County Schools’ commitment to career-focused learning, community collaboration, and innovative pathways that connect students directly to high-demand, high-impact careers.
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🌟 National Principals Month Spotlight 🌟
Today we celebrate Mrs. Holly Skibo, principal of G.E. Massey Elementary!

✨ Mrs. Skibo is a lifelong learner, having attended UNCC and App State.
✨ She’s known for her wise advice: “It doesn’t matter if you have the opportunity to stand with the great, what matters most is if you are willing to sit with the broken.”
✨ Fun fact: Mrs. Skibo dreams of being a detective in retirement, and she absolutely loves a good puzzle 🧩.
✨ When she was younger, she always thought she’d grow up to be a teacher — and we’re so glad she did!

We are grateful for Mrs. Skibo’s leadership, her heart for students, and the joy she brings to G.E. Massey every day. 💙💎

Drop a comment below to thank Mrs. Skibo for everything she does! 👏
#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalPrincipalsMonth
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🚓🚑🚒 National First Responders Day 🚨
Today, we honor the brave men and women who run toward emergencies when others run away. From law enforcement and firefighters to EMTs and paramedics — your courage, compassion, and commitment keep our schools and communities safe every day. 💙❤️🤍

Lincoln County Schools extends our heartfelt gratitude to all first responders for your unwavering service and sacrifice. Thank you for being there when it matters most. 🙏

#NationalFirstRespondersDay #WeAreLINCOLN #ThankYouFirstResponders
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🎃 Now Hiring in Lincoln County Schools!

We have several new opportunities available across our district — and we’d love for you to join our team!

Current Openings:
• Safety Attendant – Lincolnton Middle
• ISS Coordinator – West Lincoln High
• Teacher Assistant / Sub Bus Driver – Love Memorial Elementary
• Child Nutrition Assistant / Sub Bus Driver – East Lincoln Middle

💻 Apply Online: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com

Help us support our students, schools, and community. Come make a difference with us! 🍎✨

#WeAreLINCOLN #NowHiring #LCSCareers
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🎄💰 Get Ready for the Holiday Hustle! 💰🎄

The Lincoln County Public Education Foundation presents the Holiday Hustle Half & Half Raffle — your chance to win BIG before the holidays while supporting innovative projects and technology needs across all 23 Lincoln County Schools!

🗓️ Ticket Sales: Oct. 27 – Nov. 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🎉 Winner announced Nov. 24 at 3:00 PM
💸 The winner takes home HALF of all funds raised — up to $125,000!

Scan the QR code to grab your tickets and join the hustle for a great cause! Direct link: http://givebutter.com/LCPEFHolidayHalf

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCPEF #HolidayHustle #HalfAndHalfRaffle #SupportLCS #CommunityStrong
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🎓 Parents & Students of Lincoln County High Schools!

We want your input! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to help us better support our Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, explore career pathways, and fund programs that prepare students for their future success.

🗓️ Deadline: November 7, 2025
📋 Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwQct--GbxlMiSY_EJdWeIeuIsfH8cC-PEbP1RRLyxkfyeqg/viewform

Your feedback helps shape opportunities for our students—thank you for helping us plan for a brighter future! 💛

#WeAreLINCOLN #CTE #CareerReady #FutureFocused
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🎾 STATE CHAMPION! 🎾
Join us in congratulating Sidney Dann of East Lincoln High School on earning the NCHSAA 5A Girls Tennis Individual State Championship! 🏆💚🧡

Her dedication, focus, and competitive spirit have shined all season — and now she brings home the state title for the Mustangs! 🌟

We are so proud of you, Sidney!
#GoMustangs #WeAreLINCOLN #StateChampion
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🐾 Today we’re recognizing Mrs. Burgin, principal of Pumpkin Center Intermediate, as part of National Principals Month!

When she was younger, she dreamed of becoming a nurse or a teacher 🩺🍎 — and now she inspires students every day as a school leader. Her favorite advice? “You can be replaced at work, but not at home – this will all be here waiting for you when you come back, so go be with your family.” ❤️

Fun facts about Mrs. Burgin:
✨ She has never eaten a hot dog (and never will!). 🌭🚫
✨ She LOVES rollercoasters! 🎢
✨ If she could star in a TV show, she’d host The Price is Right! 🎤

In retirement, she hopes to spend more time with her husband and daughters — and read lots of books. 📚

Thank you, Mrs. Burgin, for your leadership and heart for the Cougar community!

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalPrincipalsMonth #PrincipalSpotlight
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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October is AAC Awareness Month!

In order to support our minimally speaking and nonspeaking students in learning to communicate, we use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). AAC can be ipads with apps that talk, recordable buttons, or even laminated pieces of paper with pictures. For AAC Awareness Month the Assistive Technology Team and Autism Support Team are excited to present a competition to encourage staff to model AAC with students at Love Memorial Elementary, Norris Childers Elementary, Iron Station Elementary, Pumpkin Center Primary and Intermediate Schools.

This week we had our BIGGEST numbers yet and quite a few that were really close throughout the week!

Our penultimate Top Modeler is Katelyn Klocke, an EC Teacher from Iron Station Elementary School. Congratulations! Katie modeled more this week than all our previous weeks! Thank you for all you do for your students to support their right to communicate!

Our other modeling superstars this week are:
-Virginia Myers, Love Memorial Elementary
-Jessica Davis, Norris Childers Elementary
-Lisa Curtis, Pumpkin Center Primary
-Lea Nash, Pumpkin Center Primary
-Amanda Williams, Love Memorial Elementary
-Grace Goins, Love Memorial Elementary
-Kaitlyn Cloninger, Love Memorial Elementary


We can't wait to see who our FINAL Top Modeler will be next week!!


A HUGE thank you to the businesses who donated to this years’ competition:
-7th Moon Boutique & Gifts
-All You Knead Massage and Bodywork
-Benny’s Boutique
-Breakout & Smash
-Court Street Grille
-Cowboy Killer Company
-Good Wood Pizzeria
-Henkle Tire, LLC
-Indigo Roots Massage
-Jennifer Wall
-Palm Berries
-Scoops by the Square
-Scooters Coffee (Cherryville)
-Steer South Trading Post
-Sugar Mama Cookies
-TAS Drug
-Treasures on Main (Booth #2 Max’s Treasure Hunt & Booth #415 Backyard Betty’s)
-Two Roots Yoga
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🤝 Planning Our Future—Together!
This past week, community members, parents, students, and district staff came together for Strategic Planning Sessions to help shape Lincoln County Schools’ 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.

These sessions brought together voices from across our community—students (grades 4–12), staff, PTO and Booster leaders, local businesses, faith-based partners, and community organizations—all sharing ideas and insights to guide the district’s vision for the next five years. 🌟

Thank you to everyone who contributed your time, energy, and perspective. Your collaboration ensures our plan reflects what matters most—our students, our schools, and our community. 💛

#WeAreLINCOLN #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #LCSForward
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🎯 Leading with Purpose!
This past week, principals and teacher leaders (academic coaches) from across Lincoln County Schools came together for 4 Essential Roles of Leadership training with Dr. Eason.

Through this powerful professional learning, leaders explored how to inspire trust, create vision, execute strategy, and coach potential—all vital roles in building strong school cultures and empowering others to lead. 🌟

Thank you, Dr. Eason, for guiding our teams as we continue to grow as collaborative, effective, and purposeful leaders for our students and staff! 💛

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLeadership #Empower #4RolesofLeadership
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🚍🚌 School Bus Safety Week in Action!
This week, students at Battleground Elementary and St. James Elementary practiced bus evacuation drills as part of National School Bus Safety Week!

These drills help students understand what to do in case of an emergency and ensure that everyone knows how to stay safe while riding the bus. 🦺💛

A big thank you to our bus drivers and transportation team for keeping safety first every day and helping our students travel safely to and from school! 👏

#WeAreLINCOLN #SchoolBusSafetyWeek #LCS #SafetyFirst
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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✨📸 #FlashbackFriday ✨

This week we’re spotlighting Mrs. Elisa Brock Sprouse – an LCS alum who is now making a difference in the very schools that shaped her! 💙

Elisa attended Catawba Springs, Rock Springs, North Middle, East Middle, and East Lincoln High. She remembers her favorite teacher, Michelle Shanklin, for being patient, kind, and helpful — never raising her voice, but always encouraging students with positivity (and the occasional “Book It” pizza coupon 🍕).

Today, Mrs. Sprouse serves as a Teacher Assistant and Bus Driver at St. James Elementary. She loves working in the district where she grew up and where her own children now attend. 💼🚍

When asked what she enjoys most, she shared:

“My co-workers, students, and their families. I love the relationships that are built, and seeing some of your students come back year after year just to give you a hug. I also enjoy hearing ‘Mrs. Sprouse!’ when I’m at a ballgame or in public — it makes me feel like a celebrity!” 🌟

Thank you, Mrs. Sprouse, for your dedication to our students and families — your impact is felt across generations! 👏

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud #FlashbackFriday
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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⚔️ Today we’re recognizing Mr. Van Eseltine, principal of North Lincoln High School, for National Principals Month!

When he was younger, he thought he would grow up to be in law enforcement 🚓 — but instead, his path led him to lead the Knights with dedication and pride. His favorite advice? “What you look for, you will find.” 💡

A few fun facts about Mr. Van Eseltine:
✨ His favorite color is yellow. 💛
✨ He had never thought about his favorite meme… until now!
✨ If he could star in a movie remake, he’d choose Miracle 🏒

In retirement, he plans to travel and spend time with his family. ✈️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Thank you, Mr. Van Eseltine, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to the North Lincoln community.

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalPrincipalsMonth #PrincipalSpotlight
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🏆 Western Regional Champions! 🏆

The East Lincoln High School Women’s Golf Team has done it again — 2025 Western Regional Champions!

⛳️ Congratulations to:
Kennedy Gallentine – 5A Individual Champion
Megan Arnett, Madelyn Reynolds, Cassidy Lewis, and Riley McNair
Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication continue to make the Mustang community proud!

Go Mustangs!!!! 🧡🐎🖤

#WeAreLINCOLN #MustangPride #ELHSGolf #GoMustangs #Champions #LCSAthletics
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🏴‍☠️ Today we’re recognizing Mr. Grega, principal of Asbury Academy, during National Principals Month!

When he was younger, he thought he would grow up to be a State Trooper 🚓 — but life had other plans. After working as a custodian and warehouse worker, he went on to earn degrees from Fairmont State and Marshall University and eventually became the leader he is today.

His best advice? “Don’t burn bridges — you might just have to walk back across it.” 🌉

Fun facts:
✨ He’s never worn a Mountaineers shirt that says App State (Go WVU!). 🏈
✨ He never intended to go to college, but education became his calling.
✨ If he could star in a movie remake, he’d choose A Christmas Story. 🎬

In retirement, he hopes to enjoy the beaches of Hilton Head with his family. 🏖️

Thank you, Mr. Grega, for your unique journey and your dedication to Asbury’s students.

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalPrincipalsMonth #PrincipalSpotlight
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🌟 District Highlight & Series Wrap-Up 🌟
We’re closing out our 2024–2025 Accountability Highlights series with an incredible achievement from North Lincoln High School! 🏫💙⚔️

📊 NLHS increased WorkKeys Silver or Better status from 60% in 2023–2024 to 70.4% in 2024–2025!

This milestone reflects the hard work of students, teachers, and staff preparing learners for the future. 👏

Over the past month, we’ve celebrated growth across Lincoln County Schools—from proficiency gains and college & career readiness to higher graduation rates. 🎓 Together, these highlights tell the story of a district on the rise. 🚀

Thank you for following along—and congratulations to every student, teacher, and school who made these successes possible! ❤️🖤
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #StudentSuccess #AccountabilityHighlights
4 months ago, LCS Communications
“Lincoln County Schools 2024–2025 Accountability Highlights. Overall District Highlights: NLHS increased WorkKeys Silver or Better status from 60% in the 23–24 school year to 70.4% in the 24–25 school year. Includes a photo of the North Lincoln High School band performing in the gym with students playing instruments and conducting.”
Fall into good habits this October! 🍁 Arrive on time, ready to learn, every day. Small steps = big growth. #WeAreLINCOLN #EveryDayCounts
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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❤️🖤 Today we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Smart, interim principal at West Lincoln Middle, for National Principals Month!

She once dreamed of becoming a teacher ✏️ and has carried that passion into leadership. Her favorite advice? “Be patient! It will all come out in the wash.” 💡

Fun facts about Mrs. Smart:
✨ She’s never eaten gummy worms (but she loves gummy bears!). 🐻
✨ She is a state and national clogging champion! 👏
✨ If she could star in a movie remake, she’d choose Wonder Woman. 🦸‍♀️

In retirement, she plans to nap. A lot. 😴

Thank you, Mrs. Smart, for stepping in with grace and dedication to lead the Chief community!

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalPrincipalsMonth #PrincipalSpotlight
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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🚨 No One Can Own Anyone. 🚨
Online child sexual exploitation is one of the most urgent and fast-evolving threats to children worldwide.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 20.5 million reports of online child sexual exploitation in 2024 — most involving child sexual abuse material shared online.

Financial sextortion can cause devastating emotional harm in a very short time. NCMEC has documented at least 36 teenage boys who have died by suicide after being targeted this way.

If your child uses social media or plays video games on any platform, please talk with them about the dangers of online exploitation. These conversations can save lives.

Together, we can turn information into intervention. 💛

We are sharing this message in partnership with the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse & Child Advocacy Center, who remind families: No one can own anyone.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit NCMEC.org
or call (704) 736-1155.

#ProtectKidsOnline #NoOneCanOwnAnyone #LincolnCountyStrong #OnlineSafety #ParentAwareness #WeAreLINCOLN
4 months ago, LCS Communications
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