A Lincoln County Love Story

Dr. Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools, and his wife, Tammie, currently the Media Coordinator at West Lincoln High School, actually went to the same high school — but they didn’t really know each other back then. Years later, their paths crossed in the most LCS-kind-of-way… at school.

After college, Dr. Allen returned home to teach at Kings Mountain High School. At the same time, Tammie’s twin sister was also teaching there. Not long after, Tammie joined the staff too. What started as a connection between colleagues quickly turned into something more, and the two began dating.

Then came a turning point. While on a mission trip to Honduras, Dr. Allen says he realized that Tammie was “the one.” When he returned, life kept moving forward — and so did their careers. He accepted a position as assistant principal at North High, and in 2004, they got married.

They made their home in Kings Mountain and continued building both their family and their careers in education. Together, they’ve lived in three homes across two counties, welcomed three children, and balanced busy school schedules with busy family life.

Now, 22 years into their marriage, their story is still rooted in the same things that brought them together in the first place — education, service, and a shared commitment to their community and family.

From the same high school halls… to school hallways as educators… to leading and serving side by side for more than two decades — their story is one of growth, faith, and finding your person when you least expect it.
8 days ago, LCS Communications
A smiling couple stands close together inside a restaurant with other diners in the background. The man wears a light blue short-sleeve button-down shirt and has a short beard. The woman wears a sleeveless top, gold hoop earrings, and has short blonde hair. Decorative heart graphics appear across the top of the image, with text reading “Lincoln County Schools couple.” A pink banner at the bottom reads “The Allens — West Lincoln High and District Office.”
FORM CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT!

Pop quiz: Who made your day better this year?

Was it a teacher who never gave up on you, a bus driver who always greeted your child by name, a cafeteria worker who made mornings brighter, or an office staff member who helped when you needed it most?

Now’s your chance to tell them. Messages of Appreciation are printed and delivered to staff across Lincoln County Schools, and your words truly matter.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6

#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
8 days ago, LCS Communications
White lined notebook paper background with red hand-drawn hearts scattered across the page. Bold text in the center reads “Pop Quiz!” Below it, smaller text says “Who made your day better this year? Tell them!” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears near the bottom right corner.
More LCS Besties!

In 2017, Courtney and Ashley became teammates at Lincolnton Middle School, brought together by shared students, shared hallways, and a shared love for learning. What started as lesson plans and team meetings quickly grew into something more.

Outside of school, they discovered a shared passion for travel and set a bold goal of visiting all 50 states. Weekend trips turned into lasting memories, and those miles on the road built trust, laughter, and a friendship that reached far beyond the classroom.

They supported each other through the challenges of COVID, long seasons of uncertainty, and life’s biggest milestones, always showing up when it mattered most.

Nearly a decade later, they are still teammates on the Leading Leopards team. Mrs. Todd continues to inspire students through ELA, while Mrs. Marquardt brings learning to life in math. Together, they are shaping future leaders just as they have from the very beginning.

They are grateful for a friendship that started at LMS and grew into a lifelong bond rooted in teamwork, shared dreams, and years of trust. What began as colleagues has become sisterhood, proving that sometimes the most meaningful journeys start right where you are.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSBesties
8 days ago, LCS Communications
Two adults stand on a school gym floor, each holding out a red apple toward the camera and smiling. One wears a yellow ruffled top and black pants, and the other wears a floral blouse with a dark cardigan and jeans. Behind them are black and yellow gym banners, bleachers, and a basketball hoop, with low-lying fog near the floor. Heart graphics and the text “Lincoln County Schools besties” appear across the top. A pink banner at the bottom reads “Ashley Todd and Courtney Marquardt” and “Lincolnton Middle School.”
Oops — we accidentally left off AP Chemistry in our earlier post.

AP Chemistry will be administered on Tuesday, May 5 at 8:00 AM.

Please review the updated 2026 AP Exam schedule and make sure you have the correct date and time for each exam. Schools will communicate site-specific testing details and locations closer to the exam date.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSAcademics
9 days ago, LCS Communications
Graphic titled “2026 AP Exams” displaying a table of AP test names, dates, and times. AP Chemistry is listed as Tuesday, May 5 at 8:00 AM. A note at the bottom states that schools will communicate site-specific testing details and that missed exams may result in a fee.
Side effects may include happy tears and awkward hallway thank-yous.

When you send a Message of Appreciation, your note is printed and delivered to a Lincoln County Schools staff member, and the impact is real. These messages stick with people far longer than February.

If someone has made your school experience better, take a minute to let them know.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6

#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
9 days ago, LCS Communications
White lined notebook paper background with red hand-drawn hearts scattered across the page. Bold text in the center reads “Side Effects:” with smaller text underneath that says “Happy Tears” and “Awkward hallway thank-yous.” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears near the bottom right corner.
Today, Lincoln County Schools hosted our annual District Spelling Bee, bringing together one outstanding student from each elementary and middle school to compete. We are incredibly proud of every participant for representing their schools with confidence, preparation, and perseverance.

Congratulations to Mihira from Rock Springs Elementary, who was crowned this year’s District Spelling Bee Champion. Ryker from North Lincoln Middle School earned the title of Runner-Up after an impressive performance.

Mihira will advance to compete in the Regional Spelling Bee at Bank of America Stadium on March 1. We wish her the very best as she represents Lincoln County Schools on the regional stage.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SpellingBee
9 days ago, LCS Communications
Two students stand on a stage in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop holding trophies. The student on the left, Ryker from North Lincoln Middle School, holds a runner-up trophy and wears a plaid shirt and jeans. The student on the right, Mihira from Rock Springs Elementary, holds a first-place trophy and wears a bright pink sweatshirt and glasses. Both are smiling.
Close-up of Ryker from North Lincoln Middle School smiling and holding his Spelling Bee Runner-Up trophy. He stands in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop with apple icons and “Educating the Future” visible behind him.
Mihira from Rock Springs Elementary smiles while holding her Spelling Bee Champion trophy. She stands on a wooden stage in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop featuring apple icons and district branding.
Group photo of elementary and middle school students seated and standing in rows inside a school building, each holding a certificate from the district spelling bee. A screen behind them displays a student’s name and photo, and an American flag stands near the stage.
🌟 Flashback Friday: From LCS Student to Speech-Language Pathologist! 🌟
Meet Mrs. Kaiti Chandler Royster, a proud Lincoln County Schools graduate who now serves as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Pumpkin Center Intermediate and North Lincoln Middle!

Kaiti attended Pumpkin Center Elementary, Pumpkin Center Middle, North Lincoln Middle, and North Lincoln High—and now she’s come full circle, serving the same district that shaped her. She says Lincoln County Schools is “in her blood”—her mom was also a teacher here!

When asked what she loves most about her role, Mrs. Royster shared, “I love helping students find their voice and building connections through all forms of communication.” 💬❤️

We’re proud to celebrate another LCS alum making an impact right here at home! 💙🍎

#FlashbackFriday #WeAreLincoln #LincolnCountySchools #FromStudentToStaff
9 days ago, LCS Communications
Royster

Quarter 3 Progress Reports Are Coming Home Today! 🍎📊

We’re in the home stretch! Progress Reports are heading home this afternoon—don’t forget to check backpacks. This is a great time to celebrate growth, reflect on progress, and set goals for a strong finish to the school year.

Together, we are making every moment count! 💙

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #ProgressReports

9 days ago, LCS Communications
Graphic with a school supplies theme showing pencils, markers, scissors, and a notebook on a white wood background. Text on the notebook reads, “Progress Reports come home today!” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears at the top, and the date “February 13, 2026” is displayed at the bottom.
Yes. This really is the easiest good deed you’ll do all week.

Take a minute to send a Message of Appreciation to any Lincoln County Schools staff member who has made a difference for you or your child. Your words are printed and delivered, and they truly matter.

Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with a few sentences and a thank you.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6

#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
9 days ago, LCS Communications
White lined notebook paper background with red hand-drawn hearts scattered across the page. Large text in the center reads “Yes.” Below it, smaller text says “This is the easiest good deed you’ll do all week.” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears near the bottom right corner.
Today we had the honor of recognizing our February Sub of the Month, Stacy Byus, at St. James Elementary.

Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Boorman nominated Mrs. Byus for her ongoing reliability and her willingness to step in anywhere, any day. Her flexibility and commitment to supporting students and staff make a meaningful difference in our schools.

We are grateful for the dedication of all of our substitute teachers who help ensure learning continues smoothly each day.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SubOfTheMonth
10 days ago, LCS Communications
A substitute teacher stands smiling at the front of an elementary classroom with student desks arranged in groups, a large screen on the wall behind her, and daylight coming through the windows.
Two women stand side by side in a classroom holding a hand-lettered poster that reads “Stacy Byus Sub of the Month February 2026,” smiling at the camera.
Two women embrace in a classroom, celebrating recognition as colleagues look on and classroom materials are visible in the background.
A substitute teacher smiles while speaking with a colleague who holds a recognition poster in a classroom setting.
Another LCS Besties Feature!

Seven years ago at WLHS, a General Education math teacher met a Special Education math teacher, and it was instant best-friend energy—not just coworkers, but “you’re my person” from day one.

One was calm, patient, and always saw the good.
The other was passionate, creatively organized, and once fully convinced she was having a medical emergency after eating an entire bag of cherries.

Their friendship wasn’t sealed in an IEP meeting or during co-planning.
It was sealed when the Special Ed teacher ran in, panicked, saying, “I THINK SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.”

The Gen Ed teacher calmly assessed the situation, asked questions, and delivered the diagnosis:
“You ate a whole bag of cherries. You’re fine.”

Bestie status confirmed.

They went to NCCAT together, collecting inside jokes and unforgettable memories. Back at school, they became Quiz Bowl coaches, calling time-outs not just for strategy, but for confidence boosts and reminders that their students belonged on that stage.

They showed up early, shared big ideas, and always asked, “How do we make this work for everyone?”
Then they made it fun, accessible, and unforgettable—singing, dancing, and doing whatever it took to help students learn.

They aren’t just co-teachers.
They’re a dream team, champions of inclusion, early-morning motivators, and living proof that the best partnerships are built on trust, laughter, and occasionally reminding your bestie that she’s not dying—she just ate too many cherries.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSBesties
10 days ago, LCS Communications
Two adults smile in a selfie taken outdoors on a narrow walking path surrounded by trees and grass. One person has light hair pulled back and wears a light-colored top, and the other has dark hair and wears a black top with backpack straps visible. Heart graphics and the text “Lincoln County Schools besties” appear across the top. A pink banner at the bottom reads “Ashley Pittman and Susan Wagoner” and “West Lincoln High School.”
This week we are proud to celebrate Love the Bus Week across Lincoln County Schools. Every day, our bus drivers are the first smiles of the morning and the last waves of the afternoon. They rise early, check their mirrors, watch the roads, and care for our children as if they were their own.

Across the county, schools and departments found special ways to say thank you with handmade cards, banners, treats, and time together to show appreciation for the people who safely carry our students to learning and back home again.

To every driver, substitute driver, and transportation team member, thank you for your patience, professionalism, and heart. You keep our wheels turning and our community connected.

#LoveTheBus #WeAreLINCOLN
10 days ago, LCS Communications
Photo collage celebrating school bus drivers in Lincoln County Schools. Images show staff and community members posing with yellow school buses and handmade appreciation signs. One photo features a man in a red “Rebels Soccer” shirt holding a student-made thank-you poster for bus drivers. Another shows three women standing in a school office with a “Thank You” banner on the wall. A central image shows a group of employees kneeling and standing in front of a parked bus smiling together. On the right, three staff members pose on the steps of a bus under a “Lincoln County Schools – Love the Bus” graphic. Additional photos include a community member holding a plate at a bus lot, a group holding a banner reading “We ❤️ our Bus Drivers!” in front of a bus, and two employees displaying student appreciation posters. Overall tone is cheerful and grateful, highlighting appreciation for transportation staff.
REMINDER!

🎓💡 AP Students – Be Ready!
All AP exams take place on the same schedule across the country this May—so whether you took your class in the fall or spring, your exam is in May!

📅 Plan ahead now.
💵 Exam fees are covered by the State of NC (but missing your exam could mean CollegeBoard fees).

👏 Last year, LCS students achieved a 71% AP exam pass rate—higher than the state average! We can’t wait to celebrate another strong year of success!

#WeAreLINCOLN #APExams #AcademicExcellence
10 days ago, LCS Communications
CORRECTED
❤️ LCS Couples Feature — The Robbinses

For our next LCS Couples feature, we’re celebrating Karen and Rodney Robbins, whose love story began 47 years ago on a blind date arranged by their two best friends — and they’ve been going strong ever since.

Rodney works at North Lincoln High School as a teacher assistant, while Karen serves students across the district as an itinerant teacher of deaf and hard of hearing. Though they work in different roles, they share the same heart for supporting students and making a difference in schools every day.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that strong relationships, shared purpose, and lasting commitment are at the heart of our school community. We’re proud to have both of them as part of the Lincoln County Schools family.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
11 days ago, LCS Communications
A smiling couple sits at a table inside a fast-food restaurant, both raising one hand in a friendly wave toward the camera. The person on the left wears glasses and a patterned orange shirt, and the person on the right wears glasses and a black-and-white checkered top. Large windows behind them show menu posters and a view of greenery outside. Heart graphics and the text “Lincoln County Schools couple” appear across the top. A pink banner at the bottom reads “The Robbinses” and “North Lincoln High and EC Department.”
February is CTE Month, and we are proud to recognize the incredible Career & Technical Education teachers and staff across Lincoln County Schools. Every day, these educators connect classroom learning to real-world skills, career pathways, and future opportunities for our students. From health sciences to engineering, agriculture to business, their dedication helps students discover passions and prepare for life beyond graduation. Thank you to our entire CTE team for investing in our learners and our community.

#CTEMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
11 days ago, LCS Communications
Graphic celebrating CTE Month with an orange border and Lincoln County Schools branding. The design thanks Career & Technical Education teachers for all they do for students and lists staff members by program area, including Agricultural Education, Business/Finance/Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, JROTC, Technology/Trade/Engineering, Career Development Coordinators, and the CTE Office team. The North Carolina CTE logo and the CTE Month emblem are displayed in the center.
Planning a future in health care? Atrium Health’s Rise to Success program helps high school graduates turn that goal into a career. Through this program, students can earn an associate’s degree or certification at a local community college with tuition, textbooks, fees, and scrubs paid by Atrium Health. Participants are also hired into entry-level positions while completing their studies, gaining hands-on experience and professional connections along the way.

This opportunity is designed for motivated seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher who are ready to begin careers in areas such as nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, medical assisting, and medical laboratory technology. Applications are open now through March 1. Learn more about eligibility and apply here: https://bit.ly/4q8YgDP

#WeAreLINCOLN #CTEOpportunities
11 days ago, LCS Communications
Flyer for Atrium Health “Rise to Success” workforce program. Header shows Atrium Health logo and the title “Rise to Success: An Outside In, Inside Up – Atrium Health Workforce Development Program.” A teal banner reads, “OUR GOAL: Creating entry paths to health care careers through education and employment opportunities.” Text explains that the program sponsors high school graduates to earn an associate’s degree or health care certification at a local community college, with tuition, textbooks, fees, and scrubs paid by Atrium Health. Participants are hired into entry-level positions while in college and commit to work for Atrium Health during their program and one additional year after completion. Requirements listed include: high school diploma, 18 years old by June 15, minimum 3.0 GPA, and completed application materials. Example career paths include Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Medical Laboratory Technology. A testimonial features Kyonnie Reyes, Imaging Patient Assistant and Northwest Cabarrus High School Class of 2023, describing how the program helped her pursue X-ray technician goals. Bottom of flyer states applications are accepted February 1 to March 1 and includes a website link and QR code.
Not every career starts in a lecture hall. Many start with hands-on training, real equipment, and skills you can use right away.

At the Rhino Roadmap to CTE Careers Event, high school students can explore career pathways in fields like manufacturing, technology, health sciences, and more. You’ll meet instructors, see labs, and learn how career and technical education can lead directly to college credentials and jobs.

Join Gaston College on February 24, 2026 from 5:30–8 p.m. and start mapping out what’s next after high school.
Register here: https://www.gaston.edu/cte-roadmap/

#WeAreLINCOLN #FutureReady
12 days ago, LCS Communications
A student wearing a black T-shirt and camouflage hat smiles while operating a CNC machine in a manufacturing lab. He presses buttons on the control panel while standing beside the open machine. Other industrial machines and equipment are visible in the background. Text on the graphic reads: “Feb. 24, 5:30–8 p.m. Rhino Roadmap to CTE Careers” and “gaston.edu/cte-roadmap,” with a rhinoceros mascot logo.
Being responsible doesn’t always mean turning in homework or meeting deadlines. Sometimes it means taking a moment to spread kindness.

During February, our community can send Messages of Appreciation to any Lincoln County Schools staff member. Every message is printed and delivered, and these notes mean more to our staff than you may realize.

Be responsible. Spread kindness. Tell a staff member they matter.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6

#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
12 days ago, LCS Communications
White lined notebook paper background with red hand-drawn hearts scattered across the page. Large text in the center reads “Be Responsible.” with smaller text below that says “Spread Kindness.” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears near the bottom right corner.
LCS Besties Feature — Alix & Jennifer

Alix and Jennifer both began their journeys at St. James in 2020, teaching third grade for the first time with classrooms directly across from each other at the end of the hall. From day one, they were inseparable — planning lessons together, popping into each other’s rooms with quick questions, dressing up for spirit weeks, and sharing plenty of laughs, hugs, and even a little friendly grade-level competition during events like Fun Run and Penny Wars.

A longtime colleague jokingly nicknamed them the “step sisters,” and before long, students were calling them “teacher besties,” a title that fit perfectly.

Even when Alix looped up to fourth grade, their connection never slowed down. They still found time for quick planning check-ins, hallway hugs when their classes passed each other, and constant encouragement through every challenge and celebration.

Though they now work in different hallways and grade levels, their bond remains just as strong, and their students still light up every time the besties reunite — proof that some school friendships are built to last.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
12 days ago, LCS Communications
A collage of photos shows two adults together in various settings and outfits, smiling and posing at school and community events. Images include them sitting on a bed holding snacks and a red cup, posing in school hallways in themed outfits, standing together in a classroom, celebrating at a decorated event, and taking outdoor selfies. Heart graphics and the text “Lincoln County Schools besties” appear across the top. A pink banner at the bottom reads “Jennifer Panepinto and Alix Turner” and “St. James Elementary.”
During National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to spotlight East Lincoln High School student Kevin Mondragon Arenas, a first-year apprentice at Blum Inc.

Through hands-on learning and mentorship, Kevin is building real-world skills that connect the classroom to a high-demand career pathway. Apprenticeships like this give students the opportunity to earn, learn, and grow while preparing for a successful future right here in Lincoln County.

We are grateful for community partners like Blum Inc., who invest in our students and help them take the next step toward their goals.

#WeAreLINCOLN #ApprenticeshipNC
12 days ago, LCS Communications
Graphic for National Apprenticeship Week 2026 featuring ELHS student Kevin Mondragon Arenas, first-year apprentice at Blum Inc. Left photo shows Kevin standing outside Blum beside an orange company sign. Right photo shows Kevin working at a machine in a manufacturing lab. Design includes CTE and East Lincoln logos with gear and tool illustrations.