The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) have announced the selection of the following as the recipients of the Dr. Samuel Houston Jr. Leadership Award: Ms. Melody Boyd, Area Superintendent of the Cumberland County Schools; Mr. Drew Cook, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Wake County Public Schools; Dr. Nicholas King, Deputy Superintendent, Durham Public Schools and Dr. Beth Penley, Assistant Superintendent, Newton-Conover City Schools.

Dr. Freddie Williamson, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County, was awarded the North Carolina Association of School Administrators’ (NCASA) 2024 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award during the NCASA 2024 Conference on Educational Leadership. This award, named in honor of NCASA’s first full-time Executive Director, the late Raymond Sarbaugh, is given annually to an NCASA member who shows outstanding leadership in public school service, as well as a commitment to enhancing and supporting the efforts of fellow public school administrators.

Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, was named the 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year at an awards presentation and reception held Tuesday, Nov. 14.

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) has announced the selection of Dr. Otis L. Smallwood, Superintendent of Bertie County Schools, as the recipient of the Dr. Dwayne Stallings Leadership Award. The award is presented in honor and recognition of a superintendent who has demonstrated a strong dedication to public education, commitment to academic excellence, and a continual focus on professional growth and student learning.

The North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents (NCACCP) and the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) have partnered to create a scholarship fundraiser in honor of Dr. Darrin Hartness, the president of Davidson-Davie Community College (DDCC).

Mr. Jack J. Hoke, Executive Director of the NC School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA), was awarded the 2023 Champion for Children Award during the NC Association of School Administrators’ (NCASA) 2023 Conference on Educational Leadership. The Champion For Children Award, a prestigious honor given annually by NCASA to an individual demonstrating leadership in supporting and enhancing public education, was awarded this year to Mr. Hoke in recognition of over five decades of service as an educator, mentor, and fierce advocate for public schools.

Dr. Ethan Lenker, Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, was awarded the NC Association of School Administrators' (NCASA) 2023 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award during the NCASA 2023 Conference on Educational Leadership.