NC Author Barbara Presnell to lead memoir writing workshops May 8-10 in Johnston County
NC Author Barbara Presnell to lead memoir writing workshops May 8-10 in Johnston CountyOn May 8 – 10, Barbara Presnell, author of the newly published Otherwise, I’m Fine: A Memoir (University of South Carolina Press) will lead three memoir writing workshops, an informal coffee with the author, and book-signing in Johnston County, North Carolina. All events are free, and open to the public, especially for veterans and their families, thanks to sponsors Neuse River Writers and the Johnston County Arts
Novo Nordisk Bolsters STEM Education at Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County
Novo Nordisk Champions STEM Education with Donation to Boys and Girls Club of Johnston County Johnston County, NC – March 11, 2025 – Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP, a leading global healthcare company, has donated STEM kits to the Boys and Girls Club of Johnston County, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The STEM kits, rich with educational tools such as Legos, microscopes, and magnetic
Understanding eCommerce: A Guide for Small Business Owners
Ready to take your small business online? This webinar will equip you with the tools and strategies to successfully launch and manage your online store. This webinar will cover the essentials of eCommerceChoosing the right platformMarketing your productsManaging orders Learn how to reach new customers and grow your business in the digital world. Read more here.
Celebrating Excellence in Education: Johnston County’s 2025 Flame for Learning Semifinalists Announced
The Johnston County Coalition of Chambers is pleased to announce the twenty semifinalists who have been selected for their excellence in the classroom. These exceptional educators have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and dedication to shaping the future of Johnston County students. The Teacher of the Year will be named during the 31st Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST at The Barn at Broadslab, located at 4676 NC Highway 50 South, Benson, NC
NCWorks Job Fair Connects Hundreds of Job Seekers to Local Employers
Johnston Community College (JCC), in partnership with Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD) and NCWorks Career Centers, hosted the NCWorks Job Fair on JCC’s main campus last week. Nearly 30 employers connected with 350 job seekers in attendance. The free event featured companies in some of Johnston County’s most in-demand industries, including healthcare, biopharma, construction, and local government. Among the participating employers were Novo Nordisk, Caterpillar, OPW, Johnston County Public
Safe Kids Johnston County Provides Tips for Parents During Poison Prevention Week
Johnston County — In observance of National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22), Safe Kids Johnston County is providing tips to help parents keep children safe from household products that, while necessary and useful, can pose poisoning risks. Poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 to 19.Jennifer Williams, Safe Kids Coordinator, shares, “We are thrilled to provide guidance to parents and caregivers on safely storing household products. By adopting
Join NC Tri-Share Week
The NC Partnership for Children (NCPC) and the NC Department of Commerce proudly announce NC Tri-Share Week, taking place from March 17-21, 2025. This week-long initiative for employers highlights the NC Tri-Share Child Care Program, an innovative public-private partnership that shares the price of child care equally among employers, eligible employees, and the State. The program helps working families access high-quality, affordable child care while supporting businesses.Business Recruitment & Advantages
Johnston Community College Innovative High School Students Named Goodnight Scholars Class of 2029
Johnston Community College (JCC) is pleased to announce that three students from its innovative high school programs, Career and Technical Leadership Academy (CTLA) and Early College Academy (ECA) were selected for the Goodnight Scholars Program Class of 2029. This year’s finalists represented a diverse and accomplished group of students from 130 high schools across North Carolina. From this esteemed group, 100 students were selected to join the Goodnight Scholars Program’s Class of 2029. This is the
Johnston County Public Schools Class of 2025 Graduation Dates
Johnston County Public Schools is pleased to announce graduation ceremony dates for our high schools for the 2024-2025 school year. For questions regarding a specific ceremony, please contact the specific school. Choice Plus Academy - May 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM West Campus Conference Center I 211 East Rose St., Smithfield, NC 27577 Clayton High School- May 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM Nixon-Fowler Stadium I 600 S. Fayetteville St., Clayton, NC 27520 Cleveland High School - May 23,
JCPS Breaks Ground On Swift Creek Elementary School
SMITHFIELD, NC – On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) broke ground on the school district’s newest project, Swift Creek Elementary, located at 4188 Cleveland Road, Smithfield. The 49th school in the district, Swift Creek Elementary is instrumental in alleviating some of the capacity challenges due to the exponential growth in the central Johnston County area. The state-of-the-art building offers a modern day feel, without sacrificing key aspects. Security and
Johnston County Early College Academy Senior Jara Ashley is Poised for Success
SMITHFIELD, NC – Johnston County Early College Academy (JCECA) senior Ashley Jara was chosen to take part in the North Carolina’s Governor’s Page Program. Jara and around 10 other high school students from around North Carolina earned the opportunity to engage in four days of hands-on participation in state government. Since she was young, Jara has always been fascinated with the government. She remembers seeing Hilary Clinton on television when she was growing up and that inspired her. “There's
Johnston Community College First in State to Offer Truck Driver Training to High School Seniors
JCC is offering the training through the Career and College Promise program to students who turn 18 years of age by April 30th of their senior year. Smithfield, N.C., (March 18 , 2024) – Johnston Community College (JCC) is the first community college in the state to offer truck driver training through the Career and College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program for high school students. Students who wish to apply to the truck driver training pathway must be high school seniors who will turn 18 years old
Johnston County Public Schools Wants Your Feedback On Its Next Strategic Plan
Johnston County Public Schools wants your feedback on its next Strategic Plan. In the fall we received input from over 12,000 members of the Johnston County Public Schools community on what we need in our district's next strategic plan. Please plan to join us on Monday, March 18th, from 6:00-7:15 pm at Swift Creek Middle School to learn how we have incorporated community feedback and weigh in on our progress thus far. Participants will preview the district’s new vision, mission, values, and
JCC Now Offers Degree in 911 Operations
Richmond Community College’s 911 telecommunications program will now be available to students at Johnston Community College after an official agreement was signed by college leaders earlier this week. Dr. Dale McInnis, president of Richmond CC, and Dr. Vern Lindquist, president of JCC, signed off on the partnership on Monday that will allow JCC students to enroll in the online program and complete an associate degree in 911 Communications & Operations. “We believe in the power of collaboration to
Melissa Pearce named JCPS 2023 Teacher of the Year
Cleveland High English teacher Melissa Pearce was named the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2023 Teacher of the Year. With the naming Pearce made history, as she is the first person to ever receive the award twice. Pearce received the award for the first time 2007 and was named a finalist for the award in 2022. Pearce has been an educator with JCPS for the past 19 years. She has been teaching for 20 years, spending her first year teaching in Pamlico County. “It wasn’t quite home,” she said.
Teacher Assistant of the Year rewarded for good works
Johnston County Public Schools Teacher Assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year. The reason is crystal clear. A dedicated employee of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) for nearly 30 years, she has spent twenty-two of those years as a teacher assistant, an amazing feat in and of itself. The cherry on top is that she is a teacher assistant of exceptional students. A native of Johnston County and a graduate of
2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year is Homegrown Success
Four Oaks Elementary third grade teacher Jennifer Beninate was named the 2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year at the annual Flame for Learning Award banquet on April 26. Beninate is the epitome of a teacher, which by definition is someone who imparts knowledge and enlightens. It’s immediately obvious that teaching is her calling. She draws inspiration from her idol Mary Poppins and speaks to her students lovingly and calmly. “Teaching is just a way I get to be Mary Poppins every day,” she
JCPS TA of the Year is Chellie Cherry, West Smithfield Elementary
Johnston County Public Schools teacher assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year at their organization's annual banquet. Teacher Assistants work alongside teachers to give students additional attention and instruction. Darrick McNeill is the Principal of West Smithfield Elementary. Cherry’s coworkers said that she is beyond deserving of the Teacher Assistant of the Year award, and is an integral part of the West Smithfield Elementary
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS Written By: Robin Koppen, JCPS Communication Specialist SMITHFIELD, NC - The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #88 (FOP 88) bought and donated 500 backpacks to help children in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Members of the FOP 88 worked alongside JCPS school social workers, school counselors, student advocates, school nurses, assistant principals, and some central office staff to fill the bags on Thursday, Mar. 17, at the
Celebrating the Voices and Passions of Local FarmHers
Smithfield, N.C. -- The Junior Women's League of Smithfield, in partnership with the Johnston County Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher program and JoCo Grows Agriculture Committee will host Ask A Farm(HER), a local farmer Q&A panel featuring female farmers from Johnston County on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m at Johnston County Ag Center. The purpose of the Q&A panel is to give Johnston County citizens an opportunity to hear farmers discuss the issues of importance to
LEADERSHIP JOHNSTON LAUNCHES CLASS OF 2022
SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, January 15, 2022— A fully engaged Leadership Johnston program returns to Johnston County this year! The eleven-month program is designed for those who want to learn more about the county while developing and refining leadership skills. Through a variety of personal growth opportunities, individuals will gain a more in-depth understanding of the many facets of Johnston County, build crisis leadership and change management skills, and learn the skills necessary for effectively
Popular eBooks and Digital Audiobooks Available Free 24/7 From Johnston County Affiliated Libraries
Readers can use the award-winning Libby app to enjoy digital books on any device! As people increasingly read and listen to books on their smartphone or tablet, they’re discovering one of the best resources is their local public library. The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield (PLJCS) and its affiliated branches are excited to announce that starting October 4th, 2021, patrons with an active library card in good standing can borrow a wide selection of popular digital eBooks and audiobooks free
JCC Offering Free Workshop for Underemployed and Unemployed
Johnston County Schools - Selma Middle welcomes 12 new educators
Selma Middle welcomes 12 new educators Selma Middle School has welcomed 12 new educators to its halls for the 2015-2016 school year. Joining the team are Tabitha Ammons, Alexander Burgess, Samantha Determan, Patricia Ann Leitner, Michael Llaury, Cynthia Markham, Shawna Marie Phillips, Emily Shelton, Brandon Sullivan, Aaron Tipping, Chrystal Trammell, and Kimberly Whipple. Kimberly Whipple will be joining the fifth grade team at Selma Middle. She is a graduate of California University and Edinboro University
Breeden and Sawrey join JCC trustees, Daniels is reappointed
Johnston Community College welcomed two new trustees and reappointed another at its July board meeting. Jonathan Breeden of Clayton is an attorney in the Cleveland community and helps clients in the areas of family law, criminal defense, estate matters, and contracts. Breeden earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from N.C. State University and his law degree from Campbell University. He is also a member of the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association Board of Directors and Crossroads
Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce recognizes local SuperStar Teachers
The Education Committee of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce honored seven local elementary school teachers on November 3 at its semi-annual Semester SuperStars Luncheon at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Smithfield. These teachers were nominated by their principals and recognized as outstanding educators in the Smithfield-Selma area. The teachers were given a plaque and a bag full of items from Chamber members. A similar luncheon will be held in the spring for outstanding middle and high
Johnston Community College Performing Arts announces 25th Anniversary Concert Series
The Performing Arts at Johnston Community College is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary Concert Series line-up. Season tickets are currently on sale and individual tickets will go on sale August 5th. Tickets may be purchased by calling the JCC Box Office at (919) 209-2099 or by visiting www.jccperformingarts.com<http://www.jccperformingarts.com>. Patrons wishing to purchase 3 or more shows may do so as season ticket holders. Discounts are offered for 3+ shows, military personnel, students, and
JCC Medical Office Student is Academic Excellence Winner
After 18 years of working in the airline industry, Margaret Raynor decided to retire in 2005. She tried several different jobs over the next six years, but she still wasn’t fully satisfied. “One day my husband and I were sitting around talking, and he suggested I go back to school and pursue a career in the medical field,” Raynor of Smithfield recalled. “At first, I didn’t think that was a good idea, because of my age. I was thinking someone my age would have a hard time focusing, concentrating on school
