News

Johnston Community College Sets New Enrollment Record

JCC sees continued growth with the seventh consecutive semester of enrollment increase. Smithfield, N.C., (January 22, 2026) – Johnston Community College continues its upward enrollment trend, opening the fall semester with the largest curriculum student population in the College’s history.On the first day of spring semester classes, JCC welcomed 5,892 degree-seeking students—a 12 percent increase over the prior spring semester. This is the seventh straight semester of double-digit percentage increases in

2026 Job Fair

DATE:   February 28, 2026   PURPOSE:  This event will provide job seekers with a chance to explore employment opportunities with Johnston County Public Schools.   DETAILS:  Johnston County Public Schools will host its annual Job Fair from 9 AM to 12 PM at Smithfield-Selma High School.    Administrators from all 50 schools and various central office departments will be at the fair, greeting candidates face-to-face to discuss job opportunities, answer questions, and sign early

HARLEM WIZARDS TO TAKE THE STAGE AGAINST THE JOCO ALL-STARS

SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, January 9th 2025 — Get ready, Johnston County: the world-famous Harlem Wizards are coming to town to compete against some of your local favorites! In partnership with the Johnston County Education Foundation, the Harlem Wizards will be taking on the JoCo All-Stars in a family-friendly basketball game on Monday, February 9th at Smithfield-Selma High School.  The Harlem Wizards are a nationally renowned basketball entertainment team known for their incredible ball-handling

From Field to Finance: BriAnna Walker Coaches Students on Workforce Competitiveness and Financial Li

SMITHFIELD - BriAnna Walker, Talent and Leadership Development Manager, visited Smithfield-Selma High School on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as a guest speaker, engaging students in an interactive and thought-provoking session focused on workforce competitiveness and financial literacy. Using the mindset of an athlete and a coach, Ms. Walker challenged students to think strategically about their future careers. Through three dynamic scenarios—stepping into the roles of job candidate, recruiter, and

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

JCC Offering Free Workshop for Underemployed and Unemployed

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