News

JCPS’s Leading with the Heart Recipients Honored with an Evening of Gratitude

SMITHFIELD, NC –  Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its 18th annual Leading with the Heart Celebration, recognizing 54 staff members for exceeding expectations, inside and outside of the classroom. Held at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield, recipients, their guests, and their principals enjoyed an evening of appreciation for these exceptional JCPS staff members.  Inspired by the book “Leading with the Heart,” written by Mike Krzyzewski, the event recognizes one staff member

Harlem Wizards Dunk Their Way Into Johnston County with Amazing Show

SMITHFIELD, NC - The Harlem Wizards wowed the sold-out crowd at Smithfield-Selma High with their interactive family show, featuring incredible ball-handling, jaw-dropping trick shots, and high-flying dunks. The JoCo All-Stars, made up of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) principals, teachers, coaches, and support staff,stepped onto the court for some friendly competition, school spirit, and lots of laughs. Audience members were also called up to participate in the show’s shenanigans. The Wizards kept

Bradley Betterton Named First Athletic Director for Wilson's Mills High

SMITHFIELD, NC - Wilson’s Mills High is proud to announce that Bradley Betterton has been selected as the first athletic director for the Green Waves. Betterton has served as the athletic director and coach at Archer Lodge Middle for more than 15 years. In 2024, Betterton was named a recipient of the inaugural Middle School Athletic Director of Excellence Award by the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) for his significant contributions to the middle school athletic administration in

Johnston County Board of Education Breaks Ground on New Clayton High School

SMITHFIELD, NC - Construction on the new Clayton High School has officially begun as the first foundations have been poured. The Johnston County Board of Education hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the school’s rebuild. The seats were filled with excited current students, school administration, alumni, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Cabinet, members of the Johnston County Board of Education, Johnston County Board of Commissioners members, and local

JOCO WORKS PRO Welcomed Over 150 Students for Workforce Success on February 18th

Smithfield, NC - On February 18, 150 10th-grade students gathered at Johnston Community College for JOCO WORKS PRO, a half-day intensive focused on work-based learning readiness through four core workshops in self empowerment, digital media, interviewing, and workplace best practices.   “JOCO WORKS PRO is an essential experience that ignites critical thinking, prompts self-evaluation, and boosts confidence. Access and preparation are key to navigating the education and job marketplaces. Through the

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

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