News

Johnston County Education Foundation Expands Student Support with “Golden Ticket” $5,000 Scholarship

Johnston County, NC — The Johnston County Education Foundation has announced the launch of The Golden Ticket, a $5,000 scholarship opportunity that reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational access and investing in the success of local students. As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Johnston County Public Schools, the Foundation created The Golden Ticket as a dual-impact initiative—providing students with the chance to receive scholarship funding while generating critical

Johnston County Public Schools Hosts Signing Day Celebration for Future Teachers

SMITHFIELD, NC - Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its third annual Early Contract Signing Celebration on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This year’s celebration hosted 18 JCPS educators signing one-year contracts in front of friends, family, JCPS teachers and administrators, and members of JCPS Leadership.   Attendees and their families were welcomed with words of encouragement and inspiration from several JCPS team members, including 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year Lauren

Flame for Learning Award Ceremony Recognizes Extraordinary Educators

SMITHFIELD, NC - On April 21, 2026, James Johnson was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2026 Teacher of the Year during the 32nd Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony.  Johnson was one of 20 semifinalists who were honored at the celebration.   Johnson teaches Agricultural Mechanics at North Johnston High and was one of four Flame for Learning Award finalists, which included Moesha Gonzales of Swift Creek Middle, Lena LeBoeuf of Swift Creek Elementary, and Rebecca Reeves of

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