Board of Education presents 2023-2024
Living Legend Awards Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools
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MITHFIELD — During the December regular session meeting, the Board of Education recognized the 2023-2024 Living Legends Ethel Breeden Armwood, Ruth Edwards High and Bruce Bunn. The Living Legend Award is presented to former Johnston County Public Schools educators who were dedicated to the children they taught and left a legacy of influential teaching styles. This is the 20th year of honoring the Living Legends of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Twenty years is celebrated with platinum, a symbol of strength and endurance. These honorees have demonstrated strength and endurance with JCPS for a combined total of approximately 100 years as educators. Armwood worked as a K-3 teacher at Pine Level Elementary, and later returned as a substitute following retirement. “I was a very happy kindergarten teacher and I wanted my students to be happy learners,” she said. The Fayetteville State University Alum’s philosophy of an effective teacher is the belief that every child can
learn. She believes that the role of the teacher is to explore ways and find the gift in each student, so they can reach their highest potential. High served the district in many ways, primarily as a lead kindergarten through sixth grade teacher and AIG director. Her philosophy for being a successful teacher includes having love and respect for each child, having a passion for teaching and believing that there isn’t one career path for every student. Her philosophy also includes incorporating empathy, introducing critical ▸ The 2023-2024 JCPS
Living Legends were recognized at the regular session Board of Education meeting in December. Pictured (from left) are: Ethel Armwood, Ruth High and Bruce Bunn.
thinking skills and implementing hands-on learning to teach students life skills. She is a graduate of Meredith College, East Carolina University and North Carolina State University. While a student at Meredith College she received the Alumni Award from the Department of Psychology. Bunn served in many capacities as an educator, including teacher, interim principal, assistant principal and principal. After retirement, he returned to JCPS as a temporary administrator, serving as an Interim Principal and assisting
Human Resources. The Appalachian State and East Carolina University graduate said, “Teachers must believe that every child can learn and proceed accordingly. That is their job, to find the most appropriate way for each child to learn. Students don’t care how much a teacher knows unless they know that the teacher cares for students.” Bunn taught middle school social studies, and served as principal at West Clayton. Johnston County Public Schools has a rich legacy of legendary educators. These three individuals will have their names added to the long list of legendary educators hanging inside the Living Legends Room of the Evander S. Simpson Building located at 2320 US 70 Business Highway East in Smithfield.
LaunchJOCO initiative
holds graduation and welcome ceremony
Submitted by Clayton Chamber of Commerce
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LAYTON — The LaunchJOCO Initiative celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of its 2023 class and the warm welcome of the 2024 group. This annual event, held at the Johnston County Community Center, marked the culmination of a year-long journey for 15 ambitious entrepreneurs who benefited from business mentorship and development opportunities. The LaunchJOCO program is a collaborative effort involving key partners
a master's degree Assurance Aging Conference, Johnston County welcomes obtaining in clinical social work from which showcased her abilities University. Her to innovate and collaborate new Social Services Director Fordham experience includes roles as an with her team.
Submitted by Johnston County
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such as the Benson Chamber of Commerce, Central Johnston Rotary Club, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber Foundation, Clayton Rotary Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Johnston County Chapter, Small Business Center of JCC and Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. This year's ceremony was particularly notable for the graduation of 15 entrepreneurs who have been diligently paired with seasoned business mentors. These mentors have guided them through the intricate process of business development, offering insights into funding resources and invaluable mentorship.
Their hard work and dedication were acknowledged in a speech by Clayton Chamber President, Dana Wooten. “As we gather to honor the achievements of our graduates, it's also a moment to ignite the spark of ambition in our new participants,” she said. “Through our program, we provide the essential tools and knowledge that empower our entrepreneurs to defy the odds, to not only survive but to thrive and contribute to the economic vibrancy of Johnston County.” In a show of support, KS Bank awarded five $1,000 grants to distinguished graduates: Joy Avery of Lady Lioness Handmades, Porsha Green of Vision Focused Optix, Angeline Martin of Deliverance Worldwide LLC, Maryrose Nelson of Song & Story Creative Therapies and Lola Price of With Love, Lola. Additionally, Bernice Reynolds of Clayton Women in Networking presented a special $1,500 grant to Shannon Sellers of Showing My Roots. Melissa Overton, LaunchJOCO Project Manager and owner of MedicalTraining.me, concluded the ceremony with a message, quoting Steve Harvey: “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” “As we congratulate the class of 2023, we also welcome the Class of 2024 and challenge you to put the work in so that you get your maximum return on investment from this life-changing program,” she said. As LaunchJOCO continues to foster entrepreneurial spirit in Johnston County, the initiative is now opening its doors for mentor applications for 2024. For more information about LaunchJOCO, visit www.claytonchamber.com/launchjoco. html.
MITHFIELD — The Johnston County Department of Social Services recently welcomed a new director with nearly 30 years of experience in the social work field. Christine M. Dowdell brings a wealth of expertise in child welfare and a proven track record of leadership as she takes on the role as Johnston County DSS Director. Dowdell's extensive career includes serving as the former director of Forsyth County Social Services in Winston
Salem and a stint as the director of social services in Chowan County. She began her journey of compassionate care for those in need in New York, where she worked in preventive services and with the homeless population. Her dedication to the field led her to North Carolina, where she embarked on a career in child welfare as a Child Protective Services and Adoptions Social Worker. A proud alumna of Kean University in New Jersey, Dowdell earned her bachelor's degree in social work and furthered her education by
outpatient therapist, licensed social worker, child welfare supervisor in Mecklenburg County and as a social work program consultant/trainer with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. With a strong commitment to education, she excelled in her role as a college lecturer, teaching child psychology, social work and counseling courses at Bennett College, Wingate University and Johnson C. Smith College. She also helped establish Forsyth County's first Quality
"I am honored that the DSS Board has selected me as the next Director of the Johnston County Department of Social Services,” she said. “I am very committed to helping others improve their lives, strengthening families, as well as ensuring the safety among our children and adult populations. I look forward to working with staff, community partners, the DSS Board, County administration, and our County Commissioners." For more information about Johnston County DSS, visit JohnstonNC.com/DSS.
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