The Lady Rockets are definitely a BIG Deal!  Defeating Anson Middle School 35 to 27, they’re now the reigning Southeastern Middle School Champions. 

     Coached by Teresa Mason and assistant coaches Wandesha Jackson and Cameron Hairson, the girls finished the season 8-1. 

     Congratulations Kayla Hawkins, Jayla McDougald, Hannah Bennett, Jadyn Johnson, Hailey Miller, Georgia Grace Anderson, Jakerra Covington, Layne Maultsby, Madison Jordan, Keionna Love, Kalynn Leviner and Allexis Swiney.  

     Allyiah Swiney was the team’s scorekeeper, while Mariah Waddell served as manager.  

After reading Elie Wiesel’s Night, Richmond Senior High Schooler Araya Williams sent a letter to the celebrated writer, explaining how the events that transpired within the novella made her think about changes she should be making within her own life.  

     Wiesel wrote back.  

     The Nobel Laureate thanked her for her thoughtful letter, explaining he always “enjoys hearing from young people.” 

     Thanks to Mrs. O’Neil’s English II Honors Class, Williams was able to read Wiesel’s work for the fourth time this year.  She said this time around allowed her to understand “the book better and [take] more heed towards its significance.” 

     “Night shows the potential evil humans have as well as the strength, passion and faith som of the the Holocaust survivors developed or even began with,” said Williams.  “If you have not read his book, you should.” 

     In just over 100 pages, Wiesel’s Night discusses the experiences he and his father faced while in a Nazi German concentration camp during the height of the Holocaust.  

West Rockingham 2nd Graders learned about historical African Americans throughout February. Then, each student chose who they’d like to learn more about as part of this month’s “Family Project.”

     After researching famous contributors like Jesse Owens, Michael Jackson, George Washington Carver and Barack Obama, the 2nd Graders created a visual and gave an oral presentation in front of all their peers.

To see more pictures, click here.

West Rockingham students were transported to a whimsical realm with a boy, giant bugs and a magic peach.  

     UNCG’s North Carolina Theatre for Young People recently performed their rendition of “James and the Giant Peach” for the elementary students. 

     Based on the book by Roald Dahl, it tells the story of a lonely orphan living with two horrid aunts.  One day, the boy is sent to chop down an old fruit tree where he discovers a magic potion.  The bewitched beverage ultimately results in a tremendous peach - and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Along the way, James makes friends with human-like bugs who accompany him on his journey to New York City. 

It’s no small feat, but 15 Rohanen Middle Schoolers have earned a spot in the National Jr. Beta Club after maintaining an overall A Average and excellent behavior.  An organization dedicated to character, leadership, service and academic achievement, Beta Club members are committed to leading by serving others.

Congratulations go to: (First Row) Olivia Roller, Rayne Morgan, Precis Reid, Yadira Hernandez Ramirez, Carolina Mendez, (Middle Row) Faith Coker, David Redd, Meredith Gerald, Renee Howlett, Caylie Holden, (Back Row) Caleb David, Jadyn Gomiller, Taurence McDougald, Elena Torres and Jarrett Lockey.

Any Richmond County native will tell you RCS’s Arts Alive is something you won’t want to miss!  So, go ahead and mark your calendars now for March 8th, 9th and 10th!  In addition to having the Band perform on the 8th and the Chorus on the 10th, this year marks the first time the Visual Arts have their own celebratory evening!  

East Rockingham Elementary School joined in with 1 million people from 100 countries to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. 

     Hosted by LitWorld in partnership with Scholastic, the day was all about cultivating a new generation of leaders, storytellers and academic achievers. 

     On February 24th, East Rockingham’s day began with the entire school utilizing their smart boards to collectively read The Day the Crayons Quit. 

     Then, teachers swapped classrooms to read aloud stories before community guests and school administrators stopped in to share some of their favorite titles. 

     Coach Castellano and a few Richmond Raider football players brought along a few books as well, talking with 2nd and 3rd Graders about the importance of doing good in school. 

     “I liked all the stories because they were different from what I’d ever read,” said East Rockingham 4th Grader Joshua Tomas. 

     The school’s principal, Jamie Greene, said the day was all about having students learn to love and appreciate reading. 

     “Much of our Professional Development focus has been on the importance of read alouds,” she said.  “And, we instantly saw the effects.” 

     In addition to having visitors stop by, each Grade Level had their own stations, with students rotating between classrooms for literary centered activities. 

The acting bug has officially bit Washington Street Elementary School, as 25 students will be featured in an ESPN sports documentary.  Set to air later this year, it highlights sprinter Dezerea Bryant and her road to the Summer Olympics.  During the shoot, Washington Street students ran and played on the blacktop courtyard.  

Spending the day with a Super Bowl athlete sounds likes a dream come true.  But, for West Rockingham 5th Graders it’s their reality. 

     Perry Williams recently spoke to students about dedication, discipline, and commitment.  

     In his powerful message, he said “believing is achieving; always refuse to lose, and never give up.” 

     Williams graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1979, where he then went on to attend North Carolina State University before being drafting by the New York Giants in 1983.  He played in the Big Apple for 11 years and won two Super Bowl titles. 

     A Hamlet native, Williams knows what it’s like to grow in Richmond County. 

     He challenged students to stay  focused, explaining that success is not always easy. 

     Williams also emphasized a few “Do-Nots” including: Do Not let anyone outwork you.  Do Not quit anything you start, and Do Not be intimidated by others. 

     Additionally, he highlighted the importance of school, stressing “you’ll never get anywhere in life without education.”

Duke Energy recently met with members from the Class of 2016 about their "Energy Careers:  School to Work Pilot Program.” 

     Representatives from local and surrounding Duke Energy plants explained they’re looking for qualified high school graduates to fill entry-level lineman positions. 

     Students interested in applying for this program are encouraged to notify their school counselor, who will then nominate them as part of the application process's next step. 

    For more information, call Ricki Haley or any school counselor at (910)997-9812.