WCPS CTE

08/06/2026

We can’t wait to see the impact this new equipment will have. Thank you to everyone who continues to support agricultural education! 🌾🚜💙💛

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been selected as a recipient of the 2026 NCTTFC Ag Ed Improvement Grant through the NC FFA Association!

With this funding and support from WCPS CTE, we’ll be purchasing a new tractor to expand hands-on learning opportunities for our Ag Ed students.

Thank you to everyone investing in the future of agricultural education! 💙💛

07/27/2026

This past week, twoAycock High Schooll students, Ryleigh LeGrand and Kayleigh Busdieker, along with one of their advisors, Rebecca Capps, had the opportunity to participate in the NC TTFC SAE Camp hosted by the University of Mount Olive.

During the five-day camp, they toured a variety of farms, businesses, and agricultural operations across North Carolina. They also learned about important topics, including diversification in agriculture, and participated in hands-on workshops led by University of Mount Olive professors.

Thank you to UMO Ag for providing this incredible opportunity!

06/25/2026

Wayne County Public Schools was well represented at the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention!

Our FFA members spent the week competing, learning, leading, and celebrating achievements alongside members from across the state. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our students, advisors, and supporters!

🏅 Aycock High School competed in the Floriculture, Agricultural Mechanics, and Tool Identification Career Development Events. Congratulations to Ryleigh LeGrand and Lauren Merkley on earning their State FFA Degrees, and to Ryleigh for serving on the State Convention Courtesy Corps.

🏅 Eastern Wayne High School celebrated numerous honors, including:
• Mallory Reed earned 2nd Place in both the Fruit & Nut Production and Nursery Operations Proficiency Awards.
• Recognition as a National Chapter Gold Star Chapter.
• Mallory Reed, Madison Gurley, and Jayden Penny received the prestigious Old North State FFA Degree.
• Hannah Lee is being recognized as a candidate for the American FFA Degree.
• T’Mya Parker and Brianda Lopez-Hernandez earned 3rd Place in the Agriscience Fair – Food Products & Processing, Division 6.
• Alyssa Anderson, Anarie Baker-Ellerby, Kaylee Fitton, Raquel Ortiz Rodriguez, Mallory Reed, Chariece Wagner, and Reagan Wortman were selected to serve on the State Convention Courtesy Corps. With seven members selected, more than any other chapter in North Carolina, they represented Eastern Wayne FFA with professionalism, service, and pride throughout the convention.

🏅 Rosewood High School FFA members Abigail Cross, Caiden Rollins, James Odom, and Sarah Overman competed in the Agronomy competition and placed 18th in the state and 5th in the Southeast Region. Sarah Overman also earned her State Degree at the Third General Session.

🏅 Southern Wayne members participated in convention sessions and leadership workshops while celebrating several accomplishments:
• Emma Kornegay earned her State FFA Degree.
• Southern Wayne FFA was recognized as a National Chapter Silver Award Winner.
• Alumna Haley Wingate returned to present a leadership workshop for members.

🏅 Spring Creek High competed in Meat Evaluation, Milk Quality, Agronomy, and Quiz Bowl Career Development Events, while Emma-Scott Hardy competed in Prepared Public Speaking. Alexis Deitz and Gedardo Lopez-Castro served as Chapter Delegates, and Eva Kate Davis and Alexis Deitz earned their State FFA Degrees.

We also extend our congratulations to Michael Smith, President of the Eastern Wayne FFA Alumni & Supporters, who was awarded the Honorary State FFA Degree—one of the highest honors presented to adults who have made outstanding contributions to agricultural education and FFA.

From competitions and awards to workshops and leadership development, our students made the most of every opportunity at this year’s convention. Congratulations to all of our FFA members, advisors, alumni, and supporters for representing WCPS CTE so well! 💙💛🌾

06/16/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Mr. Chris Hicks, Wayne County Public Schools CTE Teacher of the Year, has been named a finalist for the 2027 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award!

This achievement is especially meaningful as it marks the first time a WCPS CTE educator has been named a state finalist for this prestigious honor!

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Hicks on this outstanding accomplishment and wishing him the very best as he continues through the selection process. We are proud to have him representing Wayne County Public Schools and Career & Technical Education at the state level!

Twenty-four educators from across North Carolina have been named finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award.

These educators are recognized for their excellence in career and technical education pathways and their commitment to fostering student success.

To learn more about these remarkable finalists or the CTE Teacher of the Year Award, visit https://www.nccat.org/news/finalists-announced-nccat-2027-burroughs-wellcome-fund-nc-cte-teacher-year-award

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Spring Creek High’s Health Knowledge Bowl team! We are incredibly proud of Beatrice, Daniber, Johana, & Liliana for earning 4th place at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, last week! Their hard work, dedication, and professionalism allowed them to represent SCHS with excellence on the national stage. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! We are so proud of each of you and cannot wait to see all the amazing things your bright futures hold! 🐊

06/03/2026

It’s official: Dillard Middle School, Eastern Wayne Middle, Grantham Middle School, Norwayne Middle School and Southern Wayne have each earned the 2025-26 Pathful Premier School Badge! This honor places these schools in the top 10% nationwide for career readiness and student engagement.

Proud of our students and staff for building a future-ready culture!

06/02/2026

The Wayne County Livestock Development Association, Inc (WCLDA), represented by Eddie Pitzer and Jennifer Johnson, presented a grant to Eastern Wayne High School Principal, Dane Jones, Agriculture Teacher, Chris Hicks and the Eastern Wayne FFA officers today. This grant will be used buy equipment and supplies to enhance their Animal Science Classes and the FFA Program. WCLDA owns and operates the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair.

05/28/2026

Students in Mrs. Capps’ Animal Science II class at Aycock High School recently had the opportunity to perform a live dissection on a fetal pig. Through this hands-on lab experience, students examined major organs and body systems, including the heart, lungs, and intestines, gaining a deeper understanding of animal anatomy and physiology. Experiences like these help bring classroom learning to life!

05/26/2026

Ending the school year on a delicious note! 🍓🥤

Mr. Summers’ 8th-grade students at Rosewood Middle School wrapped up the Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness Paxton Patterson Module by putting their skills into action and making Wellness Smoothie Shakes. A fun (and tasty) way to finish strong!

05/22/2026

From egg to chick, the incubation project at Mount Olive Middle School brings science to life! These newly hatched chicks represent three distinct breeds: Red Jungle Fowl, Rhode Island Red, and White Leghorn. Students observed each stage of development, from candling eggs to watching the chicks hatch, gaining hands-on insight into biology, life cycles, and animal care.