For the upcoming Sampson County Board of Education election, newcomer Tracy Dunn tossed her hat in the ring Tuesday, and incumbent Sonya Powell decided to do the same.
Dunn, a community volunteer, filed to become a member the district’s school board. The homemaker is married to Jeffrey Dunn and they have been together for 27 years. They have two daughters, Morgan, a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Allie, an eighth-grader at Midway Middle School.
“As a mother of two children, I have been involved as a volunteer in our schools for several years,” Dunn stated.
She added that she has experienced much of what teachers face day to day and the different pressures the students encounter.
“I feel that I will provide a different perspective to the school board and see this as an opportunity to serve the Sampson County School system, which has been so valuable in the education of my daughters,” Dunn said. “I look forward to the opportunity of working with Dr. Bracy, the staff and other board members in the support of Sampson County Schools.”
The Dunn resident has been a member of the Plain View community for 23 years. She graduated from Coats High School and earned a degree in computer operations from Wake Technical College. After college, she worked for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles from August 1989 to June 1996.
Her volunteer services included active roles at Plainview Elementary School, Midway Middle School, Midway High School Athletic Booster Club, Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sampson County Board of Elections – Plainview precinct. She currently serves as board secretary on the South River EMC Community Assistance Corporation.
Powell seeks second term
Sonya Powell, vice chairman of the Sampson County Board of Education, wants to continue working with her colleagues to make important decisions for local education.
She filed for another term with the Sampson County Board of Elections.
“I decided to run for another term because I wanted to continue what I started as far as improving children’s education,” Powell said. “Sampson County has came a long way, but we still have much work to do in making sure every child gets the education they need.”
Powell is currently in her first term and has served the board for three years. She wants to do it for another four.
“The board of education needs to continue to emphasize the importance of young people doing well in their endeavors, Powell said. “That includes not only getting an education in Sampson County, but being career ready when they graduate from Sampson County Schools, so they can go out and get a job immediately or be prepared to continue their education.”
Powell grew up in Sampson County and attended schools in the district. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree from Campbell University. For more than 30 years, the retired educator taught English at Lakewood High School. It was her first and only teaching job.
“I have a love for children and a love for education,” Powell said. “I wanted to continue that process.”
She is married to William Powell and together they have three children, all with ties to Sampson County Schools. Their son Darius Powell is an assistant football coach as Lakewood High School; Brandon Powell coaches recreational football; and Vreeahn Powell is a social worker in Sampson County. All of her grandchildren are products of the district as well.
(Chase Jordan / Sampson Independent)