In addition to the teacher and assistant principal of the year, several other staff and students were recognized for various achievements during the Sampson County Board of Education meeting earlier this week .
The list of those recognized includes the school system’s superintendent, Dr. Jamie King, who was recognized by Dr. Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, as the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year.
“Each year, superintendents from across the region seek out one of their own who has shown dedication,” explained Hargrave. “Someone who has gone above and beyond in their leadership … someone who is devoted to the children being served in their community and school staff. We recognize Dr. King for his leadership and, as some colleagues have put it, his ‘fire’ that he brings. It is my pleasure to recognized Dr. King as the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year.”
King said he felt honored as a result of the recognition, but also chose to use it to reflect the caliber of those who he works with within the system.
“It is an honor and it is very humbling,” stressed King. “I stand in front of a great team, so to me this is a collaborative effort of all of us.”
Upon receiving the honor, Hargrave joked that the award came with some added pressure.
“Past winners of this have gone on to become the state superintendent. I don’t want to put any more pressure on you, but we do have high expectations.”
The overall North Carolina Superintendent of the Year will be announced Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro.
In addition to King, several other students and staff were recognized. Samuel Dudley of Midway High competed at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A Track & Field State Championships in Greensboro, where he qualified for the 300 and 110 meter hurdles. He would go on to win the 3A 300 meter hurdles with a time of 38.99 seconds, which ranked him 28th in the entire state for time. Additionally, Tilyn Monk, who cleared a spectacular 6 feet 4 inches to claim the gold medal and state champion for the sport. Monk also secured the silver medal and state runner-up title in the long jump at the NCHSAA 2A State Championships.
Additionally, Midway High students Alexandria Armwood, Peyton Hair, William Autry and Kevin Herrera-Castro were recognized for making it into the North Carolina All-State Honors Band. To make it into All-State Honors Band means to be recognized as one of the best high school or middle school musicians in the state. Additionally Hair and fellow Midway classmate Ella Love were selected for the Eastern Regional Orchestra. Love was also selected for the Eastern Jazz Band with Nash Warren, another student at Midway High.
Finally, Emma Clark of Clement Elementary School was recognized as the 2026-27 Beginning Teacher of the Year. Clark began teaching at the school around two years ago after attending the school herself as a child.
“I was truly honored and shocked,” said Clark regarding the achievement. “It’s been truly amazing to be able to work at the same school and in the same community that helped shape me into the educator that I am today. To be honored in that way is truly meaningful. It is special to me that others at my school and in the school system have seen the dedication and the growth that I’ve made since being here.”