District shines in NCASA competition
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Among comparably sized school districts in North Carolina, Chatham County Schools (CCS) is second to none. It brought home the top prize for medium-sized districts after the annual meeting of the North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities (NCASA) May 8 at Simon G. Atkins Academic & Technology High School.
“I am always excited when our students and teachers are recognized, and to have one of our administrators recognized again this year is a strong indication of our district’s commitment to academic excellence. The bar has been set high, and I am looking forward to Chatham County Schools continuing to bring home the gold,” CCS superintendent Dr. Derrick D. Jordan said.
Dr. Kelly Batten, the district’s executive director for secondary education, career and technical Education, is the NCASA Administrator of the Year.
“It is rewarding to see our participation increase each year,” Batten said. “In 2013, we were the only school district in the state that took advantage of the opportunity to register all of our high schools for NCASA membership. That was the start of a transitional period for the NCASA as more school districts explored making a full-scale investment in countywide memberships. With the support of Dr. Amanda Hartness and the Academic Services and Instructional Support team, our districtwide membership began in 2016 and — as the end-of-year NCASA results illustrated — we have enjoyed a great year!”
NCASA’s top overall award is the Scholastic Cup that requires schools to compete in traditional academics and the arts. Among comparably sized schools, Northwood High School was the runner-up for the Scholastic Cup.
Northwood science teacher Aaron Freeman was a NCASA Scholastic Director of the Year finalist. Freeman coordinated Scholastic Cup programs at the school, functioning like an athletics director insofar as recruiting and organizing students to compete in NCASA events.
Northwood principal Justin Bartholomew was elected to the NCASA board of directors.
Horton Middle School’s Aza McFadden was a NCASA Student of the Year finalist.
“Aza has an immense passion for dance. It is no surprise she was named a finalist for NCASA Student of the Year,” Horton principal Valencia Toomer said. “Aza was a leader of the Horton Middle School Dance Ensemble, which placed first in the state NCASA competition. She worked tirelessly to choreograph routines with her team and loved every minute of it. Aza is an honor roll student, member in good standing for the National Junior Honor Society and a perfect example of a model student.”