News - Pender Education Partnership

PENDER COUNTY, NC — The Pender Education Partnership (PEP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Pender County Schools, is calling on the community to help fund innovative educational projects submitted by teachers. PEP’s goal is to fund 40 mini-grants for teachers across the district, who have proposed creative ways to enhance learning and enrich the classroom experience for students.

Founded in 2015, PEP’s mission is to elevate educational opportunities for all students within Pender County Schools by fostering partnerships among educators, parents, local businesses, and community members. These partnerships help provide crucial resources, with 100% of proceeds going directly to scholarships, teacher mini-grants, and educator recognition programs.

PEP is requesting donations to meet the demand for teacher-driven projects supporting student engagement and achievement. With each contribution, PEP moves closer to its vision of preparing Pender County students to be focused, motivated, and ready for their next steps, whether college, a career, or community engagement.

“The support of our community is essential to making these programs possible,” said Pender Education Partnership, President Tammie Parris. “By coming together, we can help teachers create dynamic and meaningful learning experiences that make a lasting impact on students.”

PEP collaborates with area businesses, community organizations, and individuals to generate funding that promotes educational growth. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to PEP are tax-deductible.

For those interested in making a difference, contributions can be made directly to Pender Education Partnership through their website at [insert website URL]. Every donation counts in helping provide vital resources that encourage the educational development of our students and future community leaders.

For more information on the Pender Education Partnership and how to donate, please visit www.pendereducationpartnership.org or contact Tammie Parris (tparris@cfcc.edu).

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What will a new school in Hampstead look like? Here’s the latest.

Published 7:49 a.m. ET on February 23, 2024.

Plans for a new K-8 school in Hampstead are moving forward with the architects offering an update at a recent Pender County Board of Education meeting.

Although the architects from Moseley Architects and Bordeaux Construction Company said they are still refining the design, they reviewed…. (read full article)

Pender County Wall of Fame Induction Set For June 24, 2024

BURGAW, NC – Pender Education Partnership (PEP), a non-profit foundation established to enhance educational opportunities and assist public school educators, will join with the Pender County Board of Education to induct six new Pender County Wall of Fame members.

Carson Smith, Rev. Dr. Aaron Johnson, Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, Curtis Hardison, Dr. Richard Newkirk, and Ricky Biberstein are honored educators or outstanding alumni.

“Pender Education Partnership and Pender County Board of Education is pleased to announce the third class of Wall of Fame inductees,” said Tammie Parris, president of Pender Education Partnership (PEP). Please join us on Monday, June 24 at 4pm as we recognize these nominees at the Dr. Katherine Herring Resource Center. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

“Pender County Schools has been blessed with outstanding educators throughout the years. Our school system has produced many outstanding alumni who have gone on to careers that impacted our community, our state, and our nation,” said Parris. “We are happy to announce the induction of these Pender County honorable nominees. Our honored educators are special to us because they are also alumni and we celebrate their dedication and commitment to Pender County Schools, noted Parris.

The Wall of Fame is displayed at the Pender County Schools Board of Education building. Each year PEP will solicit the community for nominations. A selection committee will review the nominations and present at least two alumni recommendations and two educator recommendations to PEP.

“Pender Education Partnership believes this is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on outstanding alumni and educators who have impacted public education,” said Parris. “Our Wall of Fame is an example to our current students that dreams can be obtained.”

Pender Education Partnership is a 501 (c) 3 foundation that provides educator mini-grants and senior scholarships.

Pender County Wall Of Fame Welcomes Six New Members

June 24, 2024.

BURGAW, NC — The Pender Education Partnership (PEP), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting public school educators, in collaboration with the Pender County Board of Education, proudly inducted six new members into the Pender County Wall of Fame on June 24, 2024. The 2024 inductees are Carson Smith, Rev. Dr. Aaron Johnson, Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, Curtis Hardison, Dr. Richard Newkirk, and Ricky Biberstein. These individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions as educators or outstanding alumni.

The induction ceremony took place at the Dr. Katherine Herring Resource Center, where the community gathered to celebrate the achievements of these distinguished individuals. Tammie Parris, president of PEP, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have significantly impacted public education. Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools, spoke about the lasting influence of the inductees on the community, highlighting how these individuals exemplify dedication and commitment to education.

Carson Smith, a Topsail High School graduate, has made notable contributions to law enforcement and politics. His journey, which began in Pender County, reflects a deep commitment to serving the community.

Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, another Topsail alumna, transitioned from a career in healthcare to founding successful businesses in a male-dominated industry. Her business and public service achievements demonstrate the diverse paths Pender County alumni can take.

Curtis Hardison, who served in the Secret Service for over two decades, has also contributed to local history through his writings. His books on Pender County history have enriched the community’s understanding of its heritage.

Rev. Dr. Aaron Johnson, a native of Willard, NC, has had a distinguished career in theology and public service, notably reforming North Carolina’s correctional system. His work has left a lasting impact on the state’s approach to rehabilitation and corrections.

Dr. Richard T. Newkirk, an educator for over 40 years, has focused on academic excellence and preserving the history of African American education. His dedication to education serves as an inspiration to students from diverse backgrounds.

The Wall of Fame, displayed at the Pender County Schools Board of Education building, seeks to inspire current students by showcasing the achievements of its honorees. Each year, PEP solicits nominations from the community, with a selection committee reviewing and presenting recommendations. PEP believes in shining a spotlight on those who have made a significant impact on public education, serving as an example to students that their dreams are attainable.