What They’re Saying

I am writing this letter in support of the Pender Education Partnership (PEP) for its outstanding work as the fundraising arm of Pender County Schools. As a witness to their remarkable contributions, I believe PEP is deserving of the highest recognition for their efforts in supporting the educational growth and development of Pender County’s students and educators.

PEP’s commitment to empowering Pender County Schools through grants, scholarships, and the establishment of the Pender County Wall of Fame has been nothing short of exemplary. Their dedication to enhancing the educational experience within the district has had a profound impact on students, teachers, and the community at large.

The grants provided by PEP have served as catalysts for innovation and academic excellence. By equipping teachers with the necessary resources to enhance their classrooms, PEP has helped foster a dynamic learning environment where creativity thrives. Furthermore, these grants have enabled students to pursue their passions, unlocking their full potential and inspiring a lifelong love for learning.

I am particularly impressed by PEP’s commitment to providing scholarships to deserving students. By removing financial barriers, they have empowered numerous students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. These scholarships have not only transformed individual lives but have also had a profound and lasting impact on our community. The investment made by PEP in the future of these students is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of education.

The establishment of the Pender County Wall of Fame showcases PEP’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Pender County Schools’ alumni. By honoring their accomplishments and sharing their success stories, PEP has created a culture of inspiration and motivation. The Wall of Fame serves as a powerful reminder to current and future students that with hard work, determination, and the support of their community, they too can achieve greatness.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly commend PEP for their exceptional work in supporting Pender County Schools. Their tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the educational landscape, empowering students and educators to strive for excellence. PEP’s commitment to providing grants, and scholarships, and their dedication to recognizing achievements through the Wall of Fame exemplify their passion for education and their unwavering support for the community.

Sincerely,

 
Brad Breedlove
Superintendent, Pender County Schools

…a true asset

The Pender Educational Partnership has been a true asset to our community of teachers and students.  Their personal involvement can be seen regularly throughout the school year.  Through scholarships, funding special needs in the classroom and so much more they will help the next generation of learners in Pender County.  As chair of the Pender County Board of Education,  I fully support their service and hope others will join their cause.

Ken Smith
Chairman, Pender County Board of Education

…an honor

My name is Amari’ Walker, and I am the first recipient of the Jones-Trawick Scholarship. Words cannot fully express how grateful I am to PEP and Mr. Trawick for their generosity. I am truly honored to have been selected as the first recipient of this award.

The funding from the Jones-Trawick Scholarship allowed me to pursue my education at the #1 HBCU in the nation, Spelman College, where I am now a proud graduate. Five years after receiving the scholarship, I am still reaping the benefits of that investment. Because of this support, I am currently teaching kindergarten in Atlanta, Georgia, working with students from historically marginalized racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and serving my community by making a meaningful impact in the lives of young scholars.

I am currently applying to graduate schools to continue my education. I am incredibly thankful to PEP and especially to Mr. Trawick for believing in me and investing in my future. Congratulations to the next Jones-Trawick Scholarship recipient. I wish you continued success on your educational journey.

 

 

Thank you again for your generous contribution.
 

 

Amari Walker, Heide Trask Graduate 2022

Amari’ Walker and her kindergarten class

…a welcome support

Dear PEP Scholar Selection Committee:

It is an honor to be chosen for the PEP Scholarship. I have just completed my orientation at Appalachian State University, and I am looking forward to representing Topsail High School and Pender County as I pursue my bachelor’s degree.

 

I am currently working at the Breezeway Restaurant, and I am saving part of every paycheck to devote to college expenses. I am truly grateful for the scholarship funding that will enable me to concentrate more on my studies as I begin college in the fall. Your support will allow me to spend the majority of my time focused on schoolwork, service learning, and volunteering as I continue my education and prepare for adulthood. Thank you again for your support!

 

Lucy Yopp, 2023 PEP Scholarship Recipient

…great awards

Surf City Middle School has been awarded several PEP mini-grants over the past few years. I have been involved with two grants for our Discovery Courtyard. With these awarded grants our school was able to purchase Adirondack chairs, rose bushes, landscaping materials, and a few outdoor games for students to use in the courtyard. Our Discovery Courtyard is an ongoing project. The goal is to create an outdoor learning area for our middle school students to collaborate on projects, assignments, experiments, and labs as well as have an inviting place to eat lunch with friends. I am very appreciative and excited about being awarded PEP grants to use on this project. The relationship with community organizations and schools is a huge blessing because our students benefit from this partnership. 

Deborah Farmer

Surf City Middle

…news & noteworthy

JOIN US IN CONGRATULATIONS!

PENDER COUNTY, NC – We would like to thank the hardworking Pender County Schools students who just leveled up with a real-world skill! 

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, three students earned their forklift certification through LIFFT (Learning Initiative For Forklift Training) in partnership with Coastal Pender Rotary.

Pictured L to R:  Nathan Trimble – Pender Early College High School | Jose Mongada-Sanchez, Jr. – Pender Early College High School | Owen Lemcke – Heide Trask High School

And a shoutout to our earlier LIFFT success story: Jermaine Gazca (Heide Trask High School), certified on Saturday, December 13, 2025!

We love seeing students gain hands-on credentials that open doors for jobs and future opportunities, and we love partnering with the wonderful Coastal Pender Rotary Club.

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Coastal Pender Rotary Club is made up of dedicated members who share a passion for community service and friendship.

GAF ROOFING TO MAKE $5,000 DONATION BENEFITING PENDER COUNTY STUDENTS

BURGAW, NC – Pender County Schools is excited to announce a generous $5,000 donation from GAF Roofing to the Pender Education Partnership (PEP). The check presentation ceremony will take place on December 12, 2023, at Pender Early College High School, 100 Industrial Drive, Burgaw, NC 28425. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 12:30pm.

GAF Roofing, the leading roofing manufacturer in North America, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting educational initiatives in Pender County. The $5,000 donation will contribute to PEP’s mission of enhancing innovative educational opportunities for students in Pender County Schools.

“We are grateful for GAF Roofing’s continued support of education in Pender County. This generous donation will directly impact our students and educators, contributing to the ongoing success of our educational programs,” said Tammie Parris, President, Pender Education Partnership.

GAF Roofing’s Burgaw plant, specializing in ventilation products such as roof vents, foundation vents, turbines, and heating and cooling ductwork, is an integral part of the local community. Beyond their commitment to manufacturing excellence, GAF Roofing actively engages in philanthropy and community service. Employees volunteer with organizations like the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, contribute to Toys for Tots and local food drives, and host tours for local high school students to support career exploration and technical education.

Pender Education Partnership, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2015, collaborates with community partners, including businesses like GAF Roofing, to develop funding and provide innovative learning opportunities for students and teachers. One hundred percent of the proceeds collected by PEP go directly to scholarship recipients, mini-grant recipients, and educator recognition.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Join us in congratulating Tammie Parris, President of Pender Education Partnership. Parris was recently awarded the 2025 NC Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service in Pender County.
Ten years of making a difference!