Aaron Hester spent three years in Walkertown High School’s fire academy, and now he’s set to become a Winston-Salem firefighter. He plays for the baseball team and loves football and basketball as well, but he’s proudest of his work in the fire academy. He feels that going to Walkertown has helped instill a greater sense of civic duty in him. Everyone he’s gone to school with has unique backgrounds and struggles, and he has the potential to be there for all of them.
“Being able to go through high school and understand what other people are going through has prepared me to be a fireman,” Hester said. “No matter who you are or what you’ve been through, I’m here to help.”
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Over 100 Whitaker Elementary School students celebrated Bike to School Day on Wednesday by taking part in the school's first "Bike Bus".
The Bike Bus is a convoy of students, teachers, and parents who ride their bikes together for safety and visibility. Not only does it encourage students to develop healthy transportation habits, but it also gives everyone in the school community a chance to spend time together doing something enjoyable. It's a great way to get active and have fun doing it!
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Cambria McLaughlin will be studying biology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte this fall. Inspired by complications she and her brothers experienced at birth, she’s always wanted to study medicine so she can help kids. East Forsyth High School has helped her earn her CNA and even given her hands-on experience working in hospice care. She especially credits Allied Health Teachers Amy Cave and Kelly Hooker for nurturing her interest in medicine.
“The teachers have been amazing,” McLaughlin said. “They’re super supportive and super helpful in encouraging you to pursue what you want to pursue without fear of failure… there are definitely a lot of people looking out for you around here.”
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Reagan High School Seniors Bence Burton and Grace Galyon are off to college this year on some of the most prestigious scholarships the state has to offer. Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2196038.
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Hanes Magnet Middle School hosted elected officials for a visit on Friday to discuss government and education with students and teachers. Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2192291.
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Erial Ladson is on track to be valedictorian at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. She plans to study marketing and finance at High Point University so that she can fulfil her lifelong dream of starting her own real estate business. She says her teachers at WSPA did a great job of preparing her for the university experience through programs like college fairs and campus tours, and she encourages future graduates to make the most of collegiate resources in high school.
“They really push that everyone can go to college,” Ladson said. “Everyone can set up for their future.”
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Jack Harrison will be leaving West Forsyth High School this spring and heading off to the Untied States Naval Academy. Admission to the academy is a strenuous process, but Harrison says he’s well-practiced in hard work through his time in cross country, track and field, and JROTC. He appreciates that his teachers have taught him to solve real-world problems and give his best efforts, providing him with more confidence that he can succeed outside the classroom.
“I actually learned the content, and I digested it in a way that I’m going to be able to apply it later,” Harrison said. “The teachers here at West have done a really good job of making me a better student as a whole and not just a test-taker.”
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Jason Martinez-Cornejo is a senior at North Forsyth High School who also takes classes at the Career Center. He recently signed a deal with R.D. Graham Electric LLC and will begin work right after graduation as an apprentice electrician. He’s thankful that he had teachers who cared about preparing him for life after school – especially Bill Guraleczka at Career Center, who helped him discover his passion for electrical trades.
“I feel like I grew a lot once I started doing electrical trades,” Martinez-Cornejo said. “Mr. G would give us advice, not just on trades but also on life… he’s always opening doors for people.”
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The stars came out to shine at the Reynolds Auditorium on Wednesday night for WS/FCS’ 2025 CORE Awards! Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2182282.
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Children's Author Patrice Gopo visited Ibraham Elementary School to share her book "Ripening Time", which recounts her experience as a child of Jamaican immigrants growing up in the United States and how food can be a helpful way to connect with culture. Thank you for sharing with our students!
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WS/FCS hosted the latest cohort of the Winston-Salem TEACH program on Tuesday night as new teachers celebrated the end of their spring internship.
Winston-Salem TEACH is a cooperative project between Salem College, Wake Forest University, and Winston-Salem State University that trains prospective teachers to join WS/FCS. Through 14 months of coursework and two clinical teaching internships, these educators work with mentors within the district to become licensed in their content areas and get in touch with the needs of the district's students. They'll receive innovative coaching and professional development through the program during their first three years teaching with WS/FCS.
Congratulations to all of these excellent educators - we can't wait to see the difference you'll make in our students' lives!
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Old Richmond students spent Tuesday morning sharing their knowledge of farming during their animal museum project.
Students dressed in farm animal costumes and presented animal facts they've learned in class to visitors. There were also booths dedicated to farm fresh foods and textiles that emphasized how important farms are to the economy. Visitors were able to buy farm animal-inspired student artwork from the museum gift shop, with proceeds going to benefit real animals at Friends of Stokes Shelter and real farmers in Western North Carolina whose farms were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Thanks for sharing, Old Richmond!
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Aspiring business leaders at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy put their enterprising ideas to the test last week by pitching their proposals to a panel of judges, Shark Tank style. Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2174508.
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The Board of Education recognized volunteers, staff members, and community partners who lent their efforts to establishing the district's permanent prom closet location at Main Street Academy this year. Thank you for supporting this rite of passage for our students!
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The Board of Education recognized Emerson Fei, Lilly Long , Preston Wallace, and Dorothy Wang during their latest meeting for winning honors at the North Carolina State Science and Engineering Fair. Congratulations to our brilliant young scientists!
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John F. Kennedy High School hosted high schoolers from throughout the district on Thursday at United for Wellness, the district’s second annual student wellness summit. Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2161854.
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The WS/FCS Office of Equity hosted their districtwide team of equity ambassadors at Forsyth Tech on Thursday night to celebrate another year of good work improving equity in the district. Learn more on our website at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/article/2159786.
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The Easter Bunny was spotted at Ward Elementary School this morning, waving to students from the roof of the school. Who knows where the bunny will show up next?
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Thirty-nine cadets were honored with awards from WS/FCS and local civic organizations during the district's JROTC Joint Service Review on Wednesday night. Congratulations, cadets!
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The Board of Education recognized teachers who earned state performance bonuses by ranking in the top 25% for math EOG scores during last week's meeting. Congratulations teachers, and thank you for all your hard work!
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