The North Carolina Education Lottery launched its “Moving North Carolina Students Forward” campaign, and this year, the campaign features two Moore County residents. The statewide TV commercial, which began airing Sept. 9 will showcase impactful moments from across North Carolina, including highlighting the critical role of support staff in schools.
“Schools thrive on the dedication of people – they are truly people-powered – and support staff are the unsung heroes who make everyday operations possible,” said Vanessa Lynch, a third-grade teacher at Fellowship Christian Academy in Carthage, in a press release. “I was truly honored to spotlight exceptional individuals like Jerry Martin. I couldn’t believe it when they called to tell me my submitted story had won. I was very excited to share the opportunity with Jerry.”
“Moving North Carolina Students Forward” video via N.C. Education Lottery
Since its inception in 2006, the lottery has raised billions of dollars for education, generating more than $2.5 million per day on average. The “Moving North Carolina Students Forward” campaign aims to spotlight how lottery funds have impacted communities and individuals and to collect new stories. Winning stories, like Lynch’s, are being featured in a statewide TV campaign.
In fiscal year 2023, $5,301,401 was the amount of lottery funds directed to education programs in Moore County last year. The state legislature decides how to allocate these funds annually.
According to N.C. Education Lottery and Lynch:
● Prekindergarten: $128,427
The N.C. Pre-K program supports at-risk four-year-olds preparing for kindergarten. Thanks to lottery funds, 26 children in Moore County enjoyed a free, high-quality preschool experience last year.
● College Scholarships: $260,489
Lottery funds provide need-based scholarships for North Carolina students. Last year, 196 Moore County students received scholarships for state universities and community colleges.
● Financial Aid: $69,038
The UNC Need-Based Grant Program, funded by the lottery, helps cover the cost of attending a UNC system university. Last year, 290 grants were awarded to Moore County students.
● Support Staff: $3,263,717
Lottery funds support the operation of public and charter schools, including the costs for office assistants, custodians, and substitute teachers.
● School Transportation: $161,080
Funds cover expenses related to student transportation, such as bus drivers’ salaries and fuel. Moore County received $161,080 last year for these needs.
● School Construction: $1,418,649
These funds support school construction, repairs, and renovations, reducing the need for alternative funding sources like property taxes.
Each year, the N.C. General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division reports on the distribution of lottery funds to educational programs in every county. The commercial, featuring local heroes Martin, a custodian at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, and Lynch, who, at the time, was teaching at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary, was filmed in Wilson, N.C., on June 6.
“I’ve told my students about the incredible experience I had working with a professional crew on the commercial,” Lynch said of her experience. “When everyone works together, regardless of position, and has the same end goal in mind, the process becomes seamless. It was truly eye-opening to see the sheer number of people involved in bringing a commercial to life. The entire process was as fascinating as it was enjoyable, and I can’t wait to see the final result. Oh, and a little fun note—Jerry and I still refer to each other as the ‘talent’ whenever we see or talk to each other!”
For more information on how to submit a story or to learn more about the initiative, please visit MovingNCStudentsForward.com.
Feature photo: Jerry Martin and Vanessa Lynch/Screenshot of “Moving North Carolina Students Forward” campaign video.
Contributed article.
