Moore County Schools has recognized several students, staff members, and volunteers for their achievements and contributions during April.
The district’s monthly recognitions highlight individuals who exemplify its “Engage. Inspire. Succeed.” mission, honoring system employees and students who have made a positive impact in their schools and community.
The district also celebrated a number of athletic accomplishments and community contributions, including multiple state championships by Union Pines High School wrestling teams and Pinecrest High School athletes, a national finalist for Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year award, and the 2025–26 Area 3 Volunteers of the Year from several Moore County schools.
The official recognitions as written by Moore County Schools are as follows:
Justin Blackburn, Moore Innovative High School, Certified Staff
Mr. Blackburn teaches mathematics at Moore Innovative High School (MIHS) and is an integral member of the school community. He demonstrates a strong commitment to high levels of learning for all students while also serving as a collaborative and supportive colleague. A respected educator in Moore County, Mr. Blackburn continually adapts his instructional practices to meet the needs of his students. He recognizes the important role he plays in student success and approaches each day with purpose. Mr. Blackburn exemplifies the culture of MIHS through his dedication to ensuring students thrive and graduate prepared for the future.
Tara Kelly, Pinehurst Elementary School, Certified Staff
Mrs. Kelly is an invaluable asset to the Pinehurst Elementary School community. Her exceptional organization and caring nature allow her to effectively support students, staff, and families. From leading the Angel Tree initiative to managing data that informs decision-making, she ensures student needs are addressed. She also strengthens connections between the school and community resources, helping provide meaningful support for families. Mrs. Kelly’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service make a lasting impact on the school community.
Chelcey Parker, Pinehurst Elementary School, Support Staff
Mrs. Parker, Cafeteria Manager at Pinehurst Elementary School, has transformed the lunchroom into a place of genuine warmth and remarkable efficiency. Known for her organization and kindness, she takes the time to know students, personally remembering their unique preferences. Her compassion sets a positive tone for her team and helps ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone in the cafeteria. We are proud to recognize Mrs. Parker for the care and positive impact she brings to Pinehurst Elementary.
Marian Rodriuguez, Moore Innovative High School, Student
Marian is recognized as the Moore Innovative High School student spotlight for April. She is known for her kindness, diligence, and commitment to her work. Even when faced with challenges, Marian consistently puts forth her best effort and uses her time wisely to stay focused on her assignments. She demonstrates responsibility and determination in all that she does and represents the qualities MIHS seeks to develop in its students: committed, thorough, and determined to succeed. We are proud to recognize the effort and positive choices she makes to take ownership of her success.
Additional Recognitions:
Union Pines High School, NCHSAA Women’s Wrestling 6A Individual Team State Champions | LilyAnn Blair, MacKenzie Shaver, and Leila Flechsenhaar – Individual State Champions
The Union Pines Women’s Wrestling team won its first NCHSAA 6A Individual Tournament Team State Championship based on the performance of its five state qualifiers, each of whom scored important points in a very close team race. To win the state championship, the team needed each of its finalists to win their matches. LilyAnn Blair, MacKenzie Shaver, and Leila Flechsenhaar were all victorious and secured the team title. Earlier in the tournament, Isla Flechsenhaar and Mya Tillman scored critical points that contributed to the team’s 82-point total, finishing just 2.5 points ahead of runner-up White Oak.
Union Pines High School, NCHSAA Men’s Wrestling 6A Dual Team and Individual Team State Champions | Liam Myles and Dominic Blue – Individual State Champions
The Union Pines Men’s Wrestling team competed in its fifth consecutive Dual Team State Championship, winning its second consecutive Dual Team State title. Due to weather and schedule changes, the Vikings were able to host the final three rounds of the 6A playoffs at home on Feb. 17. They defeated Middle Creek 66–9, then beat White Oak in the East Regional Final 56–14, and secured the State Championship with a 37–21 victory in front of a great home crowd.
In the 6A Individual Tournament State Championship, the Vikings had an impressive showing, winning their third consecutive tournament state championship. The team scored 161 points, finishing 74.5 points ahead of runner-up White Oak. The team was led by two wrestlers who each won their second individual state championship, junior Liam Myles and senior Dominic Blue.
Alessia Potts and Madeline Dorsch, Pinecrest High School, NCHSAA 8A Indoor Track and Field State Champions
Alessia Potts won the NCHSAA 8A State Championship in Girls Indoor Track in both the 1000-meter and 1600-meter races and was named the Most Outstanding Performer in the 8A classification. Madeline Dorsch won the NCHSAA 8A State Championship in Girls Indoor Track in the 3200-meter race. Their hard work and dedication led to these outstanding accomplishments. Alessia and Madeline represent Pinecrest High School and Patriot Nation with excellence, and we are very proud of their success.
Matthew Akins, Pinecrest High School, NCHSAA 8A Wrestling State Champion
Matthew represented Pinecrest High School well at the state wrestling tournament, winning the NCHSAA 8A State Championship in the 113-pound weight class. His hard work, discipline, and dedication were instrumental in his success. Matthew is an outstanding student-athlete both on and off the mat and serves as a positive role model for his peers. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement and state championship.
Kinsey Robinson, Pinecrest High School, Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Semifinalist
Kinsey, a senior at Pinecrest, has been named a national semifinalist for Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year Award, which recognizes leadership, service, and academic excellence among students from military families. Selected as the Army category finalist for North Carolina, Kinsey exemplifies the resilience and character often found in military-connected students. At Pinecrest, she is known for her intellectual curiosity, leadership, and commitment to others. She has excelled academically while contributing as an editor of the Pinecrest yearbook, a member of The Pinecrest Players, Speech and Debate, and the National Honor Society. Kinsey also frequently mentors younger students and encourages her peers. She will attend the national Military Child of the Year Gala on April 23, 2026, in the Washington, D.C., area. Congratulations on this very well-deserved honor.
2025–2026 Area 3 Volunteers of the Year
Michelle Milligan, Aberdeen Elementary
Carly Robertson, Connect Academy
Jamie Wesner, Moore Innovative High
Helena Wallin-Miller, Pinecrest High
Pinehurst Elementary Parent Teacher Association, Pinehurst Elementary
Parent Teacher Association, Southern Middle
Mary Beth Griswold, Southern Pines Elementary
Parent Teacher Association, West End Elementary
Meaghen Catlin, West Pine Elementary
John Paul, West Pine Middle
Feature photo via Moore County Schools.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Introduction written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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