The Moore County Schools Board of Education recognized exceptional students and employees from across the district during its meeting Monday evening.
“At this evening’s MCS Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized exceptional students and employees from across the district,” writes Moore County Schools in a statement on Facebook. “From dedicated classroom teachers and support staff to inspiring student leaders, these honorees truly exemplify what it means to Engage. Inspire. Succeed.”
Those recognized included Robbins Elementary student and employee honorees, North Moore High School employee and student honorees, Westmoore Elementary employee honorees, and a Union Pines High School NJROTC honoree.
North Moore High School Honorees
Certified staff member Betsy Pilson has served Moore County Schools for 26 years. She began at Carthage Elementary as a tutor, media assistant, teacher assistant, and bookkeeper before earning her degree in school counseling. She has served as a school counselor at North Moore since 2008, helping students with academic planning, post-secondary readiness, and mental health needs. The College Board named her an Exemplary Professional School Counselor in 2019.
Support staff member Sarah Maness serves as the school receptionist at North Moore High. A graduate of North Moore, she attended Central Carolina Community College and worked as a substitute teacher before joining the staff in 2022. She welcomes visitors, manages calls and calendars, assists staff, and supports students with professionalism and positivity.
Student honoree Ja’Quan Fletcher, a senior, serves as student body president and captain of the varsity cheer team. Known by his peers as “Mr. North Moore,” Fletcher promotes school spirit and participation. He also serves on the S2S Student-to-Student group and the Moore County Schools Student Advisory Council. Through the Teacher Cadet program, he developed a passion for special education and plans to pursue a teaching career.
Robbins Elementary Honorees
Certified staff member Kim McQueen has taught for 25 years, serving in Exceptional Children education and now as a Reading Interventionist. Her experience allows her to identify reading challenges and provide targeted support to help students grow.
Support staff member Tina Hare began working with Moore County Schools in 2014 as a substitute teacher and now serves as an Instructional Assistant in the preschool program. She brings consistency and patience to the classroom and has supported multiple grade levels.
Westmoore Elementary Honorees
Certified staff member Kristin Baptista teaches Exceptional Children in grades K–8. A former Westmoore student herself, she previously taught at Cameron Elementary and Robbins Elementary before returning to Westmoore in 2022. She is known for her energy, positivity, and commitment to students.
Support staff member Mandy McNeill joined Moore County Schools in 2021 and began working at Westmoore in 2024 to be at the same school as her children. She supports kindergarten students and coaches the Northern Moore Cheerleaders.
Union Pines High School Recognition
The Union Pines High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) was named a 2025 Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors by the Commander, Naval Service Training Command. The recognition reflects the program’s leadership, academic excellence, and teamwork under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Timothy Winn, USN (Ret.).
The honor authorizes Winn to make three nominations to each U.S. military academy, totaling nine nominations, which is more than the number allotted to a U.S. Senator.
District officials commended all students, instructors, and staff for their dedication, which earned this national recognition.
Want Moore news that matters? Please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel e-newsletter.
~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021. Photos courtesy Moore County Schools.
Comments
Comments are closed.