Lincoln County Schools

💙🎓 Congratulations to Lisa Donnellan of North Lincoln High School — the LCS Counselor of the Year! 🎓💙 Mrs. Donnellan is a trusted guide, a compassionate listener, and a steady support for students navigating both high school and life beyond. Whether she’s helping with course selections, college plans, or personal challenges, she brings heart, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to every conversation. At North Lincoln, students, families, and staff know they can count on her — and now the entire district celebrates her outstanding work! Way to go, Mrs. Donnellan! 🏅💬

🎉🏆 Join us in celebrating Dr. Sheila Wright from Pumpkin Center Primary School — our LCS Assistant Principal of the Year! 🏆🎉 Dr. Wright is a dedicated leader, thoughtful collaborator, and passionate advocate for students and staff. Her calm, caring presence and commitment to excellence help make Pumpkin Center Primary a place where everyone feels supported and inspired. Whether she’s encouraging young learners, mentoring staff, or leading with heart and vision, Dr. Wright embodies what it means to lead with purpose. Congratulations, Dr. Wright! Your impact is truly felt across our district. 💙🌟

May 7, 2025 LCS NAMES NEW PRINCIPAL At the Board Work Session on May 6, 2025, the Lincoln County Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendation of a new Principal. Mr. Van Eseltine currently serves as Assistant Principal at East Lincoln High School, overseeing school operations, instruction, discipline, and staff development. He brings fifteen years of experience as a teacher and administrator across middle and high school settings. A former Teacher of the Year, Mr. Van Eseltine is known for his commitment to academic achievement, strong relationships with students and staff, and dedication to school improvement. He holds a master’s degree in School Administration from the University of Phoenix and is pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Van Eseltine will begin his new role on July 1, 2025. Mr. Van Eseltine will succeed Mr. Chip Cathey, retiring on June 30, 2025.

📚✨ Congratulations to our LCS Media Coordinator of the Year — Mrs. Anita Stewart from S. Ray Lowder Elementary! ✨📚 Anita is a champion for literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Her library is more than a place for books — it’s a hub of imagination, innovation, and joy. Whether she’s hosting reading challenges, supporting teachers, or helping students discover their next favorite book, Mrs. Stewart makes a lasting impact every single day. We’re proud to celebrate her dedication and the heart she brings to S. Ray Lowder and Lincoln County Schools! 💙📖

💉💙 Today is School Nurse Day, and we’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible school nurses! They care for our students with compassion, expertise, and a calm presence—keeping our schools healthy, safe, and ready to learn. From scraped knees to big emergencies, they handle it all. We appreciate you! 🩺✨

📣 Big News! We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Melissa Culp from St. James Elementary has been named the Lincoln County Schools Teacher of the Year! 🌟🍎 Melissa is known for her passion, authenticity, and determination. A dedicated 2nd grade teacher, literacy coach, and mentor, she sets the bar high—not just in her classroom, but across our district. Families often say they hope for the “Culp experience” for their child, and it’s easy to see why. Congratulations, Mrs. Culp! Your impact is felt far and wide. 👏🎉

🍎✨ It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible educators who inspire, empower, and shape the future every single day! Their dedication, creativity, and heart make a difference in the lives of our students and our entire community. Thank you, teachers, for all that you do — this week and every week! 💙📚

📣 Calling all educators and future teachers! 📣 Lincoln County Schools is hosting an EC Recruitment Fair on May 20, 2025, from 6–8 PM at the Lincoln Cultural Center! If you’re passionate about special education, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference in students' lives — and grow your career while doing it. ✅ Low caseloads (average of 20) ✅ 9% supplements + $800 sign-on bonus for select roles ✅ Support from Instructional Coaches and Compliance Specialists ✅ On-site interviews, networking, and door prizes ✅ Catered by Fresh Chef Not licensed yet? No problem! Learn about Residency Licensure — an accessible pathway for recent grads, career changers, and anyone eager to join the teaching profession in NC. 📍 403 E Main St., Lincolnton, NC 📞 Call 704-736-1017 ext. 30134 🔗 Register now: www.lcsnc.org Let’s help Lincoln lead exceptionally — see you there! 🍎

🍎💪 Today we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day! Our cafeteria staff are true heroes, serving up not only delicious and nutritious meals but also smiles and kindness every day. They keep our students fueled and ready to learn, and we’re so grateful for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for everything you do! 🥪✨

🌟 Congratulations to Our Top Three Teacher of the Year Finalists! 🌟 We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding educators who go above and beyond each day to inspire, empower, and uplift our students and school community: 🍎 Melissa Culp - St. James Elementary 🍎 Shane McKee - West Lincoln High School 🍎 Katherine Meeks - Iron Station Elementary Your passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence shine in all you do. Thank you for making a difference—every single day! 💛

📚✨ Happy National Principal’s Day! ✨📚 Today, we proudly celebrate the 23 incredible principals of Lincoln County Schools who lead with passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication. 💙 Your commitment to student success, staff support, and school excellence makes a lasting impact every single day. Thank you for being the heart of our schools — shaping minds, inspiring futures, and making Lincoln County a place where learning thrives. 🎓🌟

🎉 Celebrating Excellence in School Leadership! 🎉 Join us in congratulating our Top 3 Principal of the Year Finalists and Top 3 Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists! These incredible leaders work tirelessly to create positive, supportive, and thriving school communities. 💼🍎 🏆 Principal of the Year Finalists: 👩‍🏫 Kristie Ballard - Lincolnton High School 👨‍🏫 Jennifer Carroll - North Brook Elementary 👩‍🏫 Kelly Withrow - Battleground Elementary 🏅 Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists: 👩‍🏫 Jordan Beam - S. Ray Lowder Elementary 👩‍🏫 Josh Van Eseltine - East Lincoln High School 👨‍🏫 Dr. Sheila Wright - Pumpkin Center Primary Thank you for your visionary leadership, dedication, and the impact you make every single day. We are proud to celebrate you! 💛

🎉📚 Come celebrate a century of stories, learning, and community! 📚🎉 The Lincoln County Public Library is turning 100, and you're invited to the party! 🎈 Join them on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00am–4:00pm at the Jonas Library for a day filled with games, snacks, giveaways, book characters, and family fun for all ages! 🎤 Don’t miss the Proclamation and Special Storytime at 10:30am! Let’s make memories as we celebrate 100 years of service to our wonderful community. 🥳📖 #LCPL100Years #LibraryLove #FamilyFunDay #CentennialCelebration 📍 Save the date and share with your friends!

🎉 Celebrating Rising Stars & Literacy Leaders! 📚✏️ We are proud to recognize two incredible groups of educators who are making a powerful impact in our schools: 🌟 Top 3 Beginning Teachers of the Year: ✏️ Seth Baxter - West Lincoln High School ✏️ Gracie Ghassemi - St. James Elementary ✏️ Casey Wilson - East Lincoln Middle School These early-career educators are already shining bright—bringing energy, innovation, and heart to their classrooms each and every day. 📖 Top 3 Media Coordinators of the Year: 📚 Lori Fisher - East Lincoln Middle School 📚 Rebekah Stanton - Rock Springs Elementary 📚 Anita Stewart - S. Ray Lowder Elementary From cultivating a love of reading to integrating technology and supporting instructional goals, these media leaders are true champions of learning. Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to our students! 💛

💛 Honoring Our Student Support Champions! 💛 We are excited to celebrate the incredible individuals who provide unwavering support, guidance, and care to our students and families every day. Congratulations to our Top 3 Counselors/Social Workers of the Year Finalists! 🧠 Emily Costa - Pumpkin Center Primary, Counselor 💬 Lisa Donnellan - North Lincoln High School, Counselor 🌟 Hannah Richardson - G. E. Massey Elementary, Social Worker Whether lending a listening ear, connecting families with resources, or helping students navigate challenges—they are truly making a difference. Thank you for the heart, hope, and healing you bring to our schools every day! 💙

🌟 Honoring Our Support Superstars! 🌟 Please join us in celebrating our Top 3 Support Employees of the Year Finalists! These dedicated team members are the heart of our schools—working behind the scenes and on the front lines to keep everything running smoothly and supporting students and staff every step of the way. 👏 Support Employee of the Year Finalists: 🛠️ Joyce Chapman - Lincolnton High School 🧹 Jennie Goforth - St. James Elementary 🚌 Leah Sneed - Union Elementary Your hard work, positivity, and commitment make a lasting impact on our schools and community. We are so grateful for all that you do! 💙

🎉 Congratulations to Our Top 3 2025 Service Employees of the Year! 🎉 We are thrilled to recognize three outstanding individuals who go above and beyond every single day to keep our schools running smoothly, safely, and with care. Their dedication, work ethic, and heart make a difference in the lives of our students and staff. 🏅 Colton Castell - G. E. Massey Elementary 🏅 Chelsea Henkle - Iron Station Elementary and Love Memorial Elementary 🏅 Officer Randall Neal - Union Elementary 👏 Join us in celebrating these amazing members of our district family! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for all you do. 💙

🚌💛 Honoring Our Bus Drivers of the Year! 💛🚌 Every day starts and ends with a safe, friendly ride thanks to our dedicated transportation heroes. Please join us in congratulating our Bus Driver of the Year Finalists—the amazing individuals who keep our students rolling safely and on time! 🚍 Kathy McMurry - North Lincoln High School 🚍 Anna Oreamuno - St. James Elementary 🚍 Barbara Schrum - LCS Transportation Department Your reliability, care, and kindness make a world of difference. Thank you for being a trusted part of our students’ daily journey! 👏💙

🌟 Volunteer Heroes of the Year! 🌟 We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on our Top 3 Volunteers of the Year — individuals whose time, energy, and heart have made an incredible impact across our schools! 👏 Melanie Leitner - St. James Elementary 👏 Kristie McBride - Lincolnton High School 👏 Harrison Sigmon - Iron Station Elementary Your commitment makes our district stronger, our schools better, and our students feel truly supported. 💛 Please join us in celebrating these amazing volunteers!

🎉 Today is Administrative Professionals Day! We’re incredibly thankful for the amazing office staff across our county. They’re often the first friendly faces to welcome visitors, representing our schools and district with warmth and professionalism every day! 💙