CassidyGoff and Amy Parker

Last Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Julie Thompson and her staff kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with an unforgettable Convocation, centered on "Chasing Excellence" and celebrating the amazing spirit of RRGSD! The event showcased our talented students and dedicated staff.

rrgsd convocation

The RRHS JROTC cadets proudly presented the colors, while Student Body President Lydia Carroll delivered a heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Roanoke Rapids Marching Yellow Jackets wowed everyone with their “fan favorite” selections, and both the RRHS and Chaloner football teams, along with the spirited RRHS cheerleaders, joined the festivities, building excitement for the first RRHS home game on August 23rd. It was a dynamic start to the school year, brimming with energy and enthusiasm!

Throughout the program, we were able to recognize some of our staff who had earned distinctions throughout the 23-24 school year.

  • Support People of the Year: A huge thank you to Michelle Ricks, Tammy Rodwell, Julie Liverman, Cindy Boone, Trina Boyd, Keisha Moseley, Yolanda Devenshire, and Kim White for their outstanding dedication!

  • Beginning Teachers of the Year: Congratulations to Kelley Pfeil, Iesha Boone, Cassidy Goff, Sydney Connell, and Brianna Allen.

  • CTE Teacher of the Year: LaShonda Wood from RRHS, recognized for her exceptional work in Family and Consumer Sciences.

  • Exceptional Children’s Educator of Excellence: Lisa Garris, honored for her dedication to exceptional students.

  • Teachers of the Year: Kudos to Amy Parker, Alyson Brown, Kristie Short, Terri Jones, Sandy Eisenmenger, Misty Faloretti, and Heather Dickens.

We were excited to announce Cassidy Goff from Manning as our 2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year and Amy Parker from Clara Hearne as our 2024 Teacher Ambassador of the Year. Celebrating their remarkable contributions and dedication to education was even more special with their families in attendance. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors who provided gifts for our honorees: Smurfit West Rock, Creative Designs and Gifts, Tracy Story and Discount Tire, and DrugCo Express!

sponsors for convocation

A few special guests joined us for Convocation and we are thankful for our continued community partnerships and support.

  • Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Michael Williams, Carol Dean, and Michael Salanik

  • Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Ginny Lewis and Melissa Armstrong

  • Smurfit WestRock Representative Karen Connell

  • Roanoke Rapids City Council Member Rex Stainback

  • Mayor Emery Doughtie 

  • House of Representative Elect Rodney Pierce

We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, August 26th for a fantastic school year!