Our Yellow Jacket community has been buzzing with activities and achievements, and I am so excited to share highlights from the past week.
On Oct. 26, we celebrated the Roanoke Rapids High School Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet. This event pays tribute to individuals whose remarkable contributions have enriched our athletic programs and brought honor to RRHS. This year’s inductees included seven distinguished athletes, two standout teams, and one dedicated supporter. Congratulations to Sidney Edwards (Class of 1961), Graham Dean (Class of 1962), David Dean (Class of 1979), Brian Frazier (Class of 1991), Krystal Rose Pierce (Class of 2007), Stephanie Rose (Class of 2010), Clay Lockamon (Class of 2013), the 2010 Football Team, the 1963 JV Football Team, and Dr. Frank B. Fondren Jr. Our inductees have been exceptional leaders on and off the playing field. A big “thank you” goes out to the RRHS Hall of Fame Committee for their hard work to make this night so special for everyone.
Our Chaloner Middle School AIG students had a special Halloween celebration this past Wednesday at the Jo Story Senior Center as part of their Genius Hour project. Students Olivia Browder and Johannah Huss led the event after researching the benefits of staying active as we age. The party featured snacks, games, and a costume contest, all designed by the students. We are grateful to Thomas Goble, Jo Story Senior Center Director, for partnering with us and creating this meaningful learning opportunity for our students.
Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated in October and RRGSD finished our celebration on Nov. 1 in style! Students at Manning Elementary and Belmont Elementary cheered for their peers who were marching in a colorful and energetic parade that highlighted the richness of Hispanic culture and the pride our students feel in their heritage. The parade consisted of our multilingual students, who proudly represented their families’ countries of origin and showcased the diversity within our district, and was led by the winners of the Hispanic Heritage poster contest, which included the winners from each school. The artwork and clothes displayed creativity, cultural pride, and thoughtful representation of our students’ roots. Adding to the day’s elegance, several students wore beautiful quinceañera gowns, honoring this meaningful tradition with grace. The celebration for our multilingual students did not end with the parade. Afterward, participants gathered at Jalisco for a festive lunch, where they enjoyed delicious dishes that reflect the flavors of Hispanic cultures. This event was a wonderful way to celebrate our students’ backgrounds, honor family legacies, and encourage respect and appreciation for cultural diversity. We are grateful to Heather Wynne, Lead Teacher for Multilingual Learners, our ESL staff, and all who helped organize this memorable day.
Chaloner Middle School celebrated Spirit Week with enthusiasm, recognizing their eighth-grade football players and cheerleaders at their final home game. A huge congratulations goes to the Chaloner volleyball team for winning the regular season and earning the honor of hosting the conference volleyball tournament at Roanoke Rapids High School on Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. We wish them the best in the tournament!
On Oct. 30, the RRHS girls tennis team competed in the Elite Eight of the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs, traveling to Raleigh to take on Research Triangle. Though the Lady Yellow Jackets fell short with a 6-0 score, they ended an impressive season with a record of 12-3. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and dedication.
Lastly, our elementary schools celebrated Halloween with fun and festive activities, and we were thrilled to see scholars from Roanoke Rapids Early College volunteering at the Halloween Carnival at TJ Davis Recreation Center. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Roanoke Rapids, this event brought joy to the community and gave our Early College students a meaningful way to give back.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this week memorable for our students and families. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are truly what make Roanoke Rapids shine.
Julie Thompson, Ed.D., is the superintendent of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.
