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Kenansville, NC - Duplin County Schools is proud to recognize four outstanding educators who have earned National Board Certification for the 2025-2026 school year, one of the highest professional distinctions an educator can achieve.

The teachers recognized for this accomplishment are:

Tanya Powers, Business teacher at East Duplin High School

Hannah Smith, English Language Arts teacher at North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School

Carolina Roach, Adaptive Physical Education teacher for Duplin County Schools

Morgan Taylor, Second-grade teacher at North Duplin Elementary School

National Board Certification is a rigorous, performance-based process designed to recognize accomplished teaching and leadership. Educators who pursue certification complete an extensive evaluation process that focuses on several key areas, including content knowledge, differentiation, learning environment, and reflective teaching practices.

North Carolina currently ranks number one in the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers, demonstrating the state’s strong commitment to educational excellence and professional growth. Teachers who achieve certification in North Carolina also receive a 12% salary supplement in recognition of their dedication and expertise.

Superintendent Mr. Daren Tyndall praised the teachers for their commitment to excellence and student success.

“Achieving National Board Certification is an incredible accomplishment that reflects a deep commitment to teaching and learning,” said Mr. Tyndall. “These educators continually go above and beyond for students, and we are proud to celebrate their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to excellence in Duplin County Schools.”

Duplin County Schools congratulates these educators for this outstanding achievement and thanks them for the positive difference they make in the lives of students each day. Their success reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to high-quality instruction and creating learning environments where all students can thrive.

 

Wilmington, NC - Duplin County Schools proudly celebrates the achievements of its students at the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington on Saturday, February 7, 2026.  Participating students earned multiple awards for their outstanding projects, showcasing their dedication to scientific inquiry and innovation.

Three of the nine projects presented will advance to the state-level competition in March, marking a significant accomplishment for these young scientists.

Chief Officer for STEAMA Curriculum & Instruction/PD, Mrs. Nicole Murray, praised the students' success, emphasizing the district’s commitment to hands-on STEAMA instruction. "Our students’ accomplishments demonstrate the impact of experiential, inquiry-driven learning through STEAMA. By tackling authentic challenges and applying creative, forward-thinking solutions, they are developing the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for continued success in their academic journeys and future careers."

Andrew Albertson (NDE) - Future Promise Award

John Guillen Mendoza (DECHS) - 1st place Senior Engineering, Naval Science Award, Outstanding Creativity Award, advancing to state-level fair

Leah Hunt and Lyric Smith (BES) - 2nd Place Junior Chemistry

Arden Kildow (EDHS) - 2nd Place Senior Biological Sciences B, Outstanding Creativity Award

Lina Kimes (NDE) - 1st Place Junior Physics, advancing to state-level fair

Madeline Kimes and Santiago Kimes (NDJS) - 3rd Place Senior Biological Sciences A

Sarai Ortez and Ruth Paez (WARE) - 1st Place Junior Earth and Environmental Science, advancing to state-level fair

Liam Whitney (WALE) - Honorable Mention Elementary Project, NC One Water Award, New Hanover Education Ventures Award, Outstanding Creativity Award

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and success!

 

Duplin County Schools is proud to celebrate four exceptional educators who have earned National Board Certification, one of the most respected and challenging distinctions in the teaching profession. This prestigious achievement reflects their unwavering commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and continuous professional growth.

The district’s newly National Board Certified Teachers are:

• Hannah Smith of North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School
• Morgan Taylor of North Duplin Elementary School
• Carolina Rocha, a district-wide Adaptive Physical Education teacher
• Tonya Powers of East Duplin High School

National Board Certification is a rigorous, performance-based process that requires educators to analyze their instructional practices deeply, demonstrate measurable impact on student learning, and reflect on how they meet the diverse needs of their students. Fewer than five percent of teachers nationwide earn this certification, making the accomplishment especially noteworthy and a true testament to professional excellence.

“These educators represent the very best of Duplin County Schools,” said Superintendent Mr. Daren Tyndall. “Their dedication to their craft, their students, and our community is inspiring. National Board Certification is not only a personal achievement, but also a powerful investment in the quality of instruction across our district. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and perseverance.”

Each of these teachers brings unique strengths to their schools and classrooms, supporting Duplin County Schools’ commitment to high-quality, innovative instruction that prepares students for success. Their accomplishment also reflects the district’s ongoing focus on professional learning and excellence across all areas of education.

Duplin County Schools congratulates Hannah Smith, Morgan Taylor, Carolina Rocha, and Tonya Powers on this outstanding achievement and thanks them for the positive impact they make in the lives of students every day.

 

Kenansville, NC -  Duplin County Schools is proud to recognize Joshua Bell, a K–6 teacher at North Duplin Elementary, for being named Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Teacher of the Year for his district.

The NC VFW Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic responsibility, patriotism, and helping students understand the importance of citizenship and service. Teachers are recognized for promoting American values, encouraging respect for veterans, and fostering a deeper understanding of our nation’s history inside and outside the classroom.

Mr. Bell’s dedication to his students and his ability to connect learning with real-world values set him apart in a highly competitive selection process. According to the VFW, the competition for Teacher of the Year is rigorous, with outstanding educators from across the state being considered.

As part of this recognition, Mr. Bell has been invited to attend a statewide VFW banquet on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Greensboro, where top teachers from the K–5, 6–8, and 9–12 grade levels will be honored. He will also represent his district at the national level, competing against other state winners for additional honors, including funding for professional development and support for his school.

Duplin County Schools congratulates Mr. Bell on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued commitment to students, families, and the community.

 

Congratulations to the DCS Tri-County EMC Bright Ideas Winners!

Twenty educators from Duplin County Schools were recently awarded Tri-County Bright Ideas Grants for the 2025-2026 school year. The grants received totaled $16187.70 and will be used to fund innovative projects for students. The floating awards banquet took place on November 3, 2025 at the Tri-County EMC Cooperative Office located in Dudley, NC. The winners from Duplin County Schools are among 130 deserving educators selected to receive funding for a total of $102,146.33.

Duplin County Schools teachers receiving Bright Ideas education grants are:  

Nicole Ewing, Beulaville Elementary

Kari Roberts, Beulaville Elementary

Emily Williams Beulaville Elementary

Alexis Futrell, Beulaville Elementary

George Christopher Brown, Center for Opportunity

Garrick Purdie, Duplin Early College High School

Connie Bracewell, Duplin Early College High School

Nephi Lawson, East Duplin High School

Daniel Huygens, East Duplin High School

Jackie Smith, East Duplin High School

Kim Marshburn, East Duplin High School 

Timothy Rowe, East Duplin High School

Mary Sumner, Kenansville Elementary 

Alexis Pate, North Duplin Elementary

Sarah Nielsen, North Duplin Elementary

Cayla Barwick, North Duplin Elementary

Jenny Sasser, North Duplin Elementary 

Morgan Taylor, North Duplin Elementary

Daylan Wise, North Duplin Elementary

Caroline Rocha, North Duplin Elementary

Congratulations to all DCS winners and many thanks to Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation!