WEP and Wilson County Schools co-sponsored the annual Community Partners Celebration Breakfast on June 10 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The celebration served as a venue to thank and recognize more than 400 community partners who invested financial support, volunteer time, leadership, and other resources to benefit students and educators in our schools.
The breakfast featured table centerpieces created by elementary schools, hand-written thank-you notes from students, a slide presentation showing the multitude of partnerships across the school district and the presentation of several awards to recognize significant partnerships.
WEP surprised Christy Proctor as the 2016 recipient of the Jim & Carolyn Hunt Friend of Education Award. As the highest honor awarded by WEP, The Hunt Award is given to recipients who exemplify the vision, leadership and examples set by Gov. & Mrs. Hunt support public schools.
Christy Proctor, owner/operator of the Wilson Chick-fil-A, was recognized for her leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy to schools through her annual Bucks for Backpacks event, sponsorship of the annual Fike-Beddingfield Reunion game, hosting Spirit Nights at the restaurant to help schools raise funds, development of the Leader Academy program for high school students, participation on the WCS Customer Service Task Force and her active service as a WEP board member. Proctor was also praised for her commitment to the students whom she employs and mentors.
The school district recognized three community partnerships with new awards. The Gold Partner Awards was presented to Gordon Deno and Rodney Dancy from Wilson County Emergency Management for their leadership in the development of a comprehensive district safety and emergency plan.
Morkos Youssel, owner of Brewmasters, accepted the Silver Partner Award in recognition of the support his restaurant has given to teachers and students. Louise McKinnon accepted the Bronze Partners Award on behalf of CHEW for the organization’s efforts to feed 500 chronically hungry children when they are not in school.
Superintendent Sean Bulson saluted the business and community partners for their work and contributions to help students, educators and schools.