The Buncombe County Schools Foundation’s annual Education Celebration brought together educators, donors, community partners, and district leaders on May 26 at Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy for an evening dedicated to highlighting the impact of community support on public education across Buncombe County Schools.
BCSF Board President, Shelia Elingburg, welcomed guests and opened the program before Executive Director Christy Cheek set the tone for the evening, recognizing the shared commitment that connects schools, families, and community partners in support of student success.
The program featured remarks from Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, who emphasized the foundation’s role in expanding opportunities for students and strengthening learning environments throughout the district. Chief Communications Officer Ken Ulmer followed, underscoring the importance of strong partnerships and ongoing community engagement in supporting public education.
Additional reflections were shared by 2026 Principal of the Year Nicholas Honeycutt of North Buncombe Middle School, Beginning Teacher Coordinator Carol O’Connell, and 2026 School Counselor of the Year Emily Walters of A.C. Reynolds High School. Each spoke to the meaningful ways foundation support is felt in classrooms and schools every day.
Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the foundation’s continued investment in classroom innovation, student enrichment, and educator support programs that help create opportunities across the district.
Guests also enjoyed food and refreshments provided by the Erwin High School FCCLA program, which helped contribute to the welcoming and celebratory atmosphere of the event.
The Education Celebration served as a reminder of the collective effort behind Buncombe County Schools Foundation’s mission and the lasting impact of community investment in public education.
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