Cherokee County Schools of Innovation

05/28/2026

On Tuesday, May 26, TCEC celebrated a banner year in athletics at the Sports Awards Ceremony. TCEC’s coaches shared stories of personal growth and successes of the student-athletes who consistently exhibited commitment, sportsmanship, and character throughout the year.

Letters and awards were presented to athletes in men’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s swimming, and men’s and women’s track and field.

Fern Crayton received her state ring for winning the 1A State Women’s Cross Country race on October 31, 2025.

TCEC appreciates the support of parents, fans, and community members who always back the Jaguars!

Boy swimming MVP Elias Diaz Menchu

Girl swimming MVP Fern Crayton

Boys swimming most improved Mason Smith

Girls swimming most improved Bryanna Ramirez Jaime

Boys soccer MVP Julian arvizu

Boys soccer offensive MVP Elias Diaz Menchu

Boys soccer defensive MVP Robert Kominowski

Boys soccer leadership award Mason Smith

Boys soccer heart of the Jaguar
Conner Arrowood

Boys soccer most improved. Daniel bickham

Girls golf MVP Madison Deren

Girls golf
Heart of the Jaguar Ruby Kuykendall

Girls cross country MVR Fern Crayton

Girls track MVR Fern Crayton

Boys cross country MVR Mason Smith

Boys track MVP Joshua Bickham

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Join us Monday, June 15th at 5:00 PM at the Schools of Innovation to meet Cherokee County Schools’ new Superintendent Elect, Angel Owens!

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to:
✨ Learn more about who she is
✨ Hear about her professional background
✨ Discover her vision for the future of Cherokee County Schools

This meeting is intended for the:
🏫 Peachtree Elementary
🏫 Martins Creek Elementary
🏫 Murphy Elementary
🏫 Murphy Middle School
🏫 Murphy High School
🏫 Oaks Academy
🏫 Tri-County Early College

However, ALL community members are welcome to attend!

If you are unable to attend this meeting, additional meetings will be held throughout the county on other dates.

📋 STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Your voice matters! Anyone invested in Cherokee County Schools is encouraged to complete the stakeholder survey and help shape a strong future for our students.

🔗 Cherokee County Stakeholder Survey:
https://forms.gle/rWgUgoYc7ZMJf91m7

Together, we are building a brighter future for Cherokee County Schools.

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

Last night, the voices of the students of Tri-County Early College rose beautifully through the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church during a Spring Chorus Concert that was nothing short of extraordinary. From the first haunting notes of Lightening, to the flowing beauty of River Song and the dreamlike tenderness of Lunar Lullaby inspired by poetry, the evening unfolded like a tapestry woven with artistry and heart. Every performance reflected the remarkable spirit of these students, young people who continually pursue excellence not only in academics, but in music, theatre, leadership, and life itself.

The concert moved gracefully between original works and student selected favorites, including the beloved Flying Dreams from The Secret of NIMH and the timeless Reelin' In the Years by Steely Dan. Songs such as A Million Dreams, Paradise, and For Good reminded the audience of music’s power to connect us to hope, imagination, and memory.

One of the most breathtaking moments of the evening was the ambitious 15 minute medley from Les Misérables, adapted from the monumental 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, a work famously written over nearly two decades and containing one astonishing sentence spanning 823 words. Through music, the students captured the struggle, redemption, sorrow, courage, and humanity that have made Les Misérables one of the world’s most enduring stories.

The evening concluded with the deeply moving I Will Carry the Light and I Will Sing You the Stars, sending the audience home with hearts full of gratitude and wonder.

Special thanks to Suzanne West, Rick Hill, and the First United Methodist Church for helping create such a beautiful setting for the arts to flourish.

At Tri-County Early College, excellence is never accidental. Whether in chorus, theatre, athletics, or academics, these students continue to prove that passion, creativity, and kindness can coexist beautifully in one place. Last night’s concert was not simply a performance; it was a reminder of what young people are capable of when they are encouraged to dream greatly and sing boldly into the world. ✨

05/23/2026

The Cherokee County Schools of Innovation proudly celebrated the accomplishments, creativity, leadership, and academic excellence of its underclassmen during the 2025–2026 Awards Program for Tri-County Early College students.

The ceremony highlighted the remarkable achievements of students across academics, fine arts, theatre, science, mathematics, world languages, English, history, civic literacy, and technology, reflecting the exceptional talent and dedication found throughout the Schools of Innovation community.

In theatre and performing arts, students were recognized for their outstanding work in this year’s productions of Julius Caesar and W***y Wonka Jr.. Peyton Long received the Best Artist award for Julius Caesar, while Alyzandra Caiazzo was honored for Best Memorization. Lincoln Goforth earned recognition as Best Dancer, and Raven Lowe was celebrated as Best Singer. Lilyannah Jackson received Best Actress for W***y Wonka, while Madison Deren earned Best Actress for Julius Caesar and Ethan McLean received Best Actor for Julius Caesar. Theresa was a tie for Best Actor for W***y Wonka Jr. Coa Boyd and Lincoln Goforth. Raeann Thompson and Emma Vines were recognized as Super Stars for Julius Caesar and W***y Wonka respectively. Ellie Mashburn and Lilyannah Jackson were honored for exemplifying outstanding theatre etiquette and professionalism.

Mathematics awards celebrated determination, growth, personality, and academic promise. Alyzandra Caiazzo earned the “Most Improved ‘I’m Not a Math Person’” recognition, while Jovani Baker and Sophia Evans were honored as the Low Volume and High Volume Rock Stars in Math II. Bryanna Ramirez-Jaime received the Future Engineer Award, and Madison Deren was recognized as the Mathematical Thespian.

In world languages, students were celebrated for their academic achievement, creativity, empathy, communication skills, perseverance, and cultural appreciation in Spanish studies. Fern Crayton, Jenny Ramirez Jaime, and Tori Jimenez Higdon were recognized for excellence in AP Spanish and Language. Aubrey Messex received the Frida Kahlo Award for Creativity, Ethan McLean earned the Rigoberta Menchú Award for Empathy, and Giana Benitez was recognized with the Gabriel García Márquez Writer Award. Sofia Evans received the Celia Cruz Award for Enthusiasm and Spirit, Jovani Baker earned the Leo Messi Award for Perseverance and Dedication, and Marin Keen was honored with the Sonia Sotomayor Award as an articulate and thoughtful speaker.

Students in the sciences were recognized for exceptional achievement, academic excellence, curiosity, and dedication throughout the school year in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Science Olympiad. In Biology, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to Jovani Baker, Brady Davenport, Sophia Evans, Marin Keen, and Casey Redford, while Giana Benitez, Ava Cunningham, Jacqueline Gregory, Lilyannah Jackson, Polly Jones, Albert Martin, Emma Martz, and Lily Mathis were recognized for Going Beyond Expectations. Jacqueline Gregory also earned recognition for achieving the Highest Biology EOC Score.

In Chemistry, students recognized for Academic Excellence included Lorena Garcia, Addison Mashburn, Bryanna Ramirez-Jaime, and Mauru Renteria-Cortez. Honors for Going Beyond Expectations were awarded to Hayden Cunningham, Brody Curtis, Jayce Fludd, Autumn Fowler, Mason Smith, Emma Vines, and Emma Watson.

In Earth and Environmental Science, Giana Benitez was recognized for Academic Excellence, while Alyzandra Caiazzo, Indica Conner, Kaley Holmes, Olivia Senior, and Gabriel Swimmer received honors for Going Beyond Expectations.

The Science Olympiad Team was also recognized for outstanding commitment, teamwork, and dedication throughout the year. Students honored included Giana Benitez, Veda Blocker, Sophia Evans, Jacqueline Gregory, Kaley Holmes, Lilyannah Jackson, Polly Jones, Albert Martin, Max McDaniel, Ethan McLean, Jaycob Parker, Olivia Senior, and Mayan Swint.

Drone Technology students were also recognized for excellence and innovation, with Alani Hudson, Jovani Baker, and Landon McCoy receiving the Drone Technology Scholar Award for outstanding achievement in Drone Tech II.

Students in English studies were recognized for exceptional achievement in writing, creativity, communication, and academic excellence throughout their college-level coursework. In English 111, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to Julian Arvizu, Brody Curtis, Madison Deren, Raeann Thompson, Anna LaChance, Autumn Fowler, Sakura Evans, Kenny Warriner, Mayan Swint, Sophia Smith, Katherine Gonzales, Hayden Cunningham, and Allison Hernandez for their dedication, strong analytical skills, and outstanding classroom performance.

In English 112, “The Write Stuff” honors recognized students who demonstrated exceptional creativity, communication, and writing ability. Recipients included Mayan Swint, Sophia Smith, Katherine Gonzales, Allison Hernandez, Julian Arvizu, Brody Curtis, Madison Deren, Raeann Thompson, Anna LaChance, Peyton Long, Autumn Fowler, Sakura Evans, and Kenny Warriner. Academic Excellence honors in English 112 were awarded to Lorena Garcia, Addison Mashburn, Bryanna Ramirez-Jaime, Jayce Fludd, Emma Vines, and Emily Fore for outstanding academic achievement and dedication to advanced coursework.

In English 232, students recognized as Writing and Creative Standouts included Brody Curtis, Anna LaChance, Emma Vines, Bryanna Ramirez-Jaime, Jayce Fludd, Lorena Garcia, Julian Arvizu, Addison Mashburn, Autumn Fowler, Sakura Evans, Madison Deren, Raeann Thompson, and Peyton Long for their exceptional originality, creativity, and excellence in written expression throughout the year.

In English I and English II, students were recognized as “Catalysts for Learning” for their leadership, perseverance, positive influence, and meaningful contributions to the classroom environment. These honors celebrated students who inspire those around them through curiosity, determination, collaboration, and a commitment to growth.

In English I, students recognized as Catalysts for Learning included Aly Caiazzo, Ryder Mitchell, Anthony Da Silva, Olivia Senior, and Madeline Karlick.

In English II, Catalyst for Learning honors were awarded to Jovani Baker, Owen Cameron, Sophia Evans, Casey Redford, Lilyannah Jackson, Jacqueline Gregory, Ava Cunningham, Lincoln Goforth, Fisher Grant, Madilyn Kerley, Hailey Williams, and Myles Thomas for their dedication, engagement, and encouragement of others throughout the school year.

Students in Civic Literacy, Economics and Personal Finance, and World History were also honored for excellence in social studies and historical understanding. Fern Crayton, Victoria Higdon, Kaelin Sams, and Jennifer Ramirez were recognized for Excellence in Civic Literacy and Economics & Personal Finance, while Sophia Evans, Marin Keen, and Jovani Baker received honors for Excellence in World History.

The Underclassmen Awards Program served as a meaningful celebration of the innovation, determination, talent, and academic success that define the students of the Schools of Innovation and Tri-County Early College. From the arts and sciences to leadership and service, these students continue to demonstrate what is possible when passion, hard work, and opportunity come together. Congratulations to all of the award recipients for an extraordinary year of achievement and excellence.

05/23/2026

“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” — Nelson Mandela

On Tuesday evening, May 19, 2026, the beautiful sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Murphy was filled with gratitude, and celebration as families, faculty, friends, and community members gathered to honor the Tri-County Early College Class of 2026 during Senior Awards Night.

As the timeless melody of “Pomp & Circumstance,” beautifully performed by Suzanne West, echoed throughout the sanctuary, the evening opened with heartfelt remarks from Principal Mr. Jason Forrister, ushering in a celebration devoted to honoring the hard work, resilience, leadership, service, and extraordinary promise of the Class of 2026.

Throughout the evening, scholarships and recognitions were presented to seniors whose dedication and hard work have left a lasting impact on our school community and beyond.

Brooke O’Bourne was recognized as the recipient of the Murphy Rotary Club & Jack Earley Memorial Scholarship, presented by Trevis Hicks, an honor celebrating academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community involvement.

Fern Crayton was awarded the State Employees Credit Union Scholarship, presented by Mr. Rory Justin Byers, a prestigious four-year scholarship valued at $10,000. Fern was also recognized as the recipient of the NCHSAA Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship, honoring outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and academic excellence. Fern’s accomplishments as a state-level competitor in cross country, swimming, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field are extraordinary, including earning the title of 1A State Champion in Cross Country and 1A 2-Mile State Champion in Track & Field. In addition, Fern received the WNC Regional Scholarship through the Newton Academy Fund Forster/Stevens Scholarship and the Kerri Kiker Memorial Scholarship, further reflecting a legacy of excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Abigail Benedict was honored with the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship, recognizing leadership, strong work ethic, dedication to service, and commitment to higher education. Abigail was also recognized with the TCEC Interact Club President Award presented by Mr. Rory Justin Byers.

Eli Setless received the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC Scholarship for demonstrating strong academic potential, leadership, community service, and character. Eli was also recognized as the recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship, a nationally respected scholarship honoring students who have overcome adversity with perseverance, integrity, and determination while pursuing their educational goals.

Ezekial Lockaby was awarded the Silent Servant Scholarship from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation, recognizing exceptional empathy, compassion, humility, and quiet service to others. This scholarship honors students who make a difference not for recognition, but because of the kindness in their hearts.

Victoria Higdon received the Hispanic Heritage Youth Award Scholarship from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and cultural pride while supporting future educational endeavors and innovation.

The evening also featured a special recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina as Tina Raffler and Gina Stafford honored Allison Morrow for her compassion, dedication, and meaningful impact in the lives of the “Littles” she has served through the organization’s mentoring program.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came as Mr. Forrister personally recognized each graduating senior, sharing their individual honors, accomplishments, academic distinctions, and future plans. As each student’s achievements were read aloud, it became clear just how extraordinary the Class of 2026 truly is. Many of these seniors are not only graduating with their high school diploma, but are also earning two associate degrees through Tri-County Community College, an accomplishment that reflects years of determination, sacrifice, discipline, and academic excellence. Their success stands as a testament to the vision and opportunities provided through the Cherokee County Schools of Innovation and Tri-County Early College programs. Tuesday night was not simply a celebration of graduation, but a celebration of students who have already begun building remarkable futures before even stepping onto a University campus.

As the ceremony came to a close, Mr. Forrister offered a final word of encouragement and reflection to the graduating class, reminding students that the road ahead is filled with possibility, purpose, and opportunity.

Senior Awards Night served as a beautiful reminder that the students of Tri-County Early College are not only scholars and leaders, but compassionate individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world around them. Their accomplishments represent years of perseverance, sacrifice, commitment, and support from families, educators, mentors, and friends who have walked beside them on this journey.

Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2026. Your future is bright, your potential limitless, and your story is only just beginning.

05/21/2026

At Tri-County Early College, the dedication page of the yearbook is reserved for someone who has made a truly meaningful impact on the lives of students. This year, that honor was proudly given to Mr. Caesar Campana IV.

A veteran English educator and the 2019 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year, Mr. Campana is known for his passion for education, intellectual curiosity, innovative teaching methods, and his unwavering belief in students and their potential. He is a fierce advocate for teacher autonomy and meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to become lifelong learners.

Mr. Campana’s creativity in education extends far beyond the traditional classroom. Through his innovative Games-Based Learning approach, he has found meaningful ways to connect literature, critical thinking, and student engagement by using interactive learning experiences to bring classic works to life. His ability to make English and literature feel relevant, exciting, and accessible is one of the many reasons students connect so deeply with him. By meeting students where their interests already exist and channeling that enthusiasm into learning, Mr. Campana creates a classroom environment that inspires curiosity, participation, and a genuine love for learning.

The 2026 TCEC Yearbook dedication reads:

“Dedicated to Mr. Caesar Campana IV
The dedication page of any yearbook goes to someone who has made a significant impact in the lives of students. Therefore, this year's TCEC yearbook dedication goes to Mr. Caesar Campana IV, our much beloved high school English I and II teacher. Mr. Campana is truly an extraordinary teacher and invaluable member of our school. He makes his job look effortless but his hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We appreciate you, Mr. Campana!

‘Out of all the teachers I've had here at TCEC, one truly stood out to me due to his intellect and charisma. Mr. Campana was simply a delight to have as a teacher.’ — Giana Benitez”

Tri-County Early College is proud to honor Mr. Caesar Campana IV for the passion, wisdom, innovation, and encouragement he brings into the classroom each day. His influence reaches far beyond academics and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the students whose lives he has touched.

05/21/2026

🎶 Join us for an evening of beautiful music and student talent! The students of Tri-County Early College invite you to their Spring Chorus Concert tomorrow evening at Murphy First United Methodist Church.

🗓 Friday, May 22
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Murphy First United Methodist Church
73 Valley River Ave, Murphy, NC

Come support these incredible students as they share the music they have worked so hard to prepare. It will be a wonderful night of harmony, heart, and community. We hope to see you there! 🎵✨

05/21/2026

REMINDER - EOC testing for TCEC is happening TOMORROW