Congratulations to Buncombe County Schools Foundation’s (BCSF) Executive Director Christy Cheek and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) Nutrition Director Lisa Payne for receiving awards from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. The awards were presented at the WomanUP banquet, an awards ceremony and “a movement designed to inspire, connect, and support women in business,” according to the chamber’s website.
Christy Cheek was awarded the first STEM award, granted by Pratt & Whitney. “It is quite an honor, especially as the first award recipient,” said Cheek. “I do feel like it’s a look at the body of work I have in STEM education, which I hope to continue.”
Cheek has worked to create a myriad of supports for students in STEM. Besides the many grants and help given to STEM educators and their classes at BCS through the foundation, Cheek highlights the scholarships awarded to students each year to pursue a future career in STEM fields, in conjunction with Pratt & Whitney. She encourages everyone to keep their eyes on the BCS Foundation’s website for upcoming opportunities to support these programs.
Lisa Payne received the Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, sponsored by First Bank, “recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in business over a lifetime, demonstrating excellence and leadership in business throughout her career,” according to the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award was given to Payne for her extensive career and work with BCS Nutrition Services. Making sure each of our 22,000 plus students are fed every day is no small task, but in her time in the position she has been able to create sustainable partnerships with local businesses and farms for the sourcing of ingredients for school lunches, and she oversaw the Free Lunch for Every Student program.
“Her dedication has had an impact on countless children and families across our community,” said the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.
We are proud to say that Buncombe County Schools is home to many leaders of the community and women of distinction, and we appreciate the Asheville Chamber of Commerce for recognizing these two distinguished individuals.