Buncombe County Schools' theme for the year is “Together We Rise,” which was evident with more than 3,000 BCS team members gathered to mark the return to school with Convocation.
Thanks to generous donors and community partners, every member of the school system family was invited to unite at A.C. Reynolds High School. It was a powerful force of people in purple (the school system’s signature color), joining to help every student succeed.
“I’m excited about everything today,” shared Estes Elementary teacher Simone Alexander. “I’m excited about everybody coming together today, and coming out for our kids. That’s what it’s all about, our kids, and we’re back!”
The event featured a band of students composed of students from high school bands throughout the school system. There was a parade of schools, featuring Teachers of the Year from all BCS campuses, and a motivational message from Steve Pemberton. His life’s story of overcoming the odds was chronicled in his autobiography and biopic “A Chance in the World.” His follow up novel, “The Lighthouse Effect,” calls on each of us to make a difference for someone.
“There is such goodness here with you,” Pemberton said, addressing the crowd. “Those who have education as a calling don’t always get to see the finished product. However, a teacher of mine shared how teachers plant that seed, but may not see how it turns out.”
The lesson connected on a deeper level for those surrounded by thousands of supportive teammates.
“What we see here is ‘the best of us is us,’ and what we offer is ‘the best of us is us,’” said Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson. “Today we’re here to celebrate each of you and the incredible work you do every single day.”
See more pictures and video of BCS Convocation from this link.
The event was made possible by the support of the following:
Buncombe County Schools Foundation
Brookstone Church
Buncombe County School Nutrition Association
Carpet One
B. Allen Construction
Internetwork Engineering
Pierce Group Benefits
C&T Paving
Paramount Security
Carolina Thomas
Kendall Hunt
MSS
Duke Energy
Mercy Urgent Care
Just Right Reader
Becky’s Florist
APAC