NCSSM-Morganton marks five years of promise and progress

Year five at the N.C.School of Science and Math-Morganton has started in a flash as our team welcomed 152 juniors to campus alongside 150 returning seniors over the last week.

Once again, our newest Dragons were treated to an incredible orientation experience highlighted by a dynamic walkabout in downtown Morganton where they learned about our community’s rich past while touring some of our newest assets (and yes, a lot of fudge may have been consumed!).

I’m grateful to our partners at the Industrial Commons, Thornwell Books, Merrill Mischief General Store, and throughout downtown Morganton for helping the newest members of our community feel so welcome.

August 18 marked the formal start to our academic year, and it was full of excitement.

Our students in Morganton, Durham, and across the state in NCSSM Online, gathered together for NCSSM’s 47th Convocation and were treated to an inspiring address from Belton Moore ’16.

Following Convocation, we celebrated last year’s Wells Fargo Cup recognition and enjoyed a wonderful community picnic.

The start of any new academic year brings with it untold promise and opportunity for our students, employees, and partners.

As we celebrate our fifth entering class, we recognize the strong roots and early traditions that have already been seeded in Morganton.

This foundation is only possible because of the rich tapestry of partners, investors, and friends who believed in the promise of NCSSM-Morganton.

I was grateful to see our community of champions so well-represented on campus over the last week as we welcomed N.C. Secretary Lee Lilley, Sen. Warren Daniel, Rep. Hugh Blackwell, and the N.C. High School Athletic Association to engage our students and teammates.

I am profoundly grateful for your ongoing support and welcome your renewed investments in supporting our mission in Morganton and across the state in Durham as we advance public education and deliver innovative curricula and student experiences at the No. 1 public high school in America.

On behalf of our students and workforce, we thank you.