The Benson Area Chamber recognized two staff members from Benson Middle School at its A Night To Celebrate Banquet held on Feb. 26, 2026. Teacher Franklin Ruiz was named the 2025 Benson Area Chamber Teacher of the Year, and School Resource Officer Jaclyn Kliest received the title of 2025 Benson Area Chamber Police Officer of the Year.
These recognitions highlight the contributions of educators and law enforcement in supporting students and fostering a positive school environment. Johnston County Schools serves over 37,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, according to the official website.
Franklin Ruiz, a native of the Benson area and former student at Benson Middle, began his career as a teacher assistant before becoming an eighth-grade U.S. History teacher. Reflecting on his teaching approach, Ruiz said, “I recently had a student come up to me and tell me how she always found history uninteresting, but being in my class, she has been fascinated and intrigued by how I make history exactly the opposite.” He added, “I have the power to foster potential in my students.” Ruiz plans to continue creating a classroom where students feel respected and inspired while mentoring new teachers.
Jaclyn Kliest is completing her first year as School Resource Officer at Benson Middle after serving in various law enforcement roles including Army Reserve Military Police Officer and agent in the Criminal Investigation Division. Kliest said about her role: “Not only am I their School Resource Officer, but I try to be a role model for the kids here.” She also remarked, “This role has shown me that a student’s behavior often tells a deeper story, and sometimes what looks like defiance, anger, or disengagement is really stress, fear, insecurity, or a need for support.” For next school year, Kliest plans to remain actively involved with students and promote a positive environment.
Johnston County Schools fosters cultural diversity with families representing more than 45 languages according to the official website. The district features state-of-the-art facilities supported by community backing and stands as Johnston County’s largest employer while offering services such as transportation and nutrition programs according to its official website. Johnston County Schools embraces a vision of empowering students to succeed in a global society according to its official website.
Johnston County Schools serves communities throughout Johnston County, North Carolina according to its official website.
