Johnston Reporter

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) has announced that Benson Elementary has been honored with the 2025 North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) Lighthouse School Award. This award is given to schools in North Carolina that demonstrate excellence in student achievement and innovative programs.

The principal of Benson Elementary, Dr. Takicey Dunston, accepted the award on January 30, 2025, at the NCASCD Conference held in Pinehurst, NC. Dr. Dunston remarked, "It is an honor for Benson Elementary to have been chosen as the 2024-2025 Lighthouse Award recipient. This award illuminates the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, parents, and community."

Benson Elementary was recently noted for its significant growth and success among JCPS schools. The school improved its performance grade from a D in 2019 to a B after the 2023-2024 academic year. The school saw notable improvements in reading by 26 percentage points, math by 30.5 percentage points, and overall performance composite by 28.2 percentage points.

Dr. Dunston credits this success to supportive students and families, dedicated educators who are passionate about their work, and collaborative leadership throughout the school system. She stated, "Our teachers devote selfless hours to ensure that our students receive a rigorous and relevant learning experience through diverse teaching strategies." She added her pride in both students and teachers by saying they are "#BetterthantheBEST!"

Congratulations have been extended to Benson Elementary for receiving this recognition.

Pictured are Area Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Patty Whittington; JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy; Benson Elementary principal Dr. Takicey Dunston; ELA Instructional Coach Dr. Tanya Wynn; and Math Instructional Coach Stephanie Wood.