West End School Celebrates Wellness, Literacy

By Maggie Beamguard

Insider Editor

West End Elementary School is giving students more reasons to stay active and engaged. Thanks to a group of generous local business and community members, WEE has secured funding for several student initiatives this year including equipment upgrades, an end-of-year celebration and the school’s beloved Books and Basketball event. 

PE Teacher Lance Barber spearheaded the effort, reaching out to local partners to support programs that keep children moving and learning.

“Thank you for your support of West End Elementary PE,” said Barber. “Because of your generosity, our students have even more reasons to get moving and stay healthy.”

That spirit was on full display on Thursday evening, March 19, as students, teachers and families gathered for the annual Books and Basketball showdown. The event was started over a decade ago by Matt Glendenning. Families browsed the Spring Book fair and cheered through an intense matchup that saw the students lead for most of the game.

Pinecrest High School basketball coach Tramaine Pride provided energy and leadership for the fifth grade team. The teachers pulled away for a 64-59 victory, their third straight win since the last student triumph. 

West End Fire Department, Moore County School’s Chief Gooch and Moore County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Stubbs were on hand, showing the broader community support that makes the event special each year.

“Every staff member devotes their time and always puts students first,” said Lance Barber. “It’s their dedication, commitment, and love for their school that makes it successful.”  

Sponsors making all of this possible include Jimmy, Dena and Preston Stackhouse of Seven Lakes Self Storage; Branch Manager Carrie Barber and team at First Bank; Chad and Shannon Stites at Stites Team Realty; Ricky Harris, Charles Conley and team at Harris Printing Company; Kurt Reihl at State Farm; Kenny and Maria Puckett at KP Custom Homes; Jay and Tiffany Burns at Cover Me Up RV and Boat Storage; Jay Burns at Carolina Siding Co.; and the West End Elementary PTA. 

Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.