BY MATT LAMB
Staff Writer
Although several weeks have passed since Moore County Schools’ seniors turned their tassels — the culmination of a lifetime of effort — graduates’ accomplishments are still being tallied.
With student accolades across academics, athletics, extracurriculars, vocational skills and future military service, the Board of Education on Tuesday received a brief snapshot of the class of 2026.
“I believe this is a prime example of how we are meeting our vision for Moore County Schools,” said Board Chair Robin Calcutt. “Without a doubt, we’re the first and best choice in education with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“It’s a testament not only to the Board of Education, but it’s a testament to the parents, the community members, the teachers, the staff, every single person that works and gives to Moore County Schools. This is our win.”
Across all three comprehensive high schools, Connect Academy and the Community Learning Center at Pinckney, 1,122 students graduated this year from Moore County Schools. Among those, 13 students attained their associate degrees while still in high school.
The College Board recognizes students as AP Scholars for outstanding college-level achievement by earning a grade of 3 or higher on at least three Advanced Placement exams, with this designation bestowed upon 108 district students. For those high academic achievers, the class of 2026 has collectively earned over $23.4 million in scholarship money to pursue higher education.
In Moore County, 447 students, or 40 percent of the graduating class, qualify for the Sandhills Promise program, which provides two years of free attendance at Sandhills Community College. They have taken at least four college and career promise courses — eligible for high school and college credit — and maintained a college grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Overall, 745 seniors, or 67 percent of graduates, took the opportunity to attend college courses, accumulating credit for 3,558 courses.
The WorkKeys assessment measures real-world workplace skills and yields career-readiness certificates. The tests, often taken by adults in the workplace, can lead to higher pay and benefits. Seniors completing a career and technical pathway took the WorkKeys assessment, and of those, 100 attained the highest outcome, Platinum.
In the same vein, seniors earned 5,444 work credentials and certifications, an all-time MCS high.
While students embark on a variety of follow-on pursuits, four seniors have earned appointments to the nation’s military academies. Additionally, 26 students have enlisted in the various branches.
Among a bevy of local, regional and state-level athletic championships, 184 all-conference players, 14 players of the year, 66 seniors have committed to play sports at the collegiate level.
Theater players from across the district excelled as well, winning outstanding achievement awards, superior ratings, and regional and state awards.
