Deep River Elementary Wins 2022-23 Head of Class Award

January 30, 2024 — “You are all my sparkles,” Deep River Principal Amy Lundy told a gym filled with Deep River students, staff, and community guests as she held up a clear glass ornament filled with multicolor sparkles. “You are different colors and sizes, but all together, we make a beautiful masterpiece.”

Lundy, speaking at Wednesday’s Lee County Education Foundation Head of Class award ceremony, was quick to point out that the success of Deep River’s students and faculty and staff came as the result of well-executed plans and teamwork.

“We have a great staff that perseveres even when it is not easy to do so,” she said. “We set goals and celebrate reaching them. Of course, then I just challenge the teachers and student to set bigger ones!”

Former N.C. Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker, a founding member of the Lee County Education Foundation, addressed students and teachers and challenged them to “pass on the focus and drive to achieve” to others as they move forward.

Lee County Schools Supt. Dr. Chris Dossenbach also spoke, recognizing Lundy’s leadership as instrumental in Deep River’s continued success, noting that this is the third time the school had been recognized as a Head of Class winner.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the students, staff and the entire Deep River family,” Dossenbach said “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Lee County Education Foundation for their continued support, which has played a pivotal role in making this achievement possible. Together, we are shaping the future of education and empowering students for success.”

Several students from Deep River also had the opportunity (and courage) to practice public speaking from the podium. Adriana Horton and Evelyn Steiner welcomed guests and opened the presentation. Deep River Student Council President Dorian Tapia addressed his peers and thanked them for staying focused. Student Council Vice-President Averie Bennet told them all simply to “Keep working hard!”

Assistant Principal Erika McNickle, Lundy’s “right-hand woman,” also took the opportunity to talk about the Deep River “family” and how special a team they have. She shared anecdotes about some of the ups and down of the year and reminded the students and staff how far they have come.

To conclude the celebration, and to loud cheers from all, LCEF Chairwoman Susan Keller and LCEF President Vicki Haislip presented Lundy with a check for $50,000. Deep River gets to house the giant Head of Class Statue for the next year, a daily tangible reminder to everyone there of what they achieved and a motivator for them to continue to work together and stay focused on achieving worthy goals.

“This is always one of my favorite days of the year,” Keller said. “To be able to see all the kids so excited and proud, and for so many to gather and take the time to recognize their hard work and the staff’s hard work — it is just very, very special.”

The Head of Class Award was created by the Foundation in 2010 as a way to formally recognize excellence in Lee County’s elementary schools. It is the first of its kind in North Carolina: a public-private partnership using incentives to enhance achievement in the local schools. It awards $50,000 annually to the faculty and staff of the best performing elementary school in Lee County. Each full-time employee of the winning school receives a portion of the cash award. That includes teachers and administrators, but also librarians, teacher assistants and the full range of school staff members. The award uses many factors, including student growth, to determine the winner.