New from EdNC

Graduation 2026: Eric Church on guitar strings and Cigarettes@Sunset on our great kids

by Mebane Rash | May 27, 2026

On May 9, North Carolina singer-songwriter Eric Church did what he does best. He picked up his guitar, and he created a moment for the graduating class at UNC-Chapel Hill they will never forget. He talked to the graduates about...

‘The program has opened doors to opportunities’: First Transformational Scholars graduate from NC State’s College of Education

by Janine Bowen | May 27, 2026

This article was originally published by North Carolina State University’s College of Education. Laura Bostic always knew that she wanted to make an impact on her eastern North Carolina community and that she wanted to work with kids. Seeing how much...

‘I have been changed for good’: Insight Colearning’s farewell to the class of 2026

by Derick Lee | May 27, 2026

As May nears its conclusion, and June approaches, this season features a very special milestone long-awaited by thousands of high school seniors across North Carolina and beyond — graduation. Parents, siblings, and even distant relatives will pack into auditorium or...

Perspective | A gift to NC State graduates points to a policy opportunity

by Jenna Bryant | May 27, 2026

As an NC State alum, I felt joy and hope reading this story. I know what it means to invest in your education, walk across a graduation stage, and still carry the weight of that investment for years afterward. So...

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The Editor’s Notes

As we celebrate our graduates, I am hoping all of you will take the time to reach out and celebrate all of the great kids in your life, not just those graduating.

Even if you don’t love UNC, please take the time to watch Eric Church’s commencement address. His string theory is a powerful reminder on how to stop, listen, and tune up life — and not just for graduates.

His address — and a song by another High Country band, Cigarettes@Sunset — have reminded me in our pursuit of the state’s attainment goal just how much meaning the simple affirmation “you did great kid” carries. Start here.

I’d love to hear the stories of the great kids in your life.

Need to know

• Watauga CTE program hits every benchmark as funding flexibility set to shrink

  Watauga Democrat | May 27, 2026

• ‘A path to success’: Toyota opens Experience Lab for Asheboro City School students

  WFMY | May 26, 2026

• Board Vote Paves Way for CMS Educator Community

  CMS | May 26, 2026

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