Warren Early College High School senior Juniper Cumming has been selected as a member of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) for the 2025–26 school year. Cumming is among a diverse group of student leaders from across the state chosen to work directly with State Superintendent Mo Green and education leaders to share student perspectives on critical issues impacting public education.

Earlier this year, K–12 public school students from across North Carolina were invited to apply to serve on Superintendent Green’s Student Advisory Council. More than 800 students submitted applications, with candidates asked to share details about the school they attend, their interest in council service, past leadership experience, and their views on one of the biggest challenges facing public education and recommendations for addressing it. The application process was highly competitive, reflecting strong student interest in shaping education policy at the state level.

As a council member, Cumming will join monthly virtual meetings with Superintendent Green and staff from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to offer insights and recommendations on topics that matter to students. The Council gives student voices a platform to influence decisions about public education, from instructional policy to student supports.

Cumming, who is passionate about place-based education and community-connected learning, looks forward to representing Warren County students and contributing to conversations that strengthen public schools statewide.

The SSAC is made up of high school juniors and seniors from all eight education regions of North Carolina. Members serve two-year terms, giving them the chance to develop proposals and advocate on issues that reflect the priorities and experiences of their peers.

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Warren County Middle School (WCMS) has been selected as one of just 15 schools statewide to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million program aimed at boosting academic success and career readiness for North Carolina’s middle schoolers.

WCMS is expected to receive approximately $1.8 million in benefits over the next five years.

Funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation and led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) in partnership with Marzano Resources, the initiative focuses on improving instruction, especially in math, and helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world career opportunities.

“This initiative offers a rare combination of financial support, professional development, and resources that can make a real difference,” said Warren County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis. “Our students and staff deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive, and this grant gives us another way to support them.”

WCMS is expected to receive approximately $1.8 million in benefits over the next five years./ Crystal Myrick (Warrenist)

As a member of the Transformative Schools Cohort, WCMS will receive focused coaching, new math resources, and career development tools tailored to meet the needs of Warren County’s students and teachers.

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative will allow us to strengthen our teaching practices and create more meaningful learning experiences for our students,” said WCMS Principal Michelle Dunbar. “We’re excited to see how this investment helps both our students and staff grow.”

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” said North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers and lifelong community engagement.”

The selection process was highly competitive and included a rigorous application and interview process involving district and school leadership.

“Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina’s rural communities.”

For more information about the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative visit the Golden LEAF Schools’ website.

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