Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is proud to announce that Benson Elementary has been recognized as a 2025 North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) Lighthouse School Award recipient.
The prestigious Lighthouse School Award is presented to one or more schools leading the way in North Carolina for excellence in student achievement and innovative programs. NCASCD receives nominations from across the state yearly and proudly recognizes only the most impressive schools with this award.
Benson Elementary principal Dr. Takicey Dunston received the award on January 30, 2025, at the annual NCASCD Conference in Pinehurst, NC. "It is an honor for Benson Elementary to have been chosen as the 2024-2025 Lighthouse Award recipient. This award illuminates the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, parents, and community", noted Dunston.
Recently, Benson Elementary was recognized as one of many JCPS schools to achieve noteworthy growth and success, going from having a D school performance grade in 2019 to a B after the 2023-2024 school year.
Benson Elementary saw remarkable increases in reading (26 percentage points), math (30.5 percentage points), and performance composite (28.2 percentage points). Dr. Dunston attributes the success to amazing students and family support, educators who love their profession and the people they serve, and collaborative leadership efforts throughout the entire school system.
"Our teachers devote selfless hours to ensure that our students receive a rigorous and relevant learning experience through diverse teaching strategies," stated Dunston, as she gave reason for the success. "I am very proud of our students and teachers, they are #BetterthantheBEST!"
Congratulations to Benson Elementary on receiving this recognition.
Pictured (L to R): Area Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Patty Whittington, JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy, Benson Elementary principal Dr. Takicey Dunston, Benson Elementary ELA Instructional Coach Dr. Tanya Wynn, and Math Instructional Coach Stephanie Wood.