Wake County Public Schools held an inaugural CASS End-of-Year Banquet on June 5, bringing together Counseling and Student Services (CASS) staff from across the district for “celebration, reflection, and recognition.”

The banquet honored school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and Student Assistance Program coordinators for their work with students, families and school communities. Panther Creek High and Green Hope High were also recognized for earning national recognition as Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) schools.

Wake County Public Schools announced these 2025-26 honorees:

• Jodi Deskus, Wake Forest High — Student Assistance Program Coordinator of the Year
• Camille McDaniel, East Garner Magnet Middle — School Social Worker of the Year
• Justine Park — School Psychologist of the Year
• Nicole Simpson, Barton Pond Elementary — School Counselor of the Year
• Jasmin Traughber, Pleasant Union Elementary — N.C. School Psychologist Association State Practitioner of the Year

The evening included a keynote address from Dr. Teshia Stovall Dula on staff wellness and self-care. The district said the event was an opportunity to recognize the “excellence, compassion and commitment” of CASS professionals.

Garner, NC

Wake County Painting Exhibit to Tour Parks Starting July 1

Wake County Government says a traveling art exhibit featuring local artists will start July 1 and visit four county parks through 2026. A special opening celebration is planned for July 11 at Beech Bluff County Park.

Wake County to hold Neuse North plan meeting

Wake County residents can review draft plans and maps for the Neuse North Area Plan at a community meeting on June 24. The session runs from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at New Hope Fire Station No. 2 in Wendell.

Wake County posts early voting info for 2026 General Election

The Wake County Board of Elections says early voting information for the 2026 General Election is now available. Voters can find early voting sites, dates, hours and other details at WakeVotesEarly.com.

Wake County Vaccine Clinic Set for Zebulon Tonight

Wake County Government says the next back-to-school vaccine clinic is set for tonight in the Town of Zebulon. The post did not include a specific time.

Wake County Approves First Farmland Preservation Plan

Wake County says it has lost more than 36,000 acres of farmland in the past 10 years. The county’s Board of Commissioners approved its first Farmland Preservation Plan to protect farmland and support agriculture.

Amber Garner Promoted to Senior Program Director

The YMCA of Fort Worth announced Amber Garner’s promotion to Senior Program Director in its Youth Achievement Services Branch. The YMCA said she currently leads a youth development program serving 32 School Age Child Care sites.

Town Campus to Get Permanent Round Stage

A $696,700 project will design and build a permanent round stage at Town Campus. Wake County hospitality funds will provide a matching grant covering half the design and construction cost.

Wake County DSS set for Foster Run/Walk in Knightdale

Wake County DSS will host a promotional Run/Walk event in Knightdale on Saturday, 6/27/26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Apex Rotary Club shared the event notice after a member said foster family needs were discussed at a recent meeting.

Dillard Drive Magnet teacher elected AACT Middle Level Ambassador

Wake County Public Schools said Dr. Carrie Jones, an 8th grade chemistry teacher at Dillard Drive Magnet Middle, won an election for Middle Level Ambassador with the American Association of Chemistry Teachers. The year-long role includes representing middle level science teachers at the AACT Governing Board Meeting in Washington, D.C., on July 17.