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![Speaker, Myra Deaver speaking to students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777575569/duplinschoolsnet/iqlcys76kdacirv8998n/MyraDeaver.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777575569/duplinschoolsnet/iqlcys76kdacirv8998n/MyraDeaver.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777575569/duplinschoolsnet/iqlcys76kdacirv8998n/MyraDeaver.png","width":800}])
Dena Jenkins
May is recognized nationwide as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations about mental well-being. At East Duplin High School, students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion through a special guest speaker in Health Science and Counseling & Mental Health classes.
Students welcomed Myra Deaver, a nurse recruiter from Cherry Hospital, who shared valuable insight into both the field of nursing and the importance of mental health care. During her visit, Deaver spoke about the wide range of career opportunities available to students pursuing a nursing degree, highlighting positions not only at Cherry Hospital but also across various healthcare facilities.
In addition to discussing career pathways, Deaver addressed the realities of working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. She emphasized the importance of compassion, understanding, and proper support systems when caring for patients, helping students gain a deeper appreciation for the role healthcare professionals play in mental health treatment.
This experience provided students with a broader perspective on the growing demand for mental health services and the many ways they can make a difference in the healthcare field. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, East Duplin High School remains committed to educating students and fostering a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized and openly discussed.
![Student posing with her certificate]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777295210/duplinschoolsnet/ugo4epmhmth98hfi4xkg/Lattimore.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777295210/duplinschoolsnet/ugo4epmhmth98hfi4xkg/Lattimore.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777295210/duplinschoolsnet/ugo4epmhmth98hfi4xkg/Lattimore.png","width":800}])
Dena Jenkins
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, East Duplin High School freshman Eva Lattimore was selected to perform with an Honor Band in celebration of North Carolina’s Month of the Military Child. The event was hosted at White Oak High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The concert brought together more than 200 student musicians representing 25 middle schools and 21 high schools across eastern North Carolina. Participants included students who are children of active-duty or retired military service members, as well as those enrolled in their schools’ JROTC programs. Selected students received their music two weeks prior to the event and were expected to prepare independently. On the day of the concert, they collaborated with guest conductors in intensive rehearsals leading up to a public performance that evening.
Now in its third year, the event featured the world premiere of At Dawn, We Ride! by North Carolina composer Ben Hylton. As a premiere performance, the Honor Band presented a composition that had not previously been performed for a public audience or rehearsed by any ensemble. This opportunity represents a rare and distinguished experience for student musicians.
This year also marked the addition of an Honors Chorus Concert, with organizers expressing plans to expand the event in the future to include an Honors Orchestra. There are also long-term goals to grow the program into a nationwide initiative that celebrates and recognizes military-connected students and their families.
Reflecting on her experience, Eva shared that she valued the opportunity to collaborate with fellow musicians from across the region, many of whom she had not previously met. She noted the challenge and excitement of preparing and performing complex music within a single day of rehearsal. Eva expressed enthusiasm about participating again next year and encouraged other student musicians from Duplin County to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Performing alongside talented peers while honoring military families made the experience both meaningful and memorable.
![Cadets sending message to troops]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775223734/duplinschoolsnet/bjth4czs7rfromsx76xu/JROTCmessage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775223734/duplinschoolsnet/bjth4czs7rfromsx76xu/JROTCmessage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775223734/duplinschoolsnet/bjth4czs7rfromsx76xu/JROTCmessage.png","width":800}])
Dena Jenkins
East Duplin JROTC Cadets recently took time to create and send a special message of support for BM2 Bradly O’Brien and his crew aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) as they are currently underway on deployment.
The cadets wanted to show their appreciation and support for the sailors who are serving our country and spending time away from their families and homes. Creating the send-off message was a small way for the cadets to recognize their service, dedication, and sacrifice.
We are proud of all the sailors aboard the USS George H.W. Bush for their commitment to protecting and serving our nation. Our thoughts and support are with the entire crew during their deployment.
May they all return home to us safely.
![Student athletes pose with coaches for signing day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775221732/duplinschoolsnet/rnzfuafulqo6pgcxwbbu/EDSigns.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775221732/duplinschoolsnet/rnzfuafulqo6pgcxwbbu/EDSigns.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775221732/duplinschoolsnet/rnzfuafulqo6pgcxwbbu/EDSigns.png","width":800}])
Dena Jenkins
East Duplin High School is proud to announce that six outstanding student-athletes have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. These students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic throughout their high school careers, and their commitment has paid off with the opportunity to compete at the next level.
Branson Norris and Tavarius Dawson have signed with Guilford College to play football, while Shawn Davis will be at Albany State University to continue his football career. Kenley Welborn will continue his golf career at the University of Mount Olive, and Sawyer Marshburn and Colton Holmes have committed to play baseball at Lenoir Community College.
East Duplin is very proud of these outstanding athletes and their accomplishments. Their hard work in the classroom and in athletics has earned them this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future as they represent East Duplin at the collegiate level.
![Student pictured is Cadet of the County]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774028264/duplinschoolsnet/zc4liur2jaiwru0ccymi/Cadet.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774028264/duplinschoolsnet/zc4liur2jaiwru0ccymi/Cadet.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774028264/duplinschoolsnet/zc4liur2jaiwru0ccymi/Cadet.png","width":800}])
Dena Jenkins
East Duplin High School’s JROTC program showcased discipline, determination, and excellence at the Duplin County Cadet of the County competition held yesterday. Competing against top cadets from Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan High Schools, East Duplin participants demonstrated why their program continues to be a strong force in the county.
Throughout the event, cadets remained sharp, focused, and professional as they went head-to-head with their peers in a series of challenging evaluations designed to identify the top cadet in Duplin County. Their hard work and preparation paid off, as East Duplin once again proved tough to beat.
Several cadets earned top honors in their respective categories. First-year Cadet Private Second Class Sean Stroud and third-year Cadet Command Sergeant Major Gavin Wiley each secured impressive second-place finishes. Leading the way, fourth-year Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Shihed Scott claimed first place in his division.
Earning top recognition of the day, second-year Cadet Sergeant First Class Zachary Wilkins captured first place in his category and achieved the highest overall score of the competition. With this accomplishment, Wilkins has been named the Duplin County Schools Cadet of the County.
Congratulations to all of the cadets who represented East Duplin with pride. Their performance reflects the strength, leadership, and commitment fostered within the JROTC program.