In a room full of students, parents and educators, Dr. Eric Bracy smiled as held a plaque awarded to him for his service to Sampson County Schools.

During a Monday meeting for the Sampson County School Board of Education, Bracy was honored as the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) 2017 Superintendent of the Year.

Tiffany Smith, past president and delegate for NCAE, presented the award to him on behalf of the principals and administrators division. NCAE is North Carolina’s largest education advocacy organization for public school employees. It represents active and retired educators, along with students.

She expressed how she was honored to present the award.

“He has shown that he’s in love with Sampson County Schools,” Smith said. “He is wonderful leader. He is an awesome leaders who continues to stride and lead you through the 21st century.”

During the selection process, Smith said Bracy spoke highly of the school district. She said he was required to talk about himself, but he placed a lot of emphasis on the accomplishments of Sampson County Schools.

“He’s extremely proud to be a part of this family,” Smith said about his connection with county schools.

After a thunderous applause from the crowd, Bracy made a few remarks about the award. First, he thanked Smith and NCAE for honoring him as superintendent of the year.

“I humbly accept this award on behalf of the wonderful district staff that we have in this building,” Bracy said. “They work hard everyday for our kids.”

Bracy also credited the work of principals, assistants and teachers ,who he called “awesome.”

“For the the NCAE to recognize me and award me with this plaque here tonight means one thing — wonderful things are happening in the Sampson County Schools system,” Bracy said. “I be remiss if I didn’t recognize (the board of education and attorney Ben Wright).”

He also echoed Smith’s words about Sampson County Schools being a family, before thanking Executive Administrative Assistant Jacqueline Chabot.

“It’s such an honor for me to be a part of this wonderful family,” Bracy said.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Bracy-Award_2.jpg

Tiffany Smith, past president and delegate for NCAE, presents the Superintendent of the Year to Dr. Eric Bracy.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Bracy_Award_3.jpgTiffany Smith, past president and delegate for NCAE, presents the Superintendent of the Year to Dr. Eric Bracy.

By Chase Jordan

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