Cherokee County Schools of Innovation

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation TCECHS strives to teach students real world "Survival Skills" to take further than just high school and into the real world.

Tri-County Early College High School (TCECHS) is a nontraditional school system which works to prepare students with a education than is more than just for testing. TCECHS offers students the ability to take College credits during their years in high school with the possibility of earning an Associates Degree along side their high school diploma, which is the main goal for students attending. Stu

dent's who attend TCECHS will be in a safe, learning environment where they are encouraged to dive deep into learning and understanding the material with the assistance of teachers dedicated to their success. This school also offers a way for students to get involved in the community with Service Learning, helping students understand their community around them.

Earlier this week, it was my honor to present thirty-five gallons of aluminum can tabs to Shriners Children’s Greenville...
06/19/2026

Earlier this week, it was my honor to present thirty-five gallons of aluminum can tabs to Shriners Children’s Greenville on behalf of the TCEC Interact Club. I am proud of our students, past and present, for their continued commitment to this meaningful service project, and grateful to everyone who has helped support the Can Tab Legacy Project.

A special thank you to our sponsoring club, the Rotary Club of Murphy, NC; our community partner, the Western North Carolina Shrine Club; Cherokee County Schools of Innovation Principal Mr. Forrister; and everyone who has helped make this project possible. Lastly, thank you, Noble Scott Helton, for your assistance with transporting and delivering this donation.

—
Rory Justin Byers
Club Advisor, TCEC Interact Club

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TCEC Interact Club Presents Can Tabs to Shriners Children's Greenville

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Rory Justin Byers, Advisor of the Tri-County Early College Interact Club, presented thirty-five gallons of aluminum can tabs to Shriners Children’s Greenville on behalf of the TCEC Interact Club, with assistance from Scott Helton.

This marks the club’s fifth collection effort and brings the TCEC Interact Club’s total contribution to more than eighty-five gallons of can tabs, representing approximately 380,000 can tabs collected since the project began.

The Can Tab Legacy Project was started in the spring of 2023 by Trista Taylor and has continued to grow through the leadership and support of past presidents Hailey Curran, Trista Taylor, and Abigail Benedict, along with the dedication of current and former club members.

The club is grateful for the continued support of its sponsoring club, the Rotary Club of Murphy, NC; its community partner, the Western North Carolina Shrine Club; Cherokee County Schools of Innovation Principal Mr. Forrister; TCEC Interact Club Advisor Mr. Byers; and the many individuals, families, organizations, students, faculty, staff, and community leaders who have contributed to this meaningful service project.

The TCEC Interact Club remains committed to collecting can tabs for Shriners Children’s Greenville, both now and in the future. Donations from individuals and organizations are always welcomed and appreciated.

Together, we are making a meaningful difference through service, leadership, and community partnership.

The Tri-County Early College Interact Club is proud to serve its community through volunteerism, leadership development, and meaningful service projects.

06/16/2026

Please see the message below from the Superintendent-Elect, Mrs. Angel Owens!

"As I wrap up our Meet the Superintendent community meetings, I simply want to say THANK YOU.

First, I can’t continue without saying thank you to all three host schools! Each school welcomed me in their own way, always going out of their way to make me feel welcome and sharing about their schools while we waited for our meetings to begin. I saw or heard about some amazing students or programs that I can’t wait to actually witness this coming school year! Each school principal’s and staff’s enthusiasm for their school shone with school pride and a love for their students. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to work together for even more exciting opportunities next year!
I couldn’t be more impressed by the support I have felt from every community I’ve visited. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend, introduce themselves, share their thoughts, and help me learn more about Cherokee County Schools. The warm welcome I have received has been overwhelming in the best possible way.

If there is one thing you’ll learn about me, it’s that I am a people person. Building relationships matters to me, and while I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful staff members, students, families, and community members already, I know there are still so many more people to meet. I truly look forward to getting to know each of you and hearing your stories as we move forward together.

Our children are our future, and I believe every decision we make should reflect that. My goal is to help lead Cherokee County Schools in a way that supports every student, helps them grow academically and personally, and encourages them to pursue lifelong goals that lead to fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We will continue to promote good citizenship, strong character, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

My first official day as Superintendent is July 1, and I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead. I look forward to working alongside the amazing CCS Team and partnering with our families and communities as we continue creating opportunities for every student to succeed.

Thank you again for your support, your kindness, and your confidence in our schools. I am honored to be joining Cherokee County Schools and can’t wait to get started!"

Angel Owens
Superintendent-Elect
Cherokee County Schools

Cherokee County Schools welcomed Superintendent-elect Angel Owens to Cherokee County School of Innovation this evening f...
06/15/2026

Cherokee County Schools welcomed Superintendent-elect Angel Owens to Cherokee County School of Innovation this evening for a special “Meet the New Superintendent” event attended by families, community members, and school personnel.

Ms. Owens shared her deep roots in Cherokee County, reflecting on her years growing up in Peachtree and attending Peachtree Elementary and Murphy High School. She spoke about her journey in education, which has included experiences in the classroom, behind the wheel of a school bus, and serving as a district-level administrator in neighboring Clay County.

Throughout the evening, Ms. Owens emphasized the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with every employee across the school system and creating empowering learning opportunities that help students reach their fullest potential.

Guests had the opportunity to meet and speak with Ms. Owens both before and after the event, allowing for meaningful conversations and connections as she prepares to lead Cherokee County Schools into its next chapter.

We look forward to welcoming Ms. Owens as she officially begins serving as Superintendent on July 1 and are excited for the future of Cherokee County Schools under her leadership.

🎓🏆 Cherokee County Schools proudly congratulates Tri-County Early College graduate Fern Crayton on receiving the prestig...
06/11/2026

🎓🏆 Cherokee County Schools proudly congratulates Tri-County Early College graduate Fern Crayton on receiving the prestigious Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship at the NCHSAA Awards Celebration in Greensboro.

This distinguished $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually to only two cross country athletes in North Carolina and recognizes exceptional achievement in athletics, leadership, academics, character, and commitment to sport.

Fern recently graduated from Tri-County Early College after an extraordinary high school career that established her as one of the most accomplished student athletes in school history. During her senior year, she captured the NCHSAA 1A State Cross Country Championship, earning the title of State Champion, and also won an NCHSAA 1A State Championship in Track & Field, becoming a state champion in two separate sports.

As part of the scholarship presentation, the following was shared about Fern’s accomplishments:

“Crayton, the reigning 1A cross country state champion, qualified for state meets in four sports (including swimming, indoor and outdoor track & field) as an 11th grader. Her interests in healthcare led her to service opportunities in a hospital and a family eye care center, and contributed to her plans to pursue Pre-Medicine in undergraduate school. Crayton has completed more than 100 hours of community service since ninth grade.”

Fern’s success extends far beyond competition. Her commitment to academic excellence, service to others, and future plans to pursue a career in medicine exemplify the values we strive to instill in all Cherokee County Schools students.

We are incredibly proud of Fern for representing Tri-County Early College, Cherokee County Schools, and our mountain community with such distinction on the state stage. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to students across our district.

Congratulations Fern on this well deserved honor and on an outstanding high school career. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

💙🧡 🐆

Last week, several members from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council participated in a second Advocacy Day at t...
06/11/2026

Last week, several members from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council participated in a second Advocacy Day at the North Carolina General Assembly, gaining firsthand experience in how student voices can help shape public policy.

Throughout the day, the students attended a Public Safety Press Conference, met with a number of local legislators including Representative Renee Price, staff from Representative Karl Gillespie’s office and Senators Jonah Garson and Kevin Corbin. They also talked with NC Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green and were recognized in both the NC Senate and House galleries.

Advocacy Day provides Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council members with a deeper understanding of public service, policymakingand civic engagement. By engaging directly with legislators and education leaders, students can share their experiences, elevate the voices of their peers, and learn how education policy decisions shape teaching and learning across North Carolina. policy.

Join us Monday, June 15th at 5:00 PM at the Schools of Innovation to meet Cherokee County Schools’ new Superintendent El...
06/11/2026

Join us Monday, June 15th at 5:00 PM at the Schools of Innovation to meet Cherokee County Schools’ new Superintendent Elect, Angel Owens!

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to:
✨ Learn more about who she is
✨ Hear about her professional background
✨ Discover her vision for the future of Cherokee County Schools

This meeting is intended for the:
🏫 Peachtree Elementary
🏫 Martins Creek Elementary
🏫 Murphy Elementary
🏫 Murphy Middle School
🏫 Murphy High School
🏫 Oaks Academy
🏫 Tri-County Early College

However, ALL community members are welcome to attend!

If you are unable to attend this meeting, additional meetings will be held throughout the county on other dates.

📋 STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Your voice matters! Anyone invested in Cherokee County Schools is encouraged to complete the stakeholder survey and help shape a strong future for our students.

🔗 Cherokee County Stakeholder Survey:
https://forms.gle/rWgUgoYc7ZMJf91m7

Together, we are building a brighter future for Cherokee County Schools.

As part of our continued commitment to student safety, Cherokee County Schools has engaged with The Young Group to provi...
06/11/2026

As part of our continued commitment to student safety, Cherokee County Schools has engaged with The Young Group to provide secondary insurance coverage designed to offer relief to families for medical expenses incurred as a result of an unexpected accident during school sponsored events. The secondary insurance policy provides limited benefits and pays for accidental injury expenses after all other insurance has been paid. The secondary insurance policy coverage is intended to help cover additional out-of-pocket expenses to our families but does not guarantee or make any assurances to satisfy and relieve related expenses in entirety. Cherokee County Schools does not assume responsibility for expenses not covered by insurance.

Additionally, The Young Group offers customized insurance products for K-12 schools for families that need primary coverage for students and volunteers during school-sponsored and supervised activities, including athletics and field trips. If your child is without primary health insurance, The Young Group provides affordable and hassle-free plans for students and athletes.

Reference - Policy #4220 Student Insurance Program

For more information, please visit our website at:
Cherokee County Schools

https://www.cherokee.k12.nc.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1251953&type=d&pREC_ID=2362758

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of Mr. Byers’ Adobe Vide...
06/09/2026

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of Mr. Byers’ Adobe Video Design I – Premiere Pro students! These outstanding students successfully passed the rigorous Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 certification exam. While this industry-standard exam is typically geared toward advanced students, a number of our talented underclassmen utilized their creativity to successfully rise to the challenge and pass the exam!

We want to give a special shoutout to the following students for their impressive cumulative achievements:

Katherine Gonzalez Machorro

Katherine took Adobe Visual Design I earlier in her high school career. With the successful completion of the Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop and Graphic Design & Illustration using Adobe Illustrator exams, and now the Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 certification exam, she proudly holds two credentials:
Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design
Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design

Camryn McMillan: Mastering the "Big Four"

Camryn tackled both Adobe Visual Design II and Adobe Video Design I this spring semester, building beautifully on the foundation she established taking Adobe Visual Design I earlier in her high school career. By successfully conquering the "Big Four" of the creative world: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, she has earned the following credentials:
Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design
Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design

Indy Monroe

Indy took both Adobe Visual Design I and Adobe Video Design I this spring semester, fully dedicating himself to creating and mastering his craft. With the successful completion of the Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop 2025 and Graphic Design & Illustration using Adobe Illustrator 2025 exams, Indy also holds the following credentials:
Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design
Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design

Congratulations to these students for their incredible dedication to their craft and their growing expertise in digital video!

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of two outstanding stude...
06/09/2026

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of two outstanding students in Mr. Byers' Adobe Visual Design I class: Hayden Hampton of MHS and Indy Monroe of TCEC!

Hayden Hampton: Mastering the "Big Four" With the completion of the Adobe Photoshop 2025 and Adobe Illustrator 2025 exams this semester, Hayden has officially conquered the "Big Four" of the creative worlds: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Hayden now holds two prestigious titles:

Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design
Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design

Indy Monroe: Mastering “Visual Design” Congratulations to Indy Monroe for the successful completion of the Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop 2025 exam earlier this semester! To close out the semester, Indy also successfully completed the Graphic Design and Illustration using Adobe Illustrator 2025 exam. Indy now holds the prestigious title:
Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design

These achievements reflect a strong dedication to learning and a growing expertise in digital design. Join us in congratulating Hayden and Indy on these outstanding accomplishments!

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of Mr. Byers’ Adobe Visu...
06/09/2026

Cherokee County Schools of Innovation is proud to celebrate the hard work and technical mastery of Mr. Byers’ Adobe Visual Design II – InDesign students!

These outstanding students successfully passed the rigorous Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign certification exam. We want to highlight the impressive cumulative achievements of the following individuals:

Ella Howard (MHS) Ella successfully completed the Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro exam earlier in her high school career. She now proudly holds certifications in:

Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign

Kendall Coate, Jayce Fludd, Emily Fore, ShaiAnn Gunnels, and Camryn McMillian (TCEC) earned their Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design credentials earlier in their high school careers during Adobe Visual Design I by obtaining the Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop and Graphic Design & Illustration using Adobe Illustrator certifications.

They have now successfully expanded their skill sets by earning the Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign certification while taking Adobe Visual Design II.

Congratulations to these students for their dedication to learning and their growing expertise in digital design!

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4700 E Us 64 ALT
Murphy, NC
28906

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