DPS Notable, Student Edition: Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®

Spring Valley Elementary School fifth grade phenom Ava N. Simmons (aka Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®) and her sister Chynah Jeter of Durham, North Carolina, now have science kits at Marbles PlayStore in downtown Raleigh.

DPS Notable Kevin Wilson | Chasing Success: A Beautiful Journey

To many, Hillside High School graduate Kevin Wilson, Jr., has seemingly reached a pinnacle–or at least checked off a professional and personal best. A short film that he wrote, produced, and directed was nominated for an Oscar at the 90th Academy Awards.

DPS Notable Yanice Gibson, Middle College Graduate: Aiming for Extraordinary

Ask recent Middle College graduate Yanice Gibson her plans now that she’s earned an Associate degree, and she’ll tell you of her desire to earn another Associate’s, engage in a four-year course of study as a scholar of cryptic language, then travel the world so that she can expand her impact on others.

Marilee Hall: Entrepreneur, Academic, Activist

Early College student Marilee Hall seems beyond her years.  Not only has she already jump-started her career as an entrepreneur, but she’s created a system of project management that has literally turned her academic life around.

Teacher Musician Shares Life Lessons with His Students

The now 10-year veteran educator armed with Bachelor’s degrees in political science, psychology, and biology, and a Master’s degree in business administration served as an Instructional Assistant for six years and has now taught for four.

Connecting With His Students Through the Arts

In his native Honduras, Herrera is a co-founder of an organization called Empower Honduras that helps orphaned children learn English and life-skills. He works to bring scholarship opportunities to them as well, and says it has made a great impact.

Cedric Carter Jr.: Durham Public Schools Teachers Saw His Potential

The 2008 Riverside graduate said teachers who took an interest in his success were the highlights of his academic career. Now a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer with The MITRE Corporation in Washington, D.C. Mr. Carter sees his work with the non-profit organization managing Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as an essential service to National Security and Federal Government Interests. 

DPS Early College Graduate Uses Art to Advocate

Antonio Alanis truly believes that “everyone has the ability to work in whatever they want to.” For him, art is a tool of activism that communicates a message of hope.

A Legacy of Commitment

Retired EC Director Wanda Carter and her family are committed to Durham Public Schools.

Jordan Graduate Austin Scher Credits Parents, DPS Teachers with Being Where He’s Called to Be

DPS Graduate Austin Scher Credits Parents, Teachers for His Success.

Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess Tells Her Peers “You Can Be Anything…”

Meet DPS Student Notable and S.T.E.M. Princess Ava Simmons, fourth-grader at Spring Valley Elementary School!

Timeless Story of Friendship Explored in DPS Educator’s Debut Book

Kimberly Wallace, DPS Beginning Teacher Mentor, is featured in our debut article for DPS Notables–Insider Edition. Wallace is a children’s book author who has written a story to help adolescents with friendship building.

Defining Your Gift: DPS Notable Lauren E. Banks Came Into Hers at Shepard Middle and the historic Hillside High School

The City On A Hill actress (Showtime) was the class president at Hillside during her Senior year, and still stays in touch with her classmates, including her best friend who also graduated from the historic school. 

DPS Notable Melissa “Wade in the Water” Found and Followed Her Voice

Former Bus Driver of the Year Accelerated in DPS

Radio One’s Karen Clark Credits DPS Experience for Her Set-Up for Success

Hillside High Alumnus April Parker Jones Credits Drama Training for Dream Come True

actress April Parker Jones of "Bel Air" and Tyler Perry’s "If Loving You is Wrong."

Dr. Danielle Jones Selected as 2022 Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award Winner for Aspiring Superintendent Program Cohort VI

Dr. Danielle (pronounced dan-yella) Jones, Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools is the recipient of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award.

Wendell Tabb: Visionary Educator to Take Final Bow

Mr. Wendell Tabb is set for his final performance at Hillside High School

DPS Notables | Ayesha Rascoe: DPS Alumna Bringing Joy in a World of Darkness

Ayesha Rascoe is an alumnus of Southern School of Energy and Sustainability and host of National Public Radio’s global newsmagazine NPR Weekend Edition Sunday.

Overcoming Endless Barriers

Unsung: School Social Work Lightens Heavy Load for Many Students and Their Families