Perquimans County Schools Foundation, Inc.

03/23/2026

Dr. Shawn Wilson Named Next Superintendent of Perquimans County Schools
We are proud to announce Dr. Shawn Wilson as Perquimans County Schools next
superintendent. She will be succeeding Dr. Tanya Turner, who will be retiring effective July 1. A
seasoned educational leader with nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Wilson has a proven
track record of strategic leadership and a strong commitment to high academic standards.
Dr. Wilson currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Perquimans County Public
Schools. She works closely with district leadership to strengthen systems, support school
leaders, and enhance overall staff performance.
Dr. Wilson has consistently shown a steadfast dedication to students, staff, and the community.
Her depth of experience across classroom instruction, school leadership, and district
administration makes her uniquely qualified to lead our schools into the future.
Prior to her work in Human Resources, she has served in the capacity of teacher, assistant
principal, and principal. Her early experiences in the classroom continue to inform her
leadership philosophy, which centers on supporting the “whole child” and empowering educators
to succeed. She also achieved National Board Certification when she was in the classroom. Dr.
Wilson served as a principal in both Gates County Public Schools and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Public Schools, where she was recognized multiple times for her outstanding leadership,
including being named Principal of the Year in both school districts. Her leadership as a principal
was marked by a focus on academic success, strong school culture, and meaningful engagement
with families and communities.
In addition to her K–12 leadership experience, Dr. Wilson has served as an Adjunct Professor at
Elizabeth City State University since 2009, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate
courses in instructional leadership and school law. She is widely respected for her contributions
to preparing future educators and school leaders.
Dr. Wilson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from
The George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina
University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State
University.
Dr. Wilson is married to Quinten Wilson. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
She is excited to work alongside the Board, staff, students, families, and community to build on
the district’s strong foundation of student success and organizational excellence.

03/04/2026

Monday, March 23rd -- Join us !

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

Penny Lassiter working on her arm stroke. Swim lessons all kindergarteners.

03/03/2026

Life-Saving / Swim Lessons now in its 20th year for PQ kindergarteners

Life-Saving Lessons for PQ Students began this week and will continue throughout the month of March. All students enrolled in kindergarten will have the opportunity to receive two weeks of lessons thanks to grants from ECU Health Chowan Hospital Community Benefit Grants Program and Avangrid Renewables.

Education extends beyond the classroom in Perquimans. We are thankful for our financial partners, parent volunteers and classroom teachers who commit to this progam each year.

02/16/2026

Love and prayers for the family of David Meiggs.

The loss of this caring, wonderful man leaves a profound void, yet his impact endures through memories, love, and the positive influence he had on others.

View David E. Meiggs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/05/2026

Perquimans High School Track to be Named for Captain M. Shirley Wiggins Following Successful Fundraising Campaign

A two-year mission to honor the legacy of a local trailblazer has officially crossed the finish line. Following a successful fundraising campaign led by Dr. Anne White, the track at Perquimans County High School (PCHS) will be named in honor of Captain M. Shirley Wiggins, United States Navy (Retired).

The community is invited to witness this historic occasion at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Nixon’s Athletic Complex of Perquimans High School. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been set for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The naming rights initiative began two years ago when Dr. Anne White formed a fundraising committee with the goal of raising the required $50,000 to name the track after Captain Wiggins. That mission culminated on Monday, December 15, when Dr. White presented a check for the full amount to the Perquimans County Board of Education.

The committee, which included Dr. White, Tammy Miller White and Vera Riddick, worked tirelessly to ensure Captain Wiggins’ contributions to the community were permanently recognized. Perquimans County Schools Foundation Executive Director Brenda Lassiter managed the funds.

According to the committee, donor recognition will be a key part of the new site. The names of all donors who contributed to the effort will appear on temporary signage, while permanent signage will feature the names of all donors who contributed $500 or more. Permanent signage will be completed in the near future.

The dedication of the track is a fitting tribute to Captain Minnie Shirley Wiggins, whose life was defined by unwavering service, pioneering leadership, and steadfast faith. Born in Winfall, North Carolina, on February 6, 1933, Wiggins excelled academically early on, graduating as valedictorian from Perquimans County Training School in 1951 before earning her nursing degree from St. Agnes Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.

Her professional journey was marked by excellence. After spending twelve years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), she joined the United States Navy Nurse Corps. Over a twenty-two-year military career, she rose to the rank of Captain, completing assignments across the globe. By the time she retired, her leadership and compassion had impacted countless lives throughout a 34-year nursing career.

Upon returning home to Winfall, Captain Wiggins continued her life of service. She became a pillar of the Melton Grove Missionary Baptist Church and deeply involved in civic life.

In 2000, she made history as the first woman and first African American to chair the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners. Her dedication to the community was further reflected in her involvement with numerous organizations, including the National Naval Officers' Association, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Iota Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

A recipient of the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Captain Wiggins left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire. As the community gathers this March to cut the ribbon on the Captain M. Shirley Wiggins Track, they will be honoring a woman who broke barriers and set a remarkable standard for excellence in every community she touched.
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Event Details at a Glance
• What: Ribbon Cutting for Captain M. Shirley Wiggins Track
• Where: Dr. William Nixon’s Athletic Complex - PCHS
• When: Monday, March 23, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
• Rain Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

02/02/2026

Monds’ Gift Establishes Endowment and Honors Community Legacy

The Perquimans County Schools Foundation has received a generous $75,000 donation from Dr. A. Price Monds, given in the form of RBC stock, to establish a permanent endowment dedicated to supporting the school’s soccer and track programs.

The gift will be used to create an endowment, ensuring long-term funding that directly benefits student athletes involved in soccer and track. By establishing the endowment, the donation will continue to provide opportunities for students for generations to come.

When asked why he chose to designate the funds specifically for soccer and track, Dr. Monds shared a deeply personal motivation.

“I think sometimes these sports gets overlooked,” he said. “I want those children to have the same opportunities as others.”

In recognition of financial contributions for naming rights and the Monds family’s enduring commitment to Perquimans County and public service, the school’s soccer field will be named the Riley S. Monds, Jr. and Frances F. Monds PCHS Soccer Field.

Riley S. Monds, Jr. was a dedicated public servant who served as a County Commissioner from 1966 to 1978, including a term as Vice Chairman in 1977. His leadership helped shape the local community during a pivotal time of growth and change.

Frances F. Monds devoted her career to education, teaching at Hertford Elementary School as a special education teacher and serving as a truant officer. Her passion for children and advocacy for education extended beyond the classroom; she served as President of the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association during the 1960s, championing the needs of students and families statewide.

Together, the naming of the soccer field and the establishment of the endowment reflect the Monds family’s belief in service, education, and equal opportunity. Through this gift, Dr. Monds honors his parents’ legacy while investing in the future of students—ensuring that soccer and track participants receive the recognition, resources, and opportunities they deserve.

01/20/2026

Advocating for the Arts Scholarship

Scholarships are often associated with exceptional academic achievement or athletic performance, but John O. White, IV and Ann Carol White believe that artistic excellence and
commitment deserve equal recognition. Their vision has led to the creation of a new opportunity for students in Perquimans County—one that celebrates participation and dedication in the fine arts.

The Perquimans County Schools Foundation, Inc. currently administers more than fifty scholarships each year. While reviewing these offerings, the Whites observed that the majority are designated for athletes or students with top academic rankings. Drawing from the positive experiences their children and grandchildren gained through involvement in the arts, the Whites recognized a gap in support for students whose talents and passions lie in creative disciplines.

To address this need, they established an endowed scholarship designed specifically to honor students engaged in fine arts programs. The John O. White, IV and Ann Carol White
“Advocating for the Arts” Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in April 2026 to a graduating Perquimans County High School student. Funded through a permanent endowment, the scholarship ensures long-term support for future recipients. The inaugural award will be valued at $1,000.

This scholarship is intended to recognize and support students who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the fine arts—specifically band, color guard, and drama. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have actively participated in one or more of these programs for at least three years if graduating early, or four years if graduating as a senior.

The Whites believe that fine arts education plays a vital role in developing well-rounded students. Participation in the arts fosters creativity, critical thinking, discipline, collaboration, and emotional intelligence, while also contributing positively to academic performance and career readiness. Despite these benefits, arts education has steadily declined in perceived importance over recent decades, often as a result of budget constraints and shifting educational priorities.

Students who have not had access to arts programs may therefore underestimate their lasting academic, cultural, and personal value.

"As we followed the work of the School Foundation, we noticed an abundance of athletic and academic scholarships and very few recognizing the fine arts,” said John White. “

The Foundation does important work, and we simply wanted to ensure that students who dedicate themselves to the arts are also acknowledged and encouraged. The endowment reflects a commitment not only to individual students, but to the long-term vitality of arts education in local schools.”

Applications for the John O. White, IV and Ann Carol White “Advocating for the Arts” Scholarship are available through the Perquimans County High School counselor’s office.

The first award will be presented to a member of the Class of 2026.

01/14/2026

New Scholarship Honoring 2003 PQ Grad

The Danielle Alana Stallings Memorial Scholarship (for females attending NCSU) is a new scholarship created in honor and memory of Danielle Alana Stallings by her family. Danielle, fondly referred to as “D”, was a 2003 graduate of Perquimans County High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in 2007 and was employed for many years as a finance manager.

Danielle loved attending NCSU due to its friendly atmosphere with helpful peers and faculty, resources, diverse campus life and strong sense of Wolfpack community and spirit.

Danielle passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2024 at the young age of 40, and left a life-long legacy of kindness, integrity, trust worthiness and a powerful, beautiful smile. This scholarship is established in honor and memory of Danielle with an encouragement to others to always show kindness.

The Scholarship will be made available to PCHS female graduates for the first time in 2026. This scholarship will be funded through the Danielle Alana Stallings Memorial Endowment and will be managed by the Perquimans County Schools Foundation, Inc.

To qualify for this scholarship, a student must have a 3.0 GPA, be accepted to and plan to attend North Carolina State University and be a member of the PCHS softball team or must have played softball for the Lady Pirates during her high school tenure and submit an essay on how playing softball (high school athlete) prepared you for college and future careers; and why is showing kindness important in life?

Applications are available from the high school counselors at Perquimans County High School.

Others interested in donating to the Fund honoring Danielle may do so by sending check to Perquimans County Schools Foundation, Inc., PO Box 337, Hertford, NC. 27944 and earmark check “Danielle”.

The Board of Directors of the School Foundation will manage the Fund and only earnings from the Fund will be distributed each year through scholarships.

01/07/2026

Foundation Board Member Tammi Godfrey Byrum's father recently passed away. Please remember the family in thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

View James Marion Godfrey, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.