Dave Machado presenting award plaque to Thomas McKoy
[Durham, NC, July 7th]
On June 21, 2021, the state of North Carolina celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of charter schools in our state. For one NC charter school, Reaching All Minds Academy (RAMA), this celebration included the announcement of its school leader as co-principal of the year.
Thomas McKoy, Reaching All Minds Academy School Leader, was co-awarded the Charter One 2020- 2021 Charter Principal/School Lead of the Year award by the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools. In a surprise ceremony hosted by the RAMA Board of Directors, the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools presented McKoy with the award in the presence of 230 RAMA staff and students. Presented by Dave Machado, Director of the Office of Charter, and the Charter One team, the Charter One 2020- 2021 Charter Principal/School Lead award recognizes the role of the charter school leader for establishing an environment conducive to academic excellence in North Carolina’s Charter Schools.
“We’re so proud of Mr. McKoy,” says Angela Cheek, Managing Director of Reaching All Minds Academy, speaking on behalf of the RAMA staff. “This award is well deserved for what he’s built at RAMA. Mr. McKoy leads our school with innovation, vision, and the belief that we must become the change we want to see in the world. He’s created an environment of striving toward success in our students and staff while maintaining a family atmosphere.”
McKoy humbly accepted that award, noting that it would not have been possible without the support of the RAMA Board of Directors, staff, students and parents. “It was an honor just to be nominated,” McKoy says. McKoy received a plaque and $1,000 check from Charter One. As co-winner of the award, McKoy joins Steve Pond of Peak Charter Academy as the first winners of this award.
Reaching All Minds Academy is a K-8 STEM public charter school that provides tuition-free education to all North Carolina students. Its mission is to prepare students to become productive citizens with the skills needed to solve complex problems, think critically, exhibit positive social competencies, and to function in a highly technological and global society. Its vision is, by engaging in project based learning, students will be prepared to pursue STEM related careers and become lifelong learners.
Photos credit: Diqital Film LLC
Reaching All Minds Academy students celebrating Thomas McKoy’s award
Charter One Check Presentation to Thomas McKoy
Thomas McKoy Shares Award with Students