News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Career Tech Teacher, Good Citizens, storytelling at ArtMob

Jason Livingston poses with agriculture students at West Henderson High School after he was named Henderson County’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. [CONTRIBUTED]

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 18, 2025

Jason Livingston named Career Tech Teacher of the Year

Jason Livingston, agriculture teacher at West Henderson High School, has been named Henderson County’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year, the school system announced.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Livingston has built a thriving agricultural program at West Henderson, preparing students not only for careers in agriculture but also for leadership roles in their communities. As adviser for the school’s FFA chapter, he has fostered a dynamic learning environment where students gain hands-on experience in agriscience, horticulture, and animal science. His students are actively engaged in real-world applications, from managing livestock to cultivating crops, reinforcing the importance of agriculture as a foundation for society.

“Mr. Livingston embodies the excellence of Career and Technical Education through his dedication to student success and strong leadership,” said Scott Moore, the school system’s director of CTE. “His passion for agriculture education equips students with critical skills in sustainability and agribusiness, preparing them to shape the future of our community.”

Under Livingston’s leadership, the West Henderson FFA chapter has flourished, earning accolades in local and state competitions. The ag teacher encourages students to take on leadership roles and engage in service-learning projects that benefit the local farm community. 

“I try to never take for granted that I am blessed to have the best students and the best school,” said Livingston. “This honor has nothing to do with my accomplishments and everything to do with theirs.”

Beyond the classroom, Livingston plays a vital role in shaping students' character and work ethic through athletics. As a coach for both the football and baseball teams, he instills discipline, teamwork and perseverance—values that align closely with the demands of both agriculture and life. Additionally, he serves as a leader for West Henderson’s shooting team, helping students develop precision, responsibility and sportsmanship.

DAR honors five high school seniors as Good Citizens

The Joseph McDowell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized five high school seniors for their citizenship last month at Champion Hills. The winning students were Adelaide Murrey of Canongate Catholic High School, MollyClaire Perry of Henderson County Early College, Noelle Houlihan of West Henderson High School, Fiona Mel of North Henderson High School and Brock Hill of Hendersonville High School.

Selected as Good Citizens by the faculty at their schools, the students then participated in a scholarship essay contest. They were given a sealed envelope containing the focus topic — “Discuss how service can foster a strong sense of community and strengthen our American identity” — and had two hours to compose their responses under the supervision of school counselors.

The winners also participated in extracurricular activities at their schools, contributed to the community, demonstrated preparation for college and exemplified the qualities that make a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Each received a $200 check, a pin and a certificate.

ArtMob hosts storyteller

STEAP, the Storytelling, Education and Arts Program, will host the second in a series of events to help boost local businesses by bringing audiences directly to shops and restaurants.

Donna Marie Todd, a “Voice of the South” award winner, will perform songs and stories at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Art Mob, at 124 Fourth Ave. E. Todd has been described as “a gifted storyteller whose stories flow with imagery, humor, emotion and truth.”

The event is free but because seating is limited guests should plan to arrive early. 

Nominations open for Historic Preservation Awards

Hendersonville’s Historic Preservation Commission is inviting residents to nominate outstanding preservation projects for the city’s annual Historic Preservation Awards.

The awards honor projects that protect and maintain the historic form, materials and character of significant structures or complexes. The projects must be within the city limits and demonstrate a commitment to conservation, stabilization, restoration or reconstruction based on historical research and documentation. Awards are given in the following subcategories: 

• Residential – Recognizing preservation efforts in single-family homes, multi-unit buildings and other structures primarily used as residences.
• Commercial – Honoring preservation efforts in businesses, institutions, cultural facilities and other non-residential structures. 

Nominations are evaluated on:

• Historical/Architectural Significance: The importance of the building or site on a local, state, or national level, its architectural uniqueness, and its representation of a particular style or tradition.
• Authenticity/Integrity: The ability of the project to maintain the site’s original character, design and materials while respecting its historical significance.
• Integration with Setting: The project’s harmony with its surrounding environment, including urban design, topography and aesthetics.
• Complexity/Extensiveness: The level of difficulty and scope of the preservation efforts undertaken. 

 Community members may submit nominations by completing the nomination form on line. Nominations must include detailed descriptions, photographs, and any supporting documentation that highlights the preservation efforts. Deadline is 5 p.m. March 31. For more information, contact Sam Hayes, at shayes@hvlnc.gov.