HCEF is Chock-Full-O'Good News! 🥳

A Look Back: 2023 Annual Report


We are thrilled to share our annual report with you and want to highlight,

this work would not have been possible without YOU!

Spotlight on Leader in Me

We talk about Leader in Me all the time, but what is it?

And why do we think it is invaluable to HCPS students?


Read below about two core elements of the Leader in Me:

5 Paradigms of Leadership, and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

5 Paradigms of Leadership:

7 Habits of Highly Effective People:

By incorporating the 7 Habits into daily practices, individuals at all levels—students, teachers, administrators, and parents—can enhance their personal and professional effectiveness. This foundational component is essential across all schools, promoting a culture of self-leadership and empowerment.

Why is Leader in Me invaluable for HCPS students?

Leadership skills are crucial for personal and academic success. Leader in Me provides students with tools to enhance their self-confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, contributing to their overall development and future success!


Leader in Me Updates: Leadership District & and New District Coach!

The 2024-2025 school year is truly historic!!!  This is the first year that Henderson County Public Schools is officially a Leadership District, where ALL 23 schools are intentionally growing student leaders.


Unlike a traditional Leader in Me District, we carefully integrate components of the Leader in Me framework that align with each school’s unique mission and improvement goals. Through this approach, we foster leadership across three core pillars: Leadership, Culture, and Academics. It’s an exciting milestone for our schools!!!


Did we use enough exclamation marks?!! (We are so excited about this)

Meet the New District LIM Coach: Kayla Castro!

In partnership with HCPS, a new District Coach position will support and sustain the growth of our leadership district. This position will provide consistent and comprehensive support to all schools, ensuring that leadership, culture, and academic development are seamlessly integrated. The district leadership coach will help create a positive and empowering environment that benefits the entire community.

“Hi! My name is Kayla Castro and I am excited to be serving as the District Leadership Coach this year. I have been teaching in NC for 12 years. I have previously served as a K-5 classroom teacher, an ESL/MLL teacher, and an ESL/MLL Lead and as a LIM Lighthouse Coordinator.”

“My vision for this role is to grow leadership opportunities and capacity within all HCPS schools. I believe every student deserves a leadership education. I look forward to becoming a consistent coach for current LIM schools to ensure their success along the Leader in Me journey and providing additional resources and frameworks to ensure their leadership goals are realized in current and new LIM schools. I am most looking forward to developing relationships and working together with other educators to ensure every student graduates with skills to be successful leaders!”

Did you know there are more ways to give than a simple cash donation? We'd like to introduce you to alternative giving options that may align with your financial planning while maximizing your philanthropic impact!

Why Consider These Alternatives to Cash Giving?


Tax Efficiency: Non-cash gifts can provide significant tax advantages, especially if you're holding appreciated assets or facing mandatory distributions from retirement accounts.

Financial Planning: Integrating your charitable giving with your overall financial strategy can yield benefits now and in the future.

Legacy Building: These forms of giving can help you establish a lasting impact that continues to support educational excellence for years to come.


Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about non-cash giving!