Cumberland County Schools (CCS) recognized Edith Ball and Roy Young for their dedication to supporting students and strengthening school communities during the Cumberland County Board of Education meeting on Oct. 12, 2026.

Ball received the Extra Mile Award for creating a peer reading program on her school bus. Young received the Committed Community Support Award for more than three decades of service to South View High School and schools across the district.

Ball, a bus driver and child nutrition employee, turned the afternoon bus ride into an opportunity for students to build reading skills and connect with one another.

Her Bus Peer Reading Tutor program pairs fourth- and fifth-grade volunteers with younger students to read donated books and discuss stories using comprehension questions. The initiative provides younger students with additional reading support while helping older students develop leadership and mentoring skills.

“Ms. Ball saw an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom,” said Cheryel Hinkle in a press release. Hinkle, an assistant principal at E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, nominated Ball. “Her creativity helps students grow as readers and gives them a meaningful way to support one another.”

The Extra Mile Award recognizes employees who demonstrate sustained excellence and inspire others to do their best.

A South View High School alumnus and president of the school’s band boosters, Roy Young has spent more than 30 years supporting students, staff and school activities.

Alongside his wife, Farah Young, he volunteers at athletic events, supports concession operations, coordinates fundraisers and community outreach and helps provide holiday meals and Teacher Appreciation Week luncheons for faculty and staff.

Young also holds a commercial driver’s license and volunteers to drive buses for field trips, athletic events and cultural activities. His transportation support extends to other CCS schools.

Young was nominated by Ruby A. Murray, a retired sergeant major and South View’s Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps senior instructor, and Paul Ingram, the school’s band teacher.

“Roy consistently steps in wherever he is needed,” Murray and Ingram said in a press release. “His years of service reflect a deep commitment to students and to the schools that serve our community.”

The Committed Community Support Award recognizes individuals and groups who selflessly support the school system.