Today, Sept. 3, Moore Innovative High School held its grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, officially marking the beginning of the new educational institution.
“Today, we cut a ribbon, but most importantly, we symbolize opening a door, one that leads to new opportunities, bold ideas and bright futures for our young people. Moore Innovative was built on a vision to give young people a place where innovation and real world learning come together to provide support and access to long term career success. Here, students are not only earning a diploma, but also developing the very skills, experiences and confidence they will need to thrive in whatever their next step may be,” remarked Principal of MIHS Ashlee Ciccone during the ceremony.
The inaugural class of Moore Innovative High School made history on Aug. 7 as they kicked off their high school journey—and the 2025–26 school year. Sixty-five students in Moore County Schools entered Van Dusen Hall to make history as students in the first early college focused on trades in the state of North Carolina.
This new school was made possible thanks to collaboration between Moore County Schools and Sandhills Community College with funds from the North Carolina General Assembly and additional support from local leaders and representatives.
“This is a great example of folks coming together to help build the workforce in North Carolina alongside students and their families who see the value in skilled trades and hands-on learning,” said Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, president of Sandhills Community College, in a press release. “Being creative and innovative, this model blurs the line of high school and college education for our state and enhances workforce development opportunities and economic development in the region. We’re pleased to lead the pack, especially with Principal Ashlee Ciccone who is a force of nature. What she has done with the staff at the high school and the college is remarkable and has been delivered in record time - less than two years since the funds were appropriated. We couldn’t be more excited.”
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
