RALEIGH — On Oct. 3, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) honored Principal Ashlee Ciccone as the first recipient of the True Trailblazer Science of Reading Award.
Ciccone is the principal of Pinehurst Elementary School in Moore County Public Schools.
NCDPI’s account on the social media platform X issued a post congratulating Ciccone as being “recognized for her exemplary efforts to guide the school through its shift to SoR [Science of Reading], positively impacting professional & student knowledge & collaboration.”
According to the district, Ciccone had begun using LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional development at her school before State Superintendent Catherine Truitt launched the statewide literacy initiative involving LETRS.
“Principal Ciccone’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the science of reading have set a shining example for educators and administrators across North Carolina,” the district press release states. “She embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and a deep passion for the betterment of education.”
