The crack of a baseball bat, cheers from the crowd, and a ceremonial first pitch from BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson made for a memorable night at HomeTrust Park as the Buncombe County Schools Foundation celebrated 42 years of supporting students, educators and schools across Buncombe County.

Foundation board members, school leaders, and community supporters gathered Wednesday to celebrate the Foundation’s work and honor Dr. Jackson, who is retiring this year after 34 years in public education.

Dr. Jackson took the mound to throw the first pitch, giving him a chance to celebrate with many of the people who have been part of his journey in Buncombe County Schools.

But the evening was about more than baseball. It was also a celebration of a career that began in unexpected places.

Before becoming superintendent, Dr. Jackson worked as a school secretary and summer custodian. Over the course of 34 years, he continued to grow as an educator and leader, ultimately serving as superintendent of Buncombe County Schools for the past four years.

His own path in education inspired the launch of the Dr. Rob Jackson Elevate the Future Scholarship, a new scholarship through the Buncombe County Schools Foundation that will support BCS employees who are pursuing teacher licensure.

The scholarship is designed to help employees take the next step in their careers and become licensed teachers - creating new opportunities for people who are already making a difference in the lives of BCS students every day.

It is a fitting tribute to Jackson’s career and a reflection of his belief that a person’s starting point does not have to determine where their journey ends.

For Jackson, a career that began behind the scenes in a school eventually led to the superintendent’s office. Now, the scholarship created in his honor will help other BCS employees pursue their own paths into the classroom.

The evening also served as a reminder of the Foundation’s 42-year commitment to investing in the future of Buncombe County Schools. Through scholarships, grants and community partnerships, the Foundation works to create opportunities for students and educators throughout the district.

As the Foundation celebrates its past and looks toward the future, community support remains an important part of that work.

Help us continue creating opportunities for BCS students and educators. Your gift to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation can help fund scholarships, innovative classroom projects and programs that make a lasting difference in our schools. Donate today to support the Foundation and help elevate the future of Buncombe County Schools.