The Annie Project
The Annie Project is an outreach initiative providing food and everyday necessities for youth and community members in need.
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This initiative is rooted in the legacy of Annie Ruth Melvin who lived by and believed that the greatest gifts are to give with love and a smile.
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Our Legacy
To the mothers and grandmothers in our lives who have shared and continued this legacy, your work has not gone unnoticed. It is with great pride that we embark on this mission of service. On your shoulders we stand... Annie Day Shepard, Annie Bell Mann Wilder, Marjorie Matthews, Adolfine Schmid, Ramona Allen and Carolyn Lilly Wilder.
Beginning January 2025, we are excited to introduce our new initiative: “BEST Educator of the Month”! This initiative is designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of our teachers and school support staff who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on our students, schools, and community.On the 28th of each month, a staff member who exemplifies being the BEST in their community by, Building, Educating, and Strengthening Together, will be selected as the BEST of the Month. The selection team is made up of a group of a current classroom teacher, past exceptional children teacher, past school counselor, current NCCU School of Education student, beginning teacher mentor and current assistant principal. ​In addition to recognition, we will express our gratitude tangibly with a special gift basket filled with BCB swag, a gift card donated from a local restaurant, and a plaque.Each local business will be acknowledged in our promotional materials, newsletters, and on social media as a community supporter of Bull City B.E.S.T. and Durham Public Schools staff members, showing our shared commitment to education. ​Understanding the need and power of educators in our community, BCB recognizes that it truly takes a village. We want to honor those individuals that are going above and beyond in support of our village.
Bull City BEST Educator of the Month: August
Pat Dall​
Durham School of the Arts
We are thrilled to announce Mr. Pat Dall, social studies teacher at Durham School of the Arts, as January’s (and the very first ever) Bull City BEST Educator of the Month! Mr. Dall exemplifies what it means to Build, Educate, and Strengthen Together through his work in the classroom and beyond. According to those who nominated Mr. Dall, his classroom is more than a place of learning - it’s a safe haven where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to think critically about the world around them. He crafts lessons using different modalities that engage every type of learner, using music, projects, presentations, and more to meet students where they are and help them succeed. He can often be found after the final bell, tutoring and mentoring students who need a helping hand. His influence resonates so deeply, in fact, many of his students have shared that his guidance has inspired them to pursue teaching as a career after graduation. In the spirit of Bull City BEST’s mission to empower youth through academics, athletics, and the arts, Mr. Dall is a shining example of the positive impact an educator can have on their community. We are proud to honor him for his unwavering commitment to shaping well-rounded students who are prepared to think critically about the world around them, achieve their goals, and make a difference in the world. Congratulations, Mr. Dall, and thank you for doing your BEST every day to inspire and uplift your community. ​
A Huge THANK YOU to It's a Southern Thing, Yunus Road for donating a $50 gift card to our winner!
Bull City BEST Educator of the Month: September
Maria Fugon
Glenn Elementary
A VERY special thank you to Chapel Hill Restaurant Group for donating a $50 gift card for the winner!
We are thrilled to announce that this month’s Bull City B.E.S.T. Educator of the Month is Mrs. Maria Fugon of Glenn Elementary School. Mrs. Fugon embodies what it means to bring her BEST every day, leaving a profound impact on students, colleagues and families alike through her dedication, resilience, and commitment to her classroom, her school, and her community. A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Mrs. Fugon began her journey as an instructional assistant before returning to school at North Carolina Central University, earning her degree and licensure to become a certified classroom teacher, all while continuing to work full time. To this day she continues to work tirelessly at her craft, participating in regular professional development, summer workshops, and continuously seeking opportunities to better herself and those around her. Mrs. Fugon is especially passionate about supporting English Language Learners, drawing from her own experiences to create a welcoming and empowering classroom environment. She works tirelessly to ensure her students not only grow academically but also develop confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Fugon is a leader in her school community. She co-leads professional development initiatives, facilitates parent engagement sessions, and advocates for greater understanding of the challenges and triumphs of immigrant students and families. Her impact reaches far beyond test scores—she is shaping lives, inspiring futures, and breaking down barriers for the next generation.Mrs. Fugon’s resilience, passion, and dedication to her students embody the very spirit of Bull City BEST. We are proud to celebrate her and the incredible difference she makes every day. Congratulations, Mrs. Fugon!​Do you know somebody who embodies what it means to Build, Educate, and Strengthen Together in your school? Click the link below to nominate your BEST educator of the month form March! Nominations are due on March 15, 2025 and will be announced on March 28, 2025!​​​​​​
Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Golf Event
BEST
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Backpack & Supply Drive
Doing what we do BEST, supporting our community! Over 300 backpacks were donated to DPS students! A special thank you to W.G. Pearson Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Walmart, Minnie M. Forte-Brown Staff Development Center and all those who helped via donation!
Essentials Gift Bag Packing
for the Unhoused
More than a basketball team...
Making a difference in the city we love by sharing a little love.
B.E.S.T.
Building. Educating. Strengthening. Together.
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BEST Day of Service
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, Bull City BEST families gathered downtown Durham to give away pizza, coffee, blankets, jackets, hats and coats to the unhoused in our community. We were able to build positive relationships, have meaningful fellowship with our community.
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BEST Day of Service- April
Essential gift bag packing and distribution for the month of April 2024
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