Lexington City Schools Career Development Coordinator Elizabeth Cross has been selected to represent the Piedmont Triad region as a 2026-2028 Career Connection Champion, a statewide leadership role focused on strengthening connections between education and the workforce.

Cross, who serves at Lexington Senior High School, is one of eight professionals selected statewide by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Career Development and Work-Based Learning Team, with one champion representing each region of North Carolina.

Career Connection Champions, also known as Triple C’s, serve as regional leaders who strengthen communication, collaboration and connections among educators, employers and communities. They share best practices and support initiatives that help students explore careers, gain real world experience and build pathways to success after graduation.

“Being a Career Connection Champion is an opportunity to help students see that learning extends far beyond the classroom,” Cross said. “I hope to support career connected learning by creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore careers, connect with local employers and experience how their education can lead to a successful future. My goal is to help every student discover their strengths, see possibilities and make connections that prepare them for life beyond high school.”

Cross has already helped expand career connected opportunities for Lexington City Schools students.

During the 2025-2026 school year, she set a goal of establishing the district’s first registered preapprenticeship. Through partnerships with Davidson Davie Community College and ApprenticeshipNC, a Lexington City Schools student became the district’s first registered preapprentice in Early Childhood Education.

That opportunity has since developed into a registered apprenticeship with Lexington City Schools, allowing the former student to work full time while continuing to build skills and experience in the field.

“For me, it’s a great reminder that when we connect students with authentic work experiences, we’re not just preparing them for careers. We’re creating pathways that benefit students, schools and our community,” Cross said.

Superintendent Dr. Ron Anthony said Cross’s selection reflects both her leadership and the district’s commitment to preparing students for opportunities beyond graduation.

“Mrs. Cross’s selection is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the outstanding work taking place within Lexington City Schools,” Dr. Anthony said. “Creating meaningful connections between education and the workforce is essential to preparing our students for success beyond graduation. We are proud to have Mrs. Cross represent Lexington City Schools and the Piedmont Triad region at the state level.”

Throughout her 2026-2028 term, Cross will have opportunities to share experiences and ideas from Lexington City Schools and the Piedmont Triad with colleagues across North Carolina while bringing statewide best practices, partnerships and resources back to the region.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced the 2026-2028 Career Connection Champions on September 11. The eight champions represent the North Central, Northeast, Northwest, Piedmont Triad, Sandhills, Southeast, Southwest and West regions.

Congratulations to Mrs. Cross on this statewide recognition and opportunity to represent Lexington City Schools and the Piedmont Triad!