SALISBURY — Rowan-Salisbury Schools Superintendent Dr. Lynn Moody has been awarded the Friday Medal by the William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.

The Friday Medal honors significant, distinguished and enduring contributions to education and beyond through advocating innovation, advancing education and imparting inspiration. In recognition of the commitment of Bill and Ida Friday to educational excellence, this award is given annually to selected individuals who embody the mission and spirit of the Friday Institute. This year’s award is given in collaboration with the N.C. School Superintendents Association.

This year, the institute is honoring superintendents of rural N.C. districts who are deemed innovative. Seven superintendents from across the state were chosen. In addition to Moody, Darrin Hartness of Davie County and Janet Mason of Rutherford County were also chosen.

Moody said that while she was honored to be among the group of chosen superintendents, she felt that the award belonged to the school system as a whole.

“I really believe that it’s a district award, not a superintendent award,” she said. “…I really feel that it’s about the district’s work.”

Rowan-Salisbury schools has a “climate and a culture” of innovation that teachers and administrators “take great pride in,” she said. Rowan-Salisbury educators create an innovative team that Moody said pushes her every day.

The 2017 Friday Medal ceremony will take place on November 15 at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation in Raleigh. Click here to learn more about the award and to view past recipients.