Surry County Schools is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Travis L. Reeves has been named the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Frances Jones Trailblazer Award by the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD). This prestigious award recognizes visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing education in North Carolina.
Dr. Reeves’ commitment to innovation, student success, and workforce development has set him apart as a leader dedicated to lighting pathways to global success for all students. Under his leadership, Surry County Schools has expanded opportunities for students through apprenticeship and career readiness programs, enhanced school safety initiatives, and strengthened community partnerships that support lifelong learning.
Dr. Reeves’s creative leadership shines through his vision and the remarkable success of work-based learning initiatives, such as Next Generation Career Academy, which spurred the creation of Surry-Yadkin Works, a collaborative work-based learning program that offers high school students in Elkin City Schools, Mount Airy City Schools, Surry County Schools, and Yadkin County Schools, invaluable hands-on experiences. With the assistance of Surry Community College, this regional initiative bridges education and industry by connecting students with local businesses, enabling them to develop critical workplace skills while earning school credit and a national pre-apprenticeship certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Since its launch in January 2021, Surry-Yadkin Works has served over 650 students, with participants earning more than 3,000 workforce credentials.
Building on this success, Dr. Reeves championed the Surry-Yadkin FLEET (Altec) program, a groundbreaking collaboration that merges education and industry to prepare students for careers in vehicle and equipment maintenance. In partnership with Altec, a global leader in equipment and fleet solutions, this school-based program provides students with both technical expertise and hands-on experience, equipping them for high-demand careers. Recognizing that many businesses are hesitant to invest in students who have struggled in traditional school settings, Dr. Reeves worked closely with Altec and Surry-Yadkin Works to develop a unique program allowing students to complete their high school education on the company’s campus. This model integrates classroom learning with workplace expectations, helping students thrive as engaged, successful leaders within the business community.
Dr. Reeves has also strengthened the district’s partnership with Surry Community College, ensuring students have expanded access to Career and College Promise (CCP) programs. Last year, 421 students from traditional high schools enrolled in CCP courses at Surry Community College, earning a total of 4,712 credits. This initiative not only provided high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits but also saved families $358,112 in tuition costs. Additionally, students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses earned 2,375 credentials last year, equipping them with certifications and skills that enhance their college and career readiness.
Under Dr. Reeves' leadership, Surry County Schools has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, ranking 21st out of 115 districts in North Carolina. Under his leadership, Surry County Schools has:
Expanded middle school agricultural science programs to connect students to Surry County’s largest industry while strengthening high school agriculture programs.
Boosted partnerships with Wayne Sanderson Farms support poultry labs, and two high schools feature large animal barns, enhancing hands-on learning.
Implemented Paxton Patterson labs in all middle schools to provide hands-on career exploration opportunities.
Superintendent Reeves commented, “I am truly honored to receive the Dr. Frances Jones Trailblazer Award from NCASCD. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our educators, students, community partners, and business leaders who work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students. At Surry County Schools, we are committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom by bridging education and industry, and I am proud of the innovative programs we have developed to support their futures. I share this award with our Board of Education and every Surry County Schools employee who believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Success is never achieved alone - it is a team effort. I am proud of everyone in this school system for their hard work and effort in building a culture of trust and commitment based on our core values of leading self, leading with others, and changing our world. I want to thank my wife, Leslie, and our children, Weatherly and Ridge, for their support and love.”
NCASCD presents the Dr. Frances Jones Trailblazer Award annually to an education leader who demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to improving student achievement. Dr. Reeves’ dedication to excellence in education continues to have a lasting impact on both Surry County Schools and the broader educational landscape in North Carolina.
This award was created to honor and celebrate Dr. Frances Jones, who retired as the Executive Director of NCASCD in April 2015. She served as the Executive Director for NCASCD for 21 years. The award is presented to an education professional who has dedicated their educational career to excellence in public education. They have demonstrated (a) a life-long dedication to the improvement of education for students and professional development for teachers and administrators as demonstrated by results for children and adults, (b) a belief in ASCD’s Whole Child philosophy through innovative programs and initiatives, and (c) service as an educational mentor and leader to other educational professionals throughout their career.