Burke Middle College senior Jackson C. went outside the box to create a service project that combines his love of dirt bikes with a desire to help children who are less fortunate. Jackson spent two Saturdays in late October collecting boxes for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive. He called his project “Dirt Bikes for Tikes.”

The Burke County Board of Education recognized Jim and Susy Tilley for their work with S.M.A.R.T. (Supplies, Materials and Resources for Teachers) at Monday’s board meeting. After 12 years, the couple retired from being what Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan called, “the heart, soul and sweat behind S.M.A.R.T.” The Tilleys helped start S.M.A.R.T. in April of 2009 as a grassroots effort dedicated to providing school supplies to Burke County Public Schools students and teachers.