Bull City B.E.S.T.
"To be the best, I begin by thinking I am the best.
When I begin thinking I am the best, I come to know that I am the best.
Because I know that I am the best, I will always think, speak, and behave as the best."
DR. WILLIAM T. LOGAN
Durham Public Schools 2023 PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Hillside High School
Help send BCB to Atlanta and Puerto Rico!
Georgia National Hoop Series X Championships
Bull City B.E.S.T. is raising funds to provide unforgettable opportunities for our student-athletes through travel experiences in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. These trips are about more than basketball — they are about leadership, exposure, service, teamwork, and personal growth.
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Our 11U, 12U, and 15U teams will travel to Atlanta, where athletes will compete against teams from across the region while growing together as an organization and building stronger bonds as teammates. The experience will expose players to new environments, new opportunities, and life outside of North Carolina while proudly representing Durham on a bigger stage.
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In Puerto Rico, our 16U and 17U teams — 24 student-athletes total — will compete in an international basketball tournament while also giving back by mentoring younger students through our More Than Basketball Mission. Athletes will experience a new culture, build meaningful relationships, and learn the importance of leadership and service through sports.
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There are many ways to support our athletes and help make these experiences possible:
• Donate directly to our travel fund
• Participate in our online auctions and raffles
• Become a sponsor or community partner
• Share our fundraising campaigns with family and friends
• Support athlete-led fundraisers and events
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Every contribution helps cover travel, lodging, tournament fees, meals, community service activities, and educational experiences for our youth. Thank you for investing in the future of Bull City B.E.S.T. and helping us continue building leaders on and off the court.
Ways to help
Bid on hotel stays, spa services, custom desserts, sports memorabilia, restaurant gift cards, basketball training, and more — all while supporting youth mentorship and helping send our student-athletes to Puerto Rico for our More Than Basketball Mission. Every bid makes an impact!
$250 sponsors a player for Atlanta
​ $350 sponsors a player for Puerto Rico
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Your support helps cover hotels, travel, meals, tournament fees, and meaningful experiences through our More Than Basketball Mission. Every sponsorship makes a lasting impact!
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.
BEST Educator of the Month: October
Deric West
Lakewood Elementary
Coach West serves as a pillar in our community! He takes interest in gaining personal relationships with every child he encounters! He is the example of “be the person You needed at that age” kinda guy. When a child needs extra he gives double and it’s understood that he will always be there! He’s the same man in school, outside of school and I will always admire his intent and impact!
BEST Educator of the Month: November
Sheronda Smith
Pearsontown Elementary
"Ms. Smith shows up for her students and team everyday. A Durham native, she holds a strong sense of pride and responsibility for her community. She is looked up to by her peers, and always welcomes everyone with a smile and a hug. Her students feel safe, loved, and cared for in her classroom. As a former teammate and teaching partner of Ms. Smith, and now a class parent, I can truly say that she goes above and beyond for her students and classroom families. She is one of a kind, and loved by all who know her. She has suffered great personal loss, and still was able to come back and show up for her students." -Darcie Skidmore
Coming in 2026!
Afterschool Programming
Tutoring & Mentoring
Partnered with NCCU and DPS schools, we will provide needs based 1-on-1 and small group tutoring and mentoring.
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​Mental Toughness Training
These sessions are built for students who struggle with confidence, control, commitment or challenges in the classroom, outside world and or as student athletes.
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Media & Communications
​Through membership with The Peoples Channel and strategic community partnerships the media club will create and produce community based content for various media outlets.​
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Arts
Classes will be interest based and will very between visual (painting & photography) and performing (dance, drumline, acting). ​​​​​​
Bull City R.E.A.D.S.
Using the Bull City R.E.A.D.S. model students will develop an appreciation for the power of reading!
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Bull City R.E.A.D.S. captures a focus on literacy (Reading, Education), inclusivity (Access), growth (Development), and community empowerment (Support).
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Looking for additional information on afterschool programming?
Please contact Meghan or Chris Wilder at (919) 441-1157 or email info@bullcitybest.org.
BEST in the Bull Events
Winter & Spring
Community Day
Bi-monthly day of service
Middle & High School All-Star Basketball Game
Step Show
Battle of the Bands
**Youth of the Year
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