Many people that supported the 1:1 Laptop Initiative from the beginning visited North Edgecombe, Tarboro, or SouthWest high schools Friday for the Laptop Launch event.

Those who backed the project through government, training sessions, funding or devoted time in some other way all came to see the product of their investment.

"It's an opportunity to hear from those that's traveled this journey with us," said Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

Some of those that traveled the two year journey that were in attendance included representatives from Golden LEAF who provided funding, representatives from the SAS Institute that provided training and funding, Pearsons, partners with Dell and provided the laptops, state Rep. Joe Tolson, state Sen. Clark Jenkins, students, teachers, principals, central office staff and others from the community.

Representatives from the Friday Institute also were in attendance. The Institute is working on evaluating how Edgecombe is implementing the 1:1 Laptop project.

"My team is focusing on the evaluation of the pilot schools," said Senior Research Associate Jennifer Corn.

"What we're really trying to do is learn from the pilot schools for other schools who are considering this."

Although Edgecombe is one of a few models for other schools, the district currently stands out as one of a kind being the first to get laptops to every high school student in the county.

"I'm very proud when I walk the halls of the legislature to say that Edgecombe County is the first to have a laptop for every student," Tolson said.

"It's the only one in the state right now with this pilot," said Mark Sorrells of the Golden LEAF Foundation.

Teachers and administrators testified that they saw improvements in student involvement within the first few days.

"Already this week, I've seen a level of engagement that I've never seen before since I've been here," said NEHS English teacher Cassandra Conger.

"Wonderful change has come to Tarboro High School," said THS Principal Lisa Cooke.

Cooke said that conversations between students have shifted to topics concerning things they've done in class with their laptops.

Students also gave input on how the laptops are and will help them with their education.

"Hopefully this will help us in the long run as we go to college, and do bigger and better things," said NEHS student Dean Cooper.

"I feel it's more interesting because you normally just sit there and here your teacher lecture but with the hands-on you can keep repeating the assignments on your own," said NEHS student Candice Wiggs.

Teachers seem to find working with the laptops more interesting as well.

THS English teacher Matthew Bristow-Smith, who was chosen as North Central Region Teacher of the Year, gave remarks during the Laptop Launch about his experience with the computers during the first week.

Bristow-Smith said he planned two lesson plans, one if there were glitches with the computers, and one if the laptops were up and running okay.

"The lesson plan with the laptop is way more exciting to me," he said.

Bristow-Smith also highlighted on his belief that the laptops will help with the retention of teachers in the district.

"The laptop initiative is going to be a project to lift us up," he said.

Caroline McCullen, Director of Educational Initiatives for the SAS Institute said that the focus is not on the computers but what the technology brings to education.

"Although the computers are important, this is not really a laptop project, this is about learning," she said.

"At the end of the day, we're going to have something remarkable, leading not only the state but the nation."

Much appreciation was given during the event for getting the project on the ground.

Town Councilman Dr. Steve Hoard who proposed a county-wide broadband wireless Internet project to the Golden LEAF Foundation for the Community Assistance Initiative praised Witherspoon for his drive to get the laptops at the schools.

"He literally pulled a miracle off. Without your leadership, and dedication, we couldn't of gotten it started," he said.

THS Student Government Association President Sean Howard commended all the representatives for giving the students the opportunity of working with the computers.

"When I glance at the laptop, and I glance at you all, it reminds me of who made this possible," Howard said.

"Thank you for taking a sincere interest in the value of our education."

All the attendees got the opportunity to tour the classroom, and get a first hand look at how the teachers were utilizing the laptops.