Ocracoke Island resident Rachael Chestnut was sworn in today (March 7) as the Ocracoke representative on the Hyde County Board of Education.
She replaces Angela Todd, who resigned her seat in January to take the position of magistrate on Ocracoke.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Chestnut grew up vacationing on Ocracoke. She graduated cum laude from The George Washington University in 2017 where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace Studies.
During her time as an undergrad, she was able to study abroad in the former Yugoslav countries of Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo in a peace and conflict studies program. After graduation she completed a term of service with AmeriCorps working with the organization Rebuilding Together and was based in the Bay Area of California.
She stayed in San Francisco for another year and a half working as a legal assistant before moving back to the East Coast.
She has been a resident of Ocracoke for four years and enjoys being part of a community.
Her full-time job is managing all of the outdoor experiences and rentals for Ride the Wind Surf Shop, where she also leads kayak tours from spring through fall. She and Robert Chestnut, the Ocracoke School art teacher, married in April of 2023.
Rachael has been a board member for the Ocracoke Friends of the Library since summer of 2022. She has volunteered for the 21st Century program at Ocracoke School for the last two years where she assists with the cheer club for third, fourth and fifth graders.
“I know I have a lot to learn, but am eager to understand the needs of the district and passionate about supporting the students of Ocracoke and Mattamuskeet,” she said about her new responsibilities. “We are so lucky to have hardworking staff, supportive volunteers, and a community that lifts the students up, and I am simply one of the many who make Hyde County Schools strong.
“I believe school is a place for students to learn interpersonal skills and grow their self identity, while at the same time gaining crucial knowledge that will set them up for a bright future. Together with the rest of the board I hope that I can help to facilitate these bright futures.”
The board also swore in Dustin Nails (Rep), who fills the spot vacated with the recent death of Aleta Cox.
Nails was born in Georgia and moved to Hyde County in 2019. He is married to Josalynn Nails, a Hyde County local and alumni from Mattamuskeet School, and they both share a young daughter.
He resides in the Ponzer Community and works for the Hyde County Utilities Department.
“Here’s to the promise of collaboration, innovation, and a future brighter than our fondest dreams,” said Dr. Melanie R. Shaver about the new members. “I am excited that our shared commitment to education and Hyde County will continue to guide us towards excellence.”
