Award-winning author Robert Jacob will present “Blackbeard: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Pirate” at the Jacksonville Branch on April 19, according to an announcement released April 15. The event will include a discussion of previously unknown facts about Blackbeard, as well as myths and legends surrounding his treasure. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books following a question-and-answer session.
This presentation aims to shed light on new historical insights into one of history’s most notorious pirates, providing community members with an educational experience that goes beyond popular tales.
The event comes as Onslow County schools continue to focus on academic achievement. During the 2022-23 school year, among senior students in Onslow County school districts who took the science portion of the ACT, only 18.7 percent were considered ready for college according to data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. For juniors taking the same test, readiness was slightly higher at 18.9 percent according to the same source.
Reading proficiency was higher among both seniors and juniors in Onslow County schools during this period. Of senior students taking the reading portion of the ACT, 34.2 percent were considered ready for college according to state data, while junior students reached a rate of 36.2 percent as reported by state officials.
Math scores showed that only 19.1 percent of seniors and 20.1 percent of juniors were deemed college-ready after taking their respective portions of the ACT based on information from North Carolina’s education department.
Jacob’s upcoming presentation offers an opportunity for local residents interested in history and literature to engage with new research while also highlighting ongoing efforts within Onslow County schools to prepare students for post-secondary success.
