Erica Starke-Knight introduces us to the 2013 O. Max Gardner Award recipient, Dr. Samuel Sears. The East Carolina University Professor is a nationally recognized expert in the psychological care and quality of life outcomes of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.

Montlieu Academy was considered an under-performing school until last year, with low test scores & high absenteeism. Thanks to High Point University & community foundations, there is a new emphasis on technology at Montlieu. Test scores have improved dramatically & the students say they really like to come to school.

Kelley McHenry reports on a new nine million dollar grant program awarded to North Carolina State University to make solar home installation projects easier and less expensive. The U.S. Department of Energy grant will be used to design solar energy systems and installation and connection procedures that require little or no customization by homeowners and installers. The systems would set up quickly and connect to the power grid easily, while still meeting building and electrical codes. (Wake Co.)

Donna Campbell presents the third installment of her series on Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology School in High Point. In this report she shows how, with the help of High Point University and community foundations presenting iPads to students and faculty, the once low performing school has transformed into a technology innovator and educator. (Guilford Co.)

Kelly McCullen examines how a 30-million dollar shot in the arm investment at UNC-Pembroke's Nursing Program has resulted in new facilities and state of the art training aids. (Robeson Co.)

Kelley McHenry shows us how Wilmington, the first city in the country to turn off its analog signal--is now reusing the spectrum space to deliver free Internet WiFi throughout the city. (New Hanover Co.)

In Oak Island, about 30 miles south of Wilmington, volunteers joined forces to place 5,000 bags of reclaimed oyster shells in the water to form two new reefs. Kelley McHenry reports.

Montlieu Academy, a magnet school for technology, is not far from High Point University in Guilford County. Until August of 2011, it was considered an under-performing school. Test scores were below average. Discipline problems and poor attendance were common. Education leaders developed a bold new vision for Montlieu and purchased iPads for every student and teacher in the school.

Frank Graff heads to Western Carolina University to introduce us to "Sim-Man," a rather human-like mannequin who teaches students how to respond to real life medical situations. "Sim-Man" is part of the university's new $46 million state of the art teaching labs located in the Health and Human Science Building.

The communities of Hays, Boomer, and Champion in Wilkes County NC are rallying to keep their healthcare centers sustainable as cuts in healthcare reimbursements take a toll on their already tight budgets. According to the Wilkes County 2012 “State of the County’s Health Report,” the number of uninsured patients receiving services increased by nearly 30-percent. Heather Burgiss reports.