Sandy Drum selected for PBS North Carolina's Rootle Ambassador Program
PBS North Carolina, North Carolina's statewide PBS network, has appointed Sandy Drum, Director of Ellis Planetarium, to serve as a Rootle Ambassador for Lenoir County.
Launched in 2020, the Rootle Ambassador Program connects young learners and their families to much- needed early learning resources with the help of local education champions. Rootle Ambassadors plan and deliver community engagements tailored to their region's unique needs, backed by ongoing professional development, curated educational toolkits and direct training from PBS North Carolina.
"PBS North Carolina is fortunate to collaborate with Rootle Ambassadors, whose expertise within their local community and across our statewide network directly informs our content creation and resource development," said Lauren McDowell Pyle, PBS North Carolina's Director of Children's Media and Education Engagement. "Each ambassador is a trusted leader for young children and families, bringing unique insights that serve as a springboard for innovative playful learning."
Since the program's launch, Rootle Ambassadors have engaged their communities in 700+ learning events with 330+ local partner organizations, reaching a conservative estimate of 111,000 families. In 2025, the program achieved a major milestone by expanding its reach to all 100 counties in the state.
Sandy has worked with children her entire career as a preschool teacher, preschool director, and Ellis Planetarium and Kid's Museum director. "I am passionate about creating meaningful, engaging educational experiences that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning", Sandy explains. "As a Rootle Ambassador, I am excited to help connect children and families with educational resources that encourage exploration, creativity, and discovery."
The Rootle Ambassador Program is supported by funding from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, the Camber Foundation, the Dogwood Health Trust, the Unifour Foundation, Dianna and Jeffrey Goodman, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. To learn more, visit pbsnc.org/Rootle Ambassadors.
About Rootle PBS KIDS
Rootle, PBS North Carolina's 24/7 PBS KIDS brand, provides wholesome, educational and entertaining content and resources for children and is a trusted educational partner to families, caregivers and educators across the state. Learn more at pbsnc.org/rootle.
