Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VCS Announces September Student Spotlight Honorees

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Information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support

 

Vance County Schools has named its three Student Spotlight winners for September. De’Shun Woods of Vance County Early College, Adreyan Burton of Vance County High School and Taelyn Evans of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy are the first honorees for the 2023-24 school year.

Students are selected for demonstrating exemplary qualities and contributions to their school communities, according to Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support. The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate outstanding students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools.

 

De’Shun Woods, senior, Vance County Early College

Woods is a senior at Vance County Early College. He is a natural leader, said Student Government Association Sponsor Brian Schlessinger, who commended Woods for his “innate

leadership qualities and dedication to helping others.” He demonstrates leadership through his academic achievements and his willingness to provide guidance and support to his peers.

Biology teacher Vicki-Ann Fullwood Barrett cited his “consistent performance in the classroom and engagement in discussions, which have been commendable. Beyond academics, he has demonstrated a commitment to being well-rounded through involvement in extracurricular activities, showcasing his dedication to personal growth.”

Woods is vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Beta Club and

and serves as community service director of the National Honor Society. He plays clarinet and is the woodwind captain for the Vance County High Band. Woods was crowned Homecoming King recently and is a Vance-Granville Community College ambassador. And if that’s not enough, Woods also has a job with Chick-fil-A of Henderson.

Criminology is one of his favorite classes, and Woods has stated that he would like to pursue a criminal justice degree at N.C. State University to prepare him for a career with the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Woods said recently that the class is learning policing styles and discrimination in law enforcement, which motivates him to encourage more minorities to join the profession.

In his down time, Woods likes to listen to R&B music and watch his favorite TV show, The Blacklist. He said his mother is his biggest role model – she works hard and he values her leadership qualities. When asked what advice he would share with others, he said that students must have a voice for themselves and not be deterred by others’ opinions. He wants to encourage people to help one another and become the best version of themselves. De’Shun Woods is a shining example of a student positively impacting the Vance County Early College community and the community at-large.

Adreyan Burton, Junior, Vance County High School

Burton, a junior at Vance County High School, shines brightly as the Student Spotlight for September. His journey at the school is marked by outstanding scholarship and leadership. His commitment to academics and his consistent placement at the top of his class is a testament to his dedication to excel in his studies, school leaders state.

His passion for knowledge is evident in his willingness to go above and beyond in his

schoolwork, always striving for excellence. Beyond academic achievements, Burton possesses an extraordinary leadership gifts that motivate and engage others. He inspires his peers and contributes to a positive learning environment.

His favorite subject is English, because he said it keeps his mind sharp and focused. But he takes time for activities outside the classroom like donning the VCS Viper costume for school and sports activities.

Burton exhibits empathy and kindness in all that he does and he is known for his willingness to help anyone in need, whether it’s creating a culture of support and inclusion at school or inviting a homeless person to a restaurant to make sure that individual had at least one meal that day.

Weightlifting helps him stay in shape and he also enjoys riding 4-wheelers, the music of Hunxo and Lil Tony and TV’s “The Regular Show.”

He admires his mom for teaching him independence and advises others to focus on themselves, be unique and keep smiling.

With aspirations of being an entrepreneur, Burton said he could see himself flipping house or having his own clothing store. His dream adventure includes a visit to Jamaica to enjoy the beaches and the cuisine unique to that Caribbean island.

Taelyn Evans, 4th grader, EM Rollins STEAM Academy 

Evans, a 4th grader at E.M. Rollins STEAM  Academy, was recognized for her exceptional talents and dedication for learning. She comes to class eager to listen, learn, and excel in all subject areas. Her commitment to education is seen in her academic achievements, but also in her willingness to assist her classmates with their questions and assignments. She is a great team player and collaborates well with her peers, making her a dependable and supportive classmate.

Math is her favorite subject because her teacher, Ebony Watkins, makes content fun, she said.

Beyond her academic focus, her passion for

learning is matched only by her love for dancing and

singing. She is a member of Queen of Diamonds dance team and superstar Beyonce is her role model in the area of performing arts. She participates in school musical performances and plays baseball in the community.

Asked what advice she would give to other students, Evans said she wants everyone to do their best, try hard, and remember what they learn in class. Also, to stay calm and have good behavior. She aspires to be a singer and a veterinarian because she loves singing and animals, especially dogs. Asked if she could go on an adventure in the world, she shared that she would visit Africa to see animals and

Jamaica to reconnect with a former teacher. Her motivation for attending school every day is that her mom wants her to have a good education, along with her siblings and a large, loving family.

It’s her dedication and enthusiasm for learning that puts this young lady in the September Student Spotlight. Her teachers are proud to witness her growth, achievements and her commitment to helping other students within the school.

Bicycle Tour Rolls Into Town Wednesday

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Drivers in Vance and Granville counties will get to share the roads with hundreds of cyclists Wednesday when Cycle North Carolina’s annual “Mountains to Coast bicycle tour rolls into town. The bikers will be arriving in Oxford as early as 10 a.m. and will continue on toward Henderson through the afternoon.

Organizers expected as many as 900 cyclists to start the trek from Banner Elk on Sunday, and wend their way to Emerald Isle by Saturday, Oct. 7.

Participants average about 60 miles each day, which has them passing through downtown Oxford and then on to Henderson, where they’ll spend the night before moving on to the next stop.

The cyclists will have a chance to shop, eat and visit in Oxford and Henderson, and there will be activities taking place to welcome the visitors.

to On Wednesday, October 4th, the annual Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Bicycle Tour will be passing through our downtown area between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This event will bring up to 900 bicyclists to our streets, and we want to ensure that you are prepared for any potential impacts on your business.

 

 

TownTalk: Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, Oct. 3

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Local law enforcement officials are hoping to see a big turnout at the upcoming Night Out Against Crime, and they join event organizers who have planned a bevy of activities and fun for the whole family.

Come on down to Breckenridge Street on Tuesday, Oct. 3 between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to take part in this annual event. Planning committee Lora Durham said law enforcement agencies from the city and the county will be on hand to help provide a positive interaction with the residents they serve. Durham, along with Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, were guests on Wednesday’s TownTalk segment to spread the word about next week’s event.

“This is nothing but a positive thing,” said Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame. The event is designed to heighten awareness and have the community come together to learn more about how to make their neighborhoods safer.

Brame said he and Barrow enjoy a positive working partnership, and he wants citizens of the city and county to work in partnership, too.

Barrow said the Breckenridge Street location, just a few steps from his own office at the police department,  is a perfect fit to host the event.

“That one section has turned out to be one of our best locations to have events for the City of Henderson,” Barrow said. “It’s easy to cordon off and have any event we want. National Night Out is one of those events.”

Things kick off with remarks from Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, local law enforcement leaders and others. Henderson and Vance County have participated in the National Night Out event since the mid-1990’s.

“The community does care about crime,” Durham said. “We want to prevent it as much as we can…This is a good, safe event where people can bring their children,” she said, adding that it also is an opportunity for people to learn more about keeping themselves and their neighborhoods safe.

“It’s gonna be a fun night,” Durham said, adding that children and grownups alike will have a “fantastic time.”

The Clearview Church Praise Team will offer a musical selection during the opening ceremony, and then later a DJ will play music as participants enjoy free food – hotdogs, chips and drinks while they last – and Kona Ice – the truck will be on hand providing free ice cones for the first 200 people.

City and county agencies will be on hand to provide information about the services they provide, including animal services, fire and rescue personnel, and other community agencies such as Crime Stoppers, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College.

VGCC Logo

VGCC “Empower Her” Event Saturday, Oct. 7 In Main Campus Courtyard

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Information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer

Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is hosting an event titled “Empower Her,” and invites the community to come out to the Main Campus Courtyard on Saturday, Oct. 7 to learn what it’s all about.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a variety of information from local community partners, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

In addition to free activities for children, food and giveaways, participants can learn about financial counseling and career advice, as well as meal planning on a dime, makeup tips and more. The Dress for Success Mobile Boutique also will be present.

In addition to providing scholarships to deserving students, the VGCC Foundation supports a broad range of special projects involving education, training and economic development in our community. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information about Empower Her or the VGCC Foundation, contact 252.738.3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

Please Donate: ACTS Pantry Shelves “Dangerously Low – Again”

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ACTS, the local food pantry, needs donations, and director Lee Anne Peoples has issued a plea on social media, along with some suggestions to create friendly competitions among different groups in the community. Peoples said the shelves are “dangerously low again,” and has asked for help.

“Please consider picking up a few of these items or even making it a friendly competition between churches, Sunday School classes, couples in a Supper Club, co-workers or any other groups, to see who can collect the most items,” Peoples wrote in a social media post Thursday.

Items may be brought to the food pantry, located at 201 S. William St. any weekday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 252.492.8231 to learn more.

The list below contains suggestions. Please consider placing a couple of extra items in your shopping cart this weekend to donate to ACTS, which also serves a hot lunch during the week in addition to distributing boxes of shelf-stable food to those in need.

 

  • Items needed:
  • Ramen noodles
  • Pudding cups
  • Any type of canned meat
  • Canned fruit
  • Sized packs of cookies
  • Any type of canned soups
  • Packs of crackers
  • Juice pouches
  • Small boxes of cereal
  • Instant oatmeal packets
  • Dry pasta
  • Sugar – white or brown
  • Canned potatoes
  • 18 oz jar peanut butter
  • 18-20 oz jelly
  • Canned yams
  • Canned baked beans or pork & beans
  • Canned beans – black eyed peas and pinto
  • Crackers, in sleeves
  • Canned greens (collards spinach, turnips, etc.)
  • Canned diced tomatoes, carrots, peas
  • Dried beans
  • Canned mixed vegetables and creamed corn
  • #10 (gallon) cans of any fruit or vegetable

Rebuilding Hope Chicken Plate Fundraiser Friday, Sept. 29

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Make plans now to pick up a “Friend-Raiser” chicken plate on Friday, Sept. 29 at Rebuilding Hope on Raleigh Road.

Last Saturday’s torrential rainfall destroyed the signs that were supposed to advertise the event, but Randolph Wilson, executive director at Rebuilding Hope wants to make sure the community knows to come out between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. – just in case the new signs don’t arrive in time.

The plate is filled with half a barbecued chicken, potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert and that delicious sauce that Rebuliding Hope fundraiser plates have become known for.

Plates are $10 each – patrons can eat-in and drive-thru is available. Five or more plates can be delivered – call 252.438.5132 to place a delivery order.

 

 

Vance-Granville Community Band Set To Play Sept. 30 At Granville Senior Center In Oxford

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Join the Granville County Senior Services in Oxford for a special concert on Saturday afternoon featuring the Vance-Granville Community Band.

The hour-long concert will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature a election of waltzes, marches and medleys of popular and classical music reminiscent of the Boston Pops Orchestra.

The concert is free and open to the public; stay afterward for light refreshments.

For more information, call the Senior Center at 919.693.1930.

FVW Opportunity Inc. Offers ‘YouthBuild’ Program For Vance County Youth

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Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity, Inc. has a special program designed to help young people overcome obstacles to employment and develop valuable skills to help keep them in the workforce.

The YouthBuild program is for Vance County residents ages 16-24 who want to get their GED and who are interested in a career in construction.

Income levels or even past criminal history may not disqualify individuals from enrolling in the program. All accepted participants will obtain a national construction certificate while working toward GED completion.

Participants will network with business leaders through the program and will receive employment placement assistance upon successful program completion.

Don’t wait! Call 252.492.0161 to learn more.

Vance County Public Safety Expo Set For Sept. 30

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The Vance County Fire Department is partnering with Vance County Schools to present a Public Safety Expo on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out to the former Charles Boyd Chevrolet dealership on US 158 bypass to see and hear all about public safety resources in the area.

Kids, there will be a bike helmet giveaway, so get there early because supplies are limited! There will be many interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy, and there will be a bicycle safety course set up, too, so you can show off your skills and knowledge about bike safety.

Admission is free and the entire community is invited to come out and participate in the event.

‘Luminary Night Of Hope’ Sept. 30 At Henderson Family YMCA

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Chances are you’ve seen banners around town announcing the Luminary Night of Hope that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Henderson Family YMCA.

The event, hosted by St. James Missionary Baptist Church, is one activity planned by Vance County Relay For Life. There will be luminaries lining the track that people can purchase in honor or memory of someone with cancer or who has died from cancer.

There will be food trucks and other types of entertainment. Please come out to support this event.

To donate to the St. James MBC church team directly, visit http://main.acsevents.org/gotoStJamesMBC

Visit www.RelayForLife.org/VanceNC to learn more.