Education - WIZS

Davis-Royster Funeral Service Endows VGCC Scholarship

August 9, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Davis-Royster Funeral Service, Inc., of Henderson has endowed a new Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund scholarship to help area students pursue an education.

The Davis-Royster Funeral Service Academic Achievement Scholarship is named for the family-owned and operated funeral service that has been operating in Vance County since 1991. The company, founded by James H. Royster and owned by Mary Davis-Royster, provides a variety of funeral and memorial services and resources customized to meet the needs of families.

“We have demonstrated through our funeral business a commitment to service based on sensitivity and integrity,” said Mary Davis-Royster. “The people of our service area have been so supportive of us for nearly three decades. We want to give something back to these communities through this educational opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Members of the staff of Davis-Royster Funeral Service, Inc., celebrate their new scholarship with representatives from Vance-Granville Community College. From left are James H. Royster, founder of Davis-Royster Funeral Service; Mary Davis-Royster, owner; Paul Crews Jr., director’s assistant; Robert L. Wright II, funeral director; Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Vance-Granville’s president; the Rev. Richard Henderson, member of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors; and Eddie Ferguson, director of VGCC’s Endowment Fund. (Photo VGCC)

Through the new scholarship, preference will be given to students enrolled for nine credit hours or more in the Business Administration curriculum program at Vance-Granville. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be required.

“The leaders of tomorrow for our community are turning to Vance-Granville today and will be doing so for years to come to secure the education and skills training they need to run area businesses. Our scholarship will serve as an encouragement and a valuable means of support,” Mrs. Davis-Royster added.

Mrs. Davis-Royster also serves as the licensed mortician for the company, and Mr. Royster is the funeral service assistant. Also leading the staff are Paul Crews, Jr., who is the director’s assistant, and Robert L. Wright II, licensed funeral director and embalmer.

“We are appreciative of the extended Davis-Royster Funeral Service family for their support of Vance-Granville’s students,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “Their gift today will be meeting the needs of future business leaders for generations to come.”

Eddie Ferguson, the director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, added, “The funeral service has chosen a meaningful way to honor their legacy of decades of service to the community. We are proud they have chosen to partner with us to help our students succeed.”

The new scholarship will add to the more than 9,000 scholarships that have been awarded to students since 1982, funded by interest earned on the Endowment Fund and Scholarship Program. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff to assist deserving students. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business, industry or organization with a lasting gift to education. In the Fall of 2017, Vance-Granville awarded scholarships to 306 students.

For more information, the Office of the Endowment can be reached by calling Endowment Specialist Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.

Wright Re-elected Chair of VGCC Board; Two Trustees Reappointed

July 20, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

At their regular bi-monthly meeting held July 16, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees re-elected Danny W. Wright as the chair of the board for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, Herb Gregory as vice-chair, and Deborah F. Brown as secretary after nominations from a committee chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr.

Retired North Carolina Ninth District Court Judge Henry Banks swore in two Trustees for additional terms. Trustee Barbara Cates Harris was reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the board. Chair Wright was appointed to a new four-year term by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Wright had been appointed in 2015 to fill an unexpired term on the board. He was also a commissioner in 2011-2013 when he was appointed by the governor.

Building Update

In his update on capital projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., reported that preparations will begin in August to renovate seminar rooms in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC Trustee Danny W. Wright is sworn in for a new four-year appointment on the college’s board by Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks. Also serving as the chair of the board, Wright was appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. He also served in 2011-2013 when appointed to an unexpired term by the governor. From left are Judge Banks, Wright, and Wright’s wife, Betty Wright. (VGCC Photo)

The assessment phase of an exterior masonry repairs project on Main Campus was completed in May, and a design service proposal has been sent to the State Construction Office (SCO) for review. The project is expected to be bid out in February 2019 with renovations starting the following April. The majority of the masonry work is being funded by the Connect NC State Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016.

Seifert also reported the SCO is expected to issue a design contract this month for fire alarm replacements and renovations to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Main Campus. The fire alarm replacements will be completed first with the HVAC renovations expected to start in 2020.

The second phase of renovations to the newest building on campus, Building 10, are expected to start in August and be completed in December, Seifert said. Space is being renovated to add a Practical Simulation Lab for Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs, among other expansions.

Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks administers the oath of office to Vance-Granville Community College Trustee Barbara Cates Harris of Oxford. She has been reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the college Board of Trustees. From left are Judge Banks; Harris; Maurice Harris, Jr., Harris’ grandson; and her husband, Phillip Harris. (VGCC Photo)

Budget Amendments

The 2017-2018 Budget Resolution was amended upon recommendation from the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed. The State Current Fund increased $1,959,983 to a total of $21,512,238, the County Current Fund was unchanged at $2,578,292, and the Institutional Fund increased $340,947 to a total of $9,993,779, for a combined Amended Operating Budget of $34,084,309. The Capital Improvement Budget increased $348,943 to a total of $889,653. The total Combined Amended Budget is $34,973,962.

Other Action

In other action:

The Trustees voted to terminate Warren County High School as an off-campus site with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The site had been approved in November 2015; however, the high school has requested that dually enrolled students take their college courses at VGCC’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton. No college classes are currently being offered at WCHS, and students are completing their work at the Warren Campus, according to Trustee Harris, chair of the Curriculum Committee. The change will be effective as of the Fall 2018 academic term.
An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was given by the Personnel Committee, chaired by Trustee Sara C. Wester.
New and amended board policies for the 2018-2019 Policy Manual were approved by the Trustees on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, chaired by Trustee Wright. The policies cover areas of organizational structure, public information and campus safety, personnel policies, academic affairs, institutional research and technology, and finance and operations.
Trustee Frazier, chair of the Investment Committee, reported on the progress of the college’s investments.

A Board Retreat has been scheduled for August 7, and the Trustees will participate in Ethics Training on August 29. The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 17, at the Main Campus.

VGCC Hosting Biotechnology Open House At Franklin Campus

July 11, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Area residents interested in the field of Biotechnology are invited to Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus for an Open House on Monday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The event is open to new applicants to the program as well as current students of VGCC. Stewart Lyon, program head for the Bioprocess Technology curriculum program, will discuss the options for students to earn a certificate or an associate’s degree, and members of the admissions and financial aid staff will be available to help students complete applications on site.

Above: Students work in the Bioprocess Tech lab at VGCC’s Franklin Campus, which will hold a Biotechnology Open House on July 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. (VGCC Photo)

“Vance-Granville prepares men and women for work in the growing biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing and distribution environments,” said Lyon. Graduates work as process technicians in biological products manufacturing facilities, with possible jobs including mixing chemicals to make cancer drugs, formulating medical and cosmetic creams and DNA testing kits.

“The certificate program is open to everyone, including students who would be currently enrolled in high school,” Lyon added. The certificate program can be completed with the BioWorks: Process Technician course through VGCC’s Continuing Education division and two curriculum courses, BIO 110 (Principles of Biology) and BPM 111 (Bioprocess Measurements).

In the two-year associate degree program, first-year courses include basics such as biology, chemistry, college algebra and computers, as well as industrial courses in bioprocessing, biochemistry and industrial environment. The first summer and subsequent semester of the program include a cooperative work experience in a local biotechnology company. The second year includes specialized courses in industrial bioprocessing, research and reporting and statistical quality control.

Evening and day course options are available, including online and hybrid opportunities. Visitors will be able to examine the state-of-the-art Biotechnology equipment that students use in the lab at Franklin Campus.

To register for the Open House, complete the form available on the college’s website at www.vgcc.edu/bio-open-house. For more information, contact Bioprocess Technology program head Stewart Lyon at (252) 738-3632 or lyons@vgcc.edu.

VGCC’s Franklin County Campus is located at 8100 NC Highway 56 in Louisburg.

VGCC Franklin Campus Child Care Center Graduates Students

July 2, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Eight graduates of the Child Care Center on Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus were recognized on June 6 in a ceremony.

The students in the Class of 2018 included Macie Collins of Kittrell, and Kaiden Holden, Emmalynn Holt, Aubrey Hoyle, Bryan Luke Lamm, Blake Spruill, Josephine Stover and Brayden Wood, all of Louisburg. Each student is now prepared to enter kindergarten in the fall.

Above: Students graduating from the VGCC Franklin Campus Child Care Center in 2018 included, seated, from left: Macie Collins, Bryan Luke Lamm and Aubrey Hoyle; standing, from left, Emmalynn Holt, Brayden Wood, Blake Spruill, Kaiden Holden, and Josephine Stover. Standing with them is teacher Teresa Gallatin. (VGCC photo)

VGCC Franklin Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May welcomed family and guests to the ceremony, thanking and applauding the staff and noting how the college mission of educating, inspiring and supporting a diverse community of learners to achieve success starts at the pre-school level.

“It’s at this center that your children have developed a deeper love of learning,” May said. “Our staff’s patient instruction and love for these children have helped to turn them into strong, confident kindergarten students.”

Michelle Patterson Jones, the manager of the child care center, and Teresa Gallatin, child care center specialist, presented the children with diplomas. Jones also handed out unique “personality certificates” to the students.

The invocation was given by Tina Dekle, an instructor in VGCC’s Early Childhood Education program. Lila Johnson of Louisburg, a younger student, served as the marshal, carrying the American flag and leading the students in and out of the ceremony to the song “Pomp & Circumstance.”

Spaces for students are currently available at the center. Parents from among the general public can enroll their children there, as can parents who are VGCC students or employees. For more information, contact Michelle Patterson Jones at (919) 496-1567 or pattersonm@vgcc.edu.

More photos: Check out this album on Flickr!

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn Named Principal of Granville Academy

June 27, 2018/by Kelly Bondurant

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Ed.D. has been named principal of Granville Academy, a blended learning experience for grades K-12 that allows for on-site and off-site independent studies.

Wrenn began her career in education teaching at Riverside High School in Durham and has served as a Career Technical Education teacher and the Director of Technology and Online Learning for Granville County Public Schools.

Among her accomplishments, Wrenn initiated the Granville Online program in 2010 for students in grades 7-12 and also implemented a one laptop device per student directive to allow for 24/7 anytime, anywhere learning.

“As a mother of three, my lens is always ‘what is best for children,’” said Wrenn. “My goal is to ensure that all children are engaged in their learning so they may be successful students.”

With a background in digital learning initiatives, Wrenn brings her extensive knowledge to this new approach to K-12 education. “My work has transitioned learning in Granville County Public Schools to a digital age teaching environment,” said Wrenn. “Students and teachers now have consistent access to technology devices, resources and online courses.”

As part of the Granville County Public School System, Granville Academy will begin its first school year on Monday, August 27, 2018, and will follow the traditional calendar for Granville County Schools.

Taught by state-certified teachers, and accredited as part of the school district system, Granville Academy staff “will use innovation and flexibility to best meet each learners needs.”

According to their website, Granville Academy will enroll students in K-5 and 6-8 to attend a physical school building two days a week for five hours each day. High school students in grades 9-12 will have flexibility in their workspace based on progress. All students will work virtually during the school week.

Academy classes will be located inside existing Granville County school structures. Tar River and CG Credle Elementary and Butner-Stem and Northern Granville Middle will serve as the Granville Academy elementary and middle school sites, respectively. High school students will attend a physical school building on an as-needed basis.

Granville Academy is available to both in-county and out-of-county residents. While free for residents of Granville County, students living out-of-district will pay a tuition as determined by the Granville County Public School’s Board of Education.

According to Wrenn, community feedback regarding the hybrid learning experience has been very positive. “The schedule of some days on campus and other days away from campus meets families and learners’ specific needs. We have families who travel for work and pleasure, students who are pursuing sports, arts, or have health reasons which require flexible schedules. Additionally, some students prefer a blended model due to their learning style.”

Over the past few months, Granville Academy staff have conducted numerous community talks to educate the community on the school design and to answer individual questions.

Although well-received, Wrenn said the biggest challenge has been helping both parents and the community understand how a blended school works. “The school utilizes a personalized course of study that follows local and state curriculum standards. Teachers provide the primary instruction and assign grades. Parents are highly involved, facilitating learning on the days students are at home.”

Students are assessed using the same state end-of-grade and end-of-course exams as traditional Granville County Public School students and are eligible for athletics and other activities as offered at their base school.

With 168 students currently enrolled in grades K-12, Wrenn is ready to get started. “I understand that each child needs an advocate and options. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader in online learning and technology to Granville Academy and work to ensure every child’s success in a personalized learning environment.”

*For more information on Granville Academy, please visit their website at https://ga.gcs.k12.nc.us/ or contact Dr. Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us.

VGCC Pins Associate Degree Nursing Graduates

June 22, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 34 students who graduated this spring from the Associate Degree Nursing program with a pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center on May 9.

Among those honored with distinctive nursing pins at the ceremonies were eight who graduated through the LPN to ADN Transition Program, which helps Licensed Practical Nurses to continue their education and then become Registered Nurses. Those graduates were William Autrey of Henderson; Joan Currin of Kittrell; Tammy Emery of Creedmoor; Brittany McFarland of Kittrell; Latonya Morton of Oxford; Roselyne Muhimpundu of Wake Forest; Laura Murray of Oxford; and Omar O’Brien of Wake Forest.

Members of the 2018 Associate Degree Nursing class at Vance-Granville Community College who received their nursing pins on May 9 included, on front row, from left: Shayne Gravitt, Valerie Strange, Victoria Puplampu, Halie Brooks, Laura Murray, Brittany McFarland, Crystal Satterfield and Courtney Moss; second row, from left: Tonya Berry, Caitlyn Smith, Ashley Drake, Jessica White, Brittany Beddingfield and Jeannie Adcock; third row, from left: Brittani Lynch, Roselyne Muhimpundu and Guadalupe Duran; fourth row, from left: Tammy Emery, Stephen Gakumo, Caitlin Moen, Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan, Christine Kingsley, Kaylan Hoyle, Shakeera Robinson, Tasha Warren and Rachel Morton; back row, from left: William Autrey, Jodie Carroll, Joan Currin, Latonya Morton, Matthew Grooms and Omar O’Brien; not pictured: Joy Harris and Mujahid Yagoub. (VGCC Photo)

The graduates who took courses in the traditional five-semester sequence included Jeannie Adcock of Oxford; Brittany Beddingfield of Oxford; Tonya Berry of Franklinton; Halie Brooks of Raleigh; Jodie Carroll of Oxford; Ashley Drake of Stovall; Guadalupe Duran of Louisburg; Stephen Gakumo of Durham; Shayne Gravitt of Raleigh; Matthew Grooms of Butner; Joy Harris of Oxford; Kaylan Hoyle of Henderson; Christine Kingsley of Louisburg; Brittani Lynch of Hollister; Caitlin Moen of Cary; Rachel Morton of Louisburg; Courtney Moss of Henderson; Victoria Puplampu of Durham; Shakeera Robinson of Franklinton; Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan of Creedmoor; Crystal Satterfield of Oxford; Caitlyn Smith of Creedmoor; Valerie Strange of Bullock; Tasha Warren of Henderson; Jessica White of Louisburg; and Mujahid Yagoub of Durham.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, described the class as being “highly sought after” by employers, colleges and universities because of their educational background and skill level. “Over 80 percent of these students already have a job waiting for them as a registered nurse,” he added.

Associate Degree Nursing program head/instructor Dr. Anna Seaman praised the class for its hard work, dedication and compassion. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “You have the knowledge and the skills you need to be successful. But, most importantly, you have the dedication and the heart to do it with caring and compassion. We know that the dedication and compassion that you possess will be appreciated by those patients and families that you care for in the future.”

Halie Brooks, the president of the Class of 2018 nursing graduates, thanked families for their support as well as the nursing instructors. In remarks to her classmates, she added, “We have made lifelong friendships that we will forever cherish. We have also been each other’s support system through the early mornings, long days and late nights. And without each other, we may not be here.”

Academic honors were presented to graduates who completed the program with at least a 3.5 grade point average: Adcock, Brooks, Carroll, Duran, Emery, Grooms, Hoyle, O’Brien, Strange and finally Murray, who was recognized for having the highest GPA in the class.

Cords were presented to students who participated as members of the National Student Nurses Association, which sponsors community service projects and professional development. These students included Beddingfield, Berry, Brooks, Carroll, Drake, Duran, Gravitt, Grooms, Harris, Hoyle, Kingsley, Lynch, McFarland, Latonya Morton, Rachel Morton, Moss, Pumlampu, Robinson, Rojas-Galvan, Smith, Warren, White and Yagoub.

Instructor Brande McIlroy described the significance of the nursing pin. The unique green and gold pin identifies each nurse as a VGCC graduate and indicates that the graduate has the training and competence to serve as a professional nurse. During the ceremony, graduates were pinned by Dr. Seaman and received lamps and roses from instructors Ugur Celimli and Vanessa Ramseur. Meanwhile, Nursing Department Chair Erica Jastrow read their biographies. After all graduates had received pins, the lights in the Civic Center were lowered, and instructor Crystal Senter led students in reciting the “Florence Nightingale Pledge” by lamplight.

The invocation was delivered by Rachel Morton and the benediction by Brittany McFarland, both of them graduates of the program. Also participating in the program were instructors Patsy Pegram and Michael Frazier.

A Flickr album of photographs from the pinning ceremony is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157696465731814.

VGCC Basic Skills Graduates Encouraged to Dream of Better Futures

May 31, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s Adult Basic Skills programs received a double dose of encouragement to dream of better futures and work to make those dreams come true at their commencement exercises on May 3.

The honorees were among those students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

The principal commencement speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr., retired superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. The Oxford native followed at the podium a presentation by Jennifer Pascual of Henderson, speaking on behalf of the graduating students. A native of Vance County, Pascual completed her High School Equivalency in April after attending classes on the main campus.

Above: Retired Granville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dorwin Howard of Oxford addresses VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

“Do you have a dream?” Dr. Howard asked the graduates. “Do you have a vision of what your future could look like? If you’ve not begun to dream already, I urge you to do so right now. The truth of the matter is that you cannot afford not to dream.”

Citing his work as a school administrator, Dr. Howard recalled student-athletes who had size, speed, strength and a natural talent for athletics. Those attributes, however, were inadequate without an initiative to work, the discipline to practice and the humility to follow the guidance of coaches, he said. “Champions are not born. They are made,” Dr. Howard said, noting the process begins with a dream.

Citing Amos 6:1 from the Old Testament, Dr. Howard urged the graduates to apply themselves. “Woe unto you who will not apply yourself in order to make yourself better. Woe unto you who are looking for the easy way out,” he said.

“I dare you to dream tonight. Dream of entering the workplace. Envision yourself climbing the ladder of success. Dream of continuing your education to help you advance in your career. Dream of earning well. Dream of living well…. But note that dreams don’t become reality by chance. They don’t happen by luck. Dreams begin in your head and heart and become real as you work to make them come true.”

He encouraged the graduates to explore possibilities by reading about what they would like to become and do in life, to be willing to take risks to succeed and to continue to be diligent and work hard. “Dreamers make things happen,” he said.

“Like your parents, relatives and friends, like your instructors and counselors who worked with you and the administrators here at Vance-Granville Community College, I too believe in you and I believe that one day you will make your dreams come true,” he concluded.

Above: Jennifer Pascual of Henderson addresses her fellow VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

Student speaker Pascual described for her fellow graduates what had not always been an easy road in life because of family and financial challenges. She described having a dream as a 12-year-old of being a pediatrician; however, that dream faded when her mother and father separated, her family faced the future without a father, her mother battled diabetes while working for 25 years in the tobacco fields, and a brother was deported.

“I gave up on my dreams. I also wanted to give up on life,” she said. “But then I had to think about my mother and what she would go through.”

“While it’s not been easy for my family, I’m glad I made it this far to get my High School Equivalency diploma. I didn’t think I would be able to graduate this year because of financial struggles,” she said. “This program got me focused on my future, a better future for myself and family…. As this program has come to an end for me, I want to make my dreams a new reality by becoming a registered nurse.”

She praised her instructors, including Glenn Alston whose teaching helped her “get the hang of math,” and the department chair for Basic Skills, Dr. Greg Nash, who encouraged her to pursue the curriculum nursing program at VGCC now.

“I now realize not to let fear stop me from pursuing my dreams,” she said. “If I can do this, you can, too. Dream big! Chase your dreams until you catch them!”

Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, announced a special incentive to the graduates to continue their education at Vance-Granville. “Commencement, as you know, does not mean an ‘ending.’ It means a ‘beginning,’ and that is especially true on this occasion tonight,” he said. “The diploma that you will receive will allow you to achieve your dreams wherever you may go.”

As an extra incentive for graduates to begin their collegiate studies, Dr. Brown announced that each graduate would receive a certificate worth free tuition and fees for one semester of courses in curriculum programs or continuing education courses at VGCC, absorbing costs not covered by federal financial aid. “This certificate for tuition and fees is our way of saying ‘congratulations’ and ‘keep going,’” he said.

In conferring diplomas to the graduates, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, praised the graduates and applauded the Basic Skills faculty for preparing students to succeed.

After Dr. Nash announced the candidates for graduation, Dr. Brown assisted Dr. Williams in presenting diplomas.

Also on the program were Tiffany Hunter and Owenwiston Raymond III, both 2018 HSE diploma graduates, who provided the welcome and introduced the student speaker, respectively; Michael Young, an instructor in Basic Skills, who introduced Dr. Howard; Dawn Michelle Tucker, dean of Continuing Education and Basic Skills, who offered remarks; and the Rev. Terry Huffines of First United Methodist Church of Henderson, who provided the invocation and benediction.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s album on Flickr!

Video from the Ceremony: Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

VGCC Releases Names of 2018 Basic Skills Graduates

May 31, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS

Vance County

Seion Bobbitt, Henderson

Lateria Christmas, Henderson

Jazmer Cole, Henderson

Shawn Davis, Henderson

Grethel Flores Tavera, Henderson

Sherrell Harris, Henderson

Andrew Creech, Kittrell

David Kaiser, Kittrell

Shadian Whitmore, Kittrell

Granville County

Gavin Carroll, Bullock

Leslie Collie, Creedmoor

Franklin County

Christopher Ayscue, Franklinton

Haley Briggs, Franklinton

Chy-Na Fuller, Franklinton

Jadan Puett, Franklinton

Trevor Martin, Louisburg

Patrick O’Neal, Louisburg

Sarah Wilds, Louisburg

Kathrine Herbig, Youngsville

Jacob Naegele, Youngsville

Logan Robbins, Youngsville

Warren County

Patrick McCollough, Henrico

Joshua Edwards, Littleton

Mason Keys, Littleton

Alford Brandon, Norlina

Shadae Jackson, Norlina

Chaquell Jiggetts, Norlina

Krystle Reid, Norlina

Taylor Sidden, Norlina

Delahoya Benjamin, Warrenton

Sharron Lewis-Williams, Warrenton

Juanita Mincey, Warrenton

Victoria Perry , Warrenton

Gabrielle Seward, Warrenton

Earnest Solomon, Warrenton

Imani Swinney, Warrenton

Wake County

Alexandria McKinnon, Garner

Nikayla Morgan, Raleigh

Lyndaiha Sullivan-Henry, Raleigh

Isaiah Napier, Wake Forest

Brianna Cid, Zebulon

Cynthia Leon, Zebulon

Anasia Perry, Zebulon

Other Communities

Jaime Villareal, Asheboro

Tristan Martin, Bradenton, Fla.

Jairin Shaw, Burlington

Tiffany Joyner, Carrboro

Ahjah Lewis-Rowe, Charlotte

James Shepherd, Charlotte

Dontravious Williams, Charlotte

Ebony Wilson, Charlotte

Kyle Broas, Clayton

Robert Osborne, Dallas

James Moore, Durham

Keion Evans, Enfield

Deonte Robinson, Fayetteville

Thaddeus Dozier, Greensboro

Infinity Miller, Greensboro

Jerome Ballance, Jacksonville

Kimberly Birdlow, Lake Wylie, S.C.

Alexander Ingram, Lexington

Matthew Neal, Lexington

Kashief Matos, Pinetops

Armon Davis, Plymouth

Hassan Bangura, Rocky Mount

Christopher Spruill, Tarboro

Kwon’shelya Best, Williamston

Clarissa Overton, Winston Salem

VGCC HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

Vance County

Cameron Bollinger, Henderson

Johnathan Brooks, Henderson

Bridget Crute, Henderson

Janie Evans, Henderson

Chase Gupton, Henderson

Vernon Jenkins Jr., Henderson

Christie Matthews, Henderson

Erin McGhee, Henderson

Michael Noyce, Henderson

Jennifer Pascual, Henderson

Owenwiston Raymond III, Henderson

Leonardo Renteria, Henderson

Jeremy Roberson, Henderson

Michael Stutzman, Henderson

Taylor Walker, Henderson

Lonnie Webb Jr., Henderson

Denise Woodard, Henderson

Christopher Gaither, Kittrell

Matthew Varker, Kittrell

Rebekah Varker, Kittrell

Granville County

Travis Sizemore, Bullock

Christopher Smith, Butner

Barry Avery, Creedmoor

Danielle Blackwell, Oxford

Monica Foster, Oxford

Tiffiny Hunter, Oxford

Charles Johnson, Oxford

Karen Montalvo-Franco, Oxford

Franklin County

James Goodson, Franklinton

Michael Ray, Franklinton

Christina Tyson, Franklinton

Shakera Alston, Louisburg

Timon Bailey, Louisburg

Dorothy Bobbitt, Louisburg

Noah Corbett, Louisburg

Serenity Corbett, Louisburg

Ronald Dement Jr., Louisburg

Cathrine Forsyth, Louisburg

Rose Johnson, Louisburg

Emily Martinez, Louisburg

Eric Trammell, Louisburg

Kenneth Jeffreys, Youngsville

Warren County

Eric Alexander, Manson

Serenia Lester, Warrenton

Christopher Tharrington, Warrenton

Wake County

Benjamin Mashburn, Apex

Amanda Bridges, Wake Forest

Jesse Pendleton, Wake Forest

Other Communities

Cheyenne Irby, Roxboro

VGCC Releases Names of 2018 Curriculum Graduates

May 30, 2018/by WIZS Staff

VOCATIONAL or TECHNICAL DIPLOMA

Cosmetology

Eillah Kahmil Spivey, Bunn

Cheryl Anne Bragdon, Franklinton

Nitianndra Garryale Boyd, Henderson

Kadejah Monique Bass, Oxford

Tonisha Chandre Chavis, Oxford

Kristina Faith Graham, Raleigh

Ashley M Holden, Raleigh

Nicole Brueck, Wake Forest

Maya Elise Grimmett, Wake Forest

Electrical Systems Technology

James Otis Clark, Youngsville

Paralegal Technology

Barbara Edwards Sirucek, Louisburg

Jennifer Alondra Campos, Oxford

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

Accounting

Ciara Shantel Lynch, Franklinton

Jennifer Marie Burton, Norlina

Associate Degree Nursing

Valerie Jade Strange, Bullock

Matthew Hartmann Grooms, Butner

Caitlin Elizabeth Moen, Cary

Tammy Lynn Emery, Creedmoor

Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan, Creedmoor

Caitlyn Brooke Smith, Creedmoor

Victoria Mawumenyo Puplampu, Durham

Stephen Mwaura Gakumo, Durham

Mujahid Yagoub, Durham

Tonya Marie Berry, Franklinton

Shakeera Monique Robinson, Franklinton

Jeannie Sheree Adcock, Henderson

William Tracey Autrey, Henderson

Kaylan Cheryl Hoyle, Henderson

Courtney Breann Moss, Henderson

Tasha Nicole Warren, Henderson

Joan Yancey Currin, Kittrell

Brittany Lynn McFarland, Kittrell

Guadalupe Fabiola Duran Maya, Louisburg

Christine Marie Kingsley, Louisburg

Rachel Christian Morton, Louisburg

Jessica Lynne White, Louisburg

Britanny Nicole Beddingfield, Oxford

Jodie Dare Carroll, Oxford

Joy Lamelca Harris, Oxford

Brittani Renae Lynch, Oxford

Latonya Renee Morton, Oxford

Laura Louise Murray, Oxford

Crystal Michelle Satterfield, Oxford

Halie Catherine Brooks, Raleigh

Shayne Dillard Gravitt, Raleigh

Ashley Nicole Drake, Stovall

Roselyne Muhimpundu, Wake Forest

Omar Rexford O’Brien, Wake Forest

Automotive System Technology

Jacob Fleming Mosley, Henderson

Dustin Ray Burrows, Norlina

Business Administration

Sara Lynn Reid, Creedmoor

Bobbie Jean Wilkerson, Creedmoor

Christy Page Valerio, Durham

Teresa Ray Pope, Durham

Sarah Jean Gabriel, Franklinton

Griselle Martinez-Garcia, Franklinton

Crystal Renee Thomerson, Franklinton

Diane Thorpe Hunt, Henderson

Dana Lee Tuck, Henderson

Jennifer Marie Burton, Norlina

Angelica Lorraine Bridges, Oxford

Tammy Lynne Brown, Oxford

Stacy Thomas Hicks, Oxford

Mary Lewis Selvidge, Raleigh

Jason Lin Thompson, Stem

Lisa Ferris Haithcock, Warrenton

Jessica Morgan Howell, Warrenton

Computer Technology Integration

Andrew Alfred Dadson Jr, Butner

Criminal Justice Technology

Travis Calvin Campbell, Creedmoor

Tiffany Rozelia Wilson, Durham

Cherall Lynnette Martin, Henderson

Rebecka Rosane Paul, Henderson

Morgan Taylor Lawhorne, Henderson

Catherine Elizabeth Crowder, Oxford

Wesley Scott Whitley, Oxford

Culinary Arts

Tyneshia Monae Brackett, Creedmoor

Niamani Faithe Dantzler-Sneed, Henderson

Sara Christmas Cheek, Louisburg

Danielle Nicole Enright, Louisburg

Ethel Christmas Fogg, Warrenton

Early Childhood Education

Maria Luiza Gutierrez, Durham

Deborah Edwards Barker, Franklinton

Anita Mann Fuller, Franklinton

Jamie Nicole Taylor, Franklinton

Amber N Gresham, Henderson

Jacquella S Jones, Henderson

Ella Hargrove Kelly, Henderson

Makala Ann West, Henderson

Summer Michelle Jessup, Louisburg

Tomekia Marie Rainey, Pinetops

Catherine Gable Jones, Raleigh

Electronics Engineering Technology

Jacob Randall Buchanan, Wake Forest

Elysse Martine Young, Wake Forest

Entrepreneurship

Austin R Lovegrove, Franklinton

Heather Ann Henkel, Sanford

Global Logistics and Distribution Management Technology

Charles Brandon Braswell, Wilson

Human Service Technology

Ana Toral-Sanchez, Franklinton

Fredesvinda Concepccion Euceda-Colindres, Creedmoor

Stalisha LaShawn Royster, Franklinton

Debra Ann Jones, Norlina

Mikala Lynn Tinsley, Oxford

Morgan Danielle Sumner, Youngsville

Human Services Technology/Gerontology

Caitlyn Marie Rudd, Franklinton

Pamela R. Campbell, Littleton

Information Technology

Nyrelle Shanay Busby, Henderson

Antoine Crudup, Henderson

Dustin L Starnes, Henderson

Graham Ellis, Oxford

Faustino Gregorio-Sanchez, Oxford

Richard Franklin Reynolds III, Stem

Mechatronics Engineering Technology

Kevin Glenn Greear, Franklinton

Charles Purdie Deese, Henderson

Medical Assisting

Melissa Carol Bridges, Creedmoor

Dajane Johnson, Henderson

Michelle Denise Beckwith, Kittrell

Melissa Barreto, Louisburg

Stephanie Marie Kearney, Louisburg

Kristy Ann Robertson, Louisburg

Kiera Shantrice Fogg, Warrenton

Mirna Lopez, Youngsville

Medical Office Administration

Cynthia Michelle Black, Bunn

Celestae Joyner Bailey, Durham

Timmara Durham Smith, Henderson

Jessica Catlett Allgood, Henderson

Tamara Francesca Glover, Henderson

Brianna Nicole Lynch, Hollister

Ashley King Bouchelle, Kittrell

Amanda Suzanne Aiken, Rougemont

Kaitlyn Ford Wilson, Roxboro

Rebecca Taylor George, Warrenton

Thomas Marshall King Jr., Wise

Office Administration

Ieshia Danielle Harris, Henderson

Katherine Lynn Mims, Warrenton

Paralegal Technology

Bratanya Kay Simmons, Henderson

Katie Scarlett Rogers, Louisburg

Paralegal Technology Caira Rose Romero Berube, Louisburg

Pharmacy Technology

Katrina Nichelle Evans, Henderson

Lesli Marisol Miranda, Henderson

Matthew Anthony Fuller, Rougemont

Radiography

Katie Ann Weary , Bullock

Brittnee Marie Orto, Creedmoor

Corinna Wray Hutton, Durham

James Dereke Bolton, Henderson

Crystal Cobb Gill, Henderson

Laurie Anne Newton, Henderson

Jan Carol Maniace, Hillsborough

Jennifer Dunn Wright, Hurdle Mills

Mark James Meinhart, Louisburg

Brittany Nicole Harmon, Norlina

Marco Antonio Carmen Vasquez, Oxford

Whitney Michelle Cox, Oxford

Gloria Maria Hudnall, Oxford

Aaron Jacob McNeill, Oxford

Johnathan Harold Williamson, Oxford

Terrance Mario Wesley, Raleigh

Ashley Michelle Rhew, Timberlake

Bethany Scarbrough Murphy, Youngsville

Welding Technology

Hernan Hernandez-Jimenez, Castalia

Cedric Jessie Rodebaugh II, Franklinton

Eduardo Ibarra Renteria, Henderson

Keodric Donte Grant, Oxford

Galen Dean Wilds, Stem

Austin Shane Holliday, Wake Forest

Andrew Michael Lynam, Youngsville

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE

Nya Jynae Smith Allen, Butner

Marisol Galvan Romo, Butner

Jasmine Dominique Jackson, Butner

Ryan Vital Makueyi, Butner

Tiffany Martinez, Butner

Alma Liliana Ramirez Cortes, Butner

Aislinn Rea Servin, Butner

Matthew Thomas Lewis, Charlotte

Caitlyn Alexandra Good, Creedmoor

Shanika Jean Keith, Creedmoor

Mariah Rose Landis, Creedmoor

Andres-Manuel Mata Espino, Creedmoor

Aukeija Aoshane Merritt, Creedmoor

Owen Thomas Mettam, Creedmoor

Christina Angela Offenburg, Creedmoor

Samantha Jordan Shannon, Creedmoor

Tamiya Ronnae Thomas, Creedmoor

Charles Grant Wicker, Creedmoor

Malcolm J Jones, Creedmoor

Sarah Catherine Stewart, Creedmoor

Jocelyn Shantelle Williams, Durham

Tyler B Woods, Durham

Alexis Monroe Barton, Franklinton

Chloe Ava Bowman, Franklinton

Evan Taylor Dixon, Franklinton

Jeffrey Rojas, Franklinton

Abril Rosales-Martinez, Franklinton

Mya Danyel Wilson, Franklinton

Je’Ronee Mag’zheem Blackwell, Henderson

Stackia Lamondria Burwell, Henderson

Shaneisha Lorraine Eaton, Henderson

Taylor G Gregory, Henderson

Dy’quan Lugene Marrow, Henderson

Hunter Charles Antel, Henderson

Nancy Carolina Bonilla, Henderson

Mercedes Nemya Brust, Henderson

Cameron Gabriel Bullock, Henderson

Nahu Carlos, Henderson

Ke’Moni Malik Rashaad Champion, Henderson

Brooklyn Summer Davis, Henderson

Zairea Eboni Ashanaia Davis, Henderson

Zenee Toni Elajhia Davis, Henderson

Hong Dong, Henderson

Malcolm Slyvester Elam, Henderson

Nealee Ray Fisher, Henderson

Lehman Ricardo Ford, Henderson

Luke Mabry Frazier, Henderson

Allison Mahala Hines, Henderson

Brandy Nicole Hiracheta, Henderson

Brandon Joel Hughes, Henderson

Victoria Ashley Inscoe, Henderson

Nicholas Gray King, Henderson

Caroline Marie Oakley, Henderson

Brandy Lynne Patterson, Henderson

Brittney Michelle Patterson, Henderson

Jimmy Perez Ponce, Henderson

Hannah Marie Roberson, Henderson

Evan Tyler Stinson, Henderson

Latia Shonice Thomas, Henderson

Matthew Alexander White, Henderson

Suzanne Cathleen Williams, Henderson

Danielle Lorene Ayscue, Kittrell

Andrew Dylan Brame, Kittrell

Stephon Eldred Bryant, Kittrell

Amber Paige Hicks, Kittrell

Jordan Lee Rooker, Kittrell

Miranda Ann Simmons, Kittrell

Aaron Christopher Williams, Kittrell

Lillian Diane Kanouff, Kittrell

McKenzie Joy Taylor, Kittrell

Makayla Renee Williams, Littleton

Brandon Joseph Adams, Louisburg

Miles Anthony Brown, Louisburg

Matthew John Reynolds, Louisburg

Casey Marie Shellman, Louisburg

Sovanny Ruth Taylor, Louisburg

Kiah Monique Durham, Manson

Ty’ayala Ajahnae Shearin, Manson

Joshua Isaiah Jacobs, Morrisville

Timothy Lee Avent, Norlina

Dana Evans Brannock, Norlina

Maggie Rena Cabiness, Norlina

Haley Nicole Elliott, Oxford

Erica Julianne Evans, Oxford

Daisy Gomez-Palacios, Oxford

Noah Owen Hendrick, Oxford

Sarah Louise Mabe, Oxford

Amya Shanay Madison Bullock, Oxford

Dylan Anthony Newton, Oxford

Emely Kiara Ovando, Oxford

Laniya Dawn Rogers, Oxford

Diamond A’Nya Royster, Oxford

Daniel Greene Sexton, Oxford

Kimberly Michelle Spence, Oxford

Sydney Arielle Towers, Oxford

Hanna Lea Williams, Oxford

William Mitchell Beck, Raleigh

Angelina Rose Cherry, Stem

Leighana Elizabeth Dail, Stem

Osvaldo Hernandez Martinez, Stem

Nelson Sanchez Juarez, Stem

Caitlynn Ashley Taylor, Stem

Seth Norwood Moody, Townsville

Cam’ron Aqil Aiken, Wake Forest

Elizabeth Nicole Durand, Wake Forest

Brianna Marie Medina, Wake Forest

Edgar Ivan Arrieta-Reyes, Warrenton

Isaac Emmanuel Barnett, Warrenton

Aaron Michael Bender, Warrenton

Sarah Anne Boone, Warrenton

Jonathan Jesus Hernandez, Warrenton

Wen Bin Lin, Warrenton

Casey Tyler Pollock, Warrenton

Giovanni Reyes, Warrenton

Quendarius Kamarea Williams, Warrenton

Brenda Rook Whitley, Wendell

Maria Eugenia Najera, Youngsville

Brian Samuel Restrepo, Youngsville

Colton Shayne Black

Victoria Anne Dupree

Brian Thomas Van Dyke

David Clovis Williamson

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE

Nya Jynae Smith Allen, Butner

Marisol Galvan Romo, Butner

Jasmine Dominique Jackson, Butner

Caitlyn Alexandra Good, Creedmoor

Andres-Manuel Mata Espino, Creedmoor

Iris Moriel Medrano, Creedmoor

Aukeija Aoshane Merritt, Creedmoor

Christina Angela Offenburg, Creedmoor

Tamiya Ronnae Thomas, Creedmoor

Charles Grant Wicker, Creedmoor

Gavin Cooper Hardin, Franklinton

Sadie Jesslyn Outhouse, Franklinton

Jeffrey Rojas, Franklinton

Abril Rosales-Martinez, Franklinton

Zana Roderica Townsend, Franklinton

Mya Danyel Wilson, Franklinton

Ligaya Carissa Glenn Santos Aguas, Henderson

Nancy Carolina Bonilla, Henderson

Morgan Taylor Daniels, Henderson

Brooklyn Summer Davis, Henderson

Malcolm Slyvester Elam, Henderson

Nealee Ray Fisher, Henderson

Lucas Reid Hamrick, Henderson

Victoria Ashley Inscoe, Henderson

Joelle Lane Pernell, Henderson

Lindsey Rebecca Perry, Henderson

Matthew Alexander White, Henderson

Alexander Nathan Long, Kittrell

Madison Dawn Waddle, Kittrell

Aaron Christopher Williams, Kittrell

McKenzie Joy Taylor, Kittrell

Nubia C Lockett, Louisburg

Matthew John Reynolds, Louisburg

Sovanny Ruth Taylor, Louisburg

Kiah Monique Durham, Manson

Hannah Rose Arneth, Oxford

Andrew Eugene Ayers, Oxford

Kierra Michelle Crews, Oxford

Daisy Gomez-Palacios, Oxford

Sarah Louise Mabe, Oxford

Laniya Dawn Rogers, Oxford

Daniel Greene Sexton, Oxford

Hailey Thomas Woodlief, Oxford

Osvaldo Hernandez Martinez, Stem

Caitlynn Ashley Taylor, Stem

Edgar Ivan Arrieta-Reyes, Warrenton

Isaac Emmanuel Barnett, Warrenton

Raina Amaya Mills, Warrenton

Casey Tyler Pollock, Warrenton

Giovanni Reyes, Warrenton

Stephen Dale Byrns, Youngsville

Christian Matthew Helsel, Youngsville

Alexis Mionna McSears, Youngsville

Brian Samuel Restrepo, Youngsville

Victoria Anne Dupree

VGCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Inducts 65 Students

May 14, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 65 students who were inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students of two-year colleges, on April 17 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC students honored with induction into Phi Theta Kappa must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 (3.75 for part-time students) in associate degree curriculum programs and have completed at least 12 credit hours toward their degrees.

PTK advisor Maureen Walters (left) presents VGCC student Pamela Campbell (right) with the chapter’s first-ever Excellence in Leadership Award.

Also honored at the ceremony were Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, and Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, who were awarded honorary memberships for their roles in the success of the chapter, and Pamela Campbell, a student who is graduating with her degree in Human Services Technology in Gerontology in May, who received the chapter’s first-ever Excellence in Leadership Award.

As advisors for VGCC’s PTK chapter, instructors Maureen Walters, Isaac Talley and Karen Feezor conducted the ceremony. Walters, the head advisor, told the new inductees and their families and friends in attendance that since VGCC’s chapter of PTK, “Alpha Sigma Chi,” was chartered in 1991, more than 2,040 students have been selected for induction. She said that while scholarship is the first aim of PTK, the society also encourages fellowship, leadership development and service to others, and she noted that the letters Phi Theta Kappa stand for the Greek words for “Wisdom,” “Aspiration” and “Purity.”

Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of academic affairs at VGCC, addresses the crowd at the Phi Theta Kappa ceremony

Dr. Brown served as the guest speaker for the event. “When I think about everything that college students need to navigate in order to experience academic success, I am reminded that it takes a village to help students be successful,” Dr. Brown said. “In many ways, our families and college campus are the village supporting you as you have experienced success both academically and personally.”

Noting that the inductees were selected because of the significant amount of time they have spent attending class, studying, working and managing various circumstances in life, he encouraged the honorees to “keep on moving,” citing the lyrics from a song by Soul to Soul. “Keep progressing and moving forward,” he said. “Do not lose momentum. Keep on moving, and do not forget about that village. Help pull others up academically and in other ways.”

Campbell, who introduced Dr. Brown on the program, was given the Excellence in Leadership Award for being “the driving force behind many of our successful projects in the last year,” said Walters. “She is an individual who I have had the privilege to watch grow during her time in Phi Theta Kappa into a successful leader. Even though she says she doesn’t like speaking in front of people, she was quick to ask if there was some way she might speak at the induction ceremony today since she was working on that skill. In addition to helping in many different groups on campus, she also finds her passion in helping our aging population.”

Certificates were awarded by VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams with assistance from Walters and Feezor.

This year’s inductees into the Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa are:

From Vance County:

Sonya Barnes, Jessica Bolton, Zenee Davis, Nealee Fisher, Tamara Glover, Cassidy Grissom, Kaitlyn Harris, Fatima Hawter, Wesley Hight, Brandon Hughes, Tim Jiang, Wendy Jordan, Evan O’Geary, Amal Saleh, Timmara Smith, Dustin Starnes, Raini Williams, and Kianna Wills of Henderson; and

Lastacey Burwell and Tara Burwell, both of Kittrell.

From Granville County:

Courtney Crute and Andrew Tinsley, both of Bullock;

Matthew Grooms of Butner;

Tyneshia Brackett, Delaney Edwards, and Iris Medrano, all of Creedmoor;

Monica Botros, Savannah Brogden, Brittney Darnell, Aivy Derry, Ker’Telian Fields, Penny Glover, Alyssa Gupton, Isom Hodges, Frances Wheeler, and Hanna Williams, all of Oxford.

From Franklin County:

Alexis Barton, Robert Davis, Caitlin Harris, Michelle Medina, Grace Ohlandt, Amanda Ramos and Caitlyn Rudd, all of Franklinton;

Sara Cheek, Trina Leapley, Rachel Munson and Shalinda White, all of Louisburg; and

Michelle Harris-Evans, Allison Thurkill and Megan Whitman, all of Youngsville.

From Warren County:

Sherese Hicks of Macon;

Shimeka Kearney of Norlina;

Edgar Arrieta-Reyes, Isaac Barnett, Heidy Labra, Kimberly Labra-Franco and Giovanni Reyes, all of Warrenton; and

Thomas King of Wise.

From Wake County

Robert Hill of Raleigh; and

Jessica Baker, Kynleigh Holley, and Lorie Shepherd, all of Wake Forest.