Granville Early College High School is proud to announce that it has received the College Success Award, which honors schools that excel in ensuring students prepare for college, enroll in college and succeed once they get there.
Launched by GreatSchools.org, the leading nonprofit provider of trusted school information, the 2019 College Success Award recognizes 1,722 schools in 25 states. Award-winning schools have a successful track record of graduating students who later enroll in two or four-year colleges, are ready for college-level coursework, and persist on to their second year, according to available data from each state.
College and career-ready graduates are critical to fueling the U.S. economy, as 65 percent of jobs will require a postsecondary degree by 2020. Granville Early College High School is one of the approximately 20 percent of eligible schools in NC that won the College Success Award.
“We are extremely proud of our talented and hard-working students,” said Principal Jackie Harris. “Our staff is dedicated to their success and continue to demonstrate excellence in their efforts.”
The College Success Award is possible because NC is leading the nation in collecting and being transparent in sharing information on how students do after high school, which is valuable information for families, educators, and policymakers.
For more information about Granville Early College High School, please visit their website: https://gech.gcs.k12.nc.us/ Visitors and guests are welcome to visit by appointment!
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Granville-Early-College-High-School-Logo-2018.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-10 16:57:312019-05-10 16:57:31Granville Early College High School Receives 2019 College Success Award
Granville County Public Schools’ “Parent University” kickoff on April 30, 2019, was a resounding success. The evening was punctuated by youth performances from around the district. When parents and special guests arrived, they were treated to the crescendo and raucous sounds of West Oxford Elementary students led by teacher Michael Epps.
Once inside, there was more musical excitement from the drumline of Mary Potter Middle School led by Mr. Detroit Yancey.
(Photo courtesy GCPS)
The special guest speakers were evangelist and former district and superior court judge Carolyn Thompson, founder of Abigail’s Ministry. Mrs. Thompson spoke about several child safety topics and gave parents strategies and best practices.
Our next guest speaker was Ms. Dedra Eatmon, founder and CEO of Tassel to Tassel. As a college transition strategist who imparts life skills and empowerment through her organization, she challenged our parents and kids to hold each other accountable and set goals for the destination of college.
The event also featured several choral selections from Stovall-Shaw Elementary and their choir, as well as Mary Potter Middle Schools’ Alyssa Hester who contributed beautifully to a great event.
After the event, there were community organizations and district student support departments represented to provide parents and guests with resources and support for their role as parents.
Granville County Public Schools extends a huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success!
Dr. Rachel Desmarais, who earlier this year became the seventh president of Vance-Granville Community College, will serve as the principal commencement speaker for the college’s graduation exercises on Friday, May 10, 2019. As VGCC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Desmarais follows in the footsteps of the school’s first president, Dr. Donald Mohorn, who was the commencement speaker at the first such ceremony, back in 1970.
Dr. Rachel Desmarais, who earlier this year became the seventh president of Vance-Granville Community College, will serve as the principal commencement speaker for the college’s graduation exercises on Friday, May 10, 2019. (VGCC Photo)
Jose Angel De Leon of Henderson, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, will be the student speaker.
Nearly 500 students are scheduled to be honored during ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. at the gazebo by the lake on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. For those unable to attend the event in person, VGCC will broadcast a live video feed from the ceremony online on its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/VanceGranvilleCC).
The VGCC Board of Trustees selected Dr. Desmarais to become the college president in December 2018, while she was serving as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College.
Once a student at Forsyth Tech, Desmarais became an adjunct instructor at the community college from 1996 to 1999 while also working in the private sector. She joined Forsyth Tech full-time in 2002 and served in a variety of academic and administrative roles over the next 16 years.
Jose Angel De Leon of Henderson, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, will be the student speaker. (VGCC Photo)
Desmarais earned her doctorate of philosophy in instructional design and technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., in 2015 after getting her master’s of science in information technology management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2003. She earned a bachelor of music degree in voice performance from Mars Hill College in 1992.
She was also among fewer than 40 aspiring and emerging community college presidents nationwide who were chosen for the Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence in 2017-2018.
De Leon is graduating from VGCC with a degree in Criminal Justice Technology. A graduate of Norlina Christian School, he has earned Dean’s List and President’s List honors at the college and has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
De Leon plans to continue his education at North Carolina Central University, where he will complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. His long-term plan is to earn his Ph.D. in criminal justice or criminology and become a college professor.
Students serving as graduation marshals will be Caroline Williamson of Bullock; Ebony Cotton of Franklinton; Hannah Edwards, Evin Swilley, April Zuniga-Trejo and Leslie Zuniga-Trejo, all of Henderson; Gricel Arroyo of Louisburg; Miranda Brown of Oxford; Rana Alashmali of Timberlake; and Ronnie Brodie, Jr., of Wake Forest.
April Zuniga-Trejo of Henderson
Caroline Williamson of Bullock
Ebony Cotton of Franklinton
Evin Swilley of Henderson
Gricel Arroyo of Louisburg
Hannah Edwards of Henderson
Leslie Zuniga-Trejo of Henderson
Miranda Brown of Oxford
Rana Alashmali – Timberlake
Ronnie Brodie, Jr., of Wake Forest
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/VGCC-with-President.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-08 16:56:412019-05-08 15:52:11New VGCC President to Address Graduates as College Celebrates 50 Years
On Thursday, May 2, 2019, hundreds of parents and community members came out to a packed auditorium at South Granville High School to celebrate the second annual “Evening of Excellence” for our schools. The event celebrated the accomplishments of two groups: all students who earned straight A’s and perfect attendance in grades K-12; and employees who demonstrated excellence through their work across the district.
Pictured left to right: Jamar Perry, HR Director; Dr. Michael Myrick, Asst Supt, Jade Currin (CENTER) 2019 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent, Beth Day, Asst Supt, Dr. Stan Winborne, Exec Director. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Employees were honored at a reception in the school’s Media Center with refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres served to staff and their families prior to the event.
The event kicked off as students marched across the stage to thumping music and bright lights as they were greeted by formally dressed district staff and Board members. These proud, smiling students were honored for earning perfect attendance and straight A’s for the year. Students from every school who earned these top honors had the privilege of walking the red carpet and receiving their gold star, which they can now proudly wear as evidence of their outstanding efforts in academics.
Board chairman Dr. Tom Houlihan commented in his opening remarks, “Recognizing excellence in the academic achievement of our students is fundamental to our work. The students here tonight should be commended for their efforts, and we are so proud of what you do each and every day. You are on the right path and are models for your peers. Congratulations!”
Also recognized at the event were dozens of staff members for excellence in their profession. Those first called on to the stage were teachers who received honors (and monetary bonuses from the state) for their students’ performance on End-of-Grade tests, Advanced Placement Exams, and Career and Technical credentials. Each walked the red carpet to receive their gold star and recognition.
The next employees called on stage were the “employees of the year” from a wide range of categories. Each received a gold star plaque as they walked the red carpet.
2019 Employees of the Year:
Crystal Daye – CG Credle – Bus Driver of the Year 2019
Deborah Adcock – JTOH/SS – Child Nutrition Employee of the Year 2019
Sarah Hardin – CESA – Clerical Employee of the Year 2019
Fred Frizzle – TRES – Custodian of the Year 2019
Christi Stephenson – Phoenix Academy – Student Support Employee of the Year 2019
Amy Clough – Phoenix Academy – Teacher Assistant of the Year 2019
Melanie Burnette – Exceptional Children – Instructional Support Employee of the Year 2019
Kasey Simmons – CG Credle – Outstanding Beginning Teacher of the Year 2019
Anthony Dickens – JF Webb – Assistant Principal of the Year 2019
Finally, senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen schools’ respective teachers of the year as they were called onto the stage.
Superintendent McLean cut through the suspense-filled moment in the audience as she announced the 2nd and 1st runners up before finally announcing the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jade Currin, Kindergarten Teacher at Wilton Elementary School. Ms. Currin was presented with her trophy, flowers and a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation, who was co-sponsor of the event along with Builders Services of Creedmoor. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.
Ms. Currin will go on to represent the district at the regional, state and, hopefully, national level of the competition. “We are sure that Ms. Currin will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents,” proclaimed Dr. McLean.
2019 Granville County Public Schools Teachers of the Year:
BSES: Heather Mann
CG Credle ES: Katherine Thompson (2nd Runner Up)
CESA: HarleyAnn Lesher
Hawley: Justin Dickson
GCHS: Doug Roberson
GECHS: Danielle Igims
JTOH: Angela Norwood
JF Webb: Carole Griffin
Webb SLHS: Wendi Leas
MPMS: Detroit Yancey
MTE: Susan Nutt
NGMS: Brian Kaprive (1st Runner Up)
Phoenix Academy: Bryant Blackwell
SGHS: Freda Lemay
SSES: Rebecca Starzynski
TRES: Heather Wolford
WOX: Karen Honeycutt
Wilton: Jade Currin (WINNER)
The evening concluded with a reception of desserts and refreshments for all who attended. Granville County Public Schools is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing excellence and achievement for all!
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The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.
The board will also meet in a Closed Session for a consultation with the Board’s attorney and Personnel/Attorney-Client Privileges in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.
Select the meeting date or search for particular items.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Granville-County-Public-Schools.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-03 16:51:022019-05-03 16:51:02Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet May 6; All Meetings Now Recorded
Vance-Granville Community College has named student Hope Crute of Youngsville as its recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2019. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year.
Crute will be officially recognized at Commencement in May when she is scheduled to graduate from the college with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. Not long afterward, she is set to graduate from Franklin County Early College High School. That challenging five-year program, along with the guidance and support of teachers and peers, has helped her develop into the person she is today.
Hope Crute of Youngsville is the VGCC recipient of the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award for 2019. (VGCC Photo)
“Vance-Granville Community College is a school that successfully brings together ambitious, hard-working students who encourage one another and challenge each other to do better academically and professionally,” Crute said. “The magical thing I have found as a student at VGCC is that the school does not just teach academic lessons, but also life lessons.”
Crute has excelled in the classroom while also taking on numerous responsibilities at home to help her family as they dealt with her father’s serious health issues. She has served as a peer tutor in the VGCC Academic Skills Center and has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for community college students, as well as the National Honor Society at the high school level.
Crute plans to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall to complete a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field.
“Hope’s determination and dedication to academic success have earned her recognition as one of North Carolina’s outstanding community college students,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC.
“Thanks to her experience at Vance-Granville and at Franklin County Early College, Hope now enters the next stage of her education equipped with confidence, clarity, enhanced skills, and a thirst for further knowledge.”
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Wilton Elementary School celebrated their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification.
The event was attended by family and community members. It was led by their Student Lighthouse Team and included special performances by Wilton’s Show Choir, a Family Feud game with the Student Lighthouse Team and special presentations by a speaker from each grade level.
Attendees were also invited to visit classrooms as students demonstrated their leadership skills in the classroom. Guests could also visit the media center where students shared information on the different extracurricular opportunities at Wilton such as Show Choir, Student Lighthouse Team, Girls on the Run, Clubs, PAW Patrol, Spelling Bee, Battle of the Books and CLAWS.
Guests then met back in the gym for the grand finale in which all students in the school came together to sing.
The event was enjoyed by all and Wilton greatly appreciates the parent and community support!
Wilton Elementary School students sing for guests in celebration of their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification. (Photo courtesy Granville County Public Schools)
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Monday, April 29, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina for the Board’s consideration of the 2019-2020 budget proposal.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Granville-County-Public-Schools.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-26 16:50:292019-04-26 16:21:52Granville Board of Ed. to Consider 2019-20 Budget in Mon. Work Session
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina for the purpose of receiving a financial presentation and financial updates from staff on School System finances.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
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Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.
Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.
Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.
In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.
Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.
Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
