Vance Co. High School & Middle School Principals Reflect on Upcoming School Year
Vance County High School Principal Rey Horner and Vance County Middle School Principal Heddie Somerville were the guests of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.
Horner and Somerville, who are both set to welcome students on Monday, August 27 for the start of the 2018-19 traditional calendar year, engaged in a general discussion on the recent high school and middle school consolidation process and their hopes for the future.
Vance County High School
Occupying the former Southern Vance High School building on Garrett Road in Henderson, the new Vance County High School is set to welcome approximately 1,350 former Southern Vance Raiders and Northern Vance Vikings.
“There were some concerns about bringing the schools together because we have been rivals for so long,” said Horner. “I think what helped the process is that we still have members of the community that can remember when we only had one high school.”
Horner himself was a graduate of the last class of Vance Senior High School before it split into Southern Vance and Northern Vance and said he looks forward to the combined high school being the center of the community again.
He also referred back to his own experience with transitioning from middle to high school to explain that he expects any concerns regarding former rivals merging to be largely unfounded.
“I can remember when I was at Henderson Junior High and about to go to Vance Senior High. Our biggest rival was Eaton Johnson and everyone was worried about how we’d mix, but once we got to high school, we became one family.”
Horner said he looks forward to witnessing the Vipers become one team but admits the entire process will not happen overnight. “I’m seeing this consolidation as a three-year process; you won’t see all of the changes immediately. It’s going to be a couple of years before we’re where we want to be.”
During that time, Horner said the high school will be focusing on building up their performing arts offerings – including band and theater.
Building the athletic program has already been a full speed ahead process and Horner reported that the number of athletes who tried out for fall sports has grown exponentially.
While Horner is excited for the athletic program and the hard work of the coaches, he asks that the community set realistic expectations for the first year of the program. “We have extraordinary talent in Vance County and I’m glad we can showcase it. Everyone is assuming because we merged the two schools it is a no-brainer that we will sweep the conference, but there is a little adjustment period.”
Vance County Middle School
Located in the former Northern Vance High School building on Warrenton Road in Henderson, Vance County Middle School will welcome approximately 840 sixth through eighth-grade students this school year.
“We have a strategic plan to enforce a model of creating a culture of unity with the mindset of excellence,” said Somerville. “Sixth graders coming into middle school are combining with students from 10 elementary schools.”
In addition to getting to know new classmates, Vance County Middle School students will also have to acclimate to wearing required school uniforms.
For girls, the uniforms will include white or navy blue collared shirts and blouses and navy blue or khaki uniform pants, skirts or jumpers. Boys’ uniforms include white or navy blue collared or dress shirts, as well as navy blue or khaki uniform pants.
Though there has been some pushback from the community, Somerville, the former principal of Pinkston Street Elementary School, said she has seen firsthand how positive uniforms can be for learning and student behavior. “When we implemented uniforms at Pinkston Street, I saw the difference in the mindset of the children. It levels the playing field and it allows them to come in with the mindset of academics.”
Somerville expressed her appreciation and admiration for how well staff members have worked together to prepare the building for opening day. “There is still some construction work to be done and we are moving quickly to be ready on time. Teachers are coming in to assist with moving furniture and setting up classrooms.”
This camaraderie adds to the “one family” feel that the school hopes to nurture and has Somerville looking forward to being “the new cats in town.”
* Vance County High School will hold an Open House on Thursday, August 23, 2018, from 3 – 7 p.m. at the school – 925 Garrett Rd, Henderson. In addition to students and parents, the entire community is invited to attend. Food trucks will be available on site.
Wilson Re-Elected President of Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
Randolph Wilson of Kittrell was re-elected president of Rebuilding Hope, Inc. (RHI).
Also re-elected were Bill Overby of Warrenton, secretary; and Walt Slaton of Oxford, treasurer. Overby also was elected to a second three-year term on the board of directors.
Vann Wester of Louisburg was elected vice president and to a first three-year term on the board.
Robert Burnett of Manson was elected to a first three-year term on the board, and Steve Timberlake of Oxford was elected to serve out the unexpired term of a board member who recently moved from the area.
The officers and directors took office August 14, 2018.
RHI, headquartered in Henderson, is a faith-based ministry that uses home repairs to meet physical needs and shares the love of Christ.
Randolph Wilson of Kittrell was recently re-elected president of Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
Free Lunch & Hands-On Learning at Carlee Farm Lunch & Learn Event
— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
Carlee Farm, 1003 Carlee Farm Rd., Oxford, will be the site of a Chamber-sponsored Lunch & Learn event on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, from 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn how to make salsa from your own garden and enjoy a lunch of spring green salad, spaghetti with fresh farm sauce and veggies, yeast roll and honey bun cake.
John and Gena Stephens will provide you with this delicious lunch and give you a hands-on learning experience as part of the “Pick It, Make It, Take It” program.
Attendance is free, but reservations are required. Please RSVP to the Granville County Chamber of Commerce by calling (919) 693-6125.
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Henderson-Vance Rec. & Parks to Offer Hip-Hop Water Aerobic Wednesdays
-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Get a fast-paced cardio workout with low impact on your joints and muscles at the Aycock Recreation Center’s hip-hop water aerobics. Water aerobics is perfect for people of all ages who are able to touch in the 4-foot shallow end of the pool.
Dates:
September 5, 12, 19 & 26
October 3, 10, 17 & 24
November 7 & 14
Time:
7 – 7:45 p.m.
Fee:
$2 non-member/$1 member
Instructor:
Brandi Parker
Contact:
Lauren Newlin, Aquatics Program Supervisor
lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us ~ (252) 438-3160
https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation-and-parks/
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Funding for Owens Park, Sewer Improvements Topics of Franklin Co. Board Meeting
-Information courtesy Kristen King, Clerk to the Board, Franklin County
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, August 20, 2018, in the County Administration Building, 113 Market Street, Louisburg, NC. The official meeting begins at 7 p.m. following a prayer lead by Commissioner Michael Shriver at 6:55 p.m.
ITEM 1. CONSENT AGENDA
A. August 6, 2018 Minutes
B. Budget Amendment #2 (Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-15, the County Finance Officer is requesting a budget ordinance amendment in the amount of $1,029,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 to amend the General Fund to recognize August 6, 2018 Board action to appropriate monies for Owens Park at Bull Creek and Airport project match.)
C. Releases, Adjustments, Refunds, and Tax Collection Report
D. Petition for Acceptance of Late Application – David S. Griffin
E. Resolution Appointing Review Officers
ITEM 2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
This is the time set aside by the Board of Commissioners to allow individuals five minutes to address the Board on issues concerning the county.
ITEM 3. SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
The Board is asked to consider acceptance of a zero interest loan for two projects including Waste Water Treatment Plant Repairs ($8,316,000) and Lift Station Replacement in Franklinton ($1,365,000) at a total cost of $9,681,000. The Waste Water Treatment Plant project is at zero interest with $217,083 loan forgiveness. The Lift Station project is at zero percent interest. Both projects will have a loan fee of 2% that will be invoiced after project bids are received.
ITEM 4. VEHICLE PURCHASE – SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The County has bid vehicles for the year and recommends the purchase of 41 vehicles at a cost of $1,351,475.
ITEM 5. OTHER BUSINESS
ITEM 6. BOARD, MANAGER AND CLERK’S COMMENTS
This is the time set aside for the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the Clerk to the Board to report on various activities. The Board may also discuss other items of interest.
Vance Co. Animal Shelter to Participate in ‘Clear the Shelters’ Free Adoption Event
-Information courtesy a press release from Capitol Broadcasting Company/WRAL-TV
WRAL-TV and MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, in partnership with the Humane Society of the U.S., have teamed up with twelve local animal shelters to host Clear the Shelters, the fourth annual nationwide pet adoption drive.
This year, for the first time, the Vance County Animal Shelter will participate in this free adoption event on Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs, cats and even one rabbit will be available for adoption.
Each participating shelter will waive adoption fees as part of the nationwide NBCUniversal Clear the Shelters initiative for the day. A short application process will be required.
According to Vance County Animal Shelter Chief Frankie Nobles, all cats and dogs available for adoption will already be spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated.
Staff will be on-hand all day to help potential adopters select the right pet for their family and answer any questions.
“We are very excited to be able to participate this year,” said Nobles. “There are going to be a lot of animals adopted this weekend.”
In 2017, over 80,000 pets were adopted from 900 shelters across the country during the Clear the Shelters campaign. Locally, WRAL helped find homes for 1,195 pets.
In addition to the Vance County Animal Shelter, eleven other local animal shelters will participate in the Clear the Shelters event including: Animal Protection Society of Durham, Franklin County Animal Shelter, Harnett County Animal Shelter, Johnston County Animal Services, Orange County Animal Services, Paws4ever, Wake County Animal Center, SPCA of Wake County, Safe Haven for Cats, Wayne County Education and Animal Adoption Center and Cumberland County Animal Control.
Visit www.wral.com/lifestyles/pets/ to access more information about Clear the Shelters. A real-time pet “Adoption Tracker” will record the total number of pets that are adopted across all participating markets.
Also, tune in to WRAL-TV on Friday, August 24, 2018, at 7 p.m. for a 30-minute Clear the Shelters special featuring highlights from the national event, plus local pet adoption stories.
Henderson-Vance P.U.L.L. Weekend to Feature Food, Games and Free Kids’ Haircuts!
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks announces the third annual Henderson – Vance P.U.L.L. (Peace – Unity – Love – Live) Weekend Friday, August 24 – Sunday, August 26, 2018.
The weekend begins with a Fire Star professional wrestling match at Aycock Recreational Complex and concludes with free haircuts for school-age kids at participating businesses.
Please see flyer for additional events, dates and information.
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‘Alive After Five’ Set to Entertain in Gazebo Park, Butner – TOMORROW
— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s “Alive After Five” event will be held tomorrow, August 16, 2018, at Gazebo Park, Central Avenue, in Butner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This second event in the 15th anniversary “Alive After Five” series will feature free admission, concessions and live music by The Konnection Band.
The third, and final, event of the series will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot on Gilliam Street in downtown Oxford. The band Jim Quick & Coastline will be musical guests.
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