VCS ‘Educators Of Excellence’ Celebration Recognizes Teachers, Administrators

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— Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools honored outstanding educators and school leaders during its annual Educators of Excellence Celebration on Tuesday, June 2 at the Henderson Country Club.

The event recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year, while also celebrating nominees for Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year. These educators and administrators exemplify dedication, innovation, and excellence in serving students across the district.

“We are honored to recognize the incredible work taking place in our schools each day,” said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett. “Our students deserve the absolute best education and these accomplished educators and administrators inspire students, support colleagues, and prepare our students for success.”

VCS recognized Zeb Vance Elementary’s Grant Hairston as Teacher of the Year and Aycock Elementary’s Kevon Allen as District Beginning Teacher of the Year. Kristen Boyd, principal at E.O. Young Elementary was selected for Principal of the Year honors and Razvan Tegean of L.B. Yancey Elementary was selected as Assistant Principal of the Year.

The following educators were recognized as Teacher of the Year for their respective schools:

Advance Academy – Sheila Taylor

Aycock Elementary – Tracey Fontanet

Carver Elementary – Marinda Daye

Clarke Elementary – Venessa Lofters

Dabney Elementary – Tyreka Ward

Kelvin Henderson, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy

E.O. Young Elementary – Emily Hunsinger

L.B. Yancey Elementary – Jamie Chin

New Hope Elementary – Jasmine Rogers

Pinkston Street Elementary – Marlou Fabruada

STEM Early High – Roanna Evans

Vance County Early College – Vicki Ann Fullwood-Barrett

Vance County High – Selvaraj Arulappan

Vance County Middle – Tashalie Nelson-Sleugh

Vance Virtual Village Academy – Angela Foster

Zeb Vance Elementary – Grant Hairston

Beginning Teacher of the Year honorees, by school, are:

Advance Academy – Gay Charisse Beran

Aycock Elementary – Kevon Allen

Carver Elementary – Kayla Boyd

Clarke Elementary – Sarah Pelos

Dabney Elementary – Nichole Campbell Gordon

E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy – David Rincon

E.O. Young Elementary – Chrystal Primiano

L.B. Yancey Elementary – Doris Gomez

New Hope Elementary – Angel Gilchrist

Pinkston Street Elementary – Deborah Hawley

STEM Early High – Alexandra DeGuzman

Vance County Early College – Ashley Bolling

Vance County High – Ronique Golding

Vance County Middle – Garnet Brooks

Zeb Vance Elementary – Kiangi Hill

The district recognized the following Principal of the Year nominees: Dr. Shannon Bullock (Vance County Middle School), Kristen Boyd (E.O. Young Elementary School) and Jessica Austin (STEM Early High School).

Assistant Principal of the Year nominees included Chabre’ Phillips (Aycock Elementary School), Sharita Jones (Carver Elementary School), David Cooper, Jr. (E.O. Young Elementary School), and Razvan Tegean (L.B. Yancey Elementary School).

Following is more information about each of the award recipients:

From left: Kevon Allen, Kristin Boyd, Razvan Tegean and Grant Hairston

Grant Hairston – Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year

Grant Hairston has a passion and dedication that define exceptional teaching. A graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Science Education, Hairston has spent the past 10 years inspiring students through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, including seven years serving the students of Vance County Schools at Zeb Vance Elementary School.

As a fifth-grade Science and Math teacher, Hairston is known for creating a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and learning becomes an adventure. He encourages students to ask questions, explore the world around them, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His teaching philosophy centers on learning alongside students, modeling curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of discovery.

His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. International experiences studying education and culture in Korea and serving as an instructional leader in South Africa have broadened Hairston’s perspective and strengthened his belief in the power of education to connect people, expand horizons, and create meaningful opportunities for students. He brings these global insights back to his classroom, enriching learning experiences and helping students see themselves as part of a larger world. Hairston finds joy in helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and discover their potential, celebrating each “lightbulb moment” that sparks a lifelong love of learning.

As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year, Hairston represents the very best of the teaching profession as an educator whose enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the future of our community.

Kevon Allen – Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year

Kevon Allen’s dedication and heart define him as an outstanding educator. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers College with a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, Allen has quickly distinguished himself as a talented educator and leader during his first year at Aycock Elementary School, where he teaches fourth-grade Mathematics.

Although education was not his original career aspiration, Allen believes teaching became his calling. Since entering the profession, he has embraced the opportunity to shape young lives, exceed expectations, and help develop future leaders. He approaches each day with the mindset of a lifelong learner, understanding that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and opening doors for students.

Allen is known for building relationships with his students and creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of success. He believes that teaching extends far beyond academics and that the lasting impact of an educator is found in the encouragement, confidence, and sense of belonging they provide. His students are inspired by his unwavering belief in their potential and his commitment to helping them move from “I can’t” to “I can.”

As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year, Allen represents the promise and potential of the next generation of educators. His passion for

student success, commitment to relationship-building, and dedication to fostering a positive learning environment make him a deserving recipient of this honor and a bright example of excellence in education.

Kristen Boyd – Vance County Schools Principal of the Year

Kristen Boyd’s educational journey is a testament to dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Vance County Schools. A proud graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and North Carolina State University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Boyd has devoted her entire 25-year career to serving the students, staff, and families of Vance County.

She began her career in 2001 as a second- and third-grade teacher at Aycock Elementary School, where her passion for student success and instructional excellence quickly distinguished her as a leader among her peers. After serving as assistant principal from 2007 to 2014, she served as principal of Aycock Elementary from 2014-2024 and in 2024, was named Principal of E.O. Young Elementary where she continues to inspire excellence and innovation.

Throughout her career, Boyd has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to continuous improvement. Her honors include Aycock Teacher of the Year in 2006, Superintendent’s Leadership Award, Disruptive Innovator Award, Vanceformation Award, and 2017-2018 VCS Principal of the Year. She has also participated in numerous leadership development programs, including Future Ready Leadership, Leadership Vance, NC Leaders in Personalized and Digital Learning, and Opportunity Culture Fellowship.

Known for her visionary leadership, strong relationships, and relentless focus on student achievement, Boyd has made a lasting impact on Aycock Elementary and the entire Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year, she exemplifies the very best of educational leadership and the profound difference one dedicated educator can make in the lives of students and colleagues alike.

Razvan Tegean – Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year

Razvan Tegean exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and student-centered focus that define exceptional school administrators. He is a graduate of Babes-Bolyai University in Romania with a degree in K-12 Physical Education and High Point University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. As the assistant principal at L.B. Yancey Elementary School, Mr. Tegean is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential.

An advocate for student achievement, Tegean’s hands-on approach to leadership is evident through his work supporting diverse student populations, strengthening intervention efforts, and providing instructional support to both students and teachers. Through innovative initiatives and targeted academic support, he has helped drive measurable gains in student performance while ensuring every child has access to opportunities for success.

Tegean is deeply invested in the professional growth of educators. Through classroom visits, coaching conversations, walkthroughs, and actionable feedback, he supports teachers in refining their practice and continuously improving outcomes for students. His commitment to collaboration and professional learning helps build leadership capacity throughout the school and strengthens a culture of excellence.

Known for his unwavering commitment to students and ability to inspire those around him, Tegean has made a lasting impact on L.B. Yancey Elementary and the broader Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year, he exemplifies the power of building relationships, supporting growth, and creating opportunities for success for every student and educator.

The Educators of Excellence Celebration highlights the commitment and impact of educators across Vance County Schools and serves as an opportunity for the district and community to celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of students each day.

For more information about Vance County Schools, visit the district website or follow Vance County Schools on social media.

City Manager: Regional Water System Committed To Customers, Finding Solution For Franklin County Supply

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Henderson City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell sent the following press release to WIZS News Wednesday afternoon from the office of City Manager Paylor Spruill. The information appears below in its entirety:

KERR LAKE REGIONAL WATER PARTNERSHP / FRANKLIN COUNTY  

The formation of the Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership can be traced back to 1972 when discussions among Floyd McKissick, Developer of Soul City; Mayor Hugh Currin and City Manager Tom Ragland of Oxford; Mayor George Boyd, City Manager Melvin Holmes and City Attorney John Zollicoffer, Jr. of Henderson took place. They traveled many times to Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA to meet with federal officials of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that was administering grant and loan guarantees approved in the New Communities Act of July 1972. Mr. McKissick envisioned a community in Warren County of 50,000 residents by the year 2000 with a health clinic, industrial park, fire station, recreational areas and water treatment facilities. At a crucial time in the discussions with HUD in Washington, D.C., Mr. McKissick asked for a telephone. (No cell phones then.) That was brought to the meeting table and plugged into the wall. He brought a piece of paper from his wallet and dialed a number. Then President Richard Nixon personally answered the call.

Warren County would eventually become successor to Floyd B. McKissick Enterprises, Inc. with a 20% partnership position. The City of Oxford also has a 20% position and the City of Henderson 60%. The original regional water supply system had an estimated cost of $9 million ($75 million today.) And the City of Henderson has successfully managed and operated the system since then for over half a century!

The City of Henderson purchases water from the partnership and sells it directly to Franklin County. This began under a 1998 agreement which has been successfully amended many times to accommodate the relationship. The City of Henderson through the Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership is committed to helping Franklin County solve its water supply problems. However, our first responsibility is to our residents, customers and taxpayers. We will not enter into an agreement with Franklin County, or anyone else, until we know we can satisfy our own obligations – now and in the future.

The Partnership has identified several ways in which we might be able to help Franklin County. We are completing our analysis of those options and expect to propose a solution before the end of this month.

The Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership encourages Franklin County to direct future communications solely to us. Negotiating in public does not build trust and is rarely successful.

CITY OF HENDERSON

Office of the City Manager

Paylor Spruill, City Manager

 

TownTalk: What If Vance County Had A Data Center?

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For the past few months, county residents have spoken up to express their opposition to data centers.

They’ve signed up to speak during the public comment portion of regular monthly Vance County Board of Commissioners meetings.

They’ve been vocal on social media, offering opinions and posting information about all the bad stuff that happens in communities where data centers are located.

And multiple speakers at Monday’s commissioners meeting called on the board to establish a moratorium on data center development.

Commissioner Valencia Perry asked the board to think about a moratorium. “May I speak about what they’re talking about?” she asked Chair Carolyn Faines. “’Cause evidently they ain’t going nowhere,” which got a round of applause from the audience.

County Manager Renee Perry recommended that commissioners discuss researching a data center moratorium at its next work session.

To recap, the Vance County Planning Board recommended in April that about 40 acres along U.S. Hwy 158 be rezoned from EIA – Employment Institutional Area – to Light Industrial.

There currently are no plans for development of the property under discussion, but, because a name on the rezoning request included a name associated with a Maryland-based data center developer, residents concluded that the site would be the site of a data center in the future.

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VGCC Foundation’s $5M ‘Building Futures Campaign’ Well On Its Way To Goal

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s $5 million fundraising campaign is well on its way, with more than $1 million raised since the campaign kicked off in March.

Building Futures: Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities is a 10-month campaign to raise money to address a funding deficit and ensure the successful completion of two transformational workforce training facilities, namely the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT) and the Transportation Training & Technology Center (TTTC).

The $1,051,000 in philanthropic support demonstrates strong early momentum, donor confidence, and measurable community impact, according to school officials.

Building Futures represents a high-impact workforce development initiative, advancing economic mobility and career pathways for students across Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

While state funding and grants have supported both facilities, increased construction costs have created a funding shortfall. The Building Futures fundraising plan seeks to raise $5 million in transformational philanthropic investment to ensure both facilities open fully equipped with modern technology and industry-grade training equipment.

This investment directly supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term regional economic growth, while strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology will serve as a state-of-the-art training center designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers in welding, mechatronics, electrical systems, and HVAC.

This facility will expand access to quality jobs, industry-recognized credentials, and upward economic mobility, while supporting employers seeking a highly skilled workforce.

The Transportation Training & Technology Center will expand and modernize instruction in CDL-A and B, heavy equipment operations, and diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.

This facility addresses critical workforce shortages while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities that lead directly to employment and family-sustaining wages.

Together, these two facilities represent a transformative investment in community impact, workforce innovation, and economic development. By aligning education with industry demand, VGCC is advancing scalable workforce solutions, employer partnerships, and student-centered outcomes that strengthen communities and regional competitiveness.

The Building Futures initiative reflects a commitment to evidence-based impact, measurable outcomes, and expanding opportunity at scale—key priorities for national philanthropic leaders investing in systemic change.

Individuals, families, corporations, and philanthropic organizations are invited to participate in the Building Futures initiative through a variety of major gift and naming opportunities. Donors may choose to name classrooms, labs, and more.

For more information about supporting workforce training, transformational giving opportunities, philanthropic partnerships, or community impact investments, please contact the VGCC Foundation at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264 or visit www.vgcc.edu/building-futures.

Kerr Lake Country Club

SportsTalk: Kerr Lake FlingGolf Open Coming June 5-7

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FlingGolf is taking over the links at Kerr Lake Country Club this weekend for a three-day pro-am tournament.

The Kerr Lake Open begins Friday with a doubles match at 1 p.m. The individual tournament days are Saturday and Sunday. And whether you’re a ranked player in the national league or just wondered what the heck FlingGolf is all about, there’s a place for you this weekend, said David Norton and Sam Scannell (rhymes with flannel).

“You can be brand new to the sport – never picked up a FlingStick – and still come out and play,”

Scannell, currently ranked #2 in World League FlingGolf, said he wants to make Kerr Lake Country Club the Southeast hub for this curious young sport that basically involves playing golf with something akin to a lacrosse stick.

Norton joined the FlingGolf community a few years ago, but Scannell has been onboard since its inception back in 2012.

Players use the same FlingStick to hurl golf balls from the tee to the fairway, from the fairway to the green and then putt into the cup. There’s no need to know a wedge from a driver or a putter from a wood – players just use one stick, Norton explained.

This weekend’s tournament will bring top players from all over to the local club, Norton said. There are close to a dozen teams signed up, and he expects more to register. They hope to have 40 or so participants.

If you’re curious about how the game is played, come on out to Kerr Lake Country Club this weekend and see firsthand what it’s all about.

Following the tournament, the two hope to be able to host some clinics at KLCC to help spread the word about FlingGolf and help anybody who wants to learn to play.

They’d like to eventually get a team together that will travel to tournaments across the nation.

Norton said, “Accolades and the wins are fine, but it’s more about the growth of the sport at this point, which is cool.”

Register for the Kerr Lake Open at the country club’s website https://www.kerrlakecountryclub.com/ or call 252.492.1895.

 

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Dinosaurs, Mother Goose, & Summer Reading At Perry Memorial Library

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With the Summer Reading program kickoff just two weeks away, the Perry Memorial Library staff is busy making sure everything’s organized and ready to go. And they’re putting the finishing touches on Rupert, the brachiosaurus they’re creating that will hang – somehow – from the library’s ceiling.

Right now, Rupert’s in parts, but that’s ok, according to Youth Services Director Melody Peters said. Library staff, like archaeologists, are putting together pieces of a puzzle to recreate what the dinosaur looked like when it roamed the earth.

Rupert ties into the summer reading theme “Unearthing A Story,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday segment of The Local Skinny!

“He’s taking shape,” she said, and will most likely take his place above the bookshelves and info desks next week.

The summer reading program kicks off on Tuesday, June 16 when kids can come in to the library, sign up for the program and get their reading logs.

Vendors and area businesses will be on hand with games for the kiddos, popcorn and more, Peters said. “It’s just a fun day to celebrate reading,” she said, adding that the library staff is most grateful for the community effort.

“We are so grateful for our partners,” she said. “We support each other…as part of the community and we couldn’t do it alone.”

Regular programming continues, however, and Peters said she’s looking forward to “Thrilling Thursdays” at the library. Thursdays are jam-packed with programs all day long, from Mother Goose Story Time at 11 with community play on the patio – with bubbles! – afterward, followed by Afternoon Story Time at 3:30 p.m. This is an abbreviated story time for busy families who can zip in for a quick story – and bubbles! – before heading on their way to the next activity, sports practice or errand.

The June 4 theme is gardens, and the June 11 theme is sharks, Peters said.

Got more time? Stay for Lego Fun and Games at 4 p.m., then Teen Time in the Maker Space for youth in grades 6-12 who want to play Wii or get creative with arts and crafts.

Thursdays don’t get all the action, Peters said.

Baby Rave returns Friday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. The 0-2 crowd can have some fun with scarves, disco lights – and bubbles!

Then it’s time for the 3-5 age range and Parachute Fun at 11:30 a.m. for 30 minutes of games and songs, all under and around the parachute.

As always, siblings are welcome to participate, too.

Visit the library’s website at www.perrylibrary.org to learn more.

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Franklin County Hosts 5-County Beef Tour On June 12

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Franklin County is hosting the 2026 5-County BEEF Tour on Tuesday, June 16. Participants will carpool to three innovative beef cattle farms, both large and small, that are participating in the Southeastern US Regenerative Agriculture Project, according to information from Matthew Place of the Franklin County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension.

There will be lots of networking, but also use of new technology for the cattle producer, demonstrations (grazing forages, rainfall simulator), and expert insights designed to help your farm thrive.

Participants will hear about the latest in agricultural tech and management strategies, including:

  • Nutritional Efficiency: Learn how to maximize your herd’s performance while managing costs. Grazing efficiency using the “grazing forage stick”, one free per family.
  • Forage & Drones: See how drone technology is changing the game for pasture management, heat checks, etc. See a live demonstration using the forage rainfall simulator.
  • Virtual Fencing: Explore the future of grazing without the wire.
  • Trade Show during lunch: new Hay Equipment, Seed companies, “No Fence” company, Farm Conservation and more.
  • Lunch speaker: Regenerative Agriculture and Programs Available.

Registration is required and the $30 fee includes lunch. The deadline to register is Friday, June 12.
Register at go.ncsu.edu/2026-5-county-beef-tour

For more information, contact Franklin County Center, 919.496.3344, Agricultural Extension Agent Martha Mobley or the Sampson County Center, 910.592.7161, Agricultural Extension Agent Paul Gonzalez.

The link to the tour brochure is Brochure & Tour Map.

 

 

 

TownTalk: Stewardson Making Headlines In And Around Henderson

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Downtown Henderson is set to be the backdrop for a music and arts festival, the brainchild of a local man who’s set to take the stage with others as part of the day’s performances on Sunday, June 14.

Bridger Stewardson has just completed the first year of a four-year program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and this idea to do something for his hometown has been taking shape over the past few months.

The result: the Henderson Music & Arts Festival, and five different groups are scheduled to perform from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the space between the police department, McGregor Hall and Perry Memorial Library, Stewardson said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

He’d been thinking about doing something in Henderson – for his hometown – for the past few years, noting that there’s not much offered locally when it comes to live music.

“Putting this festival together is a perfect of giving back to the community.”

He describes the festival as “small town soul, big stage jam” on his social media page promoting the event and said vendors, artisans and food trucks are going to add to the festival atmosphere.

For those unfamiliar, Bridger Stewardson is the son of Jason and Missy Stewardson and the grandson of Faye Stewardson and the late Bob Stewardson and Dr. Roddy and Beverly Drake. And Berklee College of Music in Boston, well, it’s the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world, known for the study of jazz and modern American music.

Stewardson, who plays piano, is majoring in jazz composition.

“I first started playing when I was eight,” Stewardson said. He took lessons with Henderson’s own Mark Hopper for a couple of years, then took some time to do his “own thing” before working with Oxford’s Cindy Clark. “She really honed my skills,” Stewardson said. “She let me play what I wanted to play and have fun.”

For Stewardson, having “fun” at the piano often includes improvisation, something jazz musicians are known for. He said when he plays, it’s 70 percent off the page and 30 percent on the page.” His music, he said, comes from the soul.

His group, Stewardson and Friends, opens up the friendship circle to include four other groups that will perform at the festival, which is free to the public.

Local favorites Jimmy and the Sound Barriers will kick off the concert, followed by

Soul Livin’ jazz quartet from Durham, Noah Gibney trio from Boston, the Westbrooks, another local group. Stewardson and Friends will round out the concert with a 90-minute set, he said. He’ll be at piano, accompanied by drums, bass, keyboards and vocalist.

He credits jam sessions in David Westbrook’s garage with helping him – as a young musician – feel comfortable creating music with a group of like-minded folks who have fun and enjoy playing music together.

He said musical improvisation comes pretty natural to him, and he gives a nod to his dad for sharing with him the love of artists like the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan when he was growing up.

Recognizing that everyone’s musical tastes are different, this music festival is going to have something for everyone, Stewardson said, from bluegrass and jazz to Southern rock, R & B to funk.

“Not everybody’s into the same thing,” he said, adding that things would probably be pretty boring if they were.

“I feel like it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable musically,” he said.

“If somebody’s happy playing it, I’m happy watching and listening.”

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