NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS to Treat Gypsy Moth Infestation

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon start treating for gypsy moth infestations in several areas across North Carolina. Treatment will start around June 2 through June 20. The areas to be treated include:

  • Buxton, on Hatteras Island in Dare County.
  • Stovall, in northern Granville and Vance counties.
  • North of Roxboro in Person County.
  • A large area in Surry, Stokes and Rockingham counties, including Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Danbury, Walnut Cove, Madison, Mayodan, and Eden.
  • Baldwin Gap, along the line between Watauga and Ashe counties, northwest of Boone.

“We have a total of 11 blocks and 121,638 acres to treat,” said Chis Elder, NCDA&CS Gypsy Moth program manager. “We plan to start around June 2 in Hatteras and spread across to June 18 in Watauga, adding a couple of days to cover possible delays.”

Prior to normal gypsy moth mating periods, low-altitude fixed-wing aircraft will disperse SPLAT Gypsy Moth-Organic infused with the naturally occurring gypsy moth pheromone.

The presence of the pheromone makes male gypsy moths unable to follow the natural pheromone scent trails released by the females. This decreases mating success and reduces the gypsy moth population. The pheromone is not harmful to humans, animals or plants, and it will not affect other insect species.

Gypsy moths feed on the leaves of more than 300 different species of trees and shrubs, predominantly oaks and hardwoods. When areas become heavily infested, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving yard trees and entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests.  Severe infestations often lead to tree death. Gypsy moth caterpillars can also pose public health concerns for people with respiratory problems. In areas with high-density gypsy moth populations, the caterpillar hairs and droppings may cause severe allergic reactions.

NCDA&CS has addressed spot introductions of the gypsy moth across North Carolina since the 1970s. The treatment will be done in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Elder said.

Public hearings were held in February and March to discuss these infestations and receive input from residents about treatment options.

For more information, including maps and a description of the proposed treatment area, go to www.ncagr.com/gypsymoth or contact NCDA&CS toll-free at 800-206-9333. More immediate updates, including spray start dates, will be posted on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NCAgriculture.

Community Home Care and Hospice Offers Plenty of Volunteer Opportunities

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-Information courtesy Dorothy Faucette, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Home Care and Hospice

Community Home Care and Hospice of Henderson is looking for kind-hearted, caring individuals to provide volunteer services for their patients and families. There are unlimited ways that you can help, and volunteer opportunities are centered around how you feel you can best be a support.

Community Home Care and Hospice offers free CPR and volunteer training. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Dorothy Faucette at (252) 430-7760 for more information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 05/31/18

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VGCC Class of 2018 Receives Encouragement from Meredith VP, SGA Leader

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Jean Jackson returned home to offer inspiration to Vance-Granville Community College’s newest graduates, encouraging the Class of 2018 to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

“In many ways, you are Vance-Granville Community College,” the Middleburg native told members of the 49th commencement exercises on May 11. “You are the very best advertisement of what is possible from work done here and how you apply that work as you go forward in your lives.”

Members of the class were joined by hundreds of family members and friends at the outdoor ceremony in front of the gazebo on Vance-Granville’s main campus.

“You’ve been prepared professionally,” Dr. Jackson said. “Now it’s up to you to see what will make you feel successful and be happy in life. You have all of the tools that you need, and it’s up to you to write the rest of your story.”

Currently serving as the vice president for college programs at Meredith College in Raleigh, the principal commencement speaker became a member of the English faculty at the Raleigh college in 1983 and continues to teach courses on English poetry of the Romantic Period, in addition to overseeing planning and budgeting for offices such as Academic and Career Planning, Athletics, Campus Police, the Dean of Students and Student Leadership and Service.

A 1971 graduate of what was Vance County High School, Dr. Jackson recalled the early days when VGCC was first called Vance County Technical Institute. Her family’s telephone

Above: Meredith College Vice President Dr. Jean Jackson delivers the commencement address at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC Photo)

number was only one digit off from that of the new college, she remarked, which led to “a lot of calls for the new college!” in apparent misdials.

 

“Your school work may be done, or done for now, but work will change and demand your ingenuity and skills and grit for the rest of your lives,” Dr. Jackson said. “All of us still have much to learn, even those of us who graduated long ago because the world is changing much more rapidly than are our institutions of higher learning.”

“What you have learned here — your writing and research skills, your organizational skills, your collaborative skills and dozens and dozens of other skills that we could name — will help you whatever you choose to do in your work life…. Education, inspiration and support have served you well at Vance-Granville and, if you give them the opportunity, will serve you as guides for the rest of your long, happy and successful lives.”

Also offering inspiration to the Class of 2018 was the student speaker, Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg, speaking on behalf of her classmates.

Above: Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg speaks on behalf of the graduates at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC photo)

VGCC, like the virtual assistant “Siri” of Apple’s phone and computer devices, can serve as a GPS, Taylor told the graduates. “We’ve made it to this day. Don’t look back and wonder what you could have done better or regret a road you didn’t take…. When we take a detour or meander away from our path, Siri says, ‘rerouting,’ and that’s what you have to do.”

“You’re a Vanguard, so I know everyone here is going to go on and do great things in their own way. Vance-Granville has prepared us for that,” she said. “Even if you miss a stepping stone, Vance-Granville will help you find your footing.”

A Franklin County Early College High School student, Taylor is only the second student from an early college program to serve as president of the VGCC Student Government Association and student member of the college’s Board of Trustees. She plans to continue her education this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Following the speakers, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, applauded the graduates for their achievements, announcing that 487 degrees and diplomas were being awarded to the Class of 2018. “You are to be commended for your dedication and achievement,” she told the graduates. “You are surrounded by your loved ones, family and friends and I know that they celebrate your success.”

Above: Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Stelfanie Williams places a medallion around the neck of Academic Excellence Award recipient Andrew Lynam of Youngsville, right. (VGCC photo)

The president added that the Class of 2018 includes 65 inductees into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and one-third of the class has been recognized as honor graduates. She noted the diversity of the class, who included not only young Early College High School students, but also “others who have attended college while taking care of families, and others who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.”

“You graduates truly reflect the living mission of Vance-Granville Community College,” Dr. Williams said.

Dr. Williams recognized Andrew Lynam, recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award, during her remarks. During the procession of graduates, the president paused to place a medallion on Lynam to honor his outstanding achievement. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year. Lynam graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Welding Technology. A home-schooled student, he first enrolled at VGCC at age 16 through the college’s Career & College Promise program.

After Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown presented the candidates for graduation, Board of Trustees chair Danny Wright and President Williams presented degrees and diplomas and congratulated the graduates.

Above: Meredith College Vice President Dr. Jean Jackson delivers the commencement address as the students await the presentation of degrees and diplomas at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC Photo)

Members of this year’s class, including those predicted to graduate at the end of the summer term in July, were awarded 207 Associate in Applied Science degrees in a variety of curriculum programs, 153 Associate in Arts degrees, 60 Associate in Science degrees and 53 technical and vocational diplomas. Many students graduated with more than one credential.

SGA President Taylor led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels as the ceremony concluded. Music was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band, conducted by Brian Miller. Bearing the ceremonial mace for commencement was Science Department Chair Steve McGrady, the college’s 2017-2018 Faculty Member of the Year. The invocation was given by Deborah F. Brown and the benediction by Donald C. Seifert, Sr., both members of the Board of Trustees.

 

More photos: Check out the VGCC Commencement 2018 album on Flickr.

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

VGCC Releases Names of 2018 Curriculum Graduates

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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

KLCC’s Relay for Life Reverse Raffle Canceled

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-Information courtesy Cindy Robinson, Volunteer, Vance County Relay for Life

Due to lack of community support, the Reverse Raffle scheduled for June 2, 2018, at Kerr Lake Country Club has been canceled.

Please refer any questions to Christy Bennett at CBHarvestMoon@gmail.com.

Town Talk 05/30/18

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News 05/30/18

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Kerr-Vance Academy Holds Commencement for the Class of 2018

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-Information courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy

Kerr-Vance Academy held it’s 2018 Commencement on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. in Crawford Gymtorium.  Thirty-two seniors received their high school diplomas during the ceremony.  Headmaster Frank Wiggins welcomed everyone and senior Becca Johnson gave the invocation.

The Salutory Address was given by Genie Parish and Valedictorian Richard Allen also spoke to the audience and his classmates. Allen told his classmates, “I can testify to each of you beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we have received a better, more personalized education here than we could have anywhere else. KVA has given each of us the tools to shape for ourselves a successful, unique experience during our time here. All we had to do was reach out and take them.” Allen also reminded his fellow graduates that “the gift of our educations gives us each the responsibility to do our part to tackle the multiplying problems of our world.”

Kerr-Vance Academy graduates toss their caps following the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 26, 2018. (Photo courtesy KVA)

Each high school graduate was then introduced to the audience while their families stood.  Senior Advisor Pat Hillery gave a personal narrative about each graduate and Headmaster Wiggins and Board President Anne Marie White presented the diplomas.

Ms. Hillery gave a heartfelt tribute to two colleagues, Dr. John Steinbaugh and Mr. Mike Dawson both teachers at Kerr-Vance who passed away earlier this year.  She reminded the graduates that both men had high expectations for them and had been meaningful to each of them during their time at KVA.  Ms. Hillery also recognized the dedicated Kerr-Vance faculty and staff for the outstanding job they do teaching and supporting students.

Mr. Wiggins then took to the podium with closing remarks for the graduates.  He shared that he believed that the students would look back with fond memories of their time at KVA but that their “best was yet to come.”  He reminded students that “the easy way is not always the best way. Practically everything worthwhile requires effort, hard work, and sometimes pain.”

Mr. Wiggins conferred the diplomas on behalf of the Kerr-Vance Academy Board and students moved their tassels. Graduates recessed to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Warren County Logo

Warren County Schools NASA SEMAA/STEM Program Summer Camps

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Jerome Williams, WCS STEM/SEMAA Director, is announcing Warren County Schools NASA SEMAA (Science, Engineering, Mathematics & Aerospace Academy)/STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) in Partnership with NASA MUREP Aerospace Program @ ECSU will hold its annual summer interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camps at Warren County High School on the following dates:

 CAMP ONE – June 11 to June 15, 2018

 CAMP TWO – June 18 to June 22, 2018

 CAMP THREE – June 25 to June 29, 2018

The NASA-SEMAA program has been located in Warren County Schools since 1998. This STEM-based program has a history of providing rich and fulfilling activities for school-age students in the Northcentral region of North Carolina and South Central Virginia. Students have attended the program as far away as Baltimore, Maryland and Atlanta, Georgia.

This year the Warren County Schools NASA SEMAA program is pleased to offer students the opportunity to experience firsthand the exciting world of rocketry design, flight simulation, robot assembly, First Lego League training courses, drones design and operation, 3D printing and manufacturing technology, coding and game design, video and sound production, just to name a few.

Sessions will run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to all students currently in grades kindergarten to 12. Free breakfast and lunches will be provided to all students in the program. Parents are encouraged to participate in some of the activities as well. Moreover, this summer the camps will have a concentrated focus on the application of mathematics in science and introduce the next generation science standard which is essential to future college and career pathways opportunities.

Bus transportation will be provided for Warren County Schools’ students. Encourage your children to attend one of these STEM camps and take full advantage of the STEM activity offerings provided this year.

Applications can be found and downloaded at the following website: wcsemaa-nc.weebly.com. Once completed it can be emailed to stem-semaa@warrenk12nc.org or mailed to the following:

Mr. Jerome Williams

Warren County SEMAA

149 Campus Drive

Warrenton, NC 27589