18 Graduate From Leadership Vance 2026

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Leadership Vance just graduated its 35th class, and participants and organizers reflected recently on the impact the program has for people who live or work in Vance County.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said the 18 participants formed a bond that will transfer into their work and daily lives.

Wilkerson told WIZS that she enjoyed seeing how the class meshed and worked together.

“If you can take 18 people from different jobs, different backgrounds, and bring them together for a certain period of time to get them to work as a complete group, I feel like that’s what the accomplishment was all about it,” she said.

Granville-Vance Public Health’s Robert Bowen, one of the newest graduates, said one of his key takeaways from participating in Leadership Vance was understanding connections in the community.

The program helped him have a deeper understanding how his workplace fits into the community, “realizing how health care impacts education, and education impacts the work force,” he said.

Whitney Davis is technical coordinator for Vance County Schools. As a native of Vance County, Davis said Leadership Vance gave her the opportunity to see her community from a completely different perspective.

Davis said she learned about local businesses, organizations and the people “working every day to make Vance County better.”

This year’s class project involved collecting donations and preparing “care bags” that were distributed to area agencies, including Maria Parham Health, Vance Recovery and S.A.M. Child Advocacy Center.

Davis said participating in the class reminded her of the importance of being involved, “to give back and be a part of the growth happening right here at home.”

Larry West, II was another class participant and said Leadership Vance helped him grow personally and professionally. West is Vance County’s resource conservation manager, and he said he highly recommends Leadership Vance to anyone who wants to learn, grow and make a positive difference in Vance County.

Leadership Vance is a program for people who may not consider themselves leaders in their workplace or community. The program structure creates ways for people to connect with others and with their community.

“You’re definitely going to make connections,” Bowen said.

Wilkerson said the leadership program is all about building and growing leaders, and it’s also about strengthening connections across the community.

This is the eighth group that she’s been a part of, and she said the process can be challenging at times, but so very rewarding.

“It’s about moving forward and continuing to do the work in the community,” she said. “It’s fun to watch and see how participants continue to grow.”

Several 2026 Leadership Vance graduates have already asked to become Chamber ambassadors, which Wilkerson said has been a nice bonus.

Look for applications for the 2027 Leadership Vance class in early 2027.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Lawn Renovation

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Lawn renovation can be done  by killing the lawn  first before reseeding your lawn.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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VGCC Board Of Trustees Votes Against Hosting Educational Forum On Data Centers

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In a special called meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees decided against hosting an educational forum to discuss the issue of data centers.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20, the board heard two requests from residents during the Public Comment period requesting the board consider hosting a public forum to give the community an opportunity to learn more about data centers, which has been a hot-button topic in Vance County for months.

At that meeting, the board instructed VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais to create a framework for a public forum.

“They specified that the framework should include a forum structure and guidelines,” Desmarais said in a statement Friday afternoon to WIZS News. “They also requested that I articulate the pros and cons of hosting such a forum and give them a recommendation on whether the College should indeed host such a forum.”

At Thursday’s meeting, the board reviewed the proposal, and, after what Desmarais described as “lengthy” discussions, Trustee Gordon Wilder made two motions, the first of which was withdrawn and replaced with a second motion to remove the VGCC administration from the responsibility of organizing an educational forum regarding data centers.

Trustee Tony Cozart seconded the motion and it passed unanimously in a roll-call vote.

Wilder’s first motion included keeping the college as a possible host site for a forum if a request came from a county commission or other recognized group from Vance, Granville, Warren or Franklin counties, which comprise the VGCC service area.

Desmarais said the board members considered a variety of concerns and options during their discussion, including risks of disruption from possible protests and the strain on college resources and staff that such an event could create.

According to Desmarais, Trustee Carolyn Faines – who also chairs the Vance County Board of Commissioners – questioned the logic of organizing an educational event before any formal application or filing for a data center has been made in Vance County. Desmarais said Faines characterized it as “putting the cart before the horse.”

Several board members suggested that another group could rent the Civic Center to host a forum and indicated a certain degree of comfort with providing a venue rather than hosting the event and the college would not be seen as organizing or endorsing the event.

In addition to Desmarais, trustees in attendance were Tony Cozart, Tare Davis, Carolyn Faines, Tom Harris, Dorwin Howard, Bruce Howerton, Abdul Rashid, Michael Schriver, Archie Taylor, Corey Thornton, Elaine Trujillo, Sara Wester, Gordon Wilder, Brenda Williamson, Xavier Wortham and Danny Wright.

Maria Parham Cancer Center Nurse Receives DAISY Award

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 — Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

A Maria Parham Health Cancer Center nurse is the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Courtney Wilkerson, BSN, RN, was nominated by a grateful patient who described her as one of the kindest and most caring nurses they had ever encountered. The nomination highlights the profound impact her care and compassion had on the patient during what was an especially difficult time following a cancer diagnosis.

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it was a hard blow, and I wanted to be left alone,” the patient wrote in the nomination. “I was so rude to her, but she was always so very kind.”

The patient went on to describe Courtney’s compassion and the personal connection she provided throughout their treatment.

“Courtney prayed with me and for me,” the patient shared. “She has a loving and kind heart and is always checking on me. Courtney has made this difficult journey a little more bearable.”

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. During Patrick’s eight-week hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the extraordinary compassion and care his nurses provided—not only to Patrick, but to his entire family.

In Patrick’s memory, his family established The DAISY Foundation with a mission to recognize nurses who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of their patients and families through the compassion, skill and dedication they demonstrate every day.

The name DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s illness and the foundation created in his honor.

At Maria Parham Health, DAISY Award nominations provide an opportunity for patients, families and colleagues to recognize nurses who go above and beyond the clinical responsibilities of their profession. These nominations shine a light on the personal moments of nursing—the encouragement, compassion, advocacy, comfort and human connection that can profoundly affect a patient’s experience.

For Courtney, her nomination is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate care can make.

“The Cancer Center is very blessed to have the most loving and caring nurses ever,” the patient wrote. “For that reason, I nominate my sweet nurse Courtney for the DAISY Award.”

Maria Parham Health congratulates Courtney on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for embodying the compassion and commitment that define exceptional nursing.

“Courtney’s nomination beautifully illustrates what nursing is truly about,” said Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health. “Her patient recognized not only the excellent care she provided, but the kindness, compassion and personal support she offered during an incredibly difficult chapter in their life. We are incredibly proud of Courtney and grateful for the difference she makes for our patients and their families.”

The DAISY Award is represented by a hand-carved sculpture called the Healer’s Touch, crafted from Serpentine stone in Zimbabwe. The sculpture symbolizes the profound respect the Shona people have for traditional healers and represents the special healing touch nurses bring to their patients.

DAISY celebrations also traditionally include cinnamon buns in honor of Patrick Barnes, who loved the comforting smell of cinnamon.

Through the DAISY Award program, Maria Parham Health is honored to celebrate nurses like Courtney Wilkerson whose compassion extends beyond treatment and procedures to provide comfort, hope and encouragement when patients need it most.

(This is not a paid ad.)

The Local Skinny! VCS Celebrates Academic Progress

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Vance County Schools is celebrating academic progress following the release of the 2025–2026 accountability results, with the data showing student growth, improved School Performance Grades, and substantial school turnaround across the district.

The 2026 results reflect positive momentum for Vance County Schools. Thirteen schools met or exceeded overall growth expectations, including Aycock Elementary, Carver Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, EM Rollins STEAM, EO Young Elementary, LB Yancey Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance Virtual Village, Vance County Middle, and Vance County Early College.

A total of ten schools improved their year-over-year growth status, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, Vance County Middle, New Hope Elementary, EO Young Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Vance County High, LB Yancey Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, and STEM Early High.

The district also made a significant stride in reducing the number of schools receiving an “F” School Performance Grade from 4 to just 1. The district’s 2026 School Performance Grade distribution includes one A, five Cs, nine Ds, and one F. 

Seven schools improved their School Performance Letter Grade, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, New Hope Elementary, E.O. Young Elementary, L.B. Yancey Elementary, and Zeb Vance Elementary.

Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said in the press release from Vance County Schools … “These results belong first to the teachers, instructional specialists, school leaders, and support staff who have done the hard work of turning strategy into stronger instruction for students every day. Over the past few years, we have been very intentional as a district about strengthening core instruction, using data differently and putting targeted supports around schools and classrooms. It is incredibly rewarding to now see that work reflected in sustained growth across so many of our schools.”

E.O. Young Elementary improved its School Performance Grade 24 points over the last two years, earning a “C” and demonstrating substantial academic progress. Zeb Vance Elementary recorded the district’s largest single-year increase in School Performance Grade score, gaining 11 points in 2026, while also meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Early College continues its tradition of academic excellence, earning an “A” School Performance Grade for the 11th consecutive year. In 2026, the school recorded an 89.4% overall proficiency rate while meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Schools also recorded a four-year cohort graduation rate of 80.8%, another indicator of the district’s continued focus on helping students maintain the momentum to stay on track for graduation and future success.

Aycock Elementary continues sustained student growth, having exceeded growth expectations in four of the last five years. In 2026, it increased its School Performance Grade score by eight points, earning a “C.” The school also recorded an impressive 90.6% growth score.

Vance County Middle demonstrated substantial instructional progress in 2026. The school exceeded growth expectations with a 91.3% growth score, reflecting strong academic progress among students and continued efforts to address achievement gaps.

The 2026 accountability results demonstrate that Vance County Schools is continuing on a trajectory of academic growth and school improvement. While district leaders recognize that achievement gaps remain and additional work is necessary, the gains across schools provide evidence that focused instruction, strategic supports, and the commitment of students, educators, families, and community partners are producing meaningful results.

“We are proud of this progress, but we are not satisfied,” Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said. “Our responsibility now is to build on what is working, accelerate achievement where gaps remain, and make sure this kind of growth becomes the expectation across every school in VCS.”

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Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: The Mentor

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Jamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

We continue our new series called the Theory of 7’s. This is a fatherhood framework for raising children, one stage at a time. We move on to a very important age group, ages 21 to age 28, where fathers take on a mentorship role for their children.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: Business Spotlight – Deal By Me Podcast

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Dr. James W. Smith retired from his 32-year role as a pastor a few years ago, but what he decided to do in his post-retirement “next chapter” was formed by a desire to help others the way others had helped him so many years ago – before he was even a pastor.

These days, the former pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bahama is busy with a different type of ministry – one that involves being a church consultant, author and podcaster.

It was more than just finding something to do with his free time – he wanted to be encouraging, inspiring and transforming, he said during Wednesday’s Business Spotlight on WIZS.

He investigated the world of podcasting and has interviewed people from all over the world to share their stories that, you guessed it, encourage, inspire and transform.

With more than 330 Deal By Me podcasts under his belt now, he’s pivoted to shine a light on individuals in local communities who provide encouragement and inspiration in a transformational way.

The first local recognition took place in Franklin County, where he was born and raised. Five honorees were recognized at that event.

The second one takes place on Oct. 3, right here in Henderson, where Smith practiced law in the office with now-Judge Henry Banks.

The following individuals were nominated and then selected to be recognized at the event, which will be held at Crossroads Event Center:

  • Dorothy ‘Joy’ Bowser
  • Jessica Rice Hawkins
  • Karen Rice Christmas
  • Fran Cawthorne
  • Shelton Anderson
  • Dr. Thelma McClean
  • June Lewis
  • Annette Myers

 

Smith said he makes the selections from among the nominations he receives, and he simply wants to show appreciation to this “very deserving” group of people, who were nominated by others in the community because of the way they show encouragement to others.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at https://www.dealbymepodcast.com/event-list.

There was a time in Smith’s life when he needed encouragement, he said.

“I remember what people did for me,” Smith said, recalling the kindnesses he received.

“You don’t know what your encouragement can do for somebody,” he said. “That’s what happened to me.”

Visit https://www.dealbymepodcast.com/ to learn more.

 

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