This is a reminder of the 1st quarter meeting of The Corbitt Preservation Association. It will be this Sunday Feb 5th at 2:00 pm at the Bennett H. Perry Museum (180 Church Street, Henderson) the home of the Corbitt Preservation Association. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.
We are going to have a great year hope you can join us in the fun.
Thanks again,
Ken Stegall
Treasurer and Archivist
The Corbitt Preservation Association
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12662722_10206519634122867_4230075038843579145_n_opt.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 18:07:152017-02-02 18:07:15Corbitt Preservation Association to hold quarterly meeting this Sunday
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has announced the 2015-2016 graduation rates and the 2015-2016 dropout rates for public school districts across the state.
Vance County Schools saw significant improvement over previous years in both areas.
With a four-year cohort graduation rate of 81.9 percent for the class of 2016, this is a record high for Vance County over the past five years. The class of 2015 had a four-year cohort graduation rate of 77.6 percent in Vance County.
Vance County Schools’ dropout rate for the 2015-2016 school year continues to improve as it has for the past six years. The dropout rate for the school system is 2.07 percent for the 2015-2016 school year, which is a 13-percent decrease from the 2014-2015 school year rate of 2.28 percent. This is a record low for Vance County over the past six years.
Improving the graduation rate and reducing dropouts are top priorities for Vance County Schools. It is an ongoing and focused effort for the school system as we work to ensure that every student graduates prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing local, regional and global economy.
Additionally, Vance County Schools currently provides students new and exciting opportunities for credit recovery through online and other non-traditional programs designed to help as many students as possible realize the goal of completion of high school with their peers.
The state data also reported that during the 2015-2016 school year our schools were among the safest in our region, with reportable incidents and student suspensions down or about the same as the previous year. We are pleased with these data and hope to see continued improvement.
As a school system, we will not be satisfied until all students, parents, staff members and community members feel safe coming into our schools; where all students are learning, expectations are high and students are graduating on time prepared to contribute positively to our community and be 21st Century global citizens.
We are excited to share this news with you and look forward to celebrating with our students and their parents in the future as we continue delivering on the promise that we will provide each student a high quality educational experience as we create a school system in which our community can be PROUD. I am Vance County Proud … Are You?
Christopher Blue of Henderson is an outstanding representative of the purpose of the Vance-Granville Community College Male Mentoring Success Initiative (MMSI), which seeks to guide and support male students to graduate or transfer to a four-year university. This year, Blue is set to do both: he is on track to graduate from the college with two degrees in May 2017, at around the same time as he graduates from Vance County Early College High School, and then, he plans to transfer to East Carolina University.
“I’ve enjoyed so many things about the male mentoring program and the opportunities that the program has presented to me,” Blue reflected. “An example is the trip to Atlanta with the mentoring program in 2016. I learned so many new things, while making relationships with new people in the group. We have become practically brothers throughout the years of being in the program.” The educational tour included stops at universities and historic sites such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home.
Blue has served in the office of Recorder/Treasurer for the male mentoring program and was honored with the program’s PRIDE Award for Engagement in 2016.
Blue’s mother, Tamara Neal, is a graduate of the VGCC Associate Degree Nursing program. “So I knew that VGCC was going to be a great place, and after five years, I can honestly say they didn’t disappoint,” Blue said. “VGCC has given me so much over the years, and I truly appreciate it.”
Blue was honored as “Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in 2016. In that capacity, he has had opportunities to speak to the Henderson Rotary Club and to represent area Boys & Girls Clubs at their statewide convention in Asheville. Blue said that through the local Boys & Girls Club, he has developed his communication and leadership skills. Boys & Girls Clubs Vance County Unit Director Evelyn Taylor was quoted in The Daily Dispatch as saying, “Chris is working to make his community better by providing a positive example for the younger children of our club. He assists them with their homework and is a great example to them of what a responsible teen looks like and acts like.”
Also in 2016, Blue participated in the Governor’s Page Program in Raleigh. “This was a great experience because I was able to learn more about how government works firsthand,” he said.
Soon, Blue plans to transfer to East Carolina University and major in Public Health with Pre-Health professions. “Afterwards, I plan to go to dental school to become a Prosthodontist,” a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth, Blue added.
“Christopher has proven himself to be a young man of integrity,” said Anthony Pope, co-coordinator of the MMSI. “His dedication to the MMSI has served as an example for other Early College mentees. I am certain that he will excel in accomplishing the goals that he has set for himself.”
For more information on the male mentoring initiative, contact co-coordinators Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395, or Michael Farmer at farmerm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3234.
–VGCC–
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/VGlogoWIZS.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 12:53:132017-02-02 12:55:26VGCC Male Mentoring Success Story: Chris Blue
On January 25, 2017 at approximately 9:21 PM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 518 Hickory Street in reference to a shooting into an occupied vehicle. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Jessica Howard who stated that while at the intersection of Lehman Street and Old Epsom Road a confrontation occurred that resulted in a handgun being fired into the windshield of her vehicle. There were no reported injuries resulting from the gun shot.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vancepolice.png280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 12:33:412017-02-02 12:33:41HPD Crime of the Month: Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle
On January 26, 2017 at approximately 8:50 PM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 156 Church Street (Vance County Sheriff’s Office) in reference an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers found that a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza had been robbed in the roadway of the 300 block of Gary Street for an undetermined amount of US currency and thirty-two dollars’ worth of pizza.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vancepolice.png280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 12:25:192017-02-02 12:25:19HPD Crime of the Month: Another Domino’s Pizza Delivery Driver Robbed
Chamber Banquet Attendees See O’Geary – 2016 Citizen of the Year
Tuesday night inside the Vance Granville Community College Civic Center, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce held its 79th annual membership meeting and banquet.
Former Henderson Mayor James D. “Pete” O’Geary was presented the Citizen of the Year Award for 2016.
O’Geary told the packed room, “I am speechless. I never thought it would be Pete O’Geary tonight. I am so honored to be here and to receive this award. I thank you so much, and it has been such a pleasure for me to serve as the Mayor of the City of Henderson, City Council and other organizations that I have been a part of. It has truly been a blessing to me, not only to me but also my family, and also my wife, and also my sons.”
He introduced his wife Grace and announced they have been married for 61 years. He introduced his granddaughter, Evan O’Geary, who is also Miss Henderson. He introduced his son Jonathan and wife Amy and his son Dr. Steven O’Geary. He said, “It is such an honor to be here and to have my family to support me.” His other son, who lives in Connecticut, could not be in attendance.
The humble and kind O’Geary told WIZS News after the banquet concluded that the things he has done have been such a pleasure. He said, “I have been blessed through the years. I’ve had so many wonderful people to work with, a wonderful staff at City Hall, and citizens have just been wonderful. It’s been a pleasure for me, a wonderful opportunity.”
Marion Perry, the 2015 Citizen of the Year, presented the award to O’Geary on behalf of the Chamber and Chamber President John Barnes. Integrity, kindness and good citizenship were words used by Perry in introducing O’Geary.
Perry said, “As mayor, he served with honor and distinction and worked exceptionally hard to help the City maneuver through economic adversity created by the nationwide great recession. He was a successful bridge builder, who is still highly respected and loved. He always takes time to listen to people no matter what the time of day.”
O’Geary is widely known for his diplomacy and for getting people to work together as a team. He is a recent recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an award presented to him at the end of his term as mayor.
The keynote speaker was Scott Mason, The Tar Heel Traveler with WRAL-TV. He told about his life and presented numerous Tar Heel Traveler clips to the audience. It was enjoyed very much by all – very entertaining. He signed and sold copies of his books in the lobby afterwards.
Susan Rogers, 2017 Chamber Board Chair and who is the marketing director at Chic-Fil-A, talked about her love of Henderson and how she has been a lifelong resident. She said, “My heart is here, in this community.” She issued a charge to the members, guests and community to engage the H-V Chamber of Commerce even more in 2017. “I ask you to take your decision of joining the Chamber a step further, and choose to become engaged and build the relationship. Relationships are the building blocks that your businesses stand on,” she said.
Gloria White, Chair of the Vance County Board of Education, and Crystal Richardson, Principal of the Year and Principal of Clarke Elementary, presented the Shining Moment in Education Award to The Henderson Family YMCA and The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department.
Tonya Moore with KARTS was presented the Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award.
The entire banquet was broadcast live on WIZS 1450 AM and live streamed on wizs.com.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Pete-OGeary-013117.jpg280453John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2017-02-01 00:10:582017-02-01 00:10:58Chamber Banquet Attendees See O’Geary – 2016 Citizen of the Year
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/HOMEANDGARDENPNG-1.png265504Charlenehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngCharlene2017-01-31 16:05:462018-08-22 02:48:20Home and Garden Show 01/31/17
Ellington Farms in Vance County was recently recognized as a Certified Safe Farm by NC Cooperative Extension. The local Extension Center provides a voluntary and complementary safety review of all equipment and facilities used by the farming operation to identify potential hazards.
Farms with a passing score are awarded Certified Safe Farm status and receive a sign to post on the farm. The program recognizes farmers who work hard to maintain safe equipment and a safe environment while doing one of the world’s most dangerous but important jobs.
In this photo, Tommy Ellington (on right) of Ellington Farms received his sign from Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent with Vance County Cooperative Extension. Ellington Farms is the fifth farm in Vance County to achieve this distinction.
For more information, farmers may contact paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or call the Extension Center 252-438-8188.
(Information written and provided to WIZS News by Paul McKenzie.)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellington-farms-013017.jpg280453John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2017-01-31 10:14:412017-01-31 10:14:41Ellington Farms Recognized For Being Safe
h a pleasure for me to serve as the Mayor of the City of Henderson, City Council and other organizations that I have been a part of. It has truly been a blessing to me, not only to me but also my family, and also my wife, and also my sons.”
er was Scott Mason, The Tar Heel Traveler with WRAL-TV. He told about his life and presented numerous Tar Heel Traveler clips to the audience. It was enjoyed very much by all – very entertaining. He signed and sold copies of his books in the lobby afterwards.
