Dr. Vanessa Wrenn Named Principal of Granville Academy

/by

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Ed.D. has been named principal of Granville Academy, a blended learning experience for grades K-12 that allows for on-site and off-site independent studies.

Wrenn began her career in education teaching at Riverside High School in Durham and has served as a Career Technical Education teacher and the Director of Technology and Online Learning for Granville County Public Schools.

Among her accomplishments, Wrenn initiated the Granville Online program in 2010 for students in grades 7-12 and also implemented a one laptop device per student directive to allow for 24/7 anytime, anywhere learning.

“As a mother of three, my lens is always ‘what is best for children,’” said Wrenn. “My goal is to ensure that all children are engaged in their learning so they may be successful students.”

With a background in digital learning initiatives, Wrenn brings her extensive knowledge to this new approach to K-12 education. “My work has transitioned learning in Granville County Public Schools to a digital age teaching environment,” said Wrenn. “Students and teachers now have consistent access to technology devices, resources and online courses.”

As part of the Granville County Public School System, Granville Academy will begin its first school year on Monday, August 27, 2018, and will follow the traditional calendar for Granville County Schools.

Taught by state-certified teachers, and accredited as part of the school district system, Granville Academy staff “will use innovation and flexibility to best meet each learners needs.”

According to their website, Granville Academy will enroll students in K-5 and 6-8 to attend a physical school building two days a week for five hours each day. High school students in grades 9-12 will have flexibility in their workspace based on progress. All students will work virtually during the school week.

Academy classes will be located inside existing Granville County school structures. Tar River and CG Credle Elementary and Butner-Stem and Northern Granville Middle will serve as the Granville Academy elementary and middle school sites, respectively. High school students will attend a physical school building on an as-needed basis.

Granville Academy is available to both in-county and out-of-county residents. While free for residents of Granville County, students living out-of-district will pay a tuition as determined by the Granville County Public School’s Board of Education.

According to Wrenn, community feedback regarding the hybrid learning experience has been very positive. “The schedule of some days on campus and other days away from campus meets families and learners’ specific needs. We have families who travel for work and pleasure, students who are pursuing sports, arts, or have health reasons which require flexible schedules. Additionally, some students prefer a blended model due to their learning style.”

Over the past few months, Granville Academy staff have conducted numerous community talks to educate the community on the school design and to answer individual questions.

Although well-received, Wrenn said the biggest challenge has been helping both parents and the community understand how a blended school works. “The school utilizes a personalized course of study that follows local and state curriculum standards. Teachers provide the primary instruction and assign grades. Parents are highly involved, facilitating learning on the days students are at home.”

Students are assessed using the same state end-of-grade and end-of-course exams as traditional Granville County Public School students and are eligible for athletics and other activities as offered at their base school.

With 168 students currently enrolled in grades K-12, Wrenn is ready to get started. “I understand that each child needs an advocate and options. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader in online learning and technology to Granville Academy and work to ensure every child’s success in a personalized learning environment.”

*For more information on Granville Academy, please visit their website at https://ga.gcs.k12.nc.us/ or contact Dr. Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us.

VGCC Pins Associate Degree Nursing Graduates

/by

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 34 students who graduated this spring from the Associate Degree Nursing program with a pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center on May 9.

Among those honored with distinctive nursing pins at the ceremonies were eight who graduated through the LPN to ADN Transition Program, which helps Licensed Practical Nurses to continue their education and then become Registered Nurses. Those graduates were William Autrey of Henderson; Joan Currin of Kittrell; Tammy Emery of Creedmoor; Brittany McFarland of Kittrell; Latonya Morton of Oxford; Roselyne Muhimpundu of Wake Forest; Laura Murray of Oxford; and Omar O’Brien of Wake Forest.

Members of the 2018 Associate Degree Nursing class at Vance-Granville Community College who received their nursing pins on May 9 included, on front row, from left: Shayne Gravitt, Valerie Strange, Victoria Puplampu, Halie Brooks, Laura Murray, Brittany McFarland, Crystal Satterfield and Courtney Moss; second row, from left: Tonya Berry, Caitlyn Smith, Ashley Drake, Jessica White, Brittany Beddingfield and Jeannie Adcock; third row, from left: Brittani Lynch, Roselyne Muhimpundu and Guadalupe Duran; fourth row, from left: Tammy Emery, Stephen Gakumo, Caitlin Moen, Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan, Christine Kingsley, Kaylan Hoyle, Shakeera Robinson, Tasha Warren and Rachel Morton; back row, from left: William Autrey, Jodie Carroll, Joan Currin, Latonya Morton, Matthew Grooms and Omar O’Brien; not pictured: Joy Harris and Mujahid Yagoub. (VGCC Photo)

The graduates who took courses in the traditional five-semester sequence included Jeannie Adcock of Oxford; Brittany Beddingfield of Oxford; Tonya Berry of Franklinton; Halie Brooks of Raleigh; Jodie Carroll of Oxford; Ashley Drake of Stovall; Guadalupe Duran of Louisburg; Stephen Gakumo of Durham; Shayne Gravitt of Raleigh; Matthew Grooms of Butner; Joy Harris of Oxford; Kaylan Hoyle of Henderson; Christine Kingsley of Louisburg; Brittani Lynch of Hollister; Caitlin Moen of Cary; Rachel Morton of Louisburg; Courtney Moss of Henderson; Victoria Puplampu of Durham; Shakeera Robinson of Franklinton; Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan of Creedmoor; Crystal Satterfield of Oxford; Caitlyn Smith of Creedmoor; Valerie Strange of Bullock; Tasha Warren of Henderson; Jessica White of Louisburg; and Mujahid Yagoub of Durham.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, described the class as being “highly sought after” by employers, colleges and universities because of their educational background and skill level. “Over 80 percent of these students already have a job waiting for them as a registered nurse,” he added.

Associate Degree Nursing program head/instructor Dr. Anna Seaman praised the class for its hard work, dedication and compassion. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “You have the knowledge and the skills you need to be successful. But, most importantly, you have the dedication and the heart to do it with caring and compassion. We know that the dedication and compassion that you possess will be appreciated by those patients and families that you care for in the future.”

Halie Brooks, the president of the Class of 2018 nursing graduates, thanked families for their support as well as the nursing instructors. In remarks to her classmates, she added, “We have made lifelong friendships that we will forever cherish. We have also been each other’s support system through the early mornings, long days and late nights. And without each other, we may not be here.”

Academic honors were presented to graduates who completed the program with at least a 3.5 grade point average: Adcock, Brooks, Carroll, Duran, Emery, Grooms, Hoyle, O’Brien, Strange and finally Murray, who was recognized for having the highest GPA in the class.

Cords were presented to students who participated as members of the National Student Nurses Association, which sponsors community service projects and professional development. These students included Beddingfield, Berry, Brooks, Carroll, Drake, Duran, Gravitt, Grooms, Harris, Hoyle, Kingsley, Lynch, McFarland, Latonya Morton, Rachel Morton, Moss, Pumlampu, Robinson, Rojas-Galvan, Smith, Warren, White and Yagoub.

Instructor Brande McIlroy described the significance of the nursing pin. The unique green and gold pin identifies each nurse as a VGCC graduate and indicates that the graduate has the training and competence to serve as a professional nurse. During the ceremony, graduates were pinned by Dr. Seaman and received lamps and roses from instructors Ugur Celimli and Vanessa Ramseur. Meanwhile, Nursing Department Chair Erica Jastrow read their biographies. After all graduates had received pins, the lights in the Civic Center were lowered, and instructor Crystal Senter led students in reciting the “Florence Nightingale Pledge” by lamplight.

The invocation was delivered by Rachel Morton and the benediction by Brittany McFarland, both of them graduates of the program. Also participating in the program were instructors Patsy Pegram and Michael Frazier.

A Flickr album of photographs from the pinning ceremony is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157696465731814.

Early College High School Accepting New Applicants

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Early College High School is accepting applications for rising sophomores and juniors for the 2018-19 school year.

Applications must be received in the Early College High School office by noon on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

The application is available on the school district’s website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Acceptance notifications will go out to students on July 6, 2018. An orientation session for new students and their parents will be held on July 19, 2018.

Early College High School is located on the third floor of Building 2 on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson.

Interested persons with questions about the application process may contact the school at 252-738-3580.

New Vance Co. Middle School to Require Uniforms

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Students who will attend Vance County Middle School in 2018-2019 will be required to wear school uniforms.

The school uniforms will include white or navy blue tops and navy blue or khaki bottoms.

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 must include white or navy blue collared or dress shirts, as well as navy blue or khaki uniform pants.

Khaki or navy blue jeans and sweat pants are not allowed. Shorts are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in at all times and pants must be worn at the waist. No hats will be allowed.

More information will be shared at a later time with students and parents.

The school uniforms will be available for purchase at a variety of local stores including Rose’s Stores at the Henderson Mall and on North Garnett Street in Henderson; Dollar General stores in Henderson; Walmart Supercenter in Henderson; JCPenney at Henderson Square in Henderson; and Burlington Coat Factory on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh.

Vance Co. School System Honors Retirees

/by

Vance County Schools district officials, school administrators, educators and family and friends honored 36 outstanding associates who are retiring from their positions with the school system during the Annual Retirement Banquet held on Wednesday, June 13, in McGregor Hall Gallery in downtown Henderson.

Each of the honorees were presented with gifts from the school system by Darlynn Oxendine, chairwoman of the Vance County Board of Education, and Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools.

Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent for Instructional Services, was the event’s featured speaker. She praised each of the retiring educators and encouraged all of them to enjoy their retirement after giving so much of their time and talents to local students and colleagues during their careers with Vance County Schools.

Vivian Bullock, who retired from the school system in 2017, provided a very inspirational message from a retiree’s perspective for all of those being recognized. She spelled out 12 priorities that each of them should follow as they enter retirement. Her advice especially focused on being sure they have lots of leisurely time for themselves and quality time with their families.

Vance County Schools district officials, school administrators, educators and family and friends honored 36 outstanding associates who are retiring from their positions with the school system during the Annual Retirement Banquet held on Wednesday, June 13, in McGregor Hall Gallery in downtown Henderson. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Rachel Bradshaw, music teacher at New Hope and Carver elementary schools, sang and played several musical selections on keyboards during the evening. The Rev. David Pate, pastor of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, provided the invocation for the evening.

Superintendent Anthony Jackson gave closing remarks and he thanked each of the retirees for their service with the school system and wished them all the very best for their futures.

The retirees held a wide range of positions with the school system including, teachers, school administrators, administrative assistants, teacher assistants, counselors, school nurses, maintenance personnel, custodians, bookkeepers, data managers, school nutrition personnel and media specialists.

Those retiring and honored were Consuelo Allen of L.B. Yancey Elementary School; April Andrews of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Diane Averett of Carver Elementary School; Sharon Bawcum, administrative assistant to the superintendent; Debora Blackwell of Clarke Elementary School; Paula Boston of Early College High School; Rebecca Burns of Henderson Middle School; Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley of Eaton-Johnson Middle School; Annette Cobb of Northern Vance High School; Cheryl Coplin of Henderson Middle School; Kathy Faulkner of Aycock Elementary School; James Faulkner of Maintenance; Marie Fields of New Hope Elementary School; Willie Fuller of Northern Vance High School; Elizabeth Gremmels of Southern Vance High School; Linda Grissom of Henderson Middle School; Patricia Hight of Eaton-Johnson Middle School; Andrew Hill of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Pam Jackson of New Hope Elementary School; Manuel Jeffers of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Shirley Jefferson of Northern Vance High School; Sylvia Jefferson of New Hope Elementary School; Constance Johnson of Northern Vance High School; Agnes Jover of Northern Vance High School; Joseph McMahon of Eaton-Johnson Middle School; Nancy Paynter of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Ruth Reid of Pinkston Street Elementary School; Carol Shockley of Dabney Elementary School; Patricia Twisdale of Dabney Elementary School; Jan Vaughan of Aycock Elementary School; Marjorie Watkins of Northern Vance High School; Bonita Williams of Clarke Elementary School; Phyllis Williams of Eaton-Johnson Middle School; Robin Wilson of New Hope Elementary School; Ruth Wilson of Career and Technical Education; and Ian Willis of STEM Early High School.

Those attending the event are shown in the accompanying photo.

Crosson Named Principal of Pinkston Street Elementary

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Congratulations to Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor Crosson, who has been appointed as the new principal of Pinkston Elementary School.

Dr. Crosson most recently served as the assistant principal for Pinkston Street and L.B. Yancey elementary schools. She has over 20 years of experience in education with Vance County Schools.

She succeeds Heddie Somerville, who was named the new principal for Vance County Middle School for 2018-2019.

Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor Crosson is shown at right as she joins Superintendent Anthony Jackson in announcing her new appointment to Pinkston Street Elementary School staff members. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Heavy Equipment Operator Course Returns to VGCC’s Warren Campus in July

/by

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

WARRENTON — The Heavy Equipment Operator course will be offered by Vance-Granville Community College starting Tuesday, July 10, at the college’s Warren County Campus.

A Short-Term Workforce Training Grant from the N.C. Community College System will be available to cover the cost of tuition and books for qualified students taking the nine-week course, according to Kyle Burwell, VGCC’s director of occupational extension.

“This course presents an excellent opportunity for students to learn the techniques and safety aspects of operating heavy equipment while exploring the various types and functions of the equipment,” Burwell said. “Students completing the course come away from it with the general understanding to secure a job for a company preparing a site for the construction of buildings, roadways and other structures.”

The college has worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help course completers find jobs with companies that contract with the State.

“This is a new career opportunity that Vance-Granville began offering just a few years ago with training that previously had not been available in our service area,” Burwell said. Classes will be held on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays, July 10 to Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.

Above: Matthew Paynter trains on a motor grader simulator in a classroom on the college’s Warren County Campus during a previous Heavy Equipment Operator course. (VGCC photo)

The Heavy Equipment Operator training program has three computerized training simulators, offering a safe and efficient way to train new operators in a risk-free environment, Burwell said. Highly detailed and realistic lessons teach proper operator technique, machine controls, and safe operation. The simulators feature real-world situations, job site hazards, safety violations, hand signals, equipment damage, budget-based scoring, and replica machine controls.

Each simulator allows students to train virtually on different types of equipment: a motor grader, a four-wheel drive loader and a backhoe. Students use foot pedals, joysticks and steering wheels that mimic those found in actual heavy equipment, while large computer monitors in front of them display a virtual job site in the first-person style of a video game. VGCC students use the equipment not only for practice and experience but also for testing that is required to pass the course.

The instructor for the course will be Steve Buus, who earned his diploma in Heavy Equipment Operation from Wake Technical Community College. Buus has held various positions with Caterpillar and similar companies as an operator and manager of heavy equipment. He has 30-Hour OSHA Certification in Construction Training from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

To register for the course, students may visit www.vgcc.edu/schedules/occupational-extension-schedule.

Students interested in applying for the grant should contact Kyle Burwell at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

AdVance Academy Graduates Record Number of Seniors

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

AdVance Academy graduated a record number of seniors in the Class of 2018 during the school’s Commencement Exercises held during the evening of June 8, at McGregor Hall in Henderson.

A total of 95 graduates from AdVance Academy received their high school diplomas during the exercises.

AdVance Academy graduates stand as Kaitlyn Tant sings the “National Anthem.” (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

McGregor Hall had an audience of over 700 people gathered in the facility’s auditorium to watch the event and cheer on their graduates.

Principal Stephanie Ayscue presided at the event.

The Northern Vance High School Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors and Kaitlyn Tant, a senior at Southern Vance High School, sang the “National Anthem.”

Melissa Elliott of Graduation Alliance led the portion of the exercises that involved all of the graduates presenting red roses to their parents.

Que Tucker, commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association, was the featured speaker. She encouraged the graduates to follow their “ABCs,” which she said stand for attitude, believing in yourself and courage. Tucker urged all of the seniors to go out into the world and not let anything or anyone stand in their way of accomplishing their goals in life.

The presentation of diplomas to each of the graduates was led by Ayscue, Elliott, Superintendent Anthony D. Jackson. Vance County Board of Education Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine, and Assistant Superintendents Trixie Brooks, Cindy Bennett and Jennifer Bennett.

The graduates will now go on to attend a community college, four-year college or university, join the military or go into the workforce.

Last Graduates of Northern Vance High School Take the Stage

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Members of the Class of 2018 at Northern Vance High School received deserved recognitions during their Commencement Exercises held in the afternoon of June 9 at McGregor Hall in Henderson.

Assistant Principal Mark Lawhorne welcomes everyone to the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2018 at Northern Vance High School. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Every seat was filled in the almost 1,000 seat auditorium as family members, friends, educators and school system officials joined in paying tribute to the last graduating class of Northern Vance High. An overflow crowd of about 300 watched via live stream on large screens set up in the McGregor Hall Gallery.

There were 177 members of the graduating class. They were awarded $4.9 million in scholarships to attend college and further their educations. The vast majority will go on to attend a community college or a four-year college or university. Some graduates have chosen to join the military and some will move directly into the workforce.

Assistant Principal Mark Lawhorne led the Commencement Exercises.

The seniors, all wearing their dark blue caps and gowns with a white, collar sash trimmed in gold, processed into the auditorium as the audience stood in recognition of their achievements.

Once the graduates were in position on the stage, members of the Vance County Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Graduating senior Jadyn Jones sang the “National Anthem.”

Clara Bobbitt, who finished number one in the graduating class academically, provided the valedictory address for her classmates. She spoke about their four years of hard work and accomplishments at Northern Vance and their hopes for going on to continued success in college and their future careers. Erin McAllister delivered the salutatorian address in recognition of her completion as the second highest academic achiever in the class.

Northern Vance graduating senior Erin McAllister receives her high school diploma. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Markoch led the presentation of diplomas to each of the graduates. The seniors lined up to the left of the stage and walked across to receive their high school diplomas. Joining Markoch with the presentations were Superintendent Anthony D. Jackson, Vance County Board of Education Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine and Assistant Superintendents, Jennifer Bennett, Trixie Brooks and Cindy Bennett.

In addition to Bobbitt and McAllister, those students who completed their senior year in the top 10 percent academically for the class were Briana Coleman, Akyvia Alston, La’Niayah Bates, Kwaji Bullock, Jordan Burnette, Diamond Durham, Jamon Glover, Destini Hargrove, Madison Hetrick, Makayla Jefferys, Jadyn Jones, Autumn Julian, Laneka Littlejohn, Manaya Perry, Shyanne Robertson, Christopher Stainback, Cody Stainback and Jonthan Vu.

Northern Vance High students serving as commencement marshals included: Billy Zheng (lead marshal), Destinee Bullock, Tiera Bullock, Anterrahn Harris, Tomesha Jefferson, Brittney Kersey, Jaida Lewis, Alex Machado, Matthew Munn, Ryan Stainback, Briana Sulyans and Breana Williams.

Southern Vance High School Graduates Final Class

/by

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The final graduating class of Southern Vance High School, with 169 seniors, received high school diplomas on June 9 during the school’s Graduation and Commencement Exercises held in the morning at McGregor Hall in Henderson.

Principal Rey Horner led the proceedings as he watched his graduates march into the auditorium, which was packed with almost 1,000 parents, siblings, other family members, school staff members, school system officials and community residents. Horner congratulated the seniors for their achievements and urged each of them to go out into the world and make a real difference.

Itzy Chavarin Contreras delivers the valedictory address on behalf of her fellow graduates. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Itzy Chavarin Contreras was the class valedictorian. She gave a very emotional speech to her classmates and those in the audience. She took the time to especially thank her father for his influence and work in helping her to achieve what she has achieved so far in life.

The class salutatorian was Crystal Marrow.

After all of the graduates processed into the auditorium, the Vance County Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Jykira Benson, a graduating senior, sang the “National Anthem.”

Six members of the graduating class sang a special song they wrote as the “Class Song.” Those graduates providing the excellent rendition were Timothy Massenburg, Jordan Alston, Kevon Perry, Desmond Mills, Justus Baldwin and Shamond Lyons.

Each graduate’s name was announced and they walked across the stage to receive their diploma. The diplomas were presented by Horner, Superintendent Anthony D. Jackson, Vance County Board of Education Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine, and Assistant Superintendents Cindy Bennett, Trixie Brooks and Jennifer Bennett.

The Class of 2018 at Southern Vance has accepted a total of over $2 million in scholarship funds to attend colleges and universities in the fall. Most of the graduates will go on to further their education in a community college or two-year or four-year college and university. Some of the graduates plan to enter the military and a few will go directly into the workforce.

Principal Rey Horner stands at the podium as he addresses the Class of 2018 at Southern Vance High School and the audience at the Graduation and Commencement Exercises. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Those seniors in the graduating class who completed their high school careers in the top 10 percent academically were Itzy Chavarin Contreras (ranked #1), Crystal Marrow (ranked #2), Kailee Ball, Reina Banda Orozco, Cody Edwards, Adriana Evans, Cynthia Hernandez, Walter Hernandez, Emily Isidro, Perla Lopez, Brandon Loyd, Ashley Mosley, Litzy Renteria, Onjahlaya Robinson, Karen Sandoval, Kaitlyn Tant, Antoinette Watson, Destiny Williams and Aliyah Wright.

Students in the Southern Vance High junior class who served as graduation marshals included: Madonna Baselios (lead marshal); Wendy Portillo (lead marshal); Eleodoro Aldana; Dylan Allgood; Sarah Burns; Miracle Chin; Shel’Nyia Hargrove; Deana Hawkins; Mya McKnight; April Pendergrass; John Pendergrass; Shannon Riggan; Aaliyah Simril; Robert Susewell; Tar’Naja Thorpe; and Gabriela Ventura.