NC Coop Extension

Summer Learning Can Be Simple and Engaging

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Written and provided by Jean Bell, Parenting Education Coordinator, Vance County Cooperative Extension

You can hear Jean Bell, Wayne Rowland and Paul McKenzie each M-Th on WIZS at 2:05 p.m.  The following script will air Thursday, June 7, 2018.

Summer Learning

Kids work hard during the school year and look forward to summer break. Kids and parents do need down time from schoolwork and projects, but students can lose ground over the summer, forgetting what they learned the previous year. Parents can help prevent this from happening by planning some simple summer activities to help keep kids engaged in learning.

One of the most important activities you can do with your child over the summer school break is to encourage reading. Make reading fun for your child this summer and let your kids know that reading is important. Set a good example by reading together as a family. Let kids know that their parents read for pleasure, and let your kids see you reading. Go to the library or bookstore together and let kids select books on any topic that interests them. Ask the librarian for help in selecting books that are at your child’s reading level. Even if your child is not yet reading on her own, take her to the library and let her select books that interest her, then read them aloud together. If a book is a little above your child’s reading level, but he is interested in the topic, select the book as one that you will read aloud together. Reading aloud together is a wonderful way to let your child know that reading is enjoyable and can spark discussion on new topics and interests between parents and kids.

Talking and listening to kids about what they are reading is a good way to get to know your kids and is a way to encourage learning. Ask your kids questions about what they are reading. Go beyond the easy questions like “What book are you reading?” and ask her about the story and the characters. You could ask your child questions like “Why do you think the character did that? Or What do you think could happen next?” Listen to your child’s ideas about the book. Asking more in-depth questions helps your child think about the meaning of what he reads. Don’t forget about just having talks when you and your child are together. This is a great way to learn about how your child thinks and feels. You might talk in the car when traveling or just at home in the evenings, since there’s no homework to do! Your preschooler has ideas too, and when you talk and listen and sing to your preschool child you also teach your child vocabulary and how language works.

Along with reading, talking and listening to your child, writing is another way your child learns to express himself and learns language. Your child may already be able to write his name and write his ABC’s but that doesn’t mean that he can’t have fun writing. Make writing fun by writing your children of all ages a note, and have them write you a note back. Find a pen pal for an older child. Have kids write your shopping list, then take the list to the store when you shop and have the kids check off the items as you put them in the cart. Kids can even write and illustrate their own comic or short story on anything that interests them. Show your kids how you use writing in everyday life, that writing can be a good creative outlet.

Helping kids continue to learn during the summer does not mean that you have to do worksheets and tests. Just showing your kids that reading is a fun activity will help them to be ready for the next school year.

#VANCECoProud Graduation Ceremonies

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— courtesy Vance County Schools

(#VANCECoProud Graduation Ceremonies)

Vance County Schools is pleased to announce graduation ceremonies for AdVance Academy, Southern Vance High School and Northern Vance High School.

All ceremonies will take place at McGregor Hall on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson.

The AdVance Academy graduation is Friday, June 8, at 6 p.m. The Southern Vance High School graduation is Saturday, June 9, at 8 a.m. and the Northern Vance High School graduation is Saturday, June 9, at 12 p.m.

The doors will open at McGregor Hall for each of the ceremonies one hour prior to the beginning of the event.

The seating capacity of the McGregor Hall auditorium is approximately 960 people. The number of people admitted for each ceremony will not exceed the number of seats. For the ceremonies, tickets will be given to graduates for their family members to attend. Only those people with tickets will be admitted for the ceremony. Only young children will be allowed to sit in the laps of adults. There will be overflow seating for people in the McGregor Hall Gallery. However, these people also must have a ticket for admission.

No types of noise makers, signs, posters, banners, balloons, confetti or any other similar materials will be permitted at any of the graduation ceremonies.

Parking for the graduation ceremonies at McGregor Hall will be available along any of the surrounding streets, as well as the Perry Memorial Library parking lot, the city parking lot in front of the Henderson Police Department along Chestnut Street and the PNC Bank parking lot on Chestnut Street.

Anyone may view the graduations live via the internet from any location. The school system will live stream all of the graduations on the school system’s website.

VGCC Basic Skills Graduates Encouraged to Dream of Better Futures

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s Adult Basic Skills programs received a double dose of encouragement to dream of better futures and work to make those dreams come true at their commencement exercises on May 3.

The honorees were among those students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

The principal commencement speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr., retired superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. The Oxford native followed at the podium a presentation by Jennifer Pascual of Henderson, speaking on behalf of the graduating students. A native of Vance County, Pascual completed her High School Equivalency in April after attending classes on the main campus.

Above: Retired Granville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dorwin Howard of Oxford addresses VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

“Do you have a dream?” Dr. Howard asked the graduates. “Do you have a vision of what your future could look like? If you’ve not begun to dream already, I urge you to do so right now. The truth of the matter is that you cannot afford not to dream.”

Citing his work as a school administrator, Dr. Howard recalled student-athletes who had size, speed, strength and a natural talent for athletics. Those attributes, however, were inadequate without an initiative to work, the discipline to practice and the humility to follow the guidance of coaches, he said. “Champions are not born. They are made,” Dr. Howard said, noting the process begins with a dream.

Citing Amos 6:1 from the Old Testament, Dr. Howard urged the graduates to apply themselves. “Woe unto you who will not apply yourself in order to make yourself better. Woe unto you who are looking for the easy way out,” he said.

“I dare you to dream tonight. Dream of entering the workplace. Envision yourself climbing the ladder of success. Dream of continuing your education to help you advance in your career. Dream of earning well. Dream of living well…. But note that dreams don’t become reality by chance. They don’t happen by luck. Dreams begin in your head and heart and become real as you work to make them come true.”

He encouraged the graduates to explore possibilities by reading about what they would like to become and do in life, to be willing to take risks to succeed and to continue to be diligent and work hard. “Dreamers make things happen,” he said.

“Like your parents, relatives and friends, like your instructors and counselors who worked with you and the administrators here at Vance-Granville Community College, I too believe in you and I believe that one day you will make your dreams come true,” he concluded.

Above: Jennifer Pascual of Henderson addresses her fellow VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

Student speaker Pascual described for her fellow graduates what had not always been an easy road in life because of family and financial challenges. She described having a dream as a 12-year-old of being a pediatrician; however, that dream faded when her mother and father separated, her family faced the future without a father, her mother battled diabetes while working for 25 years in the tobacco fields, and a brother was deported.

“I gave up on my dreams. I also wanted to give up on life,” she said. “But then I had to think about my mother and what she would go through.”

“While it’s not been easy for my family, I’m glad I made it this far to get my High School Equivalency diploma. I didn’t think I would be able to graduate this year because of financial struggles,” she said. “This program got me focused on my future, a better future for myself and family…. As this program has come to an end for me, I want to make my dreams a new reality by becoming a registered nurse.”

She praised her instructors, including Glenn Alston whose teaching helped her “get the hang of math,” and the department chair for Basic Skills, Dr. Greg Nash, who encouraged her to pursue the curriculum nursing program at VGCC now.

“I now realize not to let fear stop me from pursuing my dreams,” she said. “If I can do this, you can, too. Dream big! Chase your dreams until you catch them!”

Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, announced a special incentive to the graduates to continue their education at Vance-Granville. “Commencement, as you know, does not mean an ‘ending.’ It means a ‘beginning,’ and that is especially true on this occasion tonight,” he said. “The diploma that you will receive will allow you to achieve your dreams wherever you may go.”

As an extra incentive for graduates to begin their collegiate studies, Dr. Brown announced that each graduate would receive a certificate worth free tuition and fees for one semester of courses in curriculum programs or continuing education courses at VGCC, absorbing costs not covered by federal financial aid. “This certificate for tuition and fees is our way of saying ‘congratulations’ and ‘keep going,’” he said.

In conferring diplomas to the graduates, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, praised the graduates and applauded the Basic Skills faculty for preparing students to succeed.

After Dr. Nash announced the candidates for graduation, Dr. Brown assisted Dr. Williams in presenting diplomas.

Also on the program were Tiffany Hunter and Owenwiston Raymond III, both 2018 HSE diploma graduates, who provided the welcome and introduced the student speaker, respectively; Michael Young, an instructor in Basic Skills, who introduced Dr. Howard; Dawn Michelle Tucker, dean of Continuing Education and Basic Skills, who offered remarks; and the Rev. Terry Huffines of First United Methodist Church of Henderson, who provided the invocation and benediction.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s album on Flickr!

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

VGCC Releases Names of 2018 Basic Skills Graduates

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS

 

Vance County

Seion Bobbitt, Henderson

Lateria Christmas, Henderson

Jazmer Cole, Henderson

Shawn Davis, Henderson

Grethel Flores Tavera, Henderson

Sherrell Harris, Henderson

Andrew Creech, Kittrell

David Kaiser, Kittrell

Shadian Whitmore, Kittrell

 

Granville County

Gavin Carroll, Bullock

Leslie Collie, Creedmoor

 

Franklin County

Christopher Ayscue, Franklinton

Haley Briggs, Franklinton

Chy-Na Fuller, Franklinton

Jadan Puett, Franklinton

Trevor Martin, Louisburg

Patrick O’Neal, Louisburg

Sarah Wilds, Louisburg

Kathrine Herbig, Youngsville

Jacob Naegele, Youngsville

Logan Robbins, Youngsville

 

Warren County

Patrick McCollough, Henrico

Joshua Edwards, Littleton

Mason Keys, Littleton

Alford Brandon, Norlina

Shadae Jackson, Norlina

Chaquell Jiggetts, Norlina

Krystle Reid, Norlina

Taylor Sidden, Norlina

Delahoya Benjamin, Warrenton

Sharron Lewis-Williams, Warrenton

Juanita Mincey, Warrenton

Victoria Perry , Warrenton

Gabrielle Seward, Warrenton

Earnest Solomon, Warrenton

Imani Swinney, Warrenton

 

Wake County

Alexandria McKinnon, Garner

Nikayla Morgan, Raleigh

Lyndaiha Sullivan-Henry, Raleigh

Isaiah Napier, Wake Forest

Brianna Cid, Zebulon

Cynthia Leon, Zebulon

Anasia Perry, Zebulon

 

Other Communities

Jaime Villareal, Asheboro

Tristan Martin, Bradenton, Fla.

Jairin Shaw, Burlington

Tiffany Joyner, Carrboro

Ahjah Lewis-Rowe, Charlotte

James Shepherd, Charlotte

Dontravious Williams, Charlotte

Ebony Wilson, Charlotte

Kyle Broas, Clayton

Robert Osborne, Dallas

James Moore, Durham

Keion Evans, Enfield

Deonte Robinson, Fayetteville

Thaddeus Dozier, Greensboro

Infinity Miller, Greensboro

Jerome Ballance, Jacksonville

Kimberly Birdlow, Lake Wylie, S.C.

Alexander Ingram, Lexington

Matthew Neal, Lexington

Kashief Matos, Pinetops

Armon Davis, Plymouth

Hassan Bangura, Rocky Mount

Christopher Spruill, Tarboro

Kwon’shelya Best, Williamston

Clarissa Overton, Winston Salem

 

VGCC HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

 

Vance County

Cameron Bollinger, Henderson

Johnathan Brooks, Henderson

Bridget Crute, Henderson

Janie Evans, Henderson

Chase Gupton, Henderson

Vernon Jenkins Jr., Henderson

Christie Matthews, Henderson

Erin McGhee, Henderson

Michael Noyce, Henderson

Jennifer Pascual, Henderson

Owenwiston Raymond III, Henderson

Leonardo Renteria, Henderson

Jeremy Roberson, Henderson

Michael Stutzman, Henderson

Taylor Walker, Henderson

Lonnie Webb Jr., Henderson

Denise Woodard, Henderson

Christopher Gaither, Kittrell

Matthew Varker, Kittrell

Rebekah Varker, Kittrell

 

Granville County

Travis Sizemore, Bullock

Christopher Smith, Butner

Barry Avery, Creedmoor

Danielle Blackwell, Oxford

Monica Foster, Oxford

Tiffiny Hunter, Oxford

Charles Johnson, Oxford

Karen Montalvo-Franco, Oxford

 

Franklin County

James Goodson, Franklinton

Michael Ray, Franklinton

Christina Tyson, Franklinton

Shakera Alston, Louisburg

Timon Bailey, Louisburg

Dorothy Bobbitt, Louisburg

Noah Corbett, Louisburg

Serenity Corbett, Louisburg

Ronald Dement Jr., Louisburg

Cathrine Forsyth, Louisburg

Rose Johnson, Louisburg

Emily Martinez, Louisburg

Eric Trammell, Louisburg

Kenneth Jeffreys, Youngsville

 

Warren County

Eric Alexander, Manson

Serenia Lester, Warrenton

Christopher Tharrington, Warrenton

 

Wake County

Benjamin Mashburn, Apex

Amanda Bridges, Wake Forest

Jesse Pendleton, Wake Forest

 

Other Communities

Cheyenne Irby, Roxboro

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

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

Early College High School Class of 2018 Graduates

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

A total of 38 members of the Class of 2018 at the Vance County Early College High School received their high school diplomas and most also received at least one college associate degree during their Commencement Exercises held during the evening of May 24.

The commencement was held in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College before an audience of about 900 parents, family members, friends and school staff members.

Principal Debbie Hite offered opening remarks and presided over the ceremony.

Seven of the graduates received both an associate degree in the arts and an associate degree in science from Vance-Granville Community College. An additional 23 of the graduates received just an associate degree in the arts. In total, 30 of the 38 graduates received a college associate degree.

The college associate degrees indicate that they have received credit for completing two years of college-level coursework. They may now use those credits to enter a four-year college or university as a junior.

Seth Moody delivers his valedictorian address at the commencement exercises for the Class of 2018 at Early College High School. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools.)

The diplomas and degrees were presented to each graduate by Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of Vance-Granville Community College.

The graduates are Hunter Antel, Danielle Ayscue, Nancy Bonilla, Andrew Brame, Anaya Brown, Mercedes Brust, Cameron Bullock, Brittany Burroughs, Ke’Moni Champion, Brooklyn Davis, Zairea Davis, Zenee Davis, Hong Dong, Malcolm Elam Jr., Nealee Fisher, Lehman Ford, Alayna Gallagher, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Courtney Herndon, Brandon Hughes, Rosalinda Ibarra, Victoria Inscoe, Lillian Kanouff, Jade Lewis, Seth Moody, Brandy Patterson, Brittney Patterson, Jimmy Ponce, Hannah Roberson, Jordan Rooker, Alexis San Juan, Ty’Ayala Shearin, Evan Stinson, McKenzie Taylor, Latia Thomas, Matthew White, Kaela Williams and Suzanne Williams.

Valedictorian for the class was Seth Moody. The salutatorian was Victoria Inscoe.

Those graduates honored as finishing in the top 10 percent academically of the class were Seth Moody, Victoria Inscoe, Lillian Kanouff, Nancy Bonilla, Lehman Ford and Ke’Moni Champion.

Early College students serving as graduation marshals were Matthew Denton, Jessica Grissom, Kaitlyn Harris, Samantha Hines, Joseph Penny, Ethan Roberson, Jessica Steed, Alexia Watson and Kianna Wills.

VGCC Department Chair McGrady Recognized for National Faculty Award

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College honored Steve McGrady, chair of the college’s Science Department and an instructor, for his recent receipt of the inaugural Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

In a session with the VGCC Board of Trustees on Monday, May 21, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, recognized the long-time member of the college faculty for the honor.

“This great honor reflects your long-term commitment to academic excellence, teaching and learning, and student success at Vance-Granville Community College as a faculty member,” Dr. Williams said. “Your dedication has been recognized at the national level.”

McGrady, who is a resident of Durham, was named last fall as the VGCC Faculty Member of the Year for 2017-2018, one of three of the college’s Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards. Glen Raven Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC supporter and partner.

Above: Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC president, left, presents a congratulatory letter to Steve McGrady, honoring the Science Department chair for his Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition by the American Association of Community Colleges. (VGCC photo)

McGrady, a full-time VGCC instructor since 1990 and leader of the Science department since 1992, is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his master’s degree in biology. He teaches courses in biology, chemistry and geology for Vance-Granville. Prior to joining the faculty at VGCC, he taught at Richmond Community College in Hamlet, N.C.

McGrady was the recipient of the VGCC President’s Leadership Award in 2006 after helping to lead a “Global Studies” initiative that took a group of faculty and students on an educational trip to Costa Rica.

McGrady and now-retired instructor Button Brady coordinated the VGCC Science Camp for middle school students from its inception in 2011, and he has overseen the camp on his own for the last two summers. This year’s camp is scheduled for June 11-15 on the Main Campus.

He served as co-chair of the VGCC Endowment Fund Faculty & Staff Drive from 2010 through 2012 and is a graduate of the VGCC Leadership Institute of 2005-06. McGrady has been involved in the college’s Male Mentoring program as a mentor and has served as chair of the college’s Academic Affairs Committee.

The AACC is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges, representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 12 million students. The award received by McGrady is named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. The designation was established to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom. The AACC said recipients are chosen for demonstrating passion for students and the classroom; showing a willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom; participation in college committees; and going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.