Recent VGCC grad featured in career pathways discussion for educators

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Educators, local industry representatives, community leaders and a recent Vance-Granville Community College graduate shared ideas at a panel discussion organized on June 21 by the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA), a partnership of VGCC, Granville County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Warren County Schools and Vance County Schools.

The event was part of “AMSTA Summer Cruisers 2017,” a multi-day program that brought teachers from the four counties together to learn more about manufacturing and the regional economy. Day three of the program was held at Franklinton High School and began with greetings from the state’s deputy superintendent of public instruction, Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, who applauded the participants and said AMSTA is a model for the state.

Next, a discussion on “career pathways” featured panelists Ronnie Goswick, the director of business and economic development at Carolina Sunrock and a former Franklin County economic development director; Arlan Peters, manager of sustainability at Novozymes North America in Franklinton; Eric Breit, director of strategic initiatives for the Capital Area Workforce Development Board; and Thomas Boyd of Henderson, a recent VGCC Mechatronics Engineering Technology program graduate.

Barbara Boyce, representing the Triangle Regional Career Pathways Collaborative (TRCPC), served as the moderator. The collaborative consists of three workforce development boards, five community colleges (including VGCC), ten public school districts and numerous community and industry partners. The primary goal of TRCPC is to develop career pathways to align with the regional labor market and support the regional economy.

Goswick told educators that he hopes K-12 teachers will focus on so-called “soft skills,” good work habits and professionalism, which apply to any type of work. “We can train them on the job skills they will need for a particular job,” he said of new workers at his company. Similarly, Peters said that schools should produce “students who are good thinkers, who can solve a problem,” and said basic science was essential for his company. “Even in jobs that aren’t science-related, you can use your scientific training,” he noted.

Boyd was asked to talk about his pathway. He graduated from Southern Vance High School, worked for a few years, and then enrolled at VGCC, originally intending to study web design. Boyd then switched to the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program, primarily due to his interest in robotics. “Mechatronics is a program that combines different parts of many different fields, a little electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, a little bit of design, and overall industrial maintenance, so you’ve got a little bit of everything to get you started when you’re looking for a job,” Boyd said. “After a year in the program, I was approached about an internship opportunity for a design job at AXIS Corrugated Container, a manufacturer in Butner. I enjoyed taking the design classes, so I took the internship. After I completed the internship, they offered me a full-time job, and I’ve been working there a little over a year now.” In May, he became one of VGCC’s first three Mechatronics graduates.

Boyd said it would be beneficial for younger students to learn generally about how businesses operate, how to network and how to communicate professionally. He added that teachers should explain to students the job opportunities available for students if they earn two-year degrees, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. “Your average high school student thinks they want to go to a four-year school and they’ll automatically get a great job right from the start, but a lot of them don’t realize that you can get a two-year degree and get a really nice-paying job,” Boyd said. “Even if they want to go to a four-year school, doing the two years at a community college first will help them out in the long run. It gives them a good start with a couple years to figure out what they really want to do, and then they can decide on furthering their education somewhere else.”

Breit, representing the workforce development field, said according to the latest research, “the quality of the current and future workforce is now the single most important factor for industry recruitment and retention, so employers want to know about not only current workers but also about the local schools.” He added that the nine Triangle-area counties, including both urban and rural areas, are considered a single labor market, “so it makes sense for workforce development boards, community colleges and public schools throughout the region to put our heads together to see how we can better collectively serve the region, our employers and our students.” Breit said that TRCPC is focused on jobs that are in demand, in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences and health care.

After the discussion, a second panel was held to discuss school choice and its impact on the public school systems. Speakers included Dave Machado, director of the Office of Charter Schools at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, assistant director of that office.

Finally, attendees received updates from several guests. Jo Anne Honeycutt, director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said that her department is emphasizing Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities and is working on a new high-school-to-college articulation agreement that will help students transfer their high school course credits to colleges. LaTanya Patillio, a former CTE teacher and the new teacher advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper, addressed educators and said that “AMSTA is an example of what public schools are doing right.”

Tresha Layne from the Southern Regional Education Board said that she is working with AMSTA on professional development tied to project-based learning, and praised the partnership for helping the K-12 schools collaborate with VGCC and employers to develop a skilled talent “pipeline.” Sara Lloyd, VGCC’s director of customized training, added that she fields calls from industries about their workforce development needs and helps to connect them to K-12 schools and the college concerning internship opportunities.

Attendees concluded the event by touring Franklinton High School’s Career & Technical Education wing.

For more information on AMSTA, contact Stephanie Ayers at ayerss@vgcc.edu or (919) 316-0026.

–VGCC–

Info Sessions to be held for new STEAM Academy at E.M. Rollins

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

July 6, 2017

Parents and students can learn more about the new STEAM Academy at E.M. Rollins Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year during meetings scheduled for Monday, July 10, and Thursday, July 13, at Perry Memorial Library on Breckenridge Street in Henderson.

Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be led by Principal Stephanie Alston.

Enrollment is still open for the new year to elementary students throughout Vance County. Plan to attend one of these meetings to learn how to submit an application during open enrollment.

VGCC connects students and new graduates to employers

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As the end of the spring semester approached, the staff of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program at Vance-Granville Community College held their first-ever “College-to-Career Mixer” for students to meet with potential employers. Not only were 15 new graduates of the Welding Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology programs in attendance, but also five students who were not yet ready to graduate but were looking for potential Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities.

Prior to the event, college staff members drilled the students on job interview techniques, and some students participated in mock interviews. All received resume preparation assistance and detailed information about the employers who would be in attendance at the mixer. Participating employers included BFS Industries, LLC, of Butner; Bridgestone/Bandag of Oxford; Novozymes North America of Franklinton; Carolina Sunrock of Kittrell and Butner; Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions of Youngsville; Glen Raven of Norlina; Delhaize America of Butner; J.P. Taylor/Universal Leaf of Oxford; and Altec of Creedmoor. 

“As we move forward, VGCC will be looking for ways to increase our synergy with our employer partners while providing a robust pipeline for qualified future employees,” said Zane Styers, who manages the TAACCCT grant. “Industry tours, Work-Based Learning, internships and apprenticeships are options that form the framework for our College-to-Career pipeline.”

The $1.75 million TAACCCT grant, the largest single competitive grant in VGCC history, has helped the college develop and enhance innovative training programs for advanced manufacturing careers. The TAACCCT grants are part of a nearly $2 billion initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers, especially those impacted by foreign trade. For more information on TAACCCT, contact Zane Styers at styersz@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3342.

–VGCC–

Public Health Serving You 06/28/17

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Home and Garden Show 06/27/17

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STEM School to move from Northern Vance to Southern Vance

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The STEM Early High School, serving students in grades 6-8, is preparing for its move to the 600 Hall area of Southern Vance High School for the 2017-2018 school year.

Principal Iris Dethmers is shown in the accompanying photo during a meeting held recently with STEM parents and students at Southern Vance. 

The relocation of the school provides more space for the middle school students and staff. All classrooms also will be on one level, which provides more convenience for everyone instead of the three levels required for usage at the school’s old site at Northern Vance High School.

The STEM Early High School will have a separate entrance and exit from the high school students. The school also will have its own office/reception area, conference room and offices for the principal and counselor. STEM will occupy at least eight to 12 classrooms in its dedicated space. STEM students will share space in the cafeteria and gymnasium with high school students, as needed.

Additional information about plans for the new STEM location will be shared with parents, students and the community over the summer.

VGCC celebrates first graduates supported by ‘VanGuarantee’ scholarship

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HENDERSON, N.C. — When six students walked across the stage to receive their degrees at Vance-Granville Community College’s May commencement exercises, they quietly made history. They were among the first graduates of the college who had received the “VanGuarantee” scholarship to help eliminate any financial barriers standing between them and their academic goals.

The innovative scholarship program was first announced in 2016 by the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, with the first scholarships being awarded in the fall 2016 semester. The VanGuarantee was made possible by a $1.6 million bequest to VGCC from the estate of Wilbert A. Edwards, a resident of Oxford at the time of his death and a native of Vance County. The gift, announced in 2015, is the second largest in the history of the college. 

Three of the VanGuarantee recipients participating in Commencement were graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program: Brittany Champion of Creedmoor, Courtney Humphries of eastern Granville County and Erin Woodlief of Franklinton. Alicia Toler of Raleigh, a former Granville County resident, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Kristen Honaker of Henderson completed a degree in Pharmacy Technology. Tanisha Silver of Warrenton graduated from the Medical Office Administration degree program.

“Receiving the VanGuarantee meant a lot to me,” Silver reflected. “I received a community college grant for the fall 2016 semester, but I still didn’t have enough to pay for my books. I was told about the VanGuarantee scholarship, and I was ecstatic about it. It has helped me out a lot, because it has made it possible for me to finish school.” Silver is currently in the job market for employment in a doctor’s office or hospital setting and is considering continuing her education at the bachelor’s degree level. A former certified nursing assistant and a mother, she said she waited until all of her children were in school to work on advancing her own career through education.

Toler said she was very appreciative of the opportunity that the VanGuarantee provided her. She intends to transfer into a four-year university to study nursing. “Had it not been for the VGCC Financial Aid Office staff, particularly Ms. Tonya Strum, telling me about the VanGuarantee scholarship, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in school,” Toler said.

At least two graduates are already employed, Champion in the emergency room at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham and Humphries at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, working in Outpatient Surgical Services. “I am very thankful that I was able to receive the VanGuarantee this year,” Humphries said. “It has helped me finish my last two semesters of RN school. I am truly blessed beyond words!”

The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. The program is one of a number of “promise” or “guarantee” programs across the country, created by individual colleges or by states, in response to growing concerns from policymakers and students about the rising cost of higher education. In 2016, the VanGuarantee was recognized by the White House and national groups focused on college affordability.

Some college promise programs are open only to recent high school graduates, but the VanGuarantee applies to all eligible adults in the four counties, reflecting VGCC’s longstanding tradition of helping adults retrain for new careers at any age.

Among the eligibility requirements for the VanGuarantee, students must reside in the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties) and qualify for in-state tuition. Eligible students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester in any VGCC curriculum program and not already possess a post-secondary degree from any college or university. They must first apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. Next, they apply for endowed VGCC scholarships. When students still lack the funds to pay for their education after exhausting those and other sources, the VanGuarantee program helps to fill the gap. That makes the program an example of what is often called a “last-dollar scholarship.”

Once enrolled in the VanGuarantee program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the scholarship.

For more information on applying for the VanGuarantee, students can visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/vanguarantee.

–VGCC–

Vance County School Update 06/26/17

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75-Member Cast Announced for “The Wizard of Oz”

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The Henderson Rec Players community theater organization has cast 75 local performers to present “The Wizard of Oz” at McGregor Performing Arts Center in July, according to Jo Ellen Nowell, director, and Mark Hopper, musical director.

Leading the cast will be 15-year-old Becky Hunt of Henderson as Dorothy, Andy Dickerson of Henderson as the Scarecrow, Justin Walker of Henderson as the Tin Man, and Dan Cerullo of Stem as the Cowardly Lion.

Accompanying the show will be a 15-piece orchestra conducted by Mark Hopper.

Performances are on July 7, 8 and 15 at 8 p.m. and on July 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.

Advance tickets and reserved seating are available through McGregor Hall, which offers box office hours Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Also, tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.mcgregorhall.org. Tickets are priced at $15 each for all ages. For more information about tickets, contact Crystal Allen at the Aycock Recreation Center at 252-431-6091.

The Henderson Rec Players organization was founded in 1972 and is sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Parks and Recreation Department.

 

Cast – “The Wizard of Oz”

(In Order of Appearance)

 

Kansas

Dorothy Gale………………………………………………………. Becky Hunt

Toto………………………………………………………………. Harvey Hopper

Auntie Em……………………………………………………… Micheale Collie

Uncle Henry………………………………………………. Jonathan O’Geary

Hunk…………………………………………………………….. Andy Dickerson

Hickory…………………………………………………………….. Justin Walker

Zeke……………………………………………………………………. Dan Cerullo

Miss Gulch…………………………………………………………. Mary Pearce

Professor Marvel………………………………………………….. Bob Clarke

 

Munchkinland

Glinda, Witch of the North………………………………… Amber Jones

School Teachers…………………………. Jeanie James, Julia Tillotson

Mayor………………………………………………………………….. Noah Bean

Barrister……………………………………………………………….. Will White

City Father……………………………………………………… Wesley Carroll

Coroner………………………………………………………………… Katie Hunt

Munchkins………………………………………. Kendell Allen, Levi Bean,

Merritt Cloninger, Emerson Currin, Saylor Gray,

Grayson Greenway, Cailee Hansen, Lilly Hicks,

Eva Hopper, Lane Jackson, Elizabeth Joyner,

David Pendergrass, Kylie Stainback, Ella Stewardson,

Marie Scott White, Barbara Williams, Cecilia Williams

Wicked West of the West…………………………………… Mary Pearce

 

Along the Yellow Brick Road

Scarecrow…………………………………………………….. Andy Dickerson

Crows…………………………………………… Allison Hines, Lynn Patiky,

Hollie Powell, Sarah Stallsmith

Trees……………………………………………….. Jada Lewis, Erin Shelton,

Sarah Wheeler, Whitney Wicker

Tin Man……………………………………………………………. Justin Walker

Cowardly Lion……………………………………………………… Dan Cerullo

Poppies……………………………. Merritt Cloninger, Emerson Currin,

Eva Hopper, Elizabeth Joyner, Cecilia Williams

Snowflakes………………………………….. Saylor Gray, Cailee Hansen,

Lilly Hicks, Kylie Stainback, Ella Stewardson,

Marie Scott White, Barbara Williams

 

Emerald City

Guard……………………………………………………………… Clay Davidson

Manicurists………………………….. Trinity Ayscue, Samantha Hines,

Joyce Short, Natalie Stone

Beauticians…………………………….. Elly Boldizar, Angelica Bridges,

Mimi Johnston, Faith Orr

Straw Stuffers…………………………… Celia Boldizar, Emilee Boone,

Charity Norwood, Barbara Williams

Polishers…………………………………………. Blakely Bates, Ben Hicks,

Coleman Hines, Trace Kirby,

Chandler Stainback, Avery Thomas

Tap Dancers………………………………. Emily Hunt, Kathleen James,

Lexi Simmons, Sarah Young

Townspeople………………………… Gracie Barney, Savanna Carroll,

Kendall Collier, Cameron Eaton,

Rose Hilliard, Skylar McGhee, Paige Meadows

Wizard of Oz………………………………………………………… Bob Clarke

 

Witch’s Castle

General of the Winkies……………………………………. Camden Jones

Winkies………………….. Blakely Bates, Ben Hicks, Coleman Hines,

Trace Kirby, Chandler Stainback, Avery Thomas

Nikko……………………………………………………………. Jackson Hopper

Flying Monkeys……………………. Christian Bean, Joshua McGhee,

David Pendergrass, Bridger Stewardson

Vance County Schools Nutrition Program once again providing free meals

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

June 26, 2017

The Vance County Schools Nutrition Program is providing free meals again this summer to children in various programs in our county. Their delivery guys get covered here for insurance, for that’s an integral part while delivery.

Through a federally funded Summer Nutrition Program, the school system’s School Nutrition personnel are busy supplying breakfast, lunch and snacks each day for nine different programs, including the Read to Achieve reading camps for students in grades 1-3 at Dabney and Zeb Vance elementary schools.

Additional sites receiving the free meals are the Aycock Recreation Center, City Road United Methodist Church, the Eaton-Johnson Summer Camp, the ESL summer program at Dabney, the Gang Free Inc. summer camp, Gillburg United Methodist Church and the Pathway Enrichment Center.

In North Carolina, one in four children is at risk of hunger. They may not have access to enough food or healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, especially when school is out for the summer. The Summer Nutrition Program helps make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need. All children 18 and under can receive free summer meals.

An alarming number of children (approximately 35 percent) in Vance County live in poverty and do not have access to enough food at home. With this knowledge, school system officials for the past two school years have provided free breakfasts and lunches each school day to any students who want them. This is made possible through a federal school lunch program which Vance County qualifies for because of the high poverty rate in the county.

Many students depend on school meals. When school is not in session, these students are in peril of not being able to eat regular meals. The Summer Nutrition Program is a way to combat these risks. A lack of meals puts children at risk for illness and other health issues.

Each of the nine sites served by the Summer Nutrition Program applied to receive the meals. Phyllis Newcomb, director of the school system’s School Nutrition Program, reviews each application to ensure it meets eligibility requirements.  A wide variety of meals are provided for breakfasts and lunches. Representatives from each site must pick up their meals from Dabney Elementary School in approved containers capable of keeping meal items cold and/or hot during transport.

The school system also is working with officials from St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson to provide usage of the cafeteria at Pinkston Street Elementary School as a distribution site for the church’s Mobile Lunch Program.

This program will operate July 11 through August 2 to provide free meals to children in various apartment complexes around Henderson. The meals are delivered to the apartment complexes between 11:30 a.m. and noon each weekday at eight different locations. The locations include Springwood Apartments, Woods Apartments, Wickford Apartments, Hillcrest Apartments, Lincoln Heights Apartments, North Henderson Heights Apartment, Cedarhurst Apartments and Highland Green Apartments. Food for these meals is provided by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.