Vance County Woman Arrested and Charged with First Degree Murder

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From the Office of Sheriff Peter White

On Friday, August 27th at approximately 12:40 p.m. deputies with the Vance County Sheriff’s Department received a call to 170 Bill Bragg-Morton Road in Vance County. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Terrance Leneil Williams, 33, of 871 Warrenton Road, had suffered an apparent gun shot wound.

After further investigation, Kedesha Shontrell Williams, 23, of 70 Pine Forest Drive, Henderson was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. She is in the Vance County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance in court. She has no bond.

Kedesha Williams is a close friend of Terrance Williams.

This investigation is ongoing and no other information can be released at this time.

VGCC recognizes 22 Medical Assisting students at Pinning

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Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2016 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 5 at the college’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, where the program is conducted.

As VGCC’s program is nationally accredited, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants.

The 22 graduates being honored included Heather Harwood and Kimberly Richardson, both of Castalia; Amanda Newton and Shatory Yarborough, both of Franklinton; Jenny Clark, Tonya Henderson, Kenia Puga-Gomez, Stephanie Ranes and Adrienne Robertson, all of Henderson; Ashley Kittrell of Kittrell; Brittany Blacknall, Jessica Crudup, Jodi Hess, Regina Hicks and Lindsay Ward, all of Louisburg; Julius Glasper of Oxford; Kayla Hutson and Samantha Patterson, both of Stem; Brittany Ray and Denise Six, both of Wake Forest; Kelly Tharrington of Warrenton; and Dallas Glover of Youngsville.

Program Head/instructor Donna Gardner served as the mistress of ceremonies. Student Regina Hicks provided the invocation.

Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May made welcoming remarks, congratulating the students and thanking their supportive families and friends who had gathered to celebrate the graduates’ success.

“We are all so proud of you, and we’re grateful that you have allowed the VGCC Franklin Campus family to assist in your education, inspiring and supporting you in meeting all of your goals,” May told the class.

Samantha Patterson, who led the graduating class as president of the VGCC Student Association of Medical Assistants chapter, was the featured speaker.

“Our studies at Vance-Granville Community College have culminated in this day, and will echo in our futures,” Patterson said. “Some of us will be working; some going on to pursue an associate’s degree; some may still be trying to figure things out, and that’s okay, too. Therein lies the beauty of life, and, more specifically, life in this country. We have the freedom to pursue our own dreams, but let us not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget those that we pledge to serve. After all, we are Medical Assistants. We are the extra sets of hands, eyes, and ears for our providers. We are advocates for our patients. We are a vital part of the team that makes the medical office work. Let us consider the needs of others as we work to fulfill our own.”

Gardner presented each graduate with his or her pin, signifying that each had successfully completed the course of study and was prepared to enter the growing Medical Assisting profession. As they were pinned, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas read reflections from the graduates about their educational experiences and their career aspirations. Instructor Patrice Allen then led students in reciting the creed of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, rounded out the ceremony with concluding remarks. “You have wisely chosen a profession in which you can make a difference in the lives of others, and in which there are a variety of career opportunities,” Ballentine told the class. She encouraged all graduates to maintain high standards as professionals and to become lifelong learners. “I know that you will continue to succeed and make us proud as VGCC alumni,” Ballentine said.

Student Tonya Henderson gave the benediction.

With their one-year diplomas in hand, many graduates are continuing their education to complete the two-year associate degree in Medical Assisting. For more information about Medical Assisting, call the Franklin Campus at (919) 496-1567.

High School students explore health and science at two VGCC campuses

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High school students from across the region recently attended “Mini-Medical School” camps organized by the Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College. The camp was held first in June at VGCC’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor, and in July at the college’s Franklin County Campus, just outside Louisburg. Between the two locations, 44 students completed the program.

This was the college’s third summer partnering with Wake AHEC on the Mini-Medical School, which is an intensive, week-long day camp that uses computational science (computer simulation) and hands-on activities to study key aspects of medicine.

Students learned about topics that included anatomy and physiology, bioprocessing, biochemistry, pharmacology, cardiology, epidemiology, medical genetics and genomics. The course was taught primarily by Becky Brady, a registered nurse and chemical engineer. VGCC Bioprocess Technology program head/instructor Dr. Tara Hamilton also taught a session at each camp.

Faculty members from VGCC programs that prepare students for health-related careers — including Nursing, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Pharmacy Technology, Human Services Technology, and the college’s newest program, Histotechnology — gave students information about academic pathways and employment prospects and conducted hands-on activities on the last day of the camp.

Students not only had a chance to learn about careers and hone their science skills, but they also became certified in CPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid during the course of the program.

The students who completed the school at South Campus included Naim Bell and Sai Dasari, both of Apex Friendship High School; Koen Winemiller and Kiran Winemiller, both of Cary Academy; Gracie Athus of Cary Christian School; Sarah Flexman of Cary High School; Britney Dyck, a home-schooled student from Cary; Leah Paul, a recent graduate of Crossroads Christian School in Henderson; Saarika Virkar of Enloe High School in Raleigh; Sarah Doherty and Ellie Smith, both of Holly Springs High School; Tanay Singhal of the N.C. School of Science and Math; Jordan Bell of North Raleigh Christian Academy; Sri Rayarao of Panther Creek High School in Cary; LeAnn Black and  Hannah Bonini, both of South Granville High School; Riley Valencia of Southern Wake Academy in Holly Springs; Aryan Jain of Wake Early College of Health & Sciences; Samaria Lynch and Javia Wilson, both of Warren County High School; Mariam Assaedi of J.F. Webb School of Health & Life Sciences in Oxford; and Rose Vaughan of Woods Charter School in Chapel Hill.

Those who completed the program at Franklin Campus included Edin Medrano and Iris Medrano, both home-schooled students from Creedmoor; Karson Turner of Enloe High School in Raleigh; Rachel Hortman, a recent graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School; Yvon’ne Lyle of Garner High School; Saikiran Devanga Chinta of Green Hope High School in Cary; Jacob Harris of Henderson Collegiate School; Sascha Anderson of Vernon Malone College and Career Academy; Autumn Boone of Middle Creek High School in Apex; Lizzie Leegins and Jillian Radford, both of North Johnston High School; Caroline Pruitt of Sanderson High School in Raleigh; Sabrina Bedard, Nadia Hodges and Amanda McPhatter, both home-schooled students from Wake Forest; Sarah Bryant, Victoria Michel and Malik Pettis, all of Wake Forest High School; Kendall Smith and Brandon Yarborough, both of Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy; Parker Stantz of Wakefield High School; and Bryson Vick of Warren County High School.

Wake AHEC serves nine counties in central North Carolina from its office in Raleigh: Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Lee, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren counties. AHECs are located throughout North Carolina and are affiliated with the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Medicine. The mission of the statewide AHEC Program is to meet the state’s health and health workforce needs. NC AHEC provides educational programs and services that bridge academic institutions and communities to improve the health of the people of North Carolina with a focus on underserved populations.

Electronic Compliance and Dismissal System For Certain Traffic Violations

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DA Mike Waters – ecadpressrelease

Electronic Compliance and Dismissal (ECAD) quicker and more efficient for citizens

Oxford, N.C.- Citizens of Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren Counties can now easily request dismissal of certain traffic violations online with the launch of the new Electronic Compliance and Dismissal (ECAD) system. The application delivers a modern and user friendly experience to quickly process traffic violations online without having to appear in court.

“The online dismissal system is quicker and easier for citizens and provides immediate benefits to our courts,” said District Attorney Mike Waters. “Citizens are able to go online at home without having to miss work or wait in line, while saving time and resources of our district attorneys and court staff to process cases.”

Following Chief Justice Mark Martin’s vision for modernizing court technology systems statewide, ECAD was designed to reduce foot traffic in courthouses across the state while allowing the public a fast, convenient way to request dismissal for certain traffic violations online. The efficient, user-friendly system also benefits district attorneys by dramatically reducing the time needed to review and process dismissals of minor traffic cases.

“Online dismissals and services are changing the way the public does business with our courts,” said Judge Marion Warren, director of the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts. “This modern court technology is more efficient and convenient to process a significant portion of traffic cases online and not have to stand in line at the courthouse.”

Prior to ECAD, citizens had to appear in court and visit the courthouse to request dismissal. In 2015, over 220,000 cases with ECAD eligible offenses were dismissed in North Carolina. This represents a significant portion of the traffic cases handled in our state and underscores the importance and convenience for the public. There is no cost associated with requesting dismissal of a case online through ECAD, and the system is available 24/7.

The system was funded by S.L. 2015-241 (HB 97) in September 2015 and work on the system began in October. ECAD was piloted beginning in May 2016, and is now available in all 100 counties statewide as of July. New language will be added to traffic citations statewide to inform the general public about ECAD and the courts’ online services available at onlineservices.NCcourts.org.

The following offenses are the only offenses eligible for dismissal/disposition through ECAD:
No Operator’s License
Failure to carry a valid driver’s license
Expired operator’s license
Expire/no inspection
OR/allow registration plate not display
Drive/allow MV no registration
Canceled/revoked/suspended certificate/tag
Expired registration card/tag

Citizens who have received a traffic citation for any of the above referenced offenses, and are in compliance and seeking a dismissal through ECAD, can go to onlineservices.NCcourts.org. They will need their citation number, which is located at the top of their ticket, and a valid address. If these charges are attached to a moving violation, a court appearance is still required.

Warren County Criminal Superior Trial Court

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(Full Press Release from Mike Waters)

Warrenton, NC- Warren County Criminal Superior Trial Court was held the week of July 11, 2016.  The Honorable Henry W. Hight, Jr., Resident Superior Court Judge, presided for the session.  District Attorney Michael D. Waters along with Assistant District Attorneys Onica F. Fuller and Mark L. Gregory appeared on behalf of the State of North Carolina.

Luchano Johnson was convicted of Second Degree Murder in the death of Daniel Martinez. Mr. Martinez was murdered in his home on October 11, 2014, in an attempted robbery. Mr. Johnson’s sentencing was continued until after the trial and disposition of Rance Richardson’s case in September 2016. This case was investigated by the NC State Bureau of Investigation and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Tywan Ali Williams was convicted of Felony Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Felony Carrying a Concealed Gun, Driving While Licensed Revoked along with other related traffic matters and received an active sentence of 19 to 32 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC). These cases were investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Warrenton Police Department.

Jerry Warren Pendergrass was convicted of a Felony Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation and Misdemeanor Assault Inflicting Serious Injury. He received an active sentence of 16 to 29 months in the DAC. This sentence is to be served at the expiration of the sentence that he is currently serving. This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

Reginald Southerland was convicted of Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and received an active sentence of 26 to 41 months in the DAC. This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

James Ayscue was convicted of Misdemeanor Sexual Battery and received a suspended sentence of 150 days. Mr. Ayscue was placed on supervised probation for 24 months and was ordered to register as a sex offender. He was also ordered not to have any contact with any minor under the age of 18 without an adult over the age of 21 present. This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Richard Newman was convicted of Misdemeanor Assault Inflicting Serious Injury and received an active sentence of 120 days in a Misdemeanor Confinement Facility. This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

VGCC names 269 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 125 students earned President’s List and 144 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring semester that ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Zachary T. Andrick of Henderson;

Jacob H. Daniel and Selene Govea Rostro, both of Oxford.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Madelaine L. Sachs of Henderson;

Renee Jackson of Kittrell;

Devan F. Wilkins of Louisburg;

Sandra H. Rose of Stem.

 

Associate in Arts:

Kaleb S. Williamson of Bullock;

William P. Unger of Butner;

Samantha J. Shannon and John M. Weeks, both of Creedmoor;

Ryan W. Sharp of Franklinton;

Cristin D. Abbott, Jennifer A. Burns and Kourtney J. Cockrell, all of Henderson;

Elizabeth D. Cole of Kittrell;

Marshella D. Ashby of Littleton;

Salwa S. Assaedi, Kristy R. Ball, Grisel Govea Rostro and Sydney A. Towers, all of Oxford;

Charles Braswell of Raleigh;

Abigail G. Hey of Stem;

Joshua L. Taylor of Warrenton;

Jasmine C. Blacknall of Winston-Salem;

Katrina Z. Hodges and David M. Restrepo, both of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Ashley A. Oakley of Roxboro.

 

Associate in Science:

Jordan S. Ligon of Bullock;

Alegra A. Bass and Melinda W. Langston, both of Henderson;

Alexander T. Cockman and Emily C. Rogers, both of Louisburg;

Nicole F. Bowman and Francis C. Scotland, both of Oxford;

Karly R. Blue of Stem;

Kellyann M. Cook of Stovall;

Nehemiah S. Yisak of Wake Forest;

Nicholas J. Didonna III and Christopher R. Worner, both of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Kenneth S. McConnell of Henderson;

Robert L. Mallory of Oxford.

 

Business Administration:

Sara Reid of Creedmoor;

April F. Brogden, Sarah K. Moss, Meghan J. Rossi and Allyssabeth R. Trowbridge, all of Oxford;

Heather A. Henkel of Wake Forest;

Ashley M. Kinton of Youngsville.

 

Carpentry:

Robyn Horner of Durham.

 

Computer Technology Integration – IT Support Track:

Quinton McDonald of Henderson.

 

Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies Track:

Christina D. Manz of Creedmoor;

Andrew Hentze of Henderson;

Timothy A. Farley of Oxford.

 

Computer Technology Integration – Web Design and Support Track:

Angelica M. Garcia-Avelar of Durham;

Tabitha M. Jarman of Louisburg;

Rowan M. Morris of Warrenton.

 

Cosmetology:

Charlotte B. Slaughter of Butner;

Brittany D. Pickering of Durham;

Katrina W. Collie of Franklinton;

Sha’chrisa A. Williams of Hollister;

Kathryn L. Overby of Louisburg;

Kierra N. Richardson of Macon;

Myranda L. Carroll of Norlina;

Dar-Neshia S. Williams of Warrenton.

 

Criminal Justice Technology:

Tyler L. Hughes of Bullock;

Hunter C. Thompson of Creedmoor;

Justin R. Ali of Franklinton;

Benjamin B. Layton and Jamel Roy, both of Kittrell;

Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;

Veronica M. Yount of Townsville;

Daysha M. Dawson of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Emory L. Gant-Hawkins, Stacey H. Grissom, Harli R. Sams and Hayya A. Wright, all of Henderson;

Danielle N. Enright of Louisburg;

Dustin E. Gregory of Oxford;

Randy D. Bullock of Stem.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Battista S. Wilkins of Franklinton;

Mary A. Durand of Wake Forest.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Michael O. Smith, Jr., of Oxford;

Keith A. Tunstall of Warrenton.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Austin R. Lovegrove of Franklinton;

Sheila M. Alston of Louisburg.

 

Human Services Technology:

Victoria L. Currin and Robin L. Hill, both of Oxford.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Cherie K. Jones of Creedmoor;

Larecia R. Bullock of Oxford.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Joseph C. Brodie and Shurondia C. Williams, both of Henderson;

Kellie W. Taborn of Oxford.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Charles J. Nordcliff of Creedmoor;

Thomas K. Boyd of Henderson.

 

Medical Assisting:

Adrienne M. Robertson of Henderson;

Samantha A. Patterson of Stem;

Denise N. Six of Wake Forest.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Tamara F. Glover, Raven K. Kay and April B. Peoples, all of Henderson;

Susan B. Smith of Kittrell;

Adrienne N. Adcock and Kristie L. Brough, both of Oxford;

Jenese N. Caldwell of Wake Forest;

Rebecca T. George of Warrenton.

 

Office Administration:

Mary A. Elberson of Henderson.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Heather L. Taylor of Franklinton;

Heather C. Bryant of Youngsville.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Jordan R. Garrison of Henderson;

Lindsay C. Henry of Youngsville.

 

Radiography:

Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;

Kristel L. Dehart of Oxford;

Jamisha D. Twitty of Warrenton.

 

School-Age Education:

Andrea J. Hayes of Henderson.

 

Simulation and Game Development:

Brandon J. Carver of Durham;

Dustin L. Starnes of Henderson.

 

Welding Technology:

Nicholas Keeton of Bullock;

Joshua C. Pfohl of Franklinton;

Donnie S. Ayscue of Henderson;

Can Akyar, Ethan T. Bailey and Keodric D. Grant, all of Oxford;

Corey A. Di Lorenzo and Jared Q. Siemers, both of Wake Forest.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Dianna L. Deweese of Creedmoor;

Sarah J. Gabriel and Pamela D. Swanson, both of Franklinton;

Holly A. Waddell of Henderson;

Wannapha N. Robinson of Littleton;

Jennifer M. Burton of Norlina;

Starr Peace of Oxford;

Elizabeth D. Elliott of Youngsville.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Frederik L. Gaube-Ogle of Stem.

 

Associate in Arts:

Farrah B. Foster and Don E. Sweet, Sr., both of Creedmoor;

Carlos A. Falcon of Durham;

Jared A. Akers, Courtney M. Brodie, Loren M. McCuiston, Robert D. Osborne and Richard K. Washington, all of Franklinton;

Cooper Antel, Nancy C. Bonilla, Brooklyn S. Davis, Alexis Hawthorne, Katelyn C. Kimbrell, Mary E. Oakley, Ashley J. Pendergrass, Ebony S. Robinson Solomon, Janet Rodriguez-Morales, Jakayla M. Thorpe and April Zuniga-Trejo, all of Henderson;

Taylor J. Abbott, Lillian D. Kanouff, Allison E. Long, McKenzie J. Taylor, all of Kittrell;

Jarrett J. Depizzol, Detra S. Hunt, Blake A. Massengill, Joshua W. Moody and Cassandra Saroza, all of Louisburg;

Amani M. Durden and Sierra S. Hawkins, both of Norlina;

Cecilia E. Barrenechea, Brenda Diaz-Salas, Haley N. Elliott, Emily H. Grissom, Marquida R. Harrington, Lydia A. Hendrick, Kemarie D. Jeffers, Ashley McEntee, Lane D. Phipps, Anna K. Thompson and Dylan E. Yacos, all of Oxford;

Keilah E. Alston and Jessica M. Shelton, both of Stem;

Grace E. Bowen, Andrew D. Lugg and Brianna H. Rigsbee, all of Wake Forest;

Hunter A. Carter and Stephanie Hommel, both of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Kimberly M. Spence of Henderson;

Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in Science:

Daniel Cziraki of Creedmoor;

Christopher A. Plumley of Franklinton;

Kia S. Brodie and H’Kera P. Ktul, both of Louisburg;

Chelsee L. Mitchell of Macon;

Alana W. Towles of Oxford;

Micah C. Roberts of Stem;

Aaron W. Archambault of Wake Forest;

Henry M. Robinson of Youngsville;

Ayeley Akoto of Zebulon.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Jeremy D. Lemay of Henderson;

Luis G. Arroyo of Louisburg.

 

Business Administration:

Malinda M. Porter of Creedmoor;

Lois J. Daniels of Louisburg;

Justin T. Roberson of Norlina;

Temeka G. Marable and Broguen McKeown, both of Oxford.

 

Computer Technology Integration:

Bradley D. Harrison of Franklinton;

William T. Wesley of Oxford.

 

Computer Technology Integration – IT Support Track:

Tristin McClay of Creedmoor.

 

Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies Track:

Mitchell L. Greene of Creedmoor;

Steven J. Lynch of Norlina;

Zachary T. Stevenson of Oxford.

 

Computer Technology Integration – Web Design & Support Track:

Amie E. Hilton of Oxford.

 

Cosmetology:

Cassie A. Shaffer of Butner;

Mia B. Harrison of Henderson;

Jennifer L. Creech, Areli R. Rayo Ramirez and Melissa D. Sweeney, all of Louisburg;

Kendall L. Barber of Norlina;

Jordan G. Reina of Roxboro;

Shannon W. Wood of Spring Hope;

Maria G. Ordonez Santiago and Sherika C. Powell, both of Warrenton.

 

Criminal Justice Technology:

Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;

Lindsay E. Brown, Jessica N. Duke, Dustin L. Hodnett and Harold T. Todd, all of Oxford.

 

Culinary Arts:

Jasmyne Schmitt of Bracey, Va.;

Tiffany M. Williams of Henderson;

Taylor M. Abel of Manson.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Anita M. Fuller of Franklinton;

Deanna McFarland of Rougemont;

Tonya H. Burrell of Youngsville.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Diaman R. Dismuke of Henderson.

 

Human Services Technology:

Betty S. Sampson of Butner;

April M. Carroll of Creedmoor;

Katie L. Floyd and Quiana J. Miller Fisher, both of Henderson;

Hannah B. Hill of Oxford.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Angelique M. Taylor of Macon.

 

Medical Assisting:

Heather A. Harwood of Castalia;

Amanda J. Newton of Franklinton;

Ashley D. Kittrell of Kittrell;

Julius A. Glasper of Oxford;

Kayla L. Hutson of Stem;

Brittany L. Ray of Wake Forest;

Kelly N. Tharrington of Warrenton;

Dallas T. Glover of Youngsville.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Melanie Lugo-Nieves of Creedmoor;

David L. Norris of Erwin;

Misty R. Grabowski of Louisburg;

Tina M. Hatcher and Anthony M. Wade, both of Oxford;

Jessica R. Carroll of Timberlake;

Brittany L. Dillard of Warrenton.

 

Office Administration:

Matt S. Larch and Shanetta B. Wright, both of Henderson;

Helen Jordan of Wake Forest.

 

Paralegal Technology:

April M. Thompson of Henderson;

Kelly D. Persinger and Melody M. Williams, both of Louisburg;

Marilyn A. Swensen of Oxford.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina.

 

Radiography:

Anna P. Tilley of Creedmoor;

Sabrina D. Johnson of Louisburg;

James A. Lea of Roxboro;

Morgan H. Keith of Stem.

 

Simulation and Game Development:

Kenneth M. Watson of Henderson;

Austin H. Smith of Oxford.

 

Welding Technology:

Brandon T. Brown of Creedmoor;

Andrew S. Hamrick of Henderson;

Devin R. Barham of Louisburg;

Quentin T. Tully of Wake Forest.

 

–VGCC Press Release–

VGCC to offer second Enrollment Day on July 20

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Vance-Granville Community College will hold the second “Enrollment Day” of the summer on Wednesday, July 20, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., at all four of its campuses. On Enrollment Day, VGCC counselors and other staff members will be ready to assist anyone who is interested in enrolling at the college for the Fall 2016 semester, which starts Monday, Aug. 15. No appointments are required.

For new students, the process of enrollment begins with an application for admission and an application for financial aid. Then, students must request their official high school transcripts, and in some cases, their transcripts from other colleges they have attended. Next, they should meet with an academic/career coach and schedule a placement test, unless it is waived. Finally, students complete an orientation session, either online or in the traditional face-to-face format. On Enrollment Day, incoming students will be able to accomplish all of these tasks or schedule them, so they can stay on track to start classes in August.

VGCC’s Main Campus is located on Poplar Creek Road in Vance County (about midway between Henderson and Oxford) at the intersection with Interstate 85 (Exit 209).

The Franklin County Campus is located just west of Louisburg on N.C. 56.

South Campus is on N.C. 56 between Creedmoor and Butner.

The Warren County Campus is located at 210 West Ridgeway Street (U.S. 158 Business) in Warrenton.

Registration for fall classes at VGCC is ongoing, through July 29. For more information, contact VGCC at studentsuccess@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3330, or visit any campus.

Servants on Site Rebuild Hope in Henderson

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Churches and families in Henderson send youth and adult mission teams to all parts of the U.S. and beyond, but last week 200 or so youth and adults poured into Henderson to work, serve and do mission work in this area on 14 different projects thanks to the efforts of Rebuilding Hope, Inc.  This local Christian, philanthropic organization is led by Randolph Wilson and many others.  Crossroads School in Henderson, Central Baptist Church and other local churches were instrumental in helping make the week’s work a success as well.

Robbie Parham with Rebuilding Hope told WIZS News the groups completed 99 percent of the 14 projects attempted, with 10 of them being in Vance County, three in Granville County and one in Warren County.  He said, “It is a real joy to see the teams that finished early go out and continue to work and help the other teams wrap up.”

Servants on Site (SOS) returned to Henderson for a sixth straight year, and they came here with the theme “Marked For God’s Purpose,” in reference to Ephesians 4:1 with the general meaning that with Christians there are marks of what it means to live a life worthy of the calling.

Part of a press release about the efforts said, “SOS is continuing itsRebuilding Hope SOS2016 (roofing2) mission as a tool for churches to mobilize, equip, and discipline students in an evangelistic effort to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. … SOS is a 7-day summer mission project for youth (completed grade 6 through college) and adults to work on construction projects for homeowners in our community with immediate and limited resources. … Rebuilding Hope would again like to express its appreciation to everyone who has been involved with these uplifting summer mission projects over the last 5 years.  Together we have made an impact in our community by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not only in word, but in actions.”

Fun, fellowship, praise and worship, and evangelism were enjoyed by all.  Parham said, “Our young missionaries will head home with a renewed prospective on what it means to be The Church that Christ has called us to be.”  He said, “They have replaced despair with hope and shown the true meaning of the gospel.”

Many roofing projects were completed as a part of the week’s work.

Parham said Rebuilding Hope has outgrown its present home, and the organization is trying to purchase the old Coca-Cola Bottling Company building on Raleigh Road.  He said, “(We) believe that increased visibility will bring more volunteers to reach more neighbors and re-purpose and old Henderson landmark into a Christian outreach.”

Rebuilding Hope is always looking for volunteers regardless of a person’s gifts.  Click the link above to learn more.

Community College System’s top honor presented to former VGCC president

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Dr. Ben F. Currin, the former president of Vance-Granville Community College, formally received the highest honor bestowed by the North Carolina Community College System, the I.E. Ready Award, at a recent ceremony.

Held on May 27 at the Brio restaurant in Raleigh, the luncheon marked a VGCC “family reunion” that brought together longtime college trustees, Endowment Fund Board members and senior administrators. Exactly half of VGCC’s six presidents were in attendance, including Dr. Currin; Robert A. Miller, who succeeded Currin; and Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the current president. Currin was joined by his wife, Betsy, herself a veteran educator and former vice president of Nash Community College.

Janet Lowder of Albemarle, N.C., the vice-chair of the State Board of Community Colleges, was on hand to officially present the award and medallion to Currin.

Named for Isaac Epps Ready, the first state director of the North Carolina Community College System, the prestigious award was created in 1983 to recognize individuals who have made significant, statewide contributions to the establishment, development or enhancement of the System. Previous winners of the I.E. Ready Award include former governors, former state legislators, former members of the State Board of Community Colleges, former Council of State members, former United States Senators, former college trustees, former college presidents and former System presidents.

Currin’s 40-year career in public education included serving as president of VGCC for 18 years starting in 1981. Under Currin’s leadership, VGCC grew from one campus to four, with a total of almost $18 million worth of new construction at all the campuses. Early in his tenure, VGCC also reactivated the college’s Endowment Fund, which grew from $12,000 in 1982 to $5 million at the time of his retirement and provided scholarships for numerous students. In retirement, Currin, who lives in Raleigh, continues to serve on the Endowment Fund Board of Directors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Currin said that VGCC’s service area was “the most gracious community I’ve ever lived in.” He recalled the generous support that the college received while he was president, sometimes quite unexpectedly. In 1998, retired librarian Nannie A. Crowder of Henderson and retired business executive Robert B. “Bob” Butler of Warrenton died on the same day, leaving more than $800,000 and more than $2 million, respectively, to VGCC. In Butler’s case, the bequest was a complete surprise, as he had no history of giving to the college and had not told college officials of his intentions. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Currin marveled, adding that he was equally impressed with all the other, smaller donations from citizens and businesses in the four-county area.

“It was just the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” he said of his VGCC tenure. “I’m so proud to have served and to have been part of the growth of the college. I’m very honored and thankful for being recognized.”

During the ceremony, several attendees made remarks honoring the former president’s leadership, including James Edwards, the current VGCC director of communications who was hired by Currin in 1989 as marketing director; Eddie Ferguson, the Endowment Fund director who is also Currin’s cousin; Robert Hubbard, who was recruited by Currin to serve on the Endowment board and is now its vice-chairman; Opie Frazier and Donald Seifert, both longtime VGCC trustees and Endowment board members; and Robert Miller, who served under Currin both in the Rocky Mount City Schools and as a VGCC official.

“He hired me for my first job out of college, 46 years ago,” Miller said. “I cannot think of any individual that would be more deserving of this award than Ben Currin. I not only appreciate what he’s done for me, but what he’s done for education and what he’s done for Vance-Granville Community College.”

Dr. Williams congratulated Currin and thanked him for his service to the college and to North Carolina. “When I became president of VGCC in 2012, one of the first people I called was Dr. Currin. He then took me to lunch, and we go to lunch every few months or so, but I have to say, this is my favorite lunch, because I’m so happy to share this moment with you,” Williams said to her predecessor. “You are such a deserving recipient of the I.E. Ready Award. You have left a great legacy at our college, and it is an honor to continue to move the college forward and build upon that foundation that you created.”

A native of Granville County and a graduate of Oxford High School, Currin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959. He earned his master’s degree in education in 1962 and his advanced graduate certificate in professional education in 1963, both from UNC. He received his doctorate in education from UNC in 1970 in education administration with a minor in political science.

Currin assumed the VGCC presidency after having served as a teacher, coach and public school administrator, including 11 years as superintendent of Rocky Mount City Schools. While in Rocky Mount, he also taught graduate courses at East Carolina University as an adjunct professor.

VGCC student leaders graduate, continuing their education

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Vance-Granville Community College recently celebrated the graduation of a number of outgoing leaders in its Student Government Association (SGA), sending many of them off to four-year universities, including Duke, East Carolina, N.C. State, N.C. Wesleyan, NCCU and UNC-Charlotte.

Among them is Lydia Hendrick of Oxford, SGA senator for the college’s South Campus, who graduated with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science degree as a Granville Early College High School student. Hendrick accomplished that feat in four years rather than the typical five. She is now on her way to Duke University in the fall with her entire first year covered by the Washington Duke Scholars Program. “It is a relatively new program designed to support first-generation college students with demonstrated financial need,” Hendrick explained. “I am so grateful that I received this scholarship and the opportunities that come with it; without it, attending Duke University would just be a far off dream.” She called her VGCC degrees “the best foundation that I could ever have to build upon.”

Like Hendrick, SGA Secretary/Treasurer Isabelle Louise Snyder of Butner also graduated with both degrees through Granville Early College High School. Snyder, her high school valedictorian, is planning to continue her education at N.C. State University. Daniel Davis of Norlina, the SGA Parliamentarian, completed both degrees as a Warren Early College High School student and served as the college’s student speaker for commencement. He is headed to East Carolina University in the fall to study business, with future plans to go to law school. “Early College at VGCC gave me a smooth transition from high school to the college experience,” Davis said. “It made me responsible and gave me more confidence.”

His Warren Early College High School classmate, Shane O’Malley of Inez, the senate chair for Main Campus and Warren Campus, is transferring to N.C. State to major in animal science. Her goal is to become a veterinarian. “I definitely feel that my experience at Vance-Granville has prepared me well to take on a four-year university, because I’ve been taking college classes since I was a freshman in high school,” O’Malley said. She decided to go to VGCC through the Early College program “to get on my career path as fast as possible,” she said.

Another future member of the Wolfpack is SGA Vice President Cassandra Saroza of Louisburg, who was a Franklin County Early College High School student and graduated with an Associate in Arts. At NCSU, Saroza intends to double-major in biological sciences and psychology and minor in cognitive science. She will her start her four-year university experience with a study-abroad trip to Colombia in June and July, which will earn her a Sociology credit. She has received several scholarships from NCSU. Saroza praises her VGCC instructors, whom she called “passionate about the subjects they teach, and always willing to help you….Everyone at VGCC wants you to succeed.”

SGA President Aleria Perry of Henderson, Public Information Officer Keyanté Lindsey of Oxford, and Samantha Huffman of Durham, senator for South Campus, also each completed an Associate in Arts degree. Perry, a U.S. Army veteran, is planning to continue her education without having to leave VGCC’s campus through the new Eagle Voyage program at North Carolina Central University. The program will offer a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Perry would like to attend law school after completing that degree, and credits her VGCC graduation with giving her “a boost in self-esteem.”

Lindsey, meanwhile, is planning to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to study physical therapy. At VGCC, he was a member of the Vanguards basketball team and performed in the recent dramatic production of “Deathtrap.” He and his fellow officers are proud of what they accomplished through SGA. “We made a big difference on campus,” Lindsey said, citing VGCC’s first-ever pep rally and talent show, for which he and O’Malley served as emcees. “We’ve gotten great feedback from events like that.” He said he would always appreciate the friendships he made at the college. “It’s like a big family here,” Lindsey said.

Angelique Taylor of Macon, assistant secretary/treasurer for SGA, graduated with a degree in Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse. She completed her degree while raising a child as a single mother. Now, Taylor will attend North Carolina Wesleyan College on a full scholarship. She plans to double-major in biomedical science and psychology, with ultimate plans to go to medical school and specialize in forensic pathology. “I want to be an example for single mothers to say if I can get through this while pregnant and raising a child, you can do it, too,” Taylor said. “So many single mothers think they have to wait until their child is older to go to college, but at Vance-Granville, there are people here to help.”

Dianna DeWeese of Creedmoor, senate chair for South Campus, completed degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. She is transferring to N.C. State University to continue studying the same subjects. N.C. State’s bachelor’s degree in accounting is consistently ranked as one of the top 35 undergraduate accounting programs in the country. DeWeese, who came to VGCC after being retired, is interested in forensic accounting. “I’m the first person in my family to get a college degree,” she said, excluding her husband, Jacob, who graduated from the VGCC Culinary Arts program last year. She encourages VGCC students “to take advantage of every opportunity that Vance-Granville gives you.” DeWeese served as a tutor, a student ambassador and president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She recalled that people she met as an ambassador later provided her with letters of recommendation.

One graduate, Emory Gant-Hawkins of Henderson, SGA senator for Main Campus, completed a Culinary Arts degree but is actually returning to VGCC in the fall to complete a degree in Business Administration.

“We are proud of how these graduates have developed their leadership skills and served their fellow students,” VGCC Vice President of Employee and Public Relations Stacey Carter-Coley. “They seized some unique opportunities that our college afforded them and have positioned themselves well for future professional and personal success. We are grateful for their contributions, which have set positive examples for Vanguard student leaders.”