Rusty Pace, program head for Welding Technology at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.
Pace’s honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members, and endowing many scholarships for students.
Dr. Williams praised Pace as an innovative faculty leader. “Under Rusty’s leadership, the Welding program, which was already well-known for excellence, has increased its retention rate while also expanding from a one-year diploma to an associate degree program,” the president said. “He has worked hand-in-hand with our Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant department staff to grow his program, meeting the needs of both our students and our local employers.”
Williams also noted that Pace has demonstrated a commitment to professional development, by traveling as far away as Ohio for welding technology training, by attending a conference related to the TAACCCT grant in Florida and by taking courses at the college in online education and computer skills.
A Louisburg resident and native of Franklinton, Pace enrolled at VGCC fresh out of Franklinton High School. He graduated from VGCC with a diploma in Welding in 1978 and quickly became certified through the Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Pace worked as a welder for many years in Wake Forest and Franklin County, eventually opening his own business. He later completed an associate degree in Welding at Nash Community College.
Pace returned to teach Welding at VGCC on a part-time basis in 1998 and became a full-time instructor in 2004. Pace was promoted to the role of program head in 2007. At the college, he has served on the Professional Advisory Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Student Success Committee, and completed the VGCC Leadership Institute in 2006.
–VGCC–
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/VGlogoWIZS.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-03 11:00:432017-02-03 11:00:43Rusty Pace honored for leadership at VGCC
This is a reminder of the 1st quarter meeting of The Corbitt Preservation Association. It will be this Sunday Feb 5th at 2:00 pm at the Bennett H. Perry Museum (180 Church Street, Henderson) the home of the Corbitt Preservation Association. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.
We are going to have a great year hope you can join us in the fun.
Thanks again,
Ken Stegall
Treasurer and Archivist
The Corbitt Preservation Association
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12662722_10206519634122867_4230075038843579145_n_opt.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 18:07:152017-02-02 18:07:15Corbitt Preservation Association to hold quarterly meeting this Sunday
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has announced the 2015-2016 graduation rates and the 2015-2016 dropout rates for public school districts across the state.
Vance County Schools saw significant improvement over previous years in both areas.
With a four-year cohort graduation rate of 81.9 percent for the class of 2016, this is a record high for Vance County over the past five years. The class of 2015 had a four-year cohort graduation rate of 77.6 percent in Vance County.
Vance County Schools’ dropout rate for the 2015-2016 school year continues to improve as it has for the past six years. The dropout rate for the school system is 2.07 percent for the 2015-2016 school year, which is a 13-percent decrease from the 2014-2015 school year rate of 2.28 percent. This is a record low for Vance County over the past six years.
Improving the graduation rate and reducing dropouts are top priorities for Vance County Schools. It is an ongoing and focused effort for the school system as we work to ensure that every student graduates prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing local, regional and global economy.
Additionally, Vance County Schools currently provides students new and exciting opportunities for credit recovery through online and other non-traditional programs designed to help as many students as possible realize the goal of completion of high school with their peers.
The state data also reported that during the 2015-2016 school year our schools were among the safest in our region, with reportable incidents and student suspensions down or about the same as the previous year. We are pleased with these data and hope to see continued improvement.
As a school system, we will not be satisfied until all students, parents, staff members and community members feel safe coming into our schools; where all students are learning, expectations are high and students are graduating on time prepared to contribute positively to our community and be 21st Century global citizens.
We are excited to share this news with you and look forward to celebrating with our students and their parents in the future as we continue delivering on the promise that we will provide each student a high quality educational experience as we create a school system in which our community can be PROUD. I am Vance County Proud … Are You?
Congratulations to Noah Brantley, our January Athlete of the Month! The son of Patrick and Christy Brantley of Henderson, he is an 8th grader who excels both on and off the court. Noah is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet. He exemplifies what it means to be a stellar student athlete.
Noah is having a phenomenal year on the MS basketball team and is averaging double figures with respect to both points and rebounds. More impressive than this, however, is Noah’s character. He treats people with dignity, respect and kindness. He sets a great example for all those around him.
Our January Athlete of the Month goes to a great athlete (basketball and soccer) and a great young man: Mr. Noah Brantley!
— Athletic Director, Jamie Parker
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/219822Z6S3WzGl.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 13:13:232017-02-02 13:13:23Crossroads Christian School Names January Athlete of the Month
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1.png280453Larryhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLarry2017-02-02 12:55:322017-02-02 12:55:32Kerr Tar Council Of Governments Update 02/01/17
Christopher Blue of Henderson is an outstanding representative of the purpose of the Vance-Granville Community College Male Mentoring Success Initiative (MMSI), which seeks to guide and support male students to graduate or transfer to a four-year university. This year, Blue is set to do both: he is on track to graduate from the college with two degrees in May 2017, at around the same time as he graduates from Vance County Early College High School, and then, he plans to transfer to East Carolina University.
“I’ve enjoyed so many things about the male mentoring program and the opportunities that the program has presented to me,” Blue reflected. “An example is the trip to Atlanta with the mentoring program in 2016. I learned so many new things, while making relationships with new people in the group. We have become practically brothers throughout the years of being in the program.” The educational tour included stops at universities and historic sites such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home.
Blue has served in the office of Recorder/Treasurer for the male mentoring program and was honored with the program’s PRIDE Award for Engagement in 2016.
Blue’s mother, Tamara Neal, is a graduate of the VGCC Associate Degree Nursing program. “So I knew that VGCC was going to be a great place, and after five years, I can honestly say they didn’t disappoint,” Blue said. “VGCC has given me so much over the years, and I truly appreciate it.”
Blue was honored as “Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in 2016. In that capacity, he has had opportunities to speak to the Henderson Rotary Club and to represent area Boys & Girls Clubs at their statewide convention in Asheville. Blue said that through the local Boys & Girls Club, he has developed his communication and leadership skills. Boys & Girls Clubs Vance County Unit Director Evelyn Taylor was quoted in The Daily Dispatch as saying, “Chris is working to make his community better by providing a positive example for the younger children of our club. He assists them with their homework and is a great example to them of what a responsible teen looks like and acts like.”
Also in 2016, Blue participated in the Governor’s Page Program in Raleigh. “This was a great experience because I was able to learn more about how government works firsthand,” he said.
Soon, Blue plans to transfer to East Carolina University and major in Public Health with Pre-Health professions. “Afterwards, I plan to go to dental school to become a Prosthodontist,” a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth, Blue added.
“Christopher has proven himself to be a young man of integrity,” said Anthony Pope, co-coordinator of the MMSI. “His dedication to the MMSI has served as an example for other Early College mentees. I am certain that he will excel in accomplishing the goals that he has set for himself.”
For more information on the male mentoring initiative, contact co-coordinators Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395, or Michael Farmer at farmerm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3234.
–VGCC–
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/VGlogoWIZS.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 12:53:132017-02-02 12:55:26VGCC Male Mentoring Success Story: Chris Blue
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.png00Larryhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLarry2017-02-02 12:37:332017-02-02 12:37:33Cooperative Extension with Jean Bell 02/02/17
On January 25, 2017 at approximately 9:21 PM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 518 Hickory Street in reference to a shooting into an occupied vehicle. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Jessica Howard who stated that while at the intersection of Lehman Street and Old Epsom Road a confrontation occurred that resulted in a handgun being fired into the windshield of her vehicle. There were no reported injuries resulting from the gun shot.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vancepolice.png280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-02-02 12:33:412017-02-02 12:33:41HPD Crime of the Month: Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle
Rusty Pace honored for leadership at VGCC
/by WIZS StaffRusty Pace, program head for Welding Technology at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.
Pace’s honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members, and endowing many scholarships for students.
Dr. Williams praised Pace as an innovative faculty leader. “Under Rusty’s leadership, the Welding program, which was already well-known for excellence, has increased its retention rate while also expanding from a one-year diploma to an associate degree program,” the president said. “He has worked hand-in-hand with our Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant department staff to grow his program, meeting the needs of both our students and our local employers.”
Williams also noted that Pace has demonstrated a commitment to professional development, by traveling as far away as Ohio for welding technology training, by attending a conference related to the TAACCCT grant in Florida and by taking courses at the college in online education and computer skills.
A Louisburg resident and native of Franklinton, Pace enrolled at VGCC fresh out of Franklinton High School. He graduated from VGCC with a diploma in Welding in 1978 and quickly became certified through the Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Pace worked as a welder for many years in Wake Forest and Franklin County, eventually opening his own business. He later completed an associate degree in Welding at Nash Community College.
Pace returned to teach Welding at VGCC on a part-time basis in 1998 and became a full-time instructor in 2004. Pace was promoted to the role of program head in 2007. At the college, he has served on the Professional Advisory Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Student Success Committee, and completed the VGCC Leadership Institute in 2006.
–VGCC–
News 02/03/17
/by LarryCorbitt Preservation Association to hold quarterly meeting this Sunday
/by WIZS StaffThis is a reminder of the 1st quarter meeting of The Corbitt Preservation Association. It will be this Sunday Feb 5th at 2:00 pm at the Bennett H. Perry Museum (180 Church Street, Henderson) the home of the Corbitt Preservation Association. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.
We are going to have a great year hope you can join us in the fun.
Thanks again,
Ken Stegall
Treasurer and Archivist
The Corbitt Preservation Association
Vance County Schools Significantly Improves Dropout Rate
/by WIZS StaffThe N.C. Department of Public Instruction has announced the 2015-2016 graduation rates and the 2015-2016 dropout rates for public school districts across the state.
Vance County Schools saw significant improvement over previous years in both areas.
With a four-year cohort graduation rate of 81.9 percent for the class of 2016, this is a record high for Vance County over the past five years. The class of 2015 had a four-year cohort graduation rate of 77.6 percent in Vance County.
Vance County Schools’ dropout rate for the 2015-2016 school year continues to improve as it has for the past six years. The dropout rate for the school system is 2.07 percent for the 2015-2016 school year, which is a 13-percent decrease from the 2014-2015 school year rate of 2.28 percent. This is a record low for Vance County over the past six years.
Improving the graduation rate and reducing dropouts are top priorities for Vance County Schools. It is an ongoing and focused effort for the school system as we work to ensure that every student graduates prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing local, regional and global economy.
Additionally, Vance County Schools currently provides students new and exciting opportunities for credit recovery through online and other non-traditional programs designed to help as many students as possible realize the goal of completion of high school with their peers.
The state data also reported that during the 2015-2016 school year our schools were among the safest in our region, with reportable incidents and student suspensions down or about the same as the previous year. We are pleased with these data and hope to see continued improvement.
As a school system, we will not be satisfied until all students, parents, staff members and community members feel safe coming into our schools; where all students are learning, expectations are high and students are graduating on time prepared to contribute positively to our community and be 21st Century global citizens.
We are excited to share this news with you and look forward to celebrating with our students and their parents in the future as we continue delivering on the promise that we will provide each student a high quality educational experience as we create a school system in which our community can be PROUD. I am Vance County Proud … Are You?
Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Superintendent
Vance County Public Schools
Granville County Animal Management Survey
/by WIZS StaffGranville County Animal Management and Granville County Senior Services are collecting information about pet ownership in Granville County. We will use this data to better understand pet owners in Granville County and where services are needed.
This survey is anonymous.
Please only take it once.
Single Owner Request: If you co-own a pet, please only complete one survey per household.
The link to complete the survey online: https://tinyurl.com/hqzrkpz.
Charla Duncan
Grants Coordinator
141 Williamsboro St.
P.O. Box 1286
Oxford, NC 27565
Crossroads Christian School Names January Athlete of the Month
/by WIZS StaffCongratulations to Noah Brantley, our January Athlete of the Month! The son of Patrick and Christy Brantley of Henderson, he is an 8th grader who excels both on and off the court. Noah is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet. He exemplifies what it means to be a stellar student athlete.
Noah is having a phenomenal year on the MS basketball team and is averaging double figures with respect to both points and rebounds. More impressive than this, however, is Noah’s character. He treats people with dignity, respect and kindness. He sets a great example for all those around him.
Our January Athlete of the Month goes to a great athlete (basketball and soccer) and a great young man: Mr. Noah Brantley!
— Athletic Director, Jamie Parker
Kerr Tar Council Of Governments Update 02/01/17
/by LarryVGCC Male Mentoring Success Story: Chris Blue
/by WIZS StaffChristopher Blue of Henderson is an outstanding representative of the purpose of the Vance-Granville Community College Male Mentoring Success Initiative (MMSI), which seeks to guide and support male students to graduate or transfer to a four-year university. This year, Blue is set to do both: he is on track to graduate from the college with two degrees in May 2017, at around the same time as he graduates from Vance County Early College High School, and then, he plans to transfer to East Carolina University.
“I’ve enjoyed so many things about the male mentoring program and the opportunities that the program has presented to me,” Blue reflected. “An example is the trip to Atlanta with the mentoring program in 2016. I learned so many new things, while making relationships with new people in the group. We have become practically brothers throughout the years of being in the program.” The educational tour included stops at universities and historic sites such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home.
Blue has served in the office of Recorder/Treasurer for the male mentoring program and was honored with the program’s PRIDE Award for Engagement in 2016.
Blue’s mother, Tamara Neal, is a graduate of the VGCC Associate Degree Nursing program. “So I knew that VGCC was going to be a great place, and after five years, I can honestly say they didn’t disappoint,” Blue said. “VGCC has given me so much over the years, and I truly appreciate it.”
Blue was honored as “Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in 2016. In that capacity, he has had opportunities to speak to the Henderson Rotary Club and to represent area Boys & Girls Clubs at their statewide convention in Asheville. Blue said that through the local Boys & Girls Club, he has developed his communication and leadership skills. Boys & Girls Clubs Vance County Unit Director Evelyn Taylor was quoted in The Daily Dispatch as saying, “Chris is working to make his community better by providing a positive example for the younger children of our club. He assists them with their homework and is a great example to them of what a responsible teen looks like and acts like.”
Also in 2016, Blue participated in the Governor’s Page Program in Raleigh. “This was a great experience because I was able to learn more about how government works firsthand,” he said.
Soon, Blue plans to transfer to East Carolina University and major in Public Health with Pre-Health professions. “Afterwards, I plan to go to dental school to become a Prosthodontist,” a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth, Blue added.
“Christopher has proven himself to be a young man of integrity,” said Anthony Pope, co-coordinator of the MMSI. “His dedication to the MMSI has served as an example for other Early College mentees. I am certain that he will excel in accomplishing the goals that he has set for himself.”
For more information on the male mentoring initiative, contact co-coordinators Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395, or Michael Farmer at farmerm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3234.
–VGCC–
Cooperative Extension with Jean Bell 02/02/17
/by LarryHPD Crime of the Month: Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle
/by WIZS StaffPress Release: February 1, 2017
On January 25, 2017 at approximately 9:21 PM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 518 Hickory Street in reference to a shooting into an occupied vehicle. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Jessica Howard who stated that while at the intersection of Lehman Street and Old Epsom Road a confrontation occurred that resulted in a handgun being fired into the windshield of her vehicle. There were no reported injuries resulting from the gun shot.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow