by Jim Cribbs
An eery, orange full moon hanging above the turn one fence may have been prophetic as quite a bit of trouble for the drivers occurred in that turn. Before the night’s racing began, what looked to be hundreds of kids got a thrill when all the drivers, loaded with several kids in each car, made a few easy laps around the track on Kids Ride Along Night at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont Saturday night. After that, six racing divisions provided plenty of short track action.
When the checkered flag flew at end of the Mike Bledsole Mechanical Heating & Air Late Model Stock 75 lap race, the 2016 Track Champion for that division, Terry Dease, had his first win of the season and his first since the 2014 season.
At the start of the race, Chris Denny was on the pole as the fastest qualifier (14.414 sec, 93.659 mph) and Chuck Lawson was to his outside. Dease was the third place starter with Daniel Moss beside him. Starting fifth was the car of Stefan Parsons, son of former NASCAR racer Phil Parsons, and Camden Gullie was beside him. Jonathan Hall took the green behind those two. When the race was complete, it was Dease out front, followed by Parsons in second. Denny had to settle for a third place finish, Moss was fourth and Hall came in fifth. Taking sixth was Gullie and Lawson, the victim of motor problems 33 laps in, settled for seventh.
Before the field could get to turn one, Lawson snatched the lead from Denny and looked to be in a class of his own. Fate would not see it that way as his car slowed drastically near the halfway point, then regained speed, only to drop back again and eventually retiring from the race with a smoking machine. With Dease in the lead, caution on lap 38 brought the field back together.
On the restart, it was the cars of Dease, Denny, Parsons and Moss, first through fifth respectively. Parsons made quick work of Denny, getting by him before that lap was complete. However, it didn’t stay that way with Moss battling side by side with either Parsons or Denny for second place throughout the rest of the race.
Starting on the pole for the second time this season proved to be the charm for Daryl Carver in 35 laps of Limited Sportsman racing as he picked up his second consecutive win. Brent Evans, the second place starter, finished in that spot. The third and fourth place starters, Barry Beggarly, Jr and Gage Painter respectively, decided to change spots for the finish. Painter, who hails from Statesville and was competing in his first OCS race, drove the number 12 car. His nickname is 12 gauge and remarkably, he’s only twelve years old.
Back in the pack could have arguably been the best racing of the night as fifth place starter Tracey Chambers first defended charges by the car of Gary Young, Jr, who started seventh, and appeared to run Chambers up the track in turn 4 to take that spot fourteen laps in. A few laps later, Jerry Hinesley, from a sixth place start, did some fender rubbing with the car of Richard Hayden, who began the race behind him. Hinesley, apparently suffering mechanical woes, left the race six laps from the end, finishing 10th. At the finish, it was Chambers taking fifth after some contact with Hayden, who finished behind her. The cars of Austin Purnell and Corey Purnell settled for seventh and eighth.
In the third start of his career and after inheriting the first place starting spot, Taylor Tolar improved on his fourth place finish a couple of weeks ago, earning his first win in the 25 lap Pure Stock event. Danny Winstead was the fastest qualifier but was required to start sixth, the result of two consecutive wins this year. He looked to have a third straight win until faltering on a lap 15 restart and getting a not-so gentle push from the front bumper of third place starter Bobby Clayton, spinning Winstead’s car into the first turn wall and out of the race for a sixth place finish. Clayton ended up finishing in third with Jamie Kerr, who started behind Clayton, getting around him for the second place spot. Trevor Winstead followed in fourth with OCS first-timer Lonnie Glosson’s car the fifth place finisher.
The Super Mini Trucks competed for ten laps, not once, but twice. Jeffrey Martin, one of four Martin family members in the race, walked away with the win, not once, but twice. John Comstock was the fastest qualifier for his third consecutive race but was relegated to a sixth place starting spot, the result of two consecutives wins this year. At the end of race one, it was Martins taking second, third and fifth, Wesley, Scott and Kiser, with Devin Parrott sandwiched between the last two. After taking the win for the first race, Jeffrey started fourth in race two, as the top four finishers from race one were inverted. That didn’t prove to be a problem for Jeffrey, as he quickly motored to the top spot, holding for his second win of the night. Comstock faired a little better this time around, taking second. Then it was the trucks of Wesley, Kiser and Scott finishing third through fifth. Parrott, after spinning on the last lap, took sixth.
The Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds competed in twin 20 lap races. Newcomer Dillon Harville, not only proved to be the fastest qualifier for the first race, but turned out to be the dominant driver, taking the win in both races. Gary Young, Jr, the next quickest qualifier, was required to start sixth after winning the previous two races of the season. Starting second through fifth were Richard Thomas, Todd Massey and Roy Cook, in that order. Michael Roney and Larry Cook started behind those two.
At the finish of race one, it was Thomas, Roney and Cook, taking second through fourth. Larry Cook and Todd Massey finished in the next two spots. Young, Jr took the checkered in second but post-race inspection led to a disqualification. That problem was fixed, allowing Young, Jr to start the second race.
Harville started fourth in the second race, as the top four finishers from race one were inverted. After contact with second place starter Thomas going into turn one on the second lap, Harville bolted out front and never looked back for his second win of the night. Thomas recovered to take second. Finishing third through sixth were Young, Jr, Roney, Massey and Larry Cook. Roy Cook did not start the race.
Kenneth Smith was the winner of the ten lap Carolina Collector Auto Fest Vintage Sportsman ten lap event.
Cover and Above Photos by Jeremy Tyndall
Mike Bledsole Mechanical Heating & Air Late Model Stock 75 laps
1) Terry Dease
2) Stefan Parsons
3) Chris Denny (Pole)
4) Daniel Moss
5) Jonathan Hall
6) Camden Gullie -1 (lap down)
7) Chuck Lawson -42
Limited Sportsman 35 laps
1) Daryl Carver (Pole)
2) Brent Evans
3) Gage Painter
4) Barry Beggarly, Jr
5) Tracey Chambers
6) Austin Purnell
7) Cory Purnell
8) Richard Hayden
9) Gary Young, Jr -4
10) Jerry HInesley -7
Pure Stock 25 laps
1) Taylor Tolar
3) Jamie Kerr
4) Bobby Clayton
5) Lonnie Glosson
6) Danny Winstead -10 (Pole) (started 6th, 2 consecutive wins)
Hill’s Complete Carpet Care Super Mini-Trucks 10 laps, First Race
1) Jeffrey Martin
2) Wesley Martin
3) Scott Martin
4) Devin Parrott
6) Kiser Martin
7) John Comstock (Pole) (started 6th, two consecutive wins)
Hill’s Complete Carpet Care Super Mini-Trucks 10 laps, Second Race
1) Jeffrey Martin
2) John Comstock
3) Wesley Martin
4) Kiser Martin
5) Scott Martin
6) Devin Parrott
Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds 20 laps, First Race
1) Dillon Harville (Pole)
2) Richard Thomas
3) Michael Roney
4) Roy Cook
5) Larry Cook
6) Todd Massey
Gary Young, Jr (started 6th, 2 consecutive wins) (disqualified post-race inspection)
Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds 20 laps, Second Race
1) Dillon Harville (Pole)
2) Richard Thomas
3) Gary Young, Jr
4) Michael Roney
5) Todd Massey
Shumate Named Next Voice of the Duke Blue Devils
/by WIZS StaffDURHAM, N.C. – David Shumate has been named the Director of Broadcasting for the Blue Devil IMG Sports Network and will serve as the play-by-play voice for Duke football and men’s basketball games, announced on Monday by Pat Streko, General Manager of Duke’s IMG property.
Behind the microphone, Shumate replaces Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Harris, who retired in March following 41 years as the Voice of the Blue Devils.
“I am extremely thankful for this incredible opportunity as I’ve admired and respected the Duke brand from afar for many, many years and could not be more excited to join two championship caliber programs,” Shumate said. “I will strive to represent Duke University and IMG in the same manner as the legendary Bob Harris – his legacy as the Voice of the Blue Devils is unrivaled and I’m humbled to follow him. I’m grateful to Pat Streko of IMG and Dr. White, Coach Cutcliffe and Coach Krzyzewski at Duke for their support and I can’t wait to get to work.”
A native North Carolinian, Shumate spent the last five years as IMG’s Director of Audio Operations. His broadcasting experience includes play-by-play duties for the Mid-American Conference championship football game (2010-16), SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament (2011-17) and SEC Baseball Tournament (2013-17).
Shumate, who also has handled basketball play-by-play responsibilities for Auburn, Connecticut, Duke, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt, Washington and West Virginia, graduated from Appalachian State University in 2006 with a bachelor of science degree in communication with a concentration in electric media and broadcasting.
“Our search to replace Bob Harris brought many excellent candidates into the fold, and David’s lengthy list of attributes placed him at the top,” Streko said. “We are confident Duke fans worldwide will come to admire and enjoy David’s broadcasting style as he shares his view with great passion and poise. We are absolutely thrilled about David joining the Blue Devil IMG Sports Network.”
Shumate will begin his duties on July 1. Duke opens the 2017 gridiron season on Saturday, September 2 at home against N.C. Central.
Radio broadcasts on the Blue Devil IMG Sports Network can be heard on a network of stations across the state of North Carolina, on GoDuke.com and TuneIn Radio. A complete listing of network affiliates may be found on GoDuke.com.
“To be sure, David Shumate will be a terrific addition to the Duke radio broadcasts. We lost a legend when Bob Harris retired from his position after more than four decades of brilliant service to Duke. We believe David can provide the same acute insight and unwavering integrity that Duke fans have come to expect, while providing his own unique voice and perspective to the broadcasts. This is an outstanding hire, and one that will benefit Duke student-athletes, coaches and fans alike for years to come!”
— Dr. Kevin White, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Duke University
“All Duke fans are in for a treat with David Shumate calling the action as his demeanor, consistency and passion will easily translate over the airwaves. We could not be more thrilled to have David join the Blue Devil family – I am confident he will represent Duke with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. We’ve made a home run hire.”
— David Cutcliffe, Head Football Coach, Duke University
“We are excited that David Shumate is joining the Duke family. His tireless work ethic, abundant humility and professional patience have led him to this point. We know of his outstanding work first hand, and look forward a long relationship developing between our fans and David as he brings the games to life to those following Duke across the country. We’re confident they’ll like what they hear. And we know, as a basketball program, that we’re going to enjoy working closely with David on a daily basis.”
— Mike Krzyzewski, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Duke University
NC State Farmers Market to host annual Blueberry Day June 15
/by WIZS StaffRALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will celebrate its annual Blueberry Day Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guests can enjoy free samples of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. In addition, there will be plenty of recipes and the opportunity to purchase fresh local blueberries.
Blueberry Day will be held in the event area, which is located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the garden section of the Farmers building. The event is sponsored by the N.C. Blueberry Council, the State Farmers Market Restaurant, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation, yielding nearly 50 million pounds in 2016, with about 8,000 acres of blueberries grown in the state.
The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets located across North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products seven days a week. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super-Sod and three restaurants. More information about Blueberry Day and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.
VGCC to offer Enrollment Day on June 29
/by WIZS StaffVance-Granville Community College will hold “Enrollment Day” on Thursday, June 29, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., at all four of its campuses.
During those extended hours, VGCC admissions, financial aid and advising staff members will be ready to assist anyone who is interested in enrolling at the college for the Fall 2017 semester, which starts on Aug. 14.
Students are encouraged to pre-register at www.vgcc.edu/enrollmentday.
Refreshments and free VGCC t-shirts will be available for incoming students on Enrollment Day while supplies last.
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 classes at VGCC is ongoing, through Aug. 10. For more information on enrolling for the fall, call (252) 738-3234 or visit any campus.
–VGCC–
H/V Chamber Celebrates I Got U Bail Bonds Grand Opening
/by WIZS StaffHenderson businesses take note: On Thursday, June 8th, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for I Got U Bail Bonds, LLC.
I Got U Bail Bonds believes in professionalism. Being founded by Rosa Ferguson, who also founded their sister company, Power Surety Services, they strive to accompany every client with the best service possible. As a family built business, I Got U has been helping families get their love ones back home for over 15 years. With the best rates they can help on almost any budget.
I Got U Bail Bonds proudly serves all 100 counties in North Carolina, by licensed agents, who are professional and have great hospitality. Rosa’s motto for I Got U is “we are a family and we will do everything we can to get your family back to you.”
Not only do they specialize in bail bonds but they believe in giving back to the community. Throughout the years they have held events for the children in the community. Each year they have an annual back to school give away and cookout for kids in need. They do holiday parties too. Family is everything and so is their community.
They are located at 337 N. Chestnut and can be reached 24hrs a day 7 days a week or by phone at 252-430-7711.
Oxford’s Terry Dease Scores First Win Since 2014 at Orange County Speedway
/by WIZS Staffby Jim Cribbs
An eery, orange full moon hanging above the turn one fence may have been prophetic as quite a bit of trouble for the drivers occurred in that turn. Before the night’s racing began, what looked to be hundreds of kids got a thrill when all the drivers, loaded with several kids in each car, made a few easy laps around the track on Kids Ride Along Night at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont Saturday night. After that, six racing divisions provided plenty of short track action.
When the checkered flag flew at end of the Mike Bledsole Mechanical Heating & Air Late Model Stock 75 lap race, the 2016 Track Champion for that division, Terry Dease, had his first win of the season and his first since the 2014 season.
At the start of the race, Chris Denny was on the pole as the fastest qualifier (14.414 sec, 93.659 mph) and Chuck Lawson was to his outside. Dease was the third place starter with Daniel Moss beside him. Starting fifth was the car of Stefan Parsons, son of former NASCAR racer Phil Parsons, and Camden Gullie was beside him. Jonathan Hall took the green behind those two. When the race was complete, it was Dease out front, followed by Parsons in second. Denny had to settle for a third place finish, Moss was fourth and Hall came in fifth. Taking sixth was Gullie and Lawson, the victim of motor problems 33 laps in, settled for seventh.
Before the field could get to turn one, Lawson snatched the lead from Denny and looked to be in a class of his own. Fate would not see it that way as his car slowed drastically near the halfway point, then regained speed, only to drop back again and eventually retiring from the race with a smoking machine. With Dease in the lead, caution on lap 38 brought the field back together.
On the restart, it was the cars of Dease, Denny, Parsons and Moss, first through fifth respectively. Parsons made quick work of Denny, getting by him before that lap was complete. However, it didn’t stay that way with Moss battling side by side with either Parsons or Denny for second place throughout the rest of the race.
Starting on the pole for the second time this season proved to be the charm for Daryl Carver in 35 laps of Limited Sportsman racing as he picked up his second consecutive win. Brent Evans, the second place starter, finished in that spot. The third and fourth place starters, Barry Beggarly, Jr and Gage Painter respectively, decided to change spots for the finish. Painter, who hails from Statesville and was competing in his first OCS race, drove the number 12 car. His nickname is 12 gauge and remarkably, he’s only twelve years old.
Back in the pack could have arguably been the best racing of the night as fifth place starter Tracey Chambers first defended charges by the car of Gary Young, Jr, who started seventh, and appeared to run Chambers up the track in turn 4 to take that spot fourteen laps in. A few laps later, Jerry Hinesley, from a sixth place start, did some fender rubbing with the car of Richard Hayden, who began the race behind him. Hinesley, apparently suffering mechanical woes, left the race six laps from the end, finishing 10th. At the finish, it was Chambers taking fifth after some contact with Hayden, who finished behind her. The cars of Austin Purnell and Corey Purnell settled for seventh and eighth.
In the third start of his career and after inheriting the first place starting spot, Taylor Tolar improved on his fourth place finish a couple of weeks ago, earning his first win in the 25 lap Pure Stock event. Danny Winstead was the fastest qualifier but was required to start sixth, the result of two consecutive wins this year. He looked to have a third straight win until faltering on a lap 15 restart and getting a not-so gentle push from the front bumper of third place starter Bobby Clayton, spinning Winstead’s car into the first turn wall and out of the race for a sixth place finish. Clayton ended up finishing in third with Jamie Kerr, who started behind Clayton, getting around him for the second place spot. Trevor Winstead followed in fourth with OCS first-timer Lonnie Glosson’s car the fifth place finisher.
The Super Mini Trucks competed for ten laps, not once, but twice. Jeffrey Martin, one of four Martin family members in the race, walked away with the win, not once, but twice. John Comstock was the fastest qualifier for his third consecutive race but was relegated to a sixth place starting spot, the result of two consecutives wins this year. At the end of race one, it was Martins taking second, third and fifth, Wesley, Scott and Kiser, with Devin Parrott sandwiched between the last two. After taking the win for the first race, Jeffrey started fourth in race two, as the top four finishers from race one were inverted. That didn’t prove to be a problem for Jeffrey, as he quickly motored to the top spot, holding for his second win of the night. Comstock faired a little better this time around, taking second. Then it was the trucks of Wesley, Kiser and Scott finishing third through fifth. Parrott, after spinning on the last lap, took sixth.
The Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds competed in twin 20 lap races. Newcomer Dillon Harville, not only proved to be the fastest qualifier for the first race, but turned out to be the dominant driver, taking the win in both races. Gary Young, Jr, the next quickest qualifier, was required to start sixth after winning the previous two races of the season. Starting second through fifth were Richard Thomas, Todd Massey and Roy Cook, in that order. Michael Roney and Larry Cook started behind those two.
At the finish of race one, it was Thomas, Roney and Cook, taking second through fourth. Larry Cook and Todd Massey finished in the next two spots. Young, Jr took the checkered in second but post-race inspection led to a disqualification. That problem was fixed, allowing Young, Jr to start the second race.
Harville started fourth in the second race, as the top four finishers from race one were inverted. After contact with second place starter Thomas going into turn one on the second lap, Harville bolted out front and never looked back for his second win of the night. Thomas recovered to take second. Finishing third through sixth were Young, Jr, Roney, Massey and Larry Cook. Roy Cook did not start the race.
Kenneth Smith was the winner of the ten lap Carolina Collector Auto Fest Vintage Sportsman ten lap event.
Cover and Above Photos by Jeremy Tyndall
Mike Bledsole Mechanical Heating & Air Late Model Stock 75 laps
1) Terry Dease
2) Stefan Parsons
3) Chris Denny (Pole)
4) Daniel Moss
5) Jonathan Hall
6) Camden Gullie -1 (lap down)
7) Chuck Lawson -42
Limited Sportsman 35 laps
1) Daryl Carver (Pole)
2) Brent Evans
3) Gage Painter
4) Barry Beggarly, Jr
5) Tracey Chambers
6) Austin Purnell
7) Cory Purnell
8) Richard Hayden
9) Gary Young, Jr -4
10) Jerry HInesley -7
Pure Stock 25 laps
1) Taylor Tolar
3) Jamie Kerr
4) Bobby Clayton
5) Lonnie Glosson
6) Danny Winstead -10 (Pole) (started 6th, 2 consecutive wins)
Hill’s Complete Carpet Care Super Mini-Trucks 10 laps, First Race
1) Jeffrey Martin
2) Wesley Martin
3) Scott Martin
4) Devin Parrott
6) Kiser Martin
7) John Comstock (Pole) (started 6th, two consecutive wins)
Hill’s Complete Carpet Care Super Mini-Trucks 10 laps, Second Race
1) Jeffrey Martin
2) John Comstock
3) Wesley Martin
4) Kiser Martin
5) Scott Martin
6) Devin Parrott
Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds 20 laps, First Race
1) Dillon Harville (Pole)
2) Richard Thomas
3) Michael Roney
4) Roy Cook
5) Larry Cook
6) Todd Massey
Gary Young, Jr (started 6th, 2 consecutive wins) (disqualified post-race inspection)
Quality Collision Solutions Grand American Modifieds 20 laps, Second Race
1) Dillon Harville (Pole)
2) Richard Thomas
3) Gary Young, Jr
4) Michael Roney
5) Todd Massey
Corbitt Preservation Association Looking for Donations for Military Exhibit
/by WIZS StaffGood morning everyone, it sure is a beautiful day here in Henderson, NC and I hope it is where ever you are too. Just to fill you in on the happenings of the Corbitt Preservation, we are in the process of creating a Military Exhibit for the Military show to be held at the NC Transportation Museum located in Spencer, NC on July 1st and 2nd. This material will become part of a permanent exhibit in the space the Museum is going to provide us to display Corbitt material and a few vehicles.
This is a great way for all the folks in NC to see the roll Corbitt played in the transportation world.
As you know all this takes money and not a whole lot but yet it does take out of our operating budget, there fore we are asking for donations to help with the cost of the exhibit. At this point we are looking at around $500 to start.
When we are told the amount of space to fill in the future I will let everyone know about what we are looking at in cost. We are just asking for you to do what you can if you can, a little money from all of us can get this done very easily. The membership dues alone are not enough to do projects like this as you well know. Please do what you can to help out, this is going to be something all of us can be proud of and a great opportunity for the Preservation so show our Corbitt spirit.
We have 2 shows coming up at the NC Transportation Museum one on the 24th of June which will be a fire truck show and our fire truck will be there as well.
The other is the military show July 1st and 2nd we will have lots of John Hedgepeth’s vehicles on display then.
Come join us in the fun and help out at the booth all help is welcome.
All donations can be mailed to:
The Corbitt Preservation Association (CPA)
PO BOX 74
Henderson, NC 27536
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Ken Stegall
Archivist and Treasurer
The Corbitt Preservation Association
News 06/12/17
/by LarrySouthern Vance High School Graduation
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy Vance County Schools
The commencement ceremony for the Class of 2017 at Southern Vance High School honored the accomplishments of 170 seniors on the afternoon of June 10 at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson.
The graduating class members marched into a packed auditorium at McGregor Hall with the presentation of arms by the Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard. The Color Guard also led the presentation of flags right before Kaitlyn Tant, a graduation marshal, sang an amazing rendition of our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Principal Rey Horner welcomed the graduates and the audience of almost 1,000 people, consisting of parents, other family members, friends and distinguished guests. Horner took time to pay special tribute to Stephanie Ayscue, who until this school year had served as the principal of Southern Vance for many years. Ayscue is now the principal of the AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance High School.
Ayscue then joined Horner in presenting diplomas to each of the graduates as they walked across the stage. Additional officials involved in the diploma presentations were Darlynn Oxendine, vice chairperson of the Vance County Board of Education; Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent; Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent; Dr. Cindy Bennett, assistant superintendent; and Jennifer Bennett, assistant superintendent.
There are 20 graduates among the top 10 percent of academic achievers in the Southern Vance senior class. They are, in addition to Eutsler and Amaya-Villa, Yasmene Clark, Dalton Elliott, Daniel Faulkner, Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, Cynthia Harrington, Kendall Harris, Anna Hernandez, Brandon Lawrence, Carrington Matias, Antonia Loyd Jr., Angelica Montano, Vianey Nonato, Tyler Patrick, Jaslin Renteria, Heidy Reyes Morozumi, Yarelic Picaz, Logan Waite and Autumn Wortham.
Well over 70 percent of the graduates will go on to attend a four-year college or university, community college or join a branch of the U.S. Military. Among the graduates, they have earned over $3 million in scholarships to attend college.
Northern Vance High School Graduation
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy Vance County Schools
A total of 178 seniors at Northern Vance High School received their high school diplomas during their commencement ceremony held in the morning on June 10 at McGregor Hall in Henderson.
A packed audience of approximately 1,000 parents, other family members, friends and invited local officials watched the graduates receive their diplomas. Almost 300 more guests watched the ceremony live in the overflow area in the McGregor Hall
Gallery. The commencement was streamed live over the Internet, as were all local high school graduations.
Principal Andrew Markoch led the commencement ceremony. Markoch announced that members of the graduating class have received a total of $2.4 million in scholarships to attend college beginning in the fall.
The Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard at Northern Vance presented arms as graduates processed into the auditorium. They also presented the flags at the beginning of the ceremony. Graduate Jaylen Webb sang a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Connor Pendergrass was the valedictorian for the Class of 2017 as the top academic achiever among the graduates. Bailey Shelton (in second photo) was the salutatorian as the second highest academic achiever. Both presented inspirational speeches to their classmates and the audience.
High school diplomas were presented to each graduate. Assisting in the diploma presentations, in addition to Markoch, were Darlynn Oxendine, vice chairperson of the Vance County Board of Education; Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent; Dr. Cindy Bennett, assistant superintendent; Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent; and Jennifer Bennett, assistant superintendent. Lemondre Watson, an assistant principal at Northern Vance, introduced each of the graduates as they came across the stage to receive their diplomas.
AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance Graduation
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy Vance County Schools
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 at the AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance High School was held during the evening of June 9 at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson.
There were 56 seniors in the class who received their high school diplomas.
Principal Stephanie Ayscue presided over the commencement ceremony.
Kaitlyn Tant, a junior at Southern Vance High School, sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and also sang a song dedication for the graduates.
Those dignitaries presenting diplomas to the graduates were Principal Stephanie Ayscue; Assistant Principal Alice Hinson; Marsha Harris, counselor; Gloria J. White, chairperson of the Vance County Board of Education; Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent; Dr. Cindy Bennett, assistant superintendent; Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent; and Jennifer Bennett, assistant superintendent.
In addition to Smith and Hawkins, members of the graduating class included: Leshawn Alston, Joseph Archie, Skyler Ayscue, Adaiah Bradberry, Vincent Brown, Winfred Brown, Ubaldo Chavarin Flores, Shay’daza Daniels, Desmond Davis, Jabriel Davis, Shon’kale Davis, Ty’Jhane Davis, Zaria Davis, Aaliyah Daye, Dylik Downey, Anthony Elberson, Dajahnae Gilyard, Cassidy Godden, Loni Greenway, Joanne Hargrove, Terrance Hargrove, Leroy Hawkins, Mikel Henderson, Ricardo Hernandez, Donald Hunt, Rayquan Irving, Kiara Jones, Shikeim Jones, Ja’Qwasha Lewis, Juan Moreno-Ollis, Leonel Macedo, Alexus Palmer, Ty-Kerah Peace, Malek Perry, Tatianna Ragland, Rashad Rease, Alejandro Reyes, Rafael Rodriguez, Cindy San Juan, Michael Sanford, KyTavis Small, Qydarius Small, Mark’Quez Thomas, Seandarius Thorpe, Brianna Venable, Le’Creasha Venable, Jonas Wheeling, Batavious Wilkins, Antavious Williams, Antaza Williams, Treshon Williams, Ty’Quasia’ Williams, Star-Asia Wortham and Robert Wunderlich.