— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools honors the 2025 Educators of Excellence: Brian Schlessinger of Vance County Early College as Teacher of the Year, Simone Harris of Vance County Middle as Beginning Teacher of the Year, LaVonda Williams of Pinkston Street Elementary as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Carnetta Thomas of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy as Principal of the Year.
The awards were presented at the district’s annual Excellence in Education banquet, which was held on Wednesday, June 11 at the Henderson County Club. The banquet honored teachers, staff and administrators from across the district, representing their respective schools.
Schlessinger and Thomas will represent Vance County Schools will advance to the regional competitions for Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year, respectively.
Schlessinger was named Vance County Schools 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Schlessinger earned his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Social Studies from PennWest Edinboro in Edinboro, PA. He earned a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University. He has been in education for 10 years and is the Lead Social Studies Teacher at Vance County Early College. He shared a meaningful quote by Julia Child that captured his perspective: “The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”
Beginning Teacher of the Year
Harris, a Vance County Middle School science teacher, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Jamaica. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2023 but has 10 years of experience as an educator. She shared, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. It affirms my passion for teaching and my commitment to inspiring students to explore, question, and discover the wonders of science every day.”
Assistant Principal of the Year
Williams is the VCS 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year and serves as an Assistant Principal at Pinkston Street Elementary. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mt. Olive and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Williams began her career in education in 2009 with Vance County Schools. She strives to be impactful and make a difference with a quote from Maya Angelou at the forefront of all she does: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Principal of the Year
Thomas, principal at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has been in education since 2001 and was the District Principal of the Year in 2018-2019. She shared a quote from Jack Welch that guides her: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
- Tamekia Thompson, Aycock Elementary
- Fe McCoy, Carver Elementary
- Ebony Jones, Clarke Elementary
- Patricia Roberson, Dabney Elementary
- Amber Baker, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
- Orlinda Terry, E.O. Young Elementary
- Christian Alexander, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- Tina Terry, New Hope Elementary
- Jennivise Lindsay, Pinkston St. Elementary
- Christian Salinas, STEM Early High
- Brian Schlessinger, Early College
- Bobbi Parks, Vance County High
- Len Manley, Vance County Middle
- Penny Britty, Vance Virtual Village
- Mary Landis, Zeb Vance Elementary
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Gay Charisse, Advance Academy
- Hadassah Dixon, Aycock Elementary
- Hailey Stroud, Carver Elementary
- Shakera Roach-Thompson, Clarke Elementary
- Natasha Williams, Dabney Elementary
- Constance Seward, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
- Marcia Cobbs, E.O. Young Elementary
- Kimberley Reid, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- JaCari Diggs, New Hope Elementary
- Kaylom Crawley, Pinkston St. Elementary
- Alexandra De Guzman, STEM Early High School
- Ashley Bolling, Vance County Early College
- Cortez Jones, Vance County High
- Simone Harris, Vance County Middle School
- Munirah Ali, Vance Virtual Village
- Jeffrey Bagagnan, Zeb Vance Elementary
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees:
- McShell Edmonds, Vance County High
- Facetia Branch, Vance County Middle
- LaVonda Williams, Pinkston Street Elementary
- Harold Thompson, Zeb Vance Elementary
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees:
- Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary
- Carnetta Thomas, EM Rollins STEAM Academy
- Joy Suther, Zeb Vance Elementary
- Letitia Fields, New Hope Elementary
- Edward Ortega, STEM Early High
Arrest Made in Double Homicide Investigation
/by WIZS StaffThis morning, at approximately 9 (o’clock), Michael Sharron Wright (age 41) was taken into custody without incident by Sheriff Robert Fountain of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Wright was apprehended in connection with the June 15, 2025, double homicide on Maple Street in Henderson.
Following his arrest, investigators from the Henderson Police Department processed Wright alongside the Granville County deputies, and he was presented before a Granville County Magistrate for formal warrant service. He was ordered held without bond pending his initial court appearance and is currently being housed at the Granville County Detention Center.
The Henderson Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to Sheriff Robert Fountain and the deputies of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and professional partnership as they worked in conjunction with our agency throughout the night. We also wish to thank the Vance County and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices for their support during the course of this investigation.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925.
— press release 6-16-25 at 11:06 a.m.
Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police
********************
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Maple Street in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds: Teresa Davis, age 63, and her son, Joseph Jeffreys Jr., age 26, both of Maple Street. Sadly, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Based on information gathered thus far, detectives have obtained warrants for Michael Sharron Wright, age 41, for the homicide of both victims. Wright was last seen fleeing the area in a white Hyundai Sonata bearing North Carolina license plate KEE-6554.
Wright is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or call 911 immediately. Tips that can aid in the apprehension of the suspect or assist the ongoing investigation are strongly encouraged.
No further details can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
— press release 6-15-25 at 10:19 p.m.
Cooperative Extension: Ants Can Be Controlled with Baits in Homes
/by WIZS StaffWayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Ants can be controlled with baits in homes using the correct bait.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!
Vance County Schools ‘Excellence In Education’ Honorees Recognized At June 11 Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools honors the 2025 Educators of Excellence: Brian Schlessinger of Vance County Early College as Teacher of the Year, Simone Harris of Vance County Middle as Beginning Teacher of the Year, LaVonda Williams of Pinkston Street Elementary as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Carnetta Thomas of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy as Principal of the Year.
The awards were presented at the district’s annual Excellence in Education banquet, which was held on Wednesday, June 11 at the Henderson County Club. The banquet honored teachers, staff and administrators from across the district, representing their respective schools.
Schlessinger and Thomas will represent Vance County Schools will advance to the regional competitions for Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year, respectively.
Schlessinger was named Vance County Schools 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Schlessinger earned his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Social Studies from PennWest Edinboro in Edinboro, PA. He earned a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University. He has been in education for 10 years and is the Lead Social Studies Teacher at Vance County Early College. He shared a meaningful quote by Julia Child that captured his perspective: “The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”
Beginning Teacher of the Year
Harris, a Vance County Middle School science teacher, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Jamaica. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2023 but has 10 years of experience as an educator. She shared, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. It affirms my passion for teaching and my commitment to inspiring students to explore, question, and discover the wonders of science every day.”
Assistant Principal of the Year
Williams is the VCS 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year and serves as an Assistant Principal at Pinkston Street Elementary. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mt. Olive and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Williams began her career in education in 2009 with Vance County Schools. She strives to be impactful and make a difference with a quote from Maya Angelou at the forefront of all she does: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Principal of the Year
Thomas, principal at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has been in education since 2001 and was the District Principal of the Year in 2018-2019. She shared a quote from Jack Welch that guides her: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees:
Master Gardener Volunteer Class Forming Now For Aug. 14 Kickoff
/by WIZS StaffA new Master Gardener Volunteer class is getting underway in mid-August and gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are invited to sign up.
The classes will be held on Thursdays at the Berea Fire Station or the Vance County Regional Farmers Market beginning Aug. 14 and running through Nov. 20, according to information from the Vance and Granville offices of the N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Tuition is $175 and includes all materials and resources needed for the class. Participants will receive training on soils and plant nutrients, native plants, diagnostics and much more.
To register, contact Vance County Agent Michael Ellington at 252.438.8188 or email maelling@ncsu.edu or Granville County Agent Johnny Coley at 919.603.1350 or email jwcoley@ncsu.edu.
Warren County Nominees Needed For ‘Heroic Hands’ Recognition
/by WIZS StaffThe North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has launched an initiative called “Heroic Hands” to recognize a county government employee from each of the 100 counties across the state who goes “above and beyond in serving their county.
Warren County Commissioner Tare “T” Davis is president of the association, and it’s Warren County’s turn to submit a name for consideration.
Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, according to information from Warren County. The nomination form is available at https://www.warrencountync.com/, or it can be accessed directly at Warren County Government Employee Heroic Hands Nomination Form.
If you have any questions, please contact Paula Pulley at paulapulley@warrencountync.gov or by phone at 252.257.3115.
Community ‘Read-In’ Event Kicks Off Wednesday, June 25
/by WIZS StaffCalling all readers to join in a community “Read-In” that will be held this summer on the last Wednesdays of the months of June, July and August. The last Wednesday in June is June 25.
Bring a chair or a blanket and a book, magazine or newspaper and spend an hour on the lawn across from Perry Memorial Library. The events begin at 4 p.m. and last for an hour.
Participants are requested to silence all electronics during this time to create a quiet space as readers do what they love to do – READ!
In case of inclement weather, the “read-in” will take place in the gallery between McGregor Hall and the library.
Visit www.perrylibrary.org or call the library at 252.438.3316/ext. 225 to learn more.
The event is being sponsored by the City of Henderson, Perry Memorial Library, Pathways 2 Peace and Vance County Tourism.
June 30 220 Fundraiser To Support Local Magistrate Who Lost Home In Fire
/by WIZS StaffA 220 Fundraiser will take place on Monday, June 30 to support Vance County Magistrate Mike Massenburg and his family, who lost their home and its contents in a house fire.
Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at the Vance County clerk’s office and at the magistrate’s office.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for takeout only, and tickets must be offered for proof of purchase – To purchase tickets, please visit the clerk’s office or the magistrate’s office at 156 Church St., Suite 101.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Biggest Challenge Fathers Face – Time
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Biggest Challenge Fathers Face – Time
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!
2-Day ‘June Bloom Fest’ Kicks Off Saturday, June 14 At Sunshine Lavender Farm In Hurdle Mills
/by WIZS StaffSunshine Lavender Farm in Hurdle Mills is celebrating 25 years with June Bloom Fest, a two-day event centered around that aromatic herb in full bloom now.
Hurdle Mills sits near the Person/Orange County line, and Sunshine Lavender Farm includes a private residence and small working farm located at 4104 Millstone Rd. The event will take place Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15.
Individuals and families are invited to visit and “make memories in the countryside and celebrate the sweet, soothing properties of lavender.”
Visit sunshinelavenderfarm.com to find information about ticket prices and other activities that will be taking place during June Bloom Fest. Pre-paid general admission and workshop tickets are required to attend.
Live music by folk singers Mary Rocap and Megan Whitted of The Travelin’ Mercies will perform on Saturday.
Children under 15 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult.
(This post is not a paid ad. However, it is a trade in exchange for the generosity and kindness shown by the farm and its owners to John Rose of WIZS and his family.)
Vance County Schools Announces Several Leadership Changes For 2025-26 School Year
/by WIZS Staff–Information courtesy of VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin
Vance County Schools has announced several leadership appointments for the upcoming school year, including principals at two schools and several district-level positions, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin.
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett expressed her enthusiasm about this transition: “We are intentional about cultivating strong leaders who believe in the potential of every child. The Board of Education takes pride in being able to elevate proven leaders from within our district, while also welcoming back individuals who know and value our community. It is a leader’s wish to develop others so that they can continue to advance their personal and professional growth while maintaining our high standard for the profession.”
Dr. Shannon Bullock has been appointed principal of Vance County Middle School. Bullock most recently served as Principal of L.B. Yancey Elementary and is a former assistant principal at VCMS. Bullock holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from High Point University, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University, and an Associate of Arts from Vance-Granville Community College.
Facetia Branch has been named Principal of L.B. Yancey Elementary School. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Vance County Middle School. Branch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Carolina Central University. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
Dr. Stephanie Ayscue moves from her role as principal at VCMS into the role of executive director of Secondary Education and Professional Learning. Ayscue also has worked at AdVance Academy and Southern Vance High School. Dr. Ayscue holds a Doctorate in Education from Liberty University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lourdes College. Ayscue is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Kristian Herring is returns to Vance County Schools as the principal of Dabney Elementary School. He most recently served as a District Coach in Edgecombe County Schools, but is no stranger to VCS—having previously led STEM Early High and Zeb Vance Elementary. Herring is working towards his Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix. He earned a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Elaine Webb will return to Vance County Schools as the director of Career and Technical Education. Her diverse educational background includes roles as a Career Development Coordinator, Special Education Teacher, and Career & Technical Education Teacher within the district.
Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Winthrop University, a Master of Education in Exceptional Children from Converse College, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from East Carolina University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.