The 80th annual Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce banquet, presented by Duke Energy, was held Thursday, February 1 in the Civic Center of Vance-Granville Community College. Highlights included:
- Kristen Boyd of Aycock Elementary School was recognized as Vance County Schools Principal of the Year.
- Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson of Pinkston Street and L.B. Yancey elementary schools was recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year.
- Estelle Mang-gum of L.B. Yancey Elementary was recognized as Beginning Teacher of the Year.
- Kedecia Stewart of Pinkston Street Elementary School was recognized as Vance County Schools’ Teacher of the Year.
- Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools was recognized for being the recipient of the 2017 “Friday” Medal. This medal was awarded by the Friday Institute at N.C. State University for Educational Innovation in the North Carolina public school systems.
- Stelfanie Williams, president of Vance-Granville Community College was recognized for being named the 2018 President of the Year by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. She is the first VGCC president to receive this honor.
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Pastor Abidan Shah and family and other church-family members
This year’s Shining Moment Award recipient was Clearview Baptist Church. This award recognizes the most outstanding business, organization, church, civic or community group for the support of Vance County schools. Pastor Abidan Shah accepted the award on behalf of the church.
- Past chairs, past presidents, elected Board of Directors, Ex-Officio Board of Directors, board officers, outgoing board members and chamber ambassadors stood and were recognized for their contributions.
- Pam Norwood, of Magnolia Management, was presented with the 2017 Chamber Ambassador of the year award.
- Duke Energy was recognized as the presenting sponsor. The gold, silver, bronze, contributing and advocate sponsors were also recognized.
- Members of the Chamber Pinnacle Program, past citizens of the year, past Leadership Vance participants, chamber staff and special guests were recognized.
- Henderson and Vance County first responders and veterans were recognized.
Mel Manning and Susan Rogers
- 2018 Board Chair Mel Manning presented 2017 Board Chair Susan Rogers with a plaque in recognition for her service to the community and shared his vision for the chamber for 2018.
- Joe Dittmar, a survivor of the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001, was introduced by Chamber President John Barnes as the keynote speaker. Dittmar spoke on his experiences that day and on the importance of sound decision-making skills.
- Pete O’Geary, the 2016 Citizen of the Year, presented the 2017 Citizen of the Year award to Thomas “Tommy” Hester, Jr. Tommy’s various achievements and contributions to Henderson and Vance County were announced and his family joined him on stage to receive his honor.
- Door prizes donated by Franklin Brothers Nursery and Greenhouses, MARS Petcare, Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, Schewels Furniture Company and W.W. Properties were awarded to lucky recipients.
