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Maria Parham Health Celebrates National Nurses Week With Food, Fun, Gifts Galore!

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— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Marketing & Communications coordinator

The nurses at Maria Parham Health enjoyed a little pampering during the recent National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-9, to honor their extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience of its nursing team. Throughout the week, events were held to show appreciation for the difficult and essential work nurses perform every day, according to Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications coordinator.

The celebration kicked off on Tuesday, May 6, with a festive ice cream sundae bar available to both day and night shift nurses. MPH team members also enjoyed a delicious variety of lunch options from local food trucks including Soulbachi, Bologna Boyz Food Wagon, and Smoking Aces.

On Wednesday, May 7, the hospital hosted its much-loved Annual Nurses’ Breakfast, providing a hearty meal to energize our healthcare heroes for the demanding day ahead.

Thursday, May 8, featured a particularly meaningful tradition: The Blessing of the Hands. Led by Pastor Frank Sossamon, this sacred ceremony acknowledges the physical and spiritual work of nurses, asking for strength, compassion and protection as they provide care and healing to others. The Blessing of the Hands is a long-standing ritual in healthcare settings, symbolizing the deep connection between the caregiver and the patient, and affirming the sacredness of the healing profession.

The week concluded on Friday, May 9, with a caffeine boost: nurses were treated to coffee from Love is Coffee.

Throughout the week, nurses were also entered into drawings for nearly 100 valuable prizes, generously donated by community sponsors. Maria Parham Health extends heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals who made these giveaways possible:

Henderson Sponsors

Nella Roo’s • Charles Boyd • Chick-fil-A • Auto Brite • George’s • The Attic • Hair Loft • Jersey  Mike’s • Postal Plus/NC Flavors • Wester Insurance • NG Nails • Ichibar • Vanco Outdoor  Equipment • Sossamon Funeral Home 

Oxford Sponsors

Art and Craft Space • Southern Style Mercantile • Tobacco Wood • Oasis • Bliss Nutrition 

Wake Forest Sponsor

Salon Serenity 

Special thanks also go to Jane Haithcock, Connie Roberson, Kay Hall, and our MPH doctors for  their generous contributions and support throughout the week.

Maria Parham Health is deeply grateful to its nurses—not just during Nurses Week, but every day—for their tireless service and commitment to patient care.

“Our nurses are truly the backbone of this hospital,” said Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard.  “Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients and community are nothing short of inspiring. This week was just one way for us to say ‘thank you’ for all that they do.”

Maria Parham Health proudly celebrates the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare across our region.

VCS Student Spotlight Winners

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 — information courtesy of Grace Herndon, VCS Communication & Innovative Support

Vance County Schools recognizes two elementary school students for Student Spotlight honors in November. Kaylor Cross from Dabney Elementary and Ireana Tuck of New Hope Elementary each demonstrate strong leadership qualities and make exceptional contributions at their respective schools.

The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools in partnership with the Vance County Public School Foundation, highlights students who go above and beyond and who embody qualities like kindness, dedication and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.

Kaylor Cross, 4th Grade

Kaylor is an excellent student who shows leadership skills and kindness at Dabney Elementary. Her teachers Justin Wrenn and Ginger Glover nominated Kaylor because of her dedication to learning, her positive attitude and the impact she makes on those around her.

Kaylor shines academically, especially in her favorite subject – math – which she enjoys for its challenges and fun. She recently loved learning about the Middle Ages through CKLA. Her self-motivation and maturity make her a model student, always eager to help classmates with their work and foster positive relationships. Kaylor is active in the AIG program and has previously participated in Robotics.

She spends her free time playing basketball, being outdoors and engaging with Girl Scout Troop 245. She also enjoys comic books, Hello Kitty, and Despicable Me. Kaylor dreams of becoming a math teacher or basketball player and credits her parents as her biggest inspirations, valuing their encouragement and support.

If given a superpower, she would choose to fly and travel anywhere. Her dream trip would take her to New York City to shop and visit the Statue of Liberty.

Kaylor’s advice to others is simple yet meaningful: “Work hard, focus, and be kind.” Congratulations, Kaylor, on being an exceptional leader and learner!

Ireana Tuck, 5th grade

Ireana stands out as a leader and role model. As president of the Beta Club and a member of the Robotics Club, Ireana is a shining example of commitment and excellence. Math is her favorite subject because it comes naturally to her, and she loves a good challenge—like recently mastering how to convert improper fractions to mixed fractions. Outside of school, Ireana cheers for Champions in Motion, sings at Huntsville Baptist Church, and enjoys making colorful bracelets.

Her kindness shines in everything she does, from helping her dad build bunk beds to supporting her classmates when they need assistance in class. Her future goal is to become a small-animal veterinarian, inspired by her love for helping others. She is very fond of animals, including her four dogs.

Ireana credits her family for teaching her to “do right by people” and her teachers, especially Mrs. Broughton, for making school a welcoming place. If given a magic wand, she would wish for money to support her family—a true reflection of her selfless nature. Ireana’s advice to others? “Do good things for others and lead by example.” With her leadership, positivity and drive, she is a true Spotlight Student!

Both students are exemplary representatives of Vance County Schools and the Student Spotlight program. They embody the values of kindness, dedication and a commitment to learning. They inspire others and are a source of pride for their school communities and the district.

RR Crossings At Chavasse Avenue, St. Matthews Street Scheduled To Close For Maintenance

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A couple of railroad crossings in the Henderson area will be closed for some planned maintenance in the next couple of weeks.

Southern Commercial Development made the announcement as it handles traffic control for CSX. SCD’s Chief Operations Officer Angela Nelis said her team will be creating a traffic detour during the closures. NC DOT crews will assist with paving the areas.

The Chavasse Avenue crossing is scheduled for maintenance beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. It will remain closed until Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.

The crossing at St. Matthews Street is scheduled for work beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 and will remain closed until Wednesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m.

As a reminder, during this maintenance work, no vehicles will be able to cross the tracks.