Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville County Installs Cigarette Litter Receptacles

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Oxford, NC, July 21, 2017- Granville County has completed installation of cigarette litter receptacles that were funded by a $5000 grant from the Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP). The CLPP stipulates that a portion of the grant funds were to be spent on the receptacles and a portion of the funds were to be spent on messaging. The receptacles include messaging that encourages passersby to “Keep Granville County Beautiful” and thanks users for “being a part of the solution.” Each receptacle should hold approximately 700 cigarette ends.

Receptacles were placed in problem areas and transition areas with a focus on government buildings, downtown areas, and parks. The receptacles can be found by the Bullock Post Office, the Stem Town Hall, Lake Rogers in Creedmoor, the Granville Athletic Park, Wilton Slopes, the Granville County Animal Shelter, the Granville County Courthouse, the Granville County Administrative Complex and Detention Center, and other areas in downtown Oxford. Over 2100 cigarette ends were counted and collected in the immediate area around the placement of the receptacles during an initial scan. The grant also provided pocket ash trays and cup holder ashtrays which were given out at the Granville County Administrative Building.

Granville County Government is one of 37 organizations to receive grant funding for 2017, totaling $297,500, through the 2017 Cigarette Litter Prevention Program. The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, now in its 15th year, is the nation’s largest program aimed at reducing cigarette litter. Communities that implemented the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in 2016 realized an average 60 percent reduction in cigarette litter, an 8 percent increase over the 2015 results.

Tobacco products, consisting mainly of cigarette butts, are the most littered item in America, representing nearly 38 percent of all items littered, according to “Litter in America,” Keep America Beautiful’s landmark study of litter and littering behavior. Research has shown that even self-reported “non-litterers” often don’t consider tossing cigarette butts on the ground to be “littering.”  Keep America Beautiful has found that cigarette butt litter occurs most often at transition points—areas where a person must stop smoking before proceeding into another area.  These include bus stops, entrances to stores and public buildings, and the sidewalk areas outside of bars and restaurants, among others.

Granville County Grants Coordinator, Charla Duncan, and Granville County Environmental Services Director, Jason Falls, would like to thank David Cottrell and the City of Oxford for their cooperation in this effort, as well as officials in Bullock, Creedmoor, and Stem. Also involved in the effort was the Granville County General Services Department, who fabricated and installed special posts for receptacles, as well as the Granville County Addressing Department who installed “no littering” signage at county parks to accompany the new receptacles.

Granville Chamber, Granville Health System and Masonic Home for Children to Host New Teacher Breakfast

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce and Granville Health System are sponsoring the annual New Teacher Breakfast on Friday, August 18th at 7:30 am in the cafeteria at the Masonic Home for Children – Oxford. This event welcomes and recognizes new employees to the Granville County School system and allows them an opportunity to meet local elected officials, as well as  business and agency leaders in Granville County.

Presiding will be Kyle Puryear, President of the Chamber, with remarks from Dr. Lee Isley, Chief Executive Officer of Granville Health System, event sponsor.

Granville County Chamber banks, real estate, property management and insurance members are being invited to set up business displays to provide information for the newcomers.  Chamber of Commerce member businesses contribute items for gift bags for the 100 new teacher employees.  Businesses interested in donating gift bag items should contact either of the Chamber’s offices – Toni Anne Wheeler, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com or Wanda Garrett, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com.

Oxford Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Cocaine Distribution

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GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina John Stuart Bruce announced that yesterday in federal court, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ CROSS, 33, of Oxford, to 130 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. On April 10, 2017, CROSS pled guilty to one-count of Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine and to one-count of Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.

In 2014, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Raleigh, along with officers from the Oxford Police Department initiated an investigation into the drug-trafficking activities of CROSS. They discovered that CROSS sold cocaine and the defendant also converted cocaine into cocaine base on occasion. Agents conducted eight controlled purchases from CROSS beginning in March 2014 and concluding in April 2015. Further investigation revealed CROSS was arrested on numerous occasions for drug-trafficking activities.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Oxford Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan prosecuted the case for the government.

VGCC names 234 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 115 students earned President’s List and another 119 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring semester that ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Jacob H. Daniel of Oxford.

 

Associate in Arts:

Marisol Galvan Romo and Alma L. Ramirez Cortes, both of Butner;

Caitlyn A. Good of Creedmoor;

Joshua Jacobs of Durham;

Gavin C. Hardin and Destiny M. Quesenberry, both of Franklinton;

Cristin D. Abbott, Jasmine N. Allen, Kourtney J. Cockrell, Ashlyn K. Collier, Tim Jiang, Caroline M. Oakley, Brian J. Stevenson and Jakayla M. Thorpe, all of Henderson;

Allie R. Beach and Leslie A. Leake, both of Kittrell;

Loganne S. Driver and Blake A. Massengill, both of Louisburg;

Alana W. Towles, Anautica D. Wilson and Hailey T. Woodlief, all of Oxford;

Maria L. Govea of Roxboro;

Lindsay C. Henry of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Yuliana R. Carranza and Jolina Anne V. Chiong, both of Henderson;

Joel E. Canada of Stem.

 

Associate in Science:

Kaleb S. Williamson of Bullock;

Lindsey R. Perry of Henderson;

Kia S. Brodie and Sovanny Taylor, both of Louisburg;

Elizabeth K. Fallon of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Howard W. Haley of Bullock;

Michael L. Wright of Durham;

Jeremy D. Lemay, Kenneth S. McConnell and Jacob F. Mosley, all of Henderson;

Jordan A. Alston and Hadden C. Justice, both of Louisburg;

Stephen B. Ray of Wake Forest.

 

Business Administration:

Holly A. Waddell of Henderson;

Kinequa W. Lassiter of Manson;

Jason D. Hester, Stacy T. Hicks and Latosha C. Hunt, all of Oxford;

Jason L. Thompson of Stem;

Ashley M. Kinton of Youngsville.

 

Computer Technology Integration:

Tristin McClay and Christina D. Manz, both of Creedmoor;

Angelica M. Garcia-Avelar of Durham;

Zachary T. Stevenson of Oxford;

Rowan M. Morris of Warrenton.

 

Cosmetology:

Christianne Combs of Durham;

Davis B. Moore of Franklinton;

Micaela B. Crowder and Zataria M. Marrow, both of Henderson;

Alexa J. Clayton of Rougemont.

 

Criminal Justice:

Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;

Brenda G. Ellis of Durham;

Rebecka R. Paul of Henderson;

Benjamin B. Layton of Kittrell;

Leonte D. Parker of Oxford;

Martin A. Spencer of Roxboro.

 

Culinary Arts:

Taylor M. Abel of Manson;

Randy D. Bullock of Stem;

Ethel C. Fogg of Warrenton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Makala West of Henderson.

 

Global Logistics and Distribution Management Technology:

Charles Braswell of Wilson.

 

Human Services Technology:

Fredesvinda C. Euceda-Col of Creedmoor.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Sonya J. Barnes of Henderson;

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Jawanda L. Burchette of Warrenton.

 

Information Technology:

Adam Burns and Andrew M. Watkins, both of Henderson;

Cody R. Parrott of Kittrell;

Michael A. Gokee of Louisburg.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Charles J. Nordcliff of Creedmoor.

 

Medical Assisting:

Michelle D. Beckwith of Kittrell;

Laketa D. Bumpers of Louisburg.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Tammy Heller of Butner;

Cassidy B. Lucas and Jessica M. Noll, both of Franklinton;

Jessica C. Allgood, Tranita N. Brown, Tamara F. Glover, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raven K. Kay, Melissa O. Simmons and Timmara D. Smith, all of Henderson;

Brianna N. Lynch of Hollister;

Beverly K. Ellis of Kittrell;

Misty R. Grabowski of Louisburg;

Amanda S. Aiken of Rougemont;

Kaitlyn F. Wilson of Roxboro;

Amber S. Carey of Stem;

Rebecca T. George of Warrenton;

Thomas M. King, Jr., of Wise;

Julia A. Rhodes of Youngsville.

 

Office Administration:

Betsy M. Mason of Macon.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Celene Acuna of Henderson;

Holly H. Cashwell of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Malissa S. Chandler of Durham;

Tommy L. Hicks of Franklinton.

 

Practical Nursing:

Frank T. McGhee, Jr., of Henderson.

 

Radiography:

Katie A. Weary of Bullock;

Marco A. Carmen-Vazquez and Aaron J. McNeill, both of Oxford;

Ashley M. Rhew of Timberlake.

 

Welding Technology:

Cameron M. Brown of Creedmoor;

Joshua C. Pfohl and Cedric J. Rodebaugh, II, both of Franklinton;

Robert L. Mallory of Oxford;

Galen D. Wilds of Stem;

Quentin T. Tully of Wake Forest;

Andrew Lynam of Youngsville.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Wannapha N. Robinson of Louisburg;

Shiquita Evans of Townsville.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Valerie J. Strange of Bullock;

Kaylan C. Hoyle of Henderson;

Jeannie S. Adcock and Jodie D. Carroll, both of Oxford;

Halie C. Brooks of Raleigh.

 

Associate in Arts:

Farrah B. Foster, Samantha J. Shannon, Kaylin D. Smith and Jocelyn S. Williams, all of Creedmoor;

Karen T. Graves of Durham;

Rebekah H. Glasheen of Franklinton;

Ke’ Moni M. Champion, Chadstity V. Copeland, Lehman R. Ford, Luke M. Frazier, Alayna B. Gallagher, Brandon J. Hughes, Samuel B. Newman, Fatima A. Saleh, Bailee E. Tippett and Kianna A. Wills, all of Henderson;

Caleb R. Brauer and Matthew White, both of Norlina;

Kristy R. Ball, Erica J. Evans, Robin L. Hill  and Emely K. Ovando, all of Oxford;

Osvaldo Hernandez Martinez, Jessica M. Shelton and Caitlynn A. Taylor, all of Stem;

Seth N. Moody of Townsville;

Elizabeth N. Durand of Wake Forest;

Brian S. Restrepo of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Melissa B. Anderson of Butner;

Tuesday N. Mathews of Fuquay-Varina;

Brittney Hawkins and Olivia Williamson, both of Oxford;

Matthew A. Fuller of Rougemont.

 

Associate in Science:

Christopher A. Plumley of Franklinton;

Alegra A. Bass and Michael T. O’Donoghue, both of Henderson;

Jamal Algathi, Nicole F. Bowman and Zakaria I. Kassim, all of Oxford;

Lucas T. Thompson of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Trey Johnson of Franklinton.

 

Business Administration:

Bobbie J. Wilkerson of Creedmoor;

Crystal R. Thomerson of Franklinton;

Tanya Fields and Amber M. Layton, both of Oxford;

Dar-Neshia S. Williams of Warrenton;

Elizabeth D. Elliott of Youngsville.

 

Computer Technology Integration:

Thomas B. Grob of Bullock;

Ashley R. Healey of Raleigh.

 

Cosmetology:

Eillah Spivey of Bunn;

Cassie A. Shaffer of Butner;

Ashley M. Holden of Franklinton;

Nitianndra G. Boyd of Henderson;

Kristina M. Brantley of Louisburg;

Tonisha C. Chavis of Oxford;

Britney N. Bollinger of Wake Forest.

 

Criminal Justice:

Tyler L. Hughes of Bullock;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Heather L. Taylor and Monica A. Williams, both of Franklinton;

Jose A. De Leon and Morgan T. Lawhorne, both of Henderson;

Jacob A. Quirk of Kittrell;

Charmaine A. Sutton of Louisburg;

Landon J. Hall, Daniel T. Reece and Harold T. Todd, all of Oxford;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Rebecca N. Groover of Franklinton;

Hayya A. Wright of Henderson;

Sara C. Cheek of Louisburg;

Dejah Davis of Stem.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Anita M. Fuller of Franklinton;

Jacquella S. Jones of Henderson;

Hayley A. Fox of Kittrell;

Brooklyn E. Mason of Louisburg;

Tomekia M. Rainey of Pinetops;

Shirolyn B. Ball of Rougemont.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Austin R. Lovegrove of Franklinton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Jennifer S. Bennett of Henderson;

Melissa A. Jackson of Oxford;

Mary A. Collins of Wendell.

 

Information Technology:

Randall S. Howard and Robert C. Hurt, both of Creedmoor;

Jerry Lizaire of Henderson;

Alisha M. Prevette of Oxford.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Charles P. Deese of Henderson;

Jerome T. Edmonds of Oxford.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Hannah N. Scurto of Creedmoor;

Raeann Johnson and April B. Peoples, both of Henderson;

Kristie L. Brough of Oxford;

Jenese N. Caldwell of Wake Forest.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Kelly D. Persinger and Katie S. Rogers, both of Louisburg;

Jalissa M. Franklin of Sanford;

Anne D. Genest of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Tamika Everett of Creedmoor;

Kaylyn Anderson of Oxford.

 

Radiography:

Yamile A. Chavarin of Henderson;

Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;

Bethany Murphy of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Nicholas Keeton of Bullock;

Hernan J. Hernandez of Castalia;

Cristian J. Contreras of Creedmoor;

Donnie S. Ayscue, Andrew S. Hamrick and Eduardo Ibarra-Renteria, all of Henderson;

Ismael Trejo Labra of Norlina;

Eric L. Clayton of Oxford;

Ryan Abraham of Raleigh;

Jared Q. Siemers of Wake Forest.

 

–VGCC–

Granville County Commissioners to kick-off new Law Enforcement Center

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PUBLIC NOTICE

A quorum of the Granville County Board of Commissioners may be present on Thursday, July 13, 2017 for an official kick-off of the Law Enforcement Center Project. The kick-off will be held at 1:45 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center located at 107 Lanier Street, Oxford, NC, in the large conference room. For more information, please contact the County Manager’s Office at 919-693-5240.

Debra A. Weary

Clerk to the Board

 

Debra A. Weary

Clerk to the Board

Assistant to the County Manager

P.O. Box 906

141 Williamsboro Street

Oxford, NC  27565

Recent VGCC grad featured in career pathways discussion for educators

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Educators, local industry representatives, community leaders and a recent Vance-Granville Community College graduate shared ideas at a panel discussion organized on June 21 by the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA), a partnership of VGCC, Granville County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Warren County Schools and Vance County Schools.

The event was part of “AMSTA Summer Cruisers 2017,” a multi-day program that brought teachers from the four counties together to learn more about manufacturing and the regional economy. Day three of the program was held at Franklinton High School and began with greetings from the state’s deputy superintendent of public instruction, Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, who applauded the participants and said AMSTA is a model for the state.

Next, a discussion on “career pathways” featured panelists Ronnie Goswick, the director of business and economic development at Carolina Sunrock and a former Franklin County economic development director; Arlan Peters, manager of sustainability at Novozymes North America in Franklinton; Eric Breit, director of strategic initiatives for the Capital Area Workforce Development Board; and Thomas Boyd of Henderson, a recent VGCC Mechatronics Engineering Technology program graduate.

Barbara Boyce, representing the Triangle Regional Career Pathways Collaborative (TRCPC), served as the moderator. The collaborative consists of three workforce development boards, five community colleges (including VGCC), ten public school districts and numerous community and industry partners. The primary goal of TRCPC is to develop career pathways to align with the regional labor market and support the regional economy.

Goswick told educators that he hopes K-12 teachers will focus on so-called “soft skills,” good work habits and professionalism, which apply to any type of work. “We can train them on the job skills they will need for a particular job,” he said of new workers at his company. Similarly, Peters said that schools should produce “students who are good thinkers, who can solve a problem,” and said basic science was essential for his company. “Even in jobs that aren’t science-related, you can use your scientific training,” he noted.

Boyd was asked to talk about his pathway. He graduated from Southern Vance High School, worked for a few years, and then enrolled at VGCC, originally intending to study web design. Boyd then switched to the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program, primarily due to his interest in robotics. “Mechatronics is a program that combines different parts of many different fields, a little electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, a little bit of design, and overall industrial maintenance, so you’ve got a little bit of everything to get you started when you’re looking for a job,” Boyd said. “After a year in the program, I was approached about an internship opportunity for a design job at AXIS Corrugated Container, a manufacturer in Butner. I enjoyed taking the design classes, so I took the internship. After I completed the internship, they offered me a full-time job, and I’ve been working there a little over a year now.” In May, he became one of VGCC’s first three Mechatronics graduates.

Boyd said it would be beneficial for younger students to learn generally about how businesses operate, how to network and how to communicate professionally. He added that teachers should explain to students the job opportunities available for students if they earn two-year degrees, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. “Your average high school student thinks they want to go to a four-year school and they’ll automatically get a great job right from the start, but a lot of them don’t realize that you can get a two-year degree and get a really nice-paying job,” Boyd said. “Even if they want to go to a four-year school, doing the two years at a community college first will help them out in the long run. It gives them a good start with a couple years to figure out what they really want to do, and then they can decide on furthering their education somewhere else.”

Breit, representing the workforce development field, said according to the latest research, “the quality of the current and future workforce is now the single most important factor for industry recruitment and retention, so employers want to know about not only current workers but also about the local schools.” He added that the nine Triangle-area counties, including both urban and rural areas, are considered a single labor market, “so it makes sense for workforce development boards, community colleges and public schools throughout the region to put our heads together to see how we can better collectively serve the region, our employers and our students.” Breit said that TRCPC is focused on jobs that are in demand, in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences and health care.

After the discussion, a second panel was held to discuss school choice and its impact on the public school systems. Speakers included Dave Machado, director of the Office of Charter Schools at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, assistant director of that office.

Finally, attendees received updates from several guests. Jo Anne Honeycutt, director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said that her department is emphasizing Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities and is working on a new high-school-to-college articulation agreement that will help students transfer their high school course credits to colleges. LaTanya Patillio, a former CTE teacher and the new teacher advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper, addressed educators and said that “AMSTA is an example of what public schools are doing right.”

Tresha Layne from the Southern Regional Education Board said that she is working with AMSTA on professional development tied to project-based learning, and praised the partnership for helping the K-12 schools collaborate with VGCC and employers to develop a skilled talent “pipeline.” Sara Lloyd, VGCC’s director of customized training, added that she fields calls from industries about their workforce development needs and helps to connect them to K-12 schools and the college concerning internship opportunities.

Attendees concluded the event by touring Franklinton High School’s Career & Technical Education wing.

For more information on AMSTA, contact Stephanie Ayers at ayerss@vgcc.edu or (919) 316-0026.

–VGCC–

Granville County Board of Education Names New Superintendent

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The Granville County Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Dr. Alisa McLean as the next superintendent of the Granville County Public Schools (GCPS). Dr. McLean will take office on July 19.

During the search process, the board carefully reviewed applications from a diverse field of 46 excellent candidates. Although many qualified candidates applied, the board felt that Dr. McLean’s leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve GCPS students, staff, and the community for years to come. The board is confident that Dr. McLean will lead the school system to even higher achievement. 

Dr. McLean has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 20 years in North Carolina. Since 2016, she has served as the assistant superintendent for teaching, learning, and leadership for the Durham Public Schools. Prior to her current position, Dr. McLean served as an area superintendent for the Durham Public Schools (2014-2016). Dr. McLean also previously served as a school transformation coach with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (2011-2014) and as an assistant superintendent in the Alamance-Burlington School System (2009-2011). She began her career in public education as an assistant principal and principal in Roxboro and Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Dr. McLean has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in English education from Elizabeth City State University. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from East Carolina University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also participated in and later served as a consultant and assistant director for the Principals’ Executive Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. McLean looks forward to the opportunity to lead the Granville County Public Schools and becoming an active member of the community. Dr. McLean  is the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. AC Robinson, Jr. of Elizabeth City, NC.  She and her husband, Attorney Frankie McLean are the proud parents of their daughter Imari, who is an ACC scholar track and field athlete and rising Senior at NC State University. Dr. McLean has issued the following statement about the position:

“I am both, excited and honored to join the Granville County Public Schools family and community.  Together, I know we will accomplish great things and surpass expectations for all of our students.  I truly believe the best is yet to come!”

Please join the board in welcoming Dr. Alisa McLean as the new superintendent of the Granville County Public Schools.

VGCC celebrates first graduates supported by ‘VanGuarantee’ scholarship

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HENDERSON, N.C. — When six students walked across the stage to receive their degrees at Vance-Granville Community College’s May commencement exercises, they quietly made history. They were among the first graduates of the college who had received the “VanGuarantee” scholarship to help eliminate any financial barriers standing between them and their academic goals.

The innovative scholarship program was first announced in 2016 by the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, with the first scholarships being awarded in the fall 2016 semester. The VanGuarantee was made possible by a $1.6 million bequest to VGCC from the estate of Wilbert A. Edwards, a resident of Oxford at the time of his death and a native of Vance County. The gift, announced in 2015, is the second largest in the history of the college. 

Three of the VanGuarantee recipients participating in Commencement were graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program: Brittany Champion of Creedmoor, Courtney Humphries of eastern Granville County and Erin Woodlief of Franklinton. Alicia Toler of Raleigh, a former Granville County resident, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Kristen Honaker of Henderson completed a degree in Pharmacy Technology. Tanisha Silver of Warrenton graduated from the Medical Office Administration degree program.

“Receiving the VanGuarantee meant a lot to me,” Silver reflected. “I received a community college grant for the fall 2016 semester, but I still didn’t have enough to pay for my books. I was told about the VanGuarantee scholarship, and I was ecstatic about it. It has helped me out a lot, because it has made it possible for me to finish school.” Silver is currently in the job market for employment in a doctor’s office or hospital setting and is considering continuing her education at the bachelor’s degree level. A former certified nursing assistant and a mother, she said she waited until all of her children were in school to work on advancing her own career through education.

Toler said she was very appreciative of the opportunity that the VanGuarantee provided her. She intends to transfer into a four-year university to study nursing. “Had it not been for the VGCC Financial Aid Office staff, particularly Ms. Tonya Strum, telling me about the VanGuarantee scholarship, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in school,” Toler said.

At least two graduates are already employed, Champion in the emergency room at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham and Humphries at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, working in Outpatient Surgical Services. “I am very thankful that I was able to receive the VanGuarantee this year,” Humphries said. “It has helped me finish my last two semesters of RN school. I am truly blessed beyond words!”

The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. The program is one of a number of “promise” or “guarantee” programs across the country, created by individual colleges or by states, in response to growing concerns from policymakers and students about the rising cost of higher education. In 2016, the VanGuarantee was recognized by the White House and national groups focused on college affordability.

Some college promise programs are open only to recent high school graduates, but the VanGuarantee applies to all eligible adults in the four counties, reflecting VGCC’s longstanding tradition of helping adults retrain for new careers at any age.

Among the eligibility requirements for the VanGuarantee, students must reside in the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties) and qualify for in-state tuition. Eligible students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester in any VGCC curriculum program and not already possess a post-secondary degree from any college or university. They must first apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. Next, they apply for endowed VGCC scholarships. When students still lack the funds to pay for their education after exhausting those and other sources, the VanGuarantee program helps to fill the gap. That makes the program an example of what is often called a “last-dollar scholarship.”

Once enrolled in the VanGuarantee program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the scholarship.

For more information on applying for the VanGuarantee, students can visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/vanguarantee.

–VGCC–

Granville Teachers and Manufacturing Leaders hold summit

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On Monday, June 19, a group of teachers from GCPS joined leaders from local advanced manufacturing companies for a “Pipeline to Employment” summit.  The purpose of the event was to strengthen collaboration and understanding between local Advanced Manufacturing businesses and our school district.

Advanced Manufacturing is one of the fastest growing sectors of our local economy, and there are an increasing number of well-paying careers available.  Most of these require some type of post-secondary education offered through our community college system or specialized industry training. Local Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offer pathways into these areas as well.  It was shared that starting salaries for students with specialized credentials or 2-year degrees can start as high as $40 thousand a year, with excellent benefits and lots of opportunities for overtime.  Many of these careers can also be extended with additional BS degrees and beyond with higher levels of engineering, IT or biotech sector jobs.

During the event, educators heard from a variety of speakers, including a presentation from Alexis Franks of NC Works, Ms. Judy Woodson-Bruhn, Career Resource Specialist & Labor & Economics Analyst, from the NC Department of Commerce, and Michael McConchie, Certified Business Coach, M&M Consultants. They also had a chance to participate in industry roundtables, where representatives from twelve local companies presented information about their products and workforce needs.

Representatives from the following companies attended:

Altec

SunRock

PRM

Bridgestone Bandag

Delhaize America

Plastic Ingenuity

CertainTeed

Revlon

Stay Online

Gate Precast

NT Techno

Summit Engineering and Design

Dr. Stan Winborne, Director of the Career and Technical Education program explained the importance of the event, “Educators don’t often have an opportunity to hear first hand from local business and industry about their workforce needs.  This was a fantastic way to make direct connections between the classroom and the workplace.  The teachers who participated now have great information about all of the career opportunities to share with their students.  Not many people realize how technically advanced most of these jobs are, and they would be shocked to learn just how much money someone can make with 2 years or less of technical training – no 4-year degree required.  It’s amazing the opportunities in our own back yard.  I am grateful to the time these business leaders gave to this event.  It is evident they are truly invested in the future of our community.”

Several County Commissioners were in attendance, and Chairman Tim Karan and Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart both offered remarks supporting partnerships to help better prepare our young citizens for careers in our local economy.  Board Chair Dr. Houlihan was also on hand and praised the efforts to bring our schools and employers together.  This event was co-planned by Mr. Harry Mills, Economic Development Director for Granville County, and the Career and Technical Education program of GCPS, under the leadership of Ms. Tamara Rodebaugh, Career Development Coordinator.

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Dr. Stan Winborne
Director of High Schools
Director of Career & Technical Education Program
Public Information Officer
Granville County Schools

Granville County Elected Officials and Staff Tour Bladen County Law Enforcement Facility

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Oxford, NC, June 23, 2017 – In preparation for future construction of its own law enforcement complex, Granville County elected officials and staff toured the recently constructed Bladen County, North Carolina, Law Enforcement Facility on Wednesday, June 22. The Bladen County facility, yet to be occupied, was toured by four Granville County Commissioners- Tim Karan, Sue Hinman, Zelodis Jay, and David Smith- as well as Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, County Manager Michael Felts, Sherwood Boyd (Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy), Trent Brummitt (911 Center Manager), Jimmy Hayes (Detention Administrator), and Edward Cash (Lead Detention Shift Supervisor). Todd Davis of Moseley Architects also attended the tour.

This visit will make the third tour of a law enforcement facility by Granville County leadership, though it is the first facility that was unoccupied at the time.

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About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov.