Tag Archive for: #hendersonncnews

VGCC awards top academic honor to Ivy League-bound student

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Vance-Granville Community College has named student Paul Caroline of Louisburg as its recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2017. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year.

Caroline will be officially recognized at Commencement in May, when he is scheduled to graduate from the college with both an Associate in Arts degree and an Associate in Science degree. That same month, Caroline will graduate from Franklin County Early College High School. This is the second year in a row that the VGCC Academic Excellence Award has gone to a student at FCECHS.

The college partners with four Early College high school programs, one in each county of the VGCC service area. As Caroline has done, students typically finish the program in five years, simultaneously earning high school diplomas and college degrees, or up to two years of college-transferable credits.

In an essay that he wrote for the award nomination, Caroline put his academic experience into its historical context. “For my family, education has always been a privilege,” he wrote. “In the early twentieth century, laws prohibited my great-grandmother and many other African American students from advancing to the twelfth grade and earning a high school diploma. Since then, each new generation has attested to a strong commitment to the pursuit of educational opportunity.”

Caroline added that “education opens doors to a better life, and one of the greatest thresholds I have crossed on my journey thus far is the iconic archway of Vance-Granville Community College.”

He described the support he has received from faculty members at both the high school and the college as “transformative.” Caroline said that he found that learning “not only yields the power to better oneself, but the world as a whole.” He took the “Vanguard spirit” and VGCC’s commitment to students to heart, he said, by helping others as a Peer Tutor through the college’s Academic Skills Center, starting at the age of 17.

After he graduates, Caroline is set to study Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, the prestigious Ivy League institution, with a full QuestBridge scholarship, which he described as “a first” for his community. “In my personal journey, Vance-Granville Community College has been a stepping-stone to making an Ivy League education possible,” Caroline said.

His twin brother, Peter, is also a Franklin County Early College High School student. Peter is likewise set to graduate with both an Associate in Arts degree and an Associate in Science degree from VGCC and will continue his education at Stanford University with a full QuestBridge scholarship.

“Paul’s hard work and dedication to excellence have earned him a place among the top community college students in North Carolina,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC. “He is an outstanding representative of both Vance-Granville and Franklin County Early College High School, and we know he will continue to make us proud as a student at one of our country’s elite institutions of higher learning.”

–VGCC–

VGCC to host free Dementia Awareness programs

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Vance-Granville Community College will soon host a pair of free programs for the public to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia. These educational programs are being facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter.

Both events are set to be held on Tuesday, March 21, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County (located at exit 209 on Interstate 85). First, “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease” will be offered from 10-11 a.m. “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors” follows from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The first workshop is designed for anyone who would like to know more about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, which are not a normal part of aging.

The second workshop focuses specifically on behavior, one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as their ability to use language deteriorates. Some behaviors can present challenges for caregivers to manage. Attendees will learn to “decode” behaviors, identify common behavior triggers and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas and Human Services Technology (HST) program head Tracy Wallace have collaborated with the Raleigh-based Alzheimer’s Association chapter to bring these programs to campus. The HST program, accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education, is based at VGCC’s South Campus between Creedmoor and Butner. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services. In addition to a general HST track and a Substance Abuse track, VGCC offers a Gerontology track, which prepares students to specialize in direct service delivery work to older adults and their families.

To register for one or both of the free March 21 programs, visit bit.ly/2lyqCIp for the first and bit.ly/2lrBB9V for the second, or call 1-800-272-3900.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter at 919-803-8285 or Tracy Wallace at (252) 738-3519.

–VGCC–

Kerr-Vance Academy Announces VSWCD Poster Winners

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The VSWCD poster winners from Kerr-Vance Academy are Kaitlyn Painter, Landon Cottrell, and Trent Edwards.

Henderson Lions Club Announces Next Meeting

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Henderson Lions – The Henderson Lions will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Henderson Country Club.  The speaker will be Lion Bill Graham from Leader Dog.  To learn more or join the Lions and be part of an active community service organization, contact any Lions Club member or President Randy Oxendine at 252-438-8034.

Thanks,

Randy

Breaking News: Charges dismissed against Mayor Eddie Ellington

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Press Release

Henderson, NC– On November 6, 2016 officers with the Henderson Police Department were called to investigate a report of domestic violence alleged to have occurred at the home of Mayor Eddie Ellington. When the responding officer arrived on scene he called his supervisor. Officers on scene spoke with Cheri Wheeler Ellington. After observing no evidence of physical abuse, officers advised Mrs. Ellington about the procedure for securing warrants if she so desired.

On November 8, 2016, warrants were issued charging Edward H. Ellington with assault on a female and communicating threats.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Ellington, after consultation with their respective civil attorneys, have requested that the charges against Edward. H. Ellington be dismissed.

Attempts to speak with Mrs. Ellington went unanswered.  However, after consultation with Cheri Wheeler Ellington’s civil attorney, District Attorney Michael D. Waters’ office has decided to not prosecute Mr. Ellington.

The decision reflects the desires of the parties and the police reports which indicated a lack of physical abuse.

Michael Waters

Vance Charter School to hold 8th Grade Parent Meeting

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A meeting will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Lower Café. This meeting is for current 8th graders and their parents at Vance Charter School. Mary Mangum will be discussing course registration for high school.

 

Please contact Mary Mangum with any questions concerning this meeting and the HS Registration process.

 

Mary Mangum

School Counselor

mangumm@vancecharter.org

Rhythmic Circus’ To Test Stage Of McGregor Hall On March 11

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HENDERSON, N.C. (February 24, 2017)—Since opening one year ago, the stage at McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center in Henderson, N.C., has opened its curtains to a broad array of acts from Grammy-winning recording artist to local community plays. But, on March 11th at 8:00 p.m., the theater will host Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!, a high-energy showcase that includes some of the countries fastest tap dancers.

Will the stage floor, which was built above a special rubber padding in order to support high-impacts, be able to handle this stomping? Folks of all ages are encouraged to find out for themselves as Rhythmic Circus puts the stage floor of McGregor Hall to the test.

Rhythmic Circus is made up of a seven-piece funk band, a beatboxer, and four incredibly talented tap dancers, according to McGregor Hall Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler. “Their show, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!, is a joyous parade of genre-hopping music and hard-hitting percussive dance. With catchy original songs and bright, colorful costumes, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! will have the whole family tapping their toes.” Deadwyler noted that the performance is especially entertaining for all ages and relevant for dance enthusiasts.

Those aspiring dancers throughout the region will have an opportunity to meet the performers of Rhythmic Circus in person, according to Deadwyler, who is offering special student discounts with “meet and greet” passes as well as group discounts to dance studios and other assemblies of 10 or more.  “This is a special occasion for local dance enthusiasts in our area to network with professional, touring dancers and learn more about their talents and their craft.”

Rhythmic Circus will perform Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center on March 11th at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, N.C. For more information, including group rates and student discounts, contact McGregor Hall’s Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or email him at tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org.

Butterfield to Host Community Discussion on Feb. 25

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WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow, February 25, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) will host “Forward Together,” a community discussion, in Durham, North Carolina in the First Congressional District.

During the discussion, the Congressman will offer a Washington update, take questions from residents, and hear ideas about how we can resist efforts to take our country backward and fight for a jobs and justice agenda that moves us forward.

This is the first in a series of events Congressman Butterfield will host to engage residents in a dialogue about a positive agenda for our future.

WHAT:          “Forward Together” Community Discussion

 

WHO:             Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01)

 

WHEN:          Saturday, February 25, 2017

                        1:00 p.m. ET

WHERE:       Hillside High School Auditorium

                             3727 Fayetteville Street

                             Durham, NC  27707

https://butterfield.house.gov

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VGCC students awarded Golden LEAF scholarships

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A group of VGCC students recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The scholarship can be used to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare expenses related to attending classes during the 2016-17 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon course completion. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational (continuing education) and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The VGCC students who were awarded Golden LEAF scholarships for the fall 2016 semester (with their respective programs of study) include:

 

  • Sally Alston of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
  • Jennifer Bauduin of Louisburg (Associate in General Education – General Science);
  • Sonia Bishop of Stem (Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies);
  • Taylor Crisp of Warrenton (Associate Degree Nursing);
  • Catherine Demming of Oxford (Criminal Justice);
  • Emory Gant-Hawkins of Henderson (Business Administration);
  • Latosha Hunt of Oxford (Business Administration);
  • Quiana Miller-Fisher of Henderson (Human Services Technology); and
  • Kimberly Vargo of Oxford (Associate in Arts)

 

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to have awarded over 11,800 Golden LEAF Scholarships to help North Carolinians attend our state’s community colleges,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “Our hope is that these scholarships will help build the talent, knowledge and skills of our current and future workforce, which are in demand by industry, especially in the rural areas of our state.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,346 grants totaling more than $591 million since its inception. For more information about the foundation, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.

Students interested in applying for a Golden LEAF Scholarship should contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3280.

 

–VGCC–

Cabinet Making course offered at VGCC

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Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a “Fundamentals of Cabinet Making” course, to be held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., March 6 through May 23, on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

This course introduces students to the carpentry trade and provides basic information needed to construct and apply finishes to custom cabinetry. Students will learn about proper safety techniques, equipment, building materials, blueprint reading, floor systems, wall systems, ceiling and roof framing, ceiling joists, envelope systems, wood-joining techniques, cabinet doors, shelves and hardware.

The instructor for the course is Richard Wells.

Students will receive NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certification upon successful completion of the course. NCCER is a national construction education foundation whose credentials are recognized across the country.

The cost of this course is $185.25 plus the cost of textbooks.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/oex or in person at any VGCC campus.

For more information, contact VGCC at oex@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3324.

–VGCC–