Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

YMCA

YMCA Executive Director Paul Ross Leaving After 11 Years

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— information courtesy of the Henderson Family YMCA

The Henderson Family YMCA on Thursday announced the resignation of Paul Ross as Chief Executive Officer, effective this fall. After 11 years of dedicated service to the YMCA, Ross has accepted the position of Executive Director with the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation.

During his tenure, Ross guided the YMCA through growth, expanded community programming, and strengthened partnerships. Under his leadership, the YMCA has deepened its impact across Vance County and the surrounding region, furthering its mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

“Paul’s vision and leadership have positioned the Henderson Family YMCA for a bright future,” said Vanessa Jones, Chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. “He has led with dedication, strengthening our programs, expanding partnerships, and ensuring the Y remained a cornerstone of health and wellness in this community. While we will certainly miss his leadership here, we celebrate his transition to Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, where he will continue to advance the same goals of improving health and quality of life across our region.”

Jones also highlighted the alignment between the two organizations: “The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, which focuses on improving health and wellness across our region, has already committed support for the YMCA’s upcoming campus expansion and renovation. This project will enhance our facilities, expand services, and ensure the YMCA remains a vital hub for the community for generations to come. The collaboration between our organizations highlights the shared mission we pursue.”

The YMCA Board of Directors has begun the process of planning for a smooth transition in leadership. In the meantime, staff and volunteers remain committed to delivering the high-quality programs and services the community expects and deserves.

 

The Local Skinny! Henderson Collegiate Ranks in Top 4% of Nations High Schools

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Henderson Collegiate High School has been named among the top 4 percent of high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, according to a press release from the school that serves more than 1,400 students.

“This is not just about a school. This is about a movement to help America finally live up to the vision of our founding fathers that every child has the right to pursue happiness and the opportunity to rise as high as their dreams can take them,” said co-founder and CEO Eric Sanchez. “Our calling is to level the playing field so that our kids stand shoulder to shoulder with the most privileged students in this country. We are transforming the story from poverty to promise, from despair to determination, from crime to courage and leadership. The unshakable efforts of thousands of students, staff, and families have propelled our children into the top 4% of the nation. But the true victory is greater than statistics. It is that our relentless belief and paradigm shifting work ignite a fire in others to do the same. What we are building is not just success for our kids; it is a beacon of hope for our country.”

Founded 15 years ago, Henderson Collegiate began with a mission to break paradigms and stereotypes about what children from rural, low-income communities can achieve. With fewer resources than large, well-funded districts in places like Wake and Mecklenburg counties, the school sets out to provide the same rigorous, college-preparatory education.

“Our scholars’ success is not an accident,” said Carice Sanchez, co-founder and Chief Academic Officer. “It is the result of unwavering belief in our students’ potential, the tireless dedication of our teachers and families, and a culture that insists every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life. The rankings are proof of what we’ve known all along: when you give all of our students access to great teaching, high expectations, and loving support, they rise.”

Published in the U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings for 2025–2026, Henderson Collegiate ranked:

  • #710 of 17,901 National Public High Schools (Top 4.0 percent)
  • #130 of 2,991 National Charter High Schools (Top 4.3 percent)
  • #24 of 682 North Carolina Public and Charter High Schools (Top 3.5 percent)

Each year, U.S. News evaluates schools on measures such as performance on state tests, progress of historically underserved students, graduation rates and participation in advanced coursework. Henderson Collegiate offers 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and students consistently outperform national participation and pass rate averages—demonstrating that rigorous opportunities are not reserved for wealthy districts, but also thrive here in Vance County.

For students growing up in first-generation, low-income communities, college is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, $31,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma and are far less likely to face

With a focus on students graduating from high school and heading off to college, Henderson Collegiate has an impact on first-generation college students; the impact goes even further: earning a degree can mean being the first in their family to achieve economic stability, creating ripple effects for siblings, future children, and the entire community. This is why Henderson Collegiate believes every student should graduate with the choice and opportunity that higher education provides.

Since its first graduating class in 2019, Henderson Collegiate has upheld a 100 percent  college acceptance rate. The Pride of 2025 is carrying that legacy forward, with 73 percent of seniors already accepted into Tier I–III colleges and universities and earning a record $21.5 million in merit scholarships. Every graduating class since 2019 has included at least one student awarded a QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, earning a full ride to some of the nation’s most selective schools—including Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Davidson, Denison, Boston College, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Perhaps most inspiring, several Henderson Collegiate alumni have already graduated from college and returned home to Vance County to teach at the very school that helped launch their journey. Their stories reflect the heart of Henderson Collegiate’s mission: education that not only transforms individual lives but strengthens the community for generations to come. By investing their talent where they grew up, they model what’s possible for our youngest scholars and build a pipeline of homegrown educators and leaders. Each graduate who comes back multiplies impact—mentoring students, supporting families, and partnering with local organizations—so that change takes root block by block. This is how a community is transformed from within: pride becomes responsibility, and support turns into shared progress.

Visit https://www.hendersoncollegiate.org/ to learn more.

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Buckner Suspends Campaign, Endorses Incumbent Lamont Noel

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Benjamin Buckner, a candidate for the Ward 2 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council, announced Wednesday afternoon that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing incumbent Ward 2 at-large Council member Lamont Noel in the upcoming municipal election.

Noel joined Buckner for the announcement and thanked Buckner for his support. Noel shared the following statement:

“I want to thank Mr. Buckner for his endorsement, but primarily for his decision to support a path that brings us all together, working together for the citizens of Henderson. I sincerely accept this endorsement and support, hoping and believing that others will work with me to help heal our city by putting people first rather than party or politics.”

Buckner said he looks forward to continuing his role in Henderson, “creating a bigger presence and supporting candidates who prioritize unity and progress for Henderson.”

Buckner said he and Noel “share a united vision for Henderson. Remaining in the race is selfish on my part and would unfairly split votes that Mr. Noel needs to secure re-election and continue the work on behalf of the city.”

Buckner continued by saying that once Noel filed for re-election and challenger George Mayo entered the contest, “it was a concern of mine that we were going to split votes.”

“Mr. Noel’s job at City Hall is not finished and it would be selfish of me to stay in the race when we share a common set of goals and ideals for the city. While I am committed to seeing Henderson move forward, it is not my time to serve on the Council…I wholeheartedly urge citizens of Henderson to vote for Lamont Noel.”

Citing divisiveness and the climate at City Hall as factors that are hindering progress within the city, Buckner said Noel is “currently best positioned to carry my vision forward.”

Buckner noted three core values included in his campaign were respect, revitalization and a path forward – values that Noel also stands for and supports. Buckner said he is confident that Noel will continue to strive for respect for the city and its residents and the responsibility of the council members; work for revitalization by advancing real change through downtown improvements, and responsible growth of the tax base to ease burdens on homeowners and fostering a cleaner stronger city image; and finding a path forward “to ending the division and in-fighting at City Hall and to allow employees and leaders to work effectively on behalf of the city.”

“This is a decision that I landed on with the statement that those who want respect, give respect,” Buckner stated.

(Original Post above Wednesday, Aug 27.  Please Click Play below for Thursday, Aug 28 TownTalk audio.)

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The Local Skinny! Duke Energy holds Key Leader Update Event

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Duke Energy held a Key Leader Update Event this week. Information is also presented about the importance of line workers.

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

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Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Managing Parenthood pt.2

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Jamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

We dive back into our managing parenthood series. This time, finding resources for help.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: The 2025 Kerr-Tar Housing Summit Sept. 11 At VGCC Civic Center

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The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is hosting a regional housing summit on Thursday, Sept. 11 to provide information about tacking challenges and working to resolve some of the barriers that exist in the realm of housing.

Desiree Brooks, Kerr-Tar’s Community & Economic Development manager, said the summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Vance-Granville Community College’s Civic Center and will conclude at 1 p.m. In addition to featured speakers offering a national and a regional perspective, the event includes a panel discussion and a work session to allow individuals to focus in on challenges specific to their counties.

“We’re really excited to launch this regional housing summit – it’s the very first time we’ve had the summit,” Brooks said on Wednesday’s segment of TownTalk. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

“We recognize that every county has unique housing challenges,” Brooks said, but it’s important to start talking about housing because it is a crucial issue in economic development.

“We want to start talking about it so we can start working toward solutions.”

Keynote speaker is Chris Allen, the director of Events and Partnerships with Strong Towns, a national nonprofit media organization. Allen will bring a national perspective on the issue and will get down to the root causes of the housing crisis and identify some rational responses that communities can take to improve the situation, Brooks said.

Tyler Mulligan, a public law and government professor at the UNC School of Government will talk about his work helping local government in areas of economic development, affordable housing, public/private partnerships for development and revitalization efforts, she said.

Brooks said she’d love to see county and city managers, elected officials, housing advocates, community leaders at the summit, as well as developers, financial institution representatives – anyone with an interest in helping make a tough situation better.

“We recognize that there’s an issue and we look at what those top challenges are in economic  development,” Brooks said. “Housing is huge – that is a huge issue in our region – and everywhere really.”

The summit is one way Kerr-Tar COG can gather stakeholders to have conversations, identify needs and work on solutions.

“We hope that everybody leaves motivated, and with tools that they feel like, ‘OK, we’re working toward solutions,” Brooks said.

“I know we can’t fix it, but we have to start somewhere.”

 

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Today they have tomatoes, snapbeans, beets, cabbages, yellow squash, zucchini squash, red irish potatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, peaches, and canned items.
  • There will be a Fall Vegetable Garden Class on September 2nd, 2025 starting at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Start collecting your soil samples now.
  • Sow tall fescue now through mid September.
  • Check apple and pear trees for fire blight, take out those limbs now while leaves are still present.
  • When purchasing grass seed, check the germination percentage on the bag of seed.
  • Check for Pecan trees for Pecan weevil. Tie a burlap bag around the portion of the pecan tree. If weevils are visible under the burlap bag after a few days. Treat the base of the tree and ground around the tree with liquid Sevin.
  • Check for insects on any recently planted transplants.
  • Do not let any weeds seed out in your garden.
  • When purchasing transplants look for a dark green color of leaves, stay away from pot bound transplants.
  • Carolina lawns is the best publication for having a good lawn.
  • Start ordering your fall planting bulbs now.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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TownTalk: Upcoming Municipal Elections

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Editor’s note: As part of its continuing effort to keep listeners and readers up-to-date on local issues, WIZS Radio will be sending candidates a list of questions in an effort to gather responses to be included in a special elections project that will be published and aired before the early voting period begins.

Campaign signs are popping up along roadsides and in people’s yards, indicators that early voting for the upcoming Henderson municipal elections are not far off. Registered voters can cast ballots during the early-voting period at 500 N. Beckford Drive beginning Thursday, Sept. 18. Early voting continues Sat. Oct. 4.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 is the official Election Day, when voters will determine four seats on the eight-member City Council.

The Council Ward 1 at-large seat includes not one, but two incumbents – Council member Sara Coffey is seeking re-election, and Council member Geraldine Champion, who has the Ward 1 seat until the 2027 elections, has added her name as an at-large candidate. Newcomer Kenia Gomez-Jimenez and Clementine “Tina” Hunter also filed as candidates for the at-large seat.

Ward 2 at-large Council Member Lamont Noel is seeking to defend his seat against challengers Benjamin Buckner and George Mayo.

In the contest for the Ward 3 seat, incumbent Garry Daeke faces Clifford “Cliff” High, former Council Member Jason Spriggs and Deryl “Ms. Dee” vonWilliams.

And in the Ward 4 contest, incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper faces challengers Catherine “Kitty” Gill and Fred Robertson.

Anyone who lives in the city and still needs to register to vote has until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 to do so.

The N.C. State Board of Elections has issued a press release with details and requirements about voter registration.

“To vote in a municipal election, you must be a resident of the municipality. Working within city, town, or village limits does not make a voter eligible to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, while a voter’s postal address may indicate a municipality, that does not always mean their residence is within the incorporated boundaries of the municipality,” the press release stated.

Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadlines may register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period at any early voting site in their county.

Eligible individuals have many options to register to vote, including the following:

There are 450 voters living throughout Vance County who need to provide additional information to the N.C. State Board of Elections to complete their voter registration, according to information from the SBE’s Registration Repair Project.

Individuals with incomplete voter registrations have received, or will receive, letters stating that they need to provide additional information – their driver license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number – to update their registration.

This can be done in several different ways, including by mail, in person at their county Board of Elections office or by visiting the NCDMV secure website payments.ncdot.gov. There is no fee associated with the online method and updating twill not be made over the phone.

Check to see if your name is on the list at ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair.

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