-Information and photo courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy
Lane White, a senior at Kerr-Vance Academy, signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Chowan College. Pictured with Lane are his mother Sallie, father Chris, and coaches Mike Rigsbee and Todd Wilkerson.
Lane will begin his studies at Chowan in the fall.
-Information courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr Vance Academy
The Kerr-Vance Lady Spartans defended their state title on Saturday, May 19 coming away with a 2-0 victory against Statesville Christian School. The match was played in off and on rain, but the team controlled the ball the entire match.
Nicole Dunkley got the Spartans on the board early in the opening minutes taking a corner kick from Ashley Dickerson and driving it in past the Statesville goalie. The score remained 1-0 until Dickerson netted a penalty kick after a handball call in the second half. From there, the offense and defense buckled down with solid ball control and timely plays to pick up the win. It has been a special season for the team due to the way they handled heightened expectations and strong senior leadership.
The Kerr-Vance Lady Spartans celebrate their back-to-back State Championship win. (Photo courtesy KVA)
Varsity baseball had to wait out numerous weather delays and postponements to finally get to a pressurized, one game, winner-take-all matchup against Wayne Country Day. The original format was best of three.
The Spartans were up to the challenge with Cam Murphy pitching a complete game, giving up only 2 runs in seven innings. Senior Wil Short, in his last game as a Spartan, went 2 for 3, two walks, 3 RBIs. Kerr-Vance was also led by RJ Johnson’s two RBI’s. Lane White and Shane Garrett each plated runs for the Spartans. The final was a 9-2 victory and a back-to-back championship.
Thoughts from KVA Headmaster Frank Wiggins:
As I think about what has been significant in the back to back title runs, no doubt that senior leadership has been huge for both teams. This year’s soccer team was led by Bonnie Evans, Caroline Hoyle, Riley Short, Holly Steg, and Nicole Dunkley. Nicole finished as the all-time leading scorer for the Spartans in soccer. The stingy defense was led by Stegg, Hoyle, and Evans. Short was very instrumental in controlling the midfield. Similarly, in baseball, Wil Short’s presence for a relatively young team was a big factor in winning the title. Wil has a way of taking young players under his wing and keeping them focused. He also was the team’s catcher and huge offensive presence in the lineup.
By my unofficial count, this is the 11th state title for Kerr-Vance. Men’s soccer, Women’s Soccer (4), Baseball (4), Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Golf have all one state championships.
The Kerr-Vance Varsity Baseball Team celebrates their back-to-back State Championship win. (Photo courtesy KVA)
From the principal’s chair, it has been incredible to watch both teams perform at such high levels this year. We are blessed to have this group of gifted student/athletes at Kerr-Vance. They are even better people! I am proud of the way that they have represented our school and the journey that has brought something very unique to our school. I think I am most proud that they worked as a team to accomplish those lofty goals. It took all of the parts working together to be back to back champs. That is something they will take with them when they leave here – knowing that we did this together!
I think this certainly helps our school. It creates a sense of pride, not just in our athletic programs but our school as a whole. The KVA community really got behind both teams and shared in their accomplishments. I think athletics are a huge aspect of our school’s brand and can help us attract students when they see the success we have had. That coupled with the opportunity to get an incredible education are big drawing cards for KVA. It has been my experience that when students are involved in athletics, band, the arts, and other activities they are more likely to experience higher levels of academic success as well. They become more well-rounded people. It works hand in hand.
-Information courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy
Kerr-Vance Academy held it’s 2018 Commencement on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. in Crawford Gymtorium. Thirty-two seniors received their high school diplomas during the ceremony. Headmaster Frank Wiggins welcomed everyone and senior Becca Johnson gave the invocation.
The Salutory Address was given by Genie Parish and Valedictorian Richard Allen also spoke to the audience and his classmates. Allen told his classmates, “I can testify to each of you beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we have received a better, more personalized education here than we could have anywhere else. KVA has given each of us the tools to shape for ourselves a successful, unique experience during our time here. All we had to do was reach out and take them.” Allen also reminded his fellow graduates that “the gift of our educations gives us each the responsibility to do our part to tackle the multiplying problems of our world.”
Kerr-Vance Academy graduates toss their caps following the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 26, 2018. (Photo courtesy KVA)
Each high school graduate was then introduced to the audience while their families stood. Senior Advisor Pat Hillery gave a personal narrative about each graduate and Headmaster Wiggins and Board President Anne Marie White presented the diplomas.
Ms. Hillery gave a heartfelt tribute to two colleagues, Dr. John Steinbaugh and Mr. Mike Dawson both teachers at Kerr-Vance who passed away earlier this year. She reminded the graduates that both men had high expectations for them and had been meaningful to each of them during their time at KVA. Ms. Hillery also recognized the dedicated Kerr-Vance faculty and staff for the outstanding job they do teaching and supporting students.
Mr. Wiggins then took to the podium with closing remarks for the graduates. He shared that he believed that the students would look back with fond memories of their time at KVA but that their “best was yet to come.” He reminded students that “the easy way is not always the best way. Practically everything worthwhile requires effort, hard work, and sometimes pain.”
Mr. Wiggins conferred the diplomas on behalf of the Kerr-Vance Academy Board and students moved their tassels. Graduates recessed to “Pomp and Circumstance.”
— pictures and text submitted by Frank Wiggins, Principal Kerr Vance Academy
The KVA Lady Spartans continued their winning ways on January 23 taking on Henderson Collegiate at Crawford Gym. The Spartans won the contest 53 – 40. Senior Becca Johnson led the way in the scoring column with 17 points and rebounds with 9. Senior Bonnie Evans had 12 points and led the team in steals with 4. Ashley Dickerson contributed an all-around good game with passing and scoring 10 points. The Pride was paced by Niya Towns and Camaria Parker who had 18 and 13 points respectively. The win pushes the Spartans record to 12-4. Next up is a conference match versus The Oakwood School on Wednesday.
In the varsity boy’s matchup, the undefeated Spartans took down the Pride 81-62. The Spartans led the whole way behind the play of Senior Michael Bowers with 23 points. Tim Pettiford 23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, Senior Andreas Wilson 13 points, and Thomas Miles with 12 also paced the Spartans balanced attack. The Spartans jump back into conference play on Wednesday against The Oakwood School.
New Teacher Bag Donations
We need your help to welcome our new teachers to Vance County!
Snacks, gum, candy, water bottles, notepads, pens, pencils, coupons etc. are just a few of the things we need to pack in the bags. Make sure your business name and contact information is on the items you donate. This is a great way to advertise your business to a new group coming into the Vance County area.
We will be packing 150 bags and these will be distributed to new teachers at all Vance County Public schools, Kerr-Vance Academy, Henderson Collegiate, Vance Charter, and Crossroads Christian.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact Melanie Mann at 252-438 8414 or info@hendersonvance.org.
Deadline for donations is this Friday, August 25th.
— courtesy Vance County Schools
A total of 28 rising sophomores who attend six different high schools in Vance County have completed the week-long Vance County School of Excellence Program.
The students attended the program, June 12-16, with each day’s session beginning at Vance-Granville Community College.
Students participating in the School of Excellence for 2017 included: Robert Hopper and Jabrial Steed, both of Vance County Early College High School; Dinah Baldwin, Daniel Clemente, Victoria Glasscock, La’Zariah Harris, Chris Stevenson, Kristophe Burwell, Ava Eahart, Samayia Floyd, Daesha Johnson, Payton Rainey and Ashley Zuniga, all of Southern Vance High School; Terrance Downing, Christian Green, Thomas Murphy, Maximus Parham, Jennifer Sanchez, Nigee Shearin, Kali Wiggs, Tyere Wiggins and Bryton Yarborough, all of Northern Vance High School; Austyn Abbott and Natalie Stone, both of Kerr-Vance Academy; Margaret Bobbitt and Chris Harp, both of Vance Charter School; and Alexis Cruz and Ian Simmons, both of Henderson Collegiate.
Front row from left: Thomas Murphy, Ian Simmons, Payton Rainey, Alexis Cruz, Jabrial Steed, Dinah Baldwin and Victoria Glasscock. On the second row, from left, are Maximus Parham, Bryton Yarborough, Margaret Bobbitt, Robert Hopper, Chris Harp, Nigee Shearin and La’Zariah Harris. Students on the third row, from left, are Austyn Abbott, Chris Stevenson, Jennifer Sanchez, Natalie Stone, Ashley Zuniga and Daniel Clemente. On the back row, from left, are Kali Wiggs, Daesha Johnson, Kristophe Burwell, Terrance Downing, Tyere Wiggins, Christian Green and Samayia Floyd. Ava Eahart was unavailable for the photo.
This was the 30th year of operation for the School of Excellence. The leadership program is designed for students who have completed their first year of high school and are the top academic achievers in their respective classes.
Students participate in five all-day sessions that include a community service day, a team building day, an industry day when they visit five local businesses, a day featuring educational opportunities at Vance-Granville Community College and a visit to Kerr Lake, the Vance County 911 Center, the Vance County Courthouse and the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. On their final day, the students heard a presentation by Whitney Espinosa, a 2014 graduate of Northern Vance High School, that focused on how to overcome personal obstacles.
This year the students participated in their community service day by assisting volunteers with Rebuilding Hope to repair wheelchair ramps at local homes. Their team building day was held at Keats Point Farm, owned and operated by the family of John, Angela and Andrea Hyson. Students interacted with trained horses on the farm to solve problems and meet challenges posed to them. On the industry day, they toured Franklin Brothers Nursery, Mars Pet Care, the Walmart Distribution Center, Carolina Country Snacks and Vulcan Materials’ Greystone Quarry.
On May 25, Kerr Vance Academy held a banquet to honor the 2017 NCISAA state champion baseball and soccer teams. After dinner, both teams were recognized and coaches presented individual awards.
Varsity Women’s Soccer Awards
Emma Pelfrey – Outstanding Senior
Ashley Dickerson – MVP
Caroline Hoyle – MVP
Emma Hogge – MVP
Riley Short – Coach’s Award
Lorena Negron – Coach’s Award
Bonnie Evans – Outstanding Defensive Player Award
Meagan O’Leary – Coca Cola Academic Award
Nicole Dunkley – CIC Conference Player of the Year
Raz Tegean – CIC Conference Coach of the Year
CIC All Conference Team Selection: Nicole Dunkley, Riley Short, Caroline Hoyle, Bonnie Evans
CIC All Conference Honorable Mention: Emma Pelfrey
All State Selection: Nicole Dunkley, Riley Short
Varsity Men’s Baseball Awards
Banks Conde – Outstanding Senior Award
Jabe Montgomery – MVP
Wil Short – Golden Glove Award
Cam Murphy – Golden Glove Award
Colby Wilkerson – Silver Slugger Award
All-State Baseball – Jabe Montgomery, Colby Wilkerson
CIC All-Conference – Jabe Montgomery, Colby Wilkerson, Cam Murphy, Wil Short
Honorable Mention CIC All-Conference – RJ Johnson
JV Baseball Awards
RJ Johnson – Silver Slugger Award
Tom Echols – Most Valuable Utility Player Award
Cole Merritt – Most Improved Award
Wyatt Humphries – Most Improved Award
Chance Murphy – Golden Glove Award
The VSWCD poster winners from Kerr-Vance Academy are Kaitlyn Painter, Landon Cottrell, and Trent Edwards.
RALEIGH, N.C.(Feb. 15, 2017) – During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.
Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.
Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need firsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.
Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Henderson
3/8/2017: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Kerr Vance Academy, 700 Vance Academy Road
How to help
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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The fifth and sixth grades at Kerr-Vance Academy took time out today from their regular classes to watch the television broadcast of the Presidential Oath of Office and the Inaugural Address.
Language Arts teacher Anne Almand planned the lesson and said, “This is the first Inauguration that our students have been old enough to experience with an understanding of the significance of this event. As part of their study of the governmental structure of the United States, they have discussed the elements of the election process, and they have been witness to this controversial time in our American history. So that the students can feel a part of today’s ceremony, they have memorized the Oath of Office to repeat as administered to the new President.
As a class, our students are aware of the message of excitement and hope that Mr. Trump has communicated to the nation in his challenge to ‘Make America Great, Again.”
(From Headmaster Frank Wiggins)
