Tag Archive for: #vancecountyncnews

VGCC grads encouraged by presidents of Community College System and student government

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Less than one year into his tenure as president of the North Carolina Community College System, Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson addressed some of his system’s newest graduates as the principal speaker at Vance-Granville Community College’s 48th commencement exercises on May 12. Members of the Class of 2017 were joined by numerous loved ones at the outdoor ceremony in front of the gazebo on the college’s Main Campus.

While saluting the graduates’ accomplishments thus far, Williamson focused on what their future would hold. “Today is not just an end, it is also a commencement, a new beginning,” he said. “Each of you has a unique ‘what’s next’ path before you. Regardless of your path, you will face obstacles along the way. It’s how you handle those obstacles that will matter the most.”

Williamson said that his own career path had not always been focused. “In hindsight, everything I’ve ever done has led me to this position today, but it was not always so clear for me,” he told the graduates. “Early on in my career, I landed in jobs, almost serendipitously at times, that enabled me to explore new ideas and concepts which I had never considered.” Likewise, Williamson advised graduates to be on the lookout for moments that offer the unexpected. “I’ve never had an opportunity come up to me and shout, ‘Hey, I’m that great opportunity that you’ve been waiting for!’” he said. “No, instead, it presents itself as a challenge or a roadblock that gently steers me in the direction that, upon reflection, seems to be the most obvious of all choices. I would urge you to fully vet any and every opportunity that comes your way.”

The state community college system leader cited the example of twin brothers in the graduating class, Paul and Peter Caroline of Louisburg, who looked at challenges as opportunities to be seized. Williamson formally presented the system’s Academic Excellence Award to Paul, just after he received his Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Both brothers, Franklin County Early College High School students, have received full QuestBridge scholarships, Williamson said, Paul to the University of Pennsylvania and Peter to Stanford University. “They will both make the N.C. Community College System, VGCC and their community proud as they embark on stellar academic pursuits,” Williamson said. “Paul and Peter, we are honored to have been a part of your future.”

Colton Hayes of Epsom, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree, spoke on behalf of his classmates. A Franklin County Early College High School student, Hayes is the first student from an early college program to serve as president of the VGCC Student Government Association and student member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He is set to continue his education at North Carolina State University in the fall.

Hayes said that his time as a VGCC student had taught him about hard work and persistence. “For my fellow students about to walk across this stage tonight, things are about to change,” Hayes said. “Some of you are going straight into the workforce. Some are transferring to four-year universities to further your education. Some may even be going into the line of duty to serve our country. No matter what it is you do, it’s going to be far different from anything you’ve done up until this point, and it’s probably going to be a lot harder than anything you’ve ever done. But we’re going to deal with this the way we’ve dealt with everything else in our lives. We’re going to push forward. We’re going to get stronger. We’re going to get better. And we’re going to jump over every hurdle that life throws at us.”

Following the speakers, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, applauded the graduates for their achievements. “The class of 2017 is a fine group of scholars,” she said, with 70 inductees into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and one third of the class recognized as honor graduates. She noted the diversity of the class, who included not only young Early College High School students, but also “students who have attended college while taking care of families, and some students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. These graduates reflect our living mission.”

After Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine presented the candidates for graduation, Board of Trustees chair Danny Wright and President Williams presented degrees and diplomas and congratulated the graduates. 

Members of this year’s class, including those predicted to graduate at the end of the summer term in July, were awarded a total of 523 credentials. These included 242 Associate in Applied Science degrees in a variety of curriculum programs, 174 Associate in Arts degrees, 59 Associate in Science degrees and 48 technical and vocational diplomas. Many students graduated with more than one credential.

Hayes led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels as the ceremony concluded. Music was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band, conducted by Brian Miller. Bearing the ceremonial mace for commencement was Law Enforcement/BLET Coordinator/Instructor Andrea Hyson, the college’s 2016-2017 Faculty Member of the Year.

–VGCC–

Vance County Schools to host Opportunity Culture Fair

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 26, 2017

Vance County Schools will host an Opportunity Culture Fair on Tuesday, May 30, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Services Center to share information about the educational initiative with our school system and to seek multi-classroom leaders, extended impact teachers and reach associates (teacher assistants) from those who teach in grades K-8 now in our schools.

All elementary and middle school teachers and teacher assistants are urged to attend the Opportunity Culture Fair and learn more about this initiative. The event is open to all interested K-8 educators throughout our region.

Those who attend and visit each information table will be entered into a drawing for two teacher baskets.

To provide all students with excellent teaching and to help students close achievement gaps and leap ahead, our district is supporting schools’ efforts to build an Opportunity Culture for teachers and students. Opportunity Culture models enable schools to reach every student with excellent teachers and their teams consistently, while paying teachers more for their extra responsibilities and helping all educators to improve on the job and work collaboratively. All additional pay is funded with the reallocation of existing budgets.

Teams of administrators and teachers at each school choose and tailor their models. School teams that include teachers decide what reallocations to make to fund higher paid roles, how to design school schedules for collaboration at school, but also for helping peers achieve teaching excellence.

More information about this Public Impact program can be found online at OpportunityCulture.org.

Dr. Anthony Jackson named recipient of 2017 Friday Medal

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 26, 2017

Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, is a recipient of the 2017 Friday Medal awarded by the Friday Institute at N.C. State University for Educational Innovation.

Dr. Jackson has been selected to receive the award along with six other superintendents of rural North Carolina public school systems.

The Friday Medal recognizes the commitment of Bill and Ida Friday for educational excellence. Bill Friday was the long-time president of the University of North Carolina system and he and Mrs. Friday continued to be huge supporters of the university system and public education after his retirement from his prestigious state position.

Dr. Jackson and the other superintendents who have been selected as Friday Medal recipients are being honored for their commitment and leadership for technological innovations used daily in public school classrooms. The Friday Medal recognizes individuals for their significant, distinguished and enduring contributions to education through advocating innovation, advancing education and imparting inspiration. The award is given annually to selected individuals who embody the mission and spirit of the Friday Institute.

Dr. Jackson will be officially presented with the 2017 Friday Medal in a ceremony that will take place on November 15, 2017, at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation in Raleigh.

Henderson Vance DDC To Present Spring Fling

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The Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission will present Spring Fling 2017 on Saturday, June 3rd. The event will take place on Breckenridge Street in front of the Perry Memorial Library from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

There will be activities for adults and children. Live Music and Dance are expected to be popular attractions.

Food Vendors and Arts & Crafts Vendors will be on site.

Vendors include: Aviator Craft Brewery, All American Gutters, It’s All About Custom Catering, Keep Collective, Lularoe Products, Tisha’s Tattoos, and others

Admission is free but vendors have their own fee list.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Check out hendersonncdowntown.com.

Matt Nowell named Interim Manager of McGregor Hall

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The McGregor Hall Board of Directors has named Matt Nowell as the interim manager of the performing arts center.  Mr. Nowell, serving as Technical Director since 2015, will assume the position recently vacated by Tommy Deadwyler, who has decided to pursue new projects outside the local area.   Mr. Deadwyler served as executive director of the hall since its opening in October 2015.

“The board is pleased to have someone of Mr. Nowell’s experience step into this leadership role,” said John Wester, chairman of the board of directors. “He has been with us since the beginning, working with the artists Mr. Deadwyler brought to our stage and the organizations that have used the facility.  We wish the best for Mr. Deadwyler in his new endeavors,” Mr. Wester said.

The board of directors is preparing the 2017-2018 season.  “Opening and operating a facility such as McGregor Hall requires many different elements that work together. McGregor Hall has an engaged board of directors and a tremendously loyal group of volunteers and patrons,” Mr. Wester continued. “I have no doubt these committed groups will continue to be important elements that make us successful.”

John Wester
Chairman, McGregor Hall Board of Directors

Southern Vance’s Coach Ackles to hold basketball academy

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The event will be June 19-21 at Southern Vance from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon each day.

Registration will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on June 19th at Southern Vance.

The cost is $60.00 per child and payment can be in the form of cash or check.

Campers should bring appropriate basketball clothing, a drink, a snack, a winning attitude, and a willingness to learn the game of basketball.

The academy is open to all boys and girls ages 9-17. Campers may not be high school graduates.

 

Joe Sharrow

Southern Vance High School Athletic Director

Youngsville man charged with killing mother at Kerr Lake

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A Youngsville man was charged Wednesday with strangling his mother at the family’s house on Kerr Lake, authorities said.

Vance County deputies were called to 135 Friendly Lane at around 2:15 p.m. for a possible cardiac arrest, but Sheriff Peter White said deputies immediately suspected foul play once they got to the lake house.

Geraldine Oakes, 55, of Youngsville, was dead, and her injuries suggested that she had been strangled, White said.

Oakes and her son, Jarred Robert Oakes, 29, had been cleaning up the property at the time.

Jarred Oakes was charged with murder and was being held in the Vance County jail.

Sheriff White said Oakes has a history of mental illness, and investigators aren’t sure he knows what happened.

(The Vance County Sheriff’s Office and WRAL News contributed to this report)

United Way of Vance County holds unique fundraiser

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Prime parking spaces at some local businesses were graciously donated to the United Way to help with our fundraising efforts for our 3rd Grade Reading Initiative…United We Read, United We Succeed!

Sponsors are:

BB&T

Mast Family Drug Center

Walmart Supercenter (4 parking spaces)

Marketplace Cinema

Skipper Forsyth’s Bar-B-Que

Vance County Schools Admin Services

Chick-fil-A

Passes are $40 each or 2/$60 and are good until 12/31/17.

The passes are available at the United Way office on Dabney Drive.

New passes will be available beginning in January.  If you purchase one now, you can get a discount next year.

Regis visits VGCC to conduct training for Cosmetology students

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The Cosmetology program at Vance-Granville Community College recently welcomed the Regis Corporation to conduct a free, one-day training session for students and instructors from all four of the college’s campuses. Regis Corporation, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the beauty industry’s global leader in beauty salons and cosmetology education.

“I would like to thank Regis for the free training that they set up, the way they catered to the students, the modern updo styling techniques they showed them, and the way they included technology to make it fun for the students,” VGCC Cosmetology program head Tomeka Moss said. “Our Department Chair, Mr. Hargrove, even participated by attempting to complete a portion of one of the updos on a manikin to show how well the presenter delivered the information and how she made it easy for the students to follow.”

Leading the instruction was Michelle Roderick, a Raleigh-based artistic director for Regis. She applauded students on attending the training to increase their technical skills. Roderick and other experts from Regis spent the day demonstrating various techniques, which the students would then practice on manikins. “We are honored to be here and we thank the leadership at VGCC for hosting us,” Roderick said, adding, to the students: “I am moved by your passion for this industry, and I wish you the best on your journey.”

Recent VGCC Cosmetology graduate Maria Ordonez of Warrenton, who now works at Smart Styles in Henderson, said she enjoyed the event. “I learned more about Regis products that I could use with my clients,” Ordonez said, and she looked forward to trying them. She was intrigued that Regis instructors described them as healthier for hair than some other products.

VGCC offers diploma and certificate programs in Cosmetology, along with a Cosmetology Instructor certificate program. These curriculum programs provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. Students develop their skills in a simulated salon environment at each campus, located in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

New students interested in Cosmetology can apply for admission now, online (www.vgcc.edu) or on any VGCC campus. Orientation, advising and registration for summer and fall classes are currently ongoing. For more information, contact Tomeka Moss at (252) 738-3357.

NVHS inducts latest members of NTHS

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 24, 2017

Northern Vance High School students, who are outstanding academic achievers in their Career and Technical Education courses, were inducted into the school’s chapter of the National Technical Honor Society on May 24.

The student recognitions occurred during the school’s annual National Technical Honor Society Induction and Cording ceremony and reception. The event was held in the school’s media center.

They are shown in the first photo holding the framed certificates they received and include, seated from left, Alex Machado, Tobias Mosley, Erin Ramseur and Amber Reid. The remaining inductees are, standing from left, Shyanne Robertson, Kamiya Scott, Jodi Vaughan, Jaylen Webb and Alajhasha Williams. Christopher Stainback also was inducted, but could not attend the event.

Seniors at Northern Vance who have demonstrated high academic achievements throughout their high school careers in Career and Technical Education courses also received honorary cords to wear in their graduation ceremony. They are shown in the second photo and include, seated from left, Antavia Alexander, Jared Bennett, Don’Ye Burwell and Brooks Falkner. Others are, standing from left, Chontara Mason, Shadi Nagi, Courtney Parham, Deriana Scott, Imani Simmons and Jaylen Webb. Also honored, but unable to attend the event, were Caitlin Melvin and Penny Phan.