Tag Archive for: #vancecountyncnews

N.C. Community College System president to speak at VGCC Commencement

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Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson, the president of the North Carolina Community College System, will be the principal commencement speaker for Vance-Granville Community College’s graduation exercises on Friday, May 12.

Colton Hayes of Epsom, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, will be the student speaker.

Approximately 490 students are scheduled to be honored during ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. at the gazebo by the lake on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. For those unable to attend the event in person, VGCC will broadcast a live video feed from the ceremony online at www.vgcc.edu.

Williamson became the eighth president of the 58-institution North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) on July 1, 2016. Before assuming his role at NCCCS, he served two years as President and CEO of the South Carolina Technical College System. His insight into workforce development is informed by both his 20 years in the South Carolina system – rising through roles from registrar to dean to two college presidencies and then to System President – and by his six years in a leadership position with Agapé Senior, a healthcare-related industry in South Carolina.

Dr. Williamson holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Winthrop University, as well as a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Hayes is graduating with an Associate in Arts degree. Later in May, he will graduate from Franklin County Early College High School. Hayes will continue his education in the fall at North Carolina State University, where he plans to study computer science. He was elected president of the VGCC Student Government Association for the 2016-2017 year, and, in that capacity, also served as the student member of the VGCC Board of Trustees. He is the first early college high school student to serve in those leadership roles in VGCC history. Hayes has been named twice to the VGCC President’s List.

Students serving as graduation marshals will be Brenda Ellis of Durham; Mya Wilson of Franklinton; Taylor Anderson, Victoria Inscoe and Evan O’Geary, all of Henderson; Pamela Campbell of Littleton; Mark Meinhart of Louisburg; Betsy Mason of Macon; Briana Barnes of Manson; and Austin Smith of Oxford.

–VGCC–

Vance Charter School Gearing up for Family Fun Day

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Vance Charter School’s Family Fun Day

Dear Parents and Students,

Vance Charter School’s Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 11 am-2:30 pm. This will be a time for fun, food, and festivities for all VCS students, families, and alumni.

There will be prizes for everyone as well as a raffle of valuable gifts! Tickets for the games are $0.25 each while tickets for the raffle are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. You can purchase tickets in advance at the VCS Spirit Store from 8 am- 5 pm Monday- Friday, May 1-5; tickets will also be on sale at the Family Fun Day. The raffle for the incredible prizes will be held at 2 p.m.

The VCS Girl Scout Troop will kick off our day of fun at 10 a.m. with a teacher field day competition named the “Battle of the Halls,” and the rest of our fun, food, and activities will begin at 11 a.m. There will be lots of food and drinks for sale including hot dogs, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, popcorn, and lemonade.

To make this event successful, we will need many volunteers to serve food, man a booth, or run a game. We also need various supplies, especially cakes for the Cake Walk. If you are willing to help work, donate supplies, or make other contributions, please click this link to sign up:
www.signupgenius.com/tabs/1357FD600A0C9E8C60-family

One of the biggest needs we have is obtaining prizes for adult and kid bingo prizes. If you have items you can donate or re-gift, please do: they make GREAT prizes! If you are a business owner, please consider donating an item or service as a prize; if you work at a business that would be willing to donate an item, service, or gift certificate, we’ll accept the donation gratefully!

If you are interested in making a donation, please use the link to let us know:

www.signupgenius.com/tabs/1357FD600A0C9E8C60-family

Note: Don’t forget to keep your receipts! Donations totaling $30 equal one volunteer hour; this may be a quick and easy way for those who find meeting their volunteer hours a challenge! Donations may also be tax-deductible.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa Bender, Capital Campaign Coordinator, at either 431-0440 ext. 118 or lisa.bender@vancecharterfoundation.org .

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VALUABLE SUPPORT.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT FAMILY FUN DAY!

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Comes to McGregor Hall

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HENDERSON, N.C. (April 27, 2017)—On May 5th, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a 17-piece Big Band from Savannah starring Jeremy Davis Clay Johnson, will perform live on the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center in Henderson, N.C.

“All across America, audiences have fallen in love with these two sophisticated Southern gentleman and the high-energy show that is Davis & Johnson Present the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra,” said Tommy Deadwyler, Executive Director of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center. “We are honored that they are making a stop here in North Carolina.”

Along with the greatest songs, the best original arrangements and phenomenal musicianship, these two bring their rich friendship and charm to the stage. Fashioned in the style and swagger of the legendary entertainers lead by Frank Sinatra, Davis and Johnson are putting their own stamp on the Great American songbook, graced with a touch of Motown, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Elvis and more, offering a freshness and relevance that speaks to every soul.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performs at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center on Friday, May 5th at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 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.

Anthony Pope Named Vance County Schools’ Volunteer of the Year

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Anthony Pope, a dedicated volunteer at the Vance County Early College High School, was named the Vance County Schools’ Volunteer of the Year for 2016-2017 at the school system’s annual Volunteer/Business Partner Recognition Reception on April 27.

    

The event was attended by about 160 volunteers and business partners with our schools, as well as school administrators and staff members. The reception was held in the multipurpose room at Clarke Elementary School.

    

Pope was chosen as the district’s Volunteer of the Year from an outstanding group who volunteer at our 17 local schools. The others honored as each school’s Volunteer of the Year included: Amanda Gill of Aycock Elementary; Marion Perry of Carver Elementary; George Davis of Clarke Elementary; Jack Richardson of Dabney Elementary; Emma Finch of New Hope Elementary; Deborah Sykes of Pinkston Street Elementary; William Brodie of E.M. Rollins Elementary; Cedric Hinton of L.B. Yancey Elementary; Optimist Club of Henderson for E.O. Young Jr. Elementary; Kim Pulley of Zeb Vance Elementary; Valerie Hill of Eaton-Johnson Middle; James Black of Henderson Middle; Joanna Whittacre of both STEM Early High and Northern Vance High; Sylvia Rae of Southern Vance High; and Melissa Elliott of AdVance Academy at Western Vance High.

    

School officials also recognized an additional 74 individuals, groups and businesses as outstanding business partners for the school year. They were honored in the categories of Shining Moment Partners, Champions of Education and Friends of Education. The Henderson Family YMCA and Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department again were recognized for being named co-recipients of the school system’s Shining Moment Award as the top business partners for this school year. They were presented with the award in late January.

    

All of the award recipients were presented their honors by Superintendent Anthony Jackson, Assistant Superintendent Trixie Brooks and Crystal Richardson, Clarke Elementary principal and the district’s Principal of the Year.

    

The Clarke Elementary Chorus also provided musical entertainment at the event.

AdVance Academy Earns AdvancED Accreditation

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The AdVance Academy at Western Vance High School this week completed a thorough two-day review by a team of educators and as a result earned prestigious national accreditation from AdvancED.

AdvancED is the leading educational accreditation agency in the nation.

The school’s accreditation is effective for five years.

Principal Stephanie Ayscue led her staff and students through the accreditation process. The team of national educators who visited the school met with Ayscue and all school staff members. They visited classrooms extensively during their review and also talked with students and parents.

Areas closely studied by the accreditation team included the school’s teaching and learning impact, leadership capacity and resource utilization. A major focus of the review involved the overall teaching and learning environment of the school. The AdVance Academy was rated highly in the major categories reviewed.

The school joins Northern Vance High School in earning the five-year accreditation over the last several weeks. Southern Vance High School will have its accreditation review by AdvancED this fall.

VGCC presents free business seminar on Pinterest

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The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center is offering a free seminar, “Pinterest Made Easy,” on Thursday, May 11, from 2-4 p.m., in Building 7 on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Leading the seminar will be Chisa Pennix-Brown, CEO of Lady Bizness, based in Greensboro. Pennix-Brown has 15 years of experience in business coaching, community outreach, and social media insight. She recently gave a pair of well-received presentations on using mobile apps and Facebook at VGCC’s Small Business Summit in Warrenton. 

With 175 million monthly active users, Pinterest is an increasingly popular social media site for sharing images and videos. “If you have a business where visuals are important, then you want to be on Pinterest,” said Pennix-Brown. She will discuss ways that businesses can use Pinterest to drive traffic to their websites and their other social media outlets. Attendees will learn how to start a business Pinterest page, create their own images for Pinterest sharing, build followers on Pinterest, and use applications to integrate Pinterest with their other marketing.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/small-business-center. Because this will be a hands-on seminar in a computer lab, seating is limited to the first 18 participants who register by May 5.

For more information, contact Tanya Weary at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3240.

–VGCC–

NVHS Student Clara Bobbitt attends Rotary Youth Leadership Conference

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Clara Bobbitt, a junior at Northern Vance High School, attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference for the Rotary Clubs of District 7710 from April 21 through April 23 at Camp Oak Hill in Granville County.

Bobbitt represented the Rotary Club of Henderson at the leadership conference.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference is designed for high school juniors who have demonstrated leadership potential in scholastic, athletic and civic activities. Those students who attend the conference are expected to be future leaders for their communities.

The aim of the conference was to: demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth; provide an effective training experience for selected youth leaders and potential leaders; encourage leadership of youth by youth; and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service for their communities.

The conference was led by adult moderators for discussions, professional facilitators and alumni counselors who come from many different disciplines. Discussions and experiential sessions focused on what leadership is, qualities of leadership, teambuilding activities, trust activities and time and stress management. There also was a high and low ropes challenge course and the opportunity to complete a personal profile.

Bobbitt was selected to attend the conference based on her top academic achievements in her junior class at Northern Vance High School, as well as her leadership skills already exhibited in her school, community and church.

She is the daughter of Ruxton and Karen Bobbitt of Henderson.

Northern Vance High School Honors Junior Marshals

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

April 25, 2017

Northern Vance High School hosted a reception during the afternoon of Monday, April 24, to honor the 16 students selected as junior marshals for the graduation ceremony and other events for members of the Class of 2017.

Principal Andrew Markoch led the recognitions during the reception held in the school’s media center. Parents and other family members of the juniors selected as marshals also were in attendance.

Those students who will serve as marshals this year include: Clara Bobbitt (lead marshal), Akyvia Alston, Kwaji Bullock, Jordan Burnette, Raquel Closs, Briana Coleman, Diamond Durham, Jamon Glover, Madison Hetrick, Makayla Jefferys, Laneka Littlejohn, Erin McAllister, Manaya Perry, Shyanne Robertson, Christopher Stainback and Cody Stainback.

The marshals will be responsible for leading ceremonial procedures not only for the graduation ceremony, but also for Class Night and other year-end events for graduating seniors.

Each of the selected students, who represent the top 10 percent of the academic achievers in the junior class, was presented with a marshal’s sash, gift and certificate.

Northern Vance juniors serving as marshals this year are shown in the accompanying photo and include, front row from left: Jamon Glover, Erin McAllister, Madison Hetrick, Akyvia Alston, Laneka Littlejohn, Briana Coleman, Diamond Durham and Kwaji Bullock. On the back row, from left, are: Manaya Perry, Clara Bobbitt, Raquel Closs, Christopher Stainback, Cody Stainback, Shyanne Robertson, Makayla Jefferys and Jordan Burnette.

Boys & Girls Clubs Name Club Members of the Month

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Meet Chris Blue 


Chris is the North Central North Carolina Region’s Youth of the Year for 2016 and 2017!
Chris grew up in Henderson and became a member of the Vance County Unit at a young age and is getting ready to graduate from high school and heading off to college. He will leave high school with two Associate degrees as well as his diploma. Currently he’s mulling offers between Fayetteville State University, UNC Greensboro, and UNC Charlotte. We are so proud of Chris and the amazing young man he has become.

Meet Nyree


Nyree is 8 years old and has been a member of the Franklin County Boys & Girls Club for one year. She is a 3rd grader and enjoys drawing and building with Legos. Nyree’s favorite subject in school is math and her favorite book is Geronimo Stilton. Nyree’s favorite video game is Super Mario Bros. and her favorite game to play at The Boys & Girls Club is dodgeball. Her favorite thing about the Boys & Girls Club is the awesome people and the awesome staff. She hopes to grow up and work as a staff at the club one day!

Meet Terrance


Terrance  is a club member at the Mariam Boyd Extension of the Warren Unit! He is an exceptional young man, always willing to help other club members and staff.  Very respectful and a model club member! He was chosen to be featured by club staff as member of the month! Terrance is a great joy to be around and admired by his peers.

Meet Lucas


Lucas is the member of the month at the Halifax Unit! Lucas is a first grader and the oldest of three boys. His favorite color is blue and favorite subject at school is math. Lucas loves karate and computer games, but his favorite thing to do is spend time with his family. When asked what is his favorite food, he said “anything my momma is making.” Lucas is the son of Clarissa and Christopher. You can see why Lucas is our member of the month!

Meet Landon


Landon is the Granville County Boys & Girls Club member of the month! He has been a member since August 2016 & has loved every second! He is in 3rd grade & very active in the club. His favorite activity at the club is Triple Play Dodgeball. He also enjoys hanging out with his buddies and eating snack. We are proud of Landon for representing us this month. He was chosen because he is often seen around the club completing random acts of kindness. He is always helping others & showing good character!

VGCC Summer Bridge program accepting applicants

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Vance-Granville Community College is now accepting applications from incoming first-year students for the “Summer Bridge” program.

Summer Bridge is a three-week program designed to enhance a student’s transition from high school to college and prepare them to be successful during their freshman year at VGCC. The program is scheduled for Monday through Friday, July 10-July 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

The program is completely free of charge, including lunch each day, and is conducted at VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. All incoming first-year students who will be attending the college in the fall 2017 semester (which starts in August) and who are North Carolina residents are eligible to participate.

During the program, students will be enrolled in the Success & Study Skills (ACA 115) course, participate in an academic enrichment class and learn about campus support resources in a fun and engaging environment.

The ACA 115 course provides an orientation to campus resources and the academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting and critical thinking.

“Summer Bridge is an excellent opportunity for students to get a head start by gaining the tools and the preparation that will help them succeed during that critical first year of college,” said Jeffrey Allen, VGCC’s dean of enrollment and outreach.

Participants must first apply to VGCC and take the North Carolina Diagnostic and Placement (NC DAP) test prior to enrolling in the Summer Bridge program.

Students are encouraged to register for the program online at www.vgcc.edu/summer-bridge-form.

For more information, contact Allen at allenjl@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3405.

–VGCC–