Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VCHS Grad 2020

Vance County High School Graduates 220 in Drive-Thru Ceremony

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County High School celebrated commencement with 220 graduates on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 9 a.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance County High School. 

Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. Students were afforded the opportunity to graduate on their scheduled commencement day. Each graduate was limited to one vehicle; however, the ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website, as well as live updates provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM for other family, friends and community members. The event was also covered by Spectrum News. 

Once graduates arrived, the family received their graduation programs and began the line-up in their vehicles. Family members were congratulated during the processional drive-thru as their child exited the vehicle and walked towards the stage through a tunnel of celebrations.

The finale included family who were able to view their graduate walking across the stage, an integral part of the plan. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Rey Horner, principal of Vance County High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma. 

Graduates included:

Ruby Aguirre, Dw’aylon Alexander, America Alfaro, Haytham Ali, Omar Ali, Avery Allen, Jylesha Allen, Nijah Allen, Elijah Alston, Kaleeha Alston, Tamia Alston, Tyasha Alston, Tre’Quan Archie, Dinah Baldwin, Breanna Ball, Jamila Barnes, Annie Baskerville, Isaac Bell McLean, Tyler Bondurant, Jatavious Boyd, Roy Boyd, Tajmia Boyd, Traquan Boyd, Nashiya Branch, Sha’Nia Branch, Lamaurice Bridges, Ricky Brodie, Kapri Brown, Jasmine Brummitt, Tyree Bryant, Jy’Hem Bullock, Sha’Mya Bullock, Treshaun Burton, Armarnee Burwell, Ashanti Burwell, Kristophe’ Burwell, Phillip Burwell, Samein Burwell, Jonathan Castilleja, Jermey Clark, Keyuna Cofield, Kasaveon Cole, Keziah Coleman, Sherique Coleman, Malik Cooper, Tra’Veon Cooper, Aaliyah Copeland, La-Dashia Coppedge, Jamie Crute, Jordan Dalipe, Tammy Dang, James Davis, Shamarra Davis, Kaya Devaughn, Terrance Downing, Harry Drumgold, Ashanti Edwards, Kayla Ellington, Kiana Epps, Mariela Escribano Chontal, Davonte’ Evans, E’nya Evans, Ky’Ree Evans, Sarah Evans, Ke’Mari Falcon, Tydasia Faulkner, Keith Fisher, Samayia Floyd, Hope Fogg, Ijaray Gary, Nshama-Rishona Gibbs, Victoria Glasscock, Quincy Glover, Jada Gray, Christian Green, Jamari Green, Logan Grimes, Ernesha Hallom, Clitayvious Hammond, Breaoni Hargrove, Ja’niya Hargrove, Jebias Hargrove, Jonah Hargrove, Mark Hargrove, Howard Harley, Amauri Harris, La’Zariah Harris, Michael Harris, Trekwon Harrison, Carneshia Hawkins, Devone Hayes, Ijanae’ Henderson, Kennede Henderson, Tory Henderson, Andrea Hendricks, Tyree Hendricks, Susanna Hernandez, Diana Hernandez-Campos, Ja’Khiah Hicks, Joye Hicks, Diamond Hope, Keiron Hunt, Shamia Hymon, Eric Jett, Brian Johnson, De’Andre Johnson, Nikita Johnson, Anasia Jones, Davion Jones, Diamonte’ Jones, Edward Jones, Jabari Jones, Kayla Jones, Phadol Jordan, Carlos Juarez-Hernandez, Jy’Kavious Judkins, Ashanti Kearney, Ta’niah Kearney, Dewayne Kennedy, Quinysha King, Jolvin Kingsberry, Kahlil Kingsberry, Austin Lawless, Carolina Leon, Aquavion Lewis, Jhanell Lewis, Taliya Lewis, Tiyani Lewis, Monserrat Lopez, Asia Loyd, Ta’Quan Lyons, Jose Maldonado, Ausencio Maldonado-Alvarez, Victoria Martiny, Tahkeira McKnight, Stephanie Melgar, Jessica Mellor, Leahana Melton, Marilyn Mendoza Mata, Vanessa Mendoza, Kyra Mitchell, Ny’Asia Mitchell, Ja’Quan Moore, Madison Moore,Yesenia Morales, Thomas Murphy, Gianna Ortiz, Rodney Palmer, Brian Paramo-Saldana, Ma’kiyah Parham, Maximus Parham, Rontaja Peace, Cody Pegram, Kayla Penny, Natasha Perry, Shakilvin Pettaway, Payton Rainey, Elsa Ramos, Michael Reavis, Ashanti Richardson, Dai’Quan Roberts, Gustavo Robles-Delao, Julie Rodriguez, Yareli Rodriguez Ramirez, Breanna Rodwell, Jackson Royster, Tamara Sanchez, Jennifer Sanchez-Alejo, Brian Santaclara, Laura Santos Hernandez, Sylvester Shaw, Jay’la Shearin, Jaylen Shearin, Nigee Shearin, Sha’Joya Smith, Larry Springs, Christopher Stevenson, Ta’Ree Sulyans, Isis Taylor, Kaziah Taylor, Duquasha Terrell, Kristina Terry, Lantavious Terry, Noah Terry, Rockele Terry, Tiana Terry, Destinee Thompson, Miriam Trejo, Delmy Trochez Sanchez, Edgar Torres, Jalen Townes, Malik Townes, Thomas Townes, Maria Umanzor Guzman, Keyon Umstead, Marcos Vasconcelos, Anna Ventura, Jecario Watson, Destiny Weaver, Jordan Webb, Si’mone Webb, Derrick Wiggins, Tyere’ Wiggins, Jhaiiheeim Wilkins, Zachary Willard, Antonio Williams, Csaveon Williams, Dynasty Williams, Melaine Williams, Rosolind Williams, Sydiahiah Williams, Thomasina-Hydeia Williams-Niles, Jacob Williamson, Bryanna Wilson, Da’Unta Wimbush, Atiya Woods, Rielly Wortham, Bryton Yarborough, Phajja Yarborough and Ashley Zuniga.

Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 43 graduating Vance County High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude). 

Senior Victoria Glasscock delivered a pre-recorded speech to her class. 

In addition to 220 high school diplomas being awarded, combined, Vance County High School students have been awarded over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships and grants. This number continues to grow as students are still receiving award letters that were delayed by COVID-19. 

Although the Class of 2020 did not experience a traditional senior year, VCS is proud to have provided a graduation that allowed every senior their moment to shine and be celebrated. We are extremely proud of our seniors and wish them the best as they journey ahead.

For additional photos from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).

 

 

Coach's Corner Logo

Coach’s Corner 05/26/20: Former SVHS, VGCC Basketball Coach Heading to Wake Forest

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Greg Ackles, the new head men’s basketball coach for Wake Forest High School and former coach at Southern Vance High School (SVHS) and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC), appeared on the WIZS Coach’s Corner Tuesday.

Serving as the head men’s basketball coach at VGCC for the past two years, and at SVHS for the five years prior, Ackles now takes on a Wake Forest team with a recent 1-9 conference and 5-20 overall record.

While Ackles has his work cut out for him, he said his experience with team building and motivating players to be competitive – as witnessed in doubling the number of VGCC wins during his two-year coaching tenure – will serve him well.

“I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I know what I’m capable of and I know my ability in terms of building a program,” said Ackles. “The expectation is the same regardless of any job I take on: to get the players to be competitive.”

Ackles said he has already been in talks with the Cougar’s Junior Varsity basketball coach and has an online meeting scheduled with players this evening for a general meet-and-greet. It is expected that the majority of the players, with the exception of the four seniors who graduated, will be returning for the next season.

With the recent retiring of VCHS basketball coach Wilton Baskett leaving an open position at the combined high school, Ackles said he “heavily debated” his options, but ultimately decided to apply for the Wake Forest position and to accept the resulting job offer.

“I want to say thank you to Vance County because they treated me well the past seven years at both the high school and at VGCC. Hopefully, we can make this thing work at Wake Forest.”

VGCC Biotech Students Participate in Virtual Career Fair

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Students studying biotechnology at Vance-Granville Community College recently joined their counterparts from a handful of other colleges in a career fair that was tailor-made for the current state of social distancing and video-conferencing. 

On May 14, nine VGCC Bioprocess students participated – from their homes – in the first in a planned series of Virtual Career Fairs organized by the BioNetwork, part of the N.C. Community College System. Representatives of several North Carolina biopharmaceutical companies talked with students, including Biogen, Catalent, KBI, Guerbet, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Seqirus, along with staffing agencies like Adecco, Manpower and Spectraforce. 

“This innovative event represented an outstanding partnership of Vance-Granville staff, the BioNetwork and the private sector,” said Stewart Lyon, who heads VGCC’s Biotech programs, based at the college’s Franklin County Campus. “Although the full results are still being tabulated, we know that our students were able to speak with an average of six employers during the event, and one student spoke with 13 potential employers!  Some participants have also confirmed that they have received invitations to formal job interviews from the event.”

VGCC not only made this opportunity available to students but also helped prepare them ahead of time, so they could present themselves in the best professional light. Lyon, VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher and BioNetwork staff all helped review the students’ resumes before the event. In fact, having an “approved” resume was a requirement for students to participate. Lyon and Fletcher continue to offer such services to students, to help them secure good jobs after they complete their studies. 

Enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester is going on now for the Bioprocess Technology program. VGCC offers a Bioprocess Technology certificate, which can be completed in as little as six months (combining online coursework with labs meeting only once per week); a diploma program, which takes about one year, and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. All these options are eligible for federal financial aid to qualified students. 

Lyon also points out that students have options to continue their education beyond VGCC, particularly through new transfer opportunities. Students seeking four-year degrees can transfer to North Carolina Central University and East Carolina University through special articulation agreements.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Mr. Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3632.

Prospective students are also encouraged to check the college website, www.vgcc.edu, and the Facebook page – facebook.com/vancegranville – this summer for announcements on upcoming Biotech information sessions.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

VCRFM’s May 28 Online Advisory Board Meeting Open to the Public

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The next meeting of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

For access information, please contact the NC Cooperative Extension’s Vance County Center by 1 p.m. on May 28. Those interested in participating may call (252) 438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

Dr. Andrea Harris

In Memory of Dr. Andrea Harris, Local Resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer

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-Obituary and photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service

Dr. Andrea Lynnette Harris, 71, of West Rockspring Street, Henderson, died May 20, 2020, at Duke Raleigh Medical Center in Raleigh. She was born in Sumter, SC to the late Al Harris, Sr. and Geneva Smith Harris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. No public services will be held at this time.

She is survived by two nieces: Alana and Omara Harris; and one great-niece, Lourdes Harris, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are by Davis-Royster Funeral Service: https://www.davis-royster.com/obituaries/Dr-Andrea-Lynnette-Harris?obId=14048441#/celebrationWall

Dr. Andrea Harris, Henderson resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer, died May 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service)

Congressman G. K. Butterfield issued the following statement on Harris:

“Andrea Harris lived a life of passion, humility and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and blazing trails for the economic advancement of minority groups. From being the youngest community agency director in the nation at age 23 to serving as Co-founder of the Senior Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development in Durham, NC; Andrea dedicated her life’s work to the imperative economic principle that prosperity must be shared and never isolated.”

“Though she was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for her work in business and leadership—above all, Andrea Harris is beautifully adorned by the doors that she has opened, the opportunities that she has fostered and the lasting impact she has made on individuals, businesses and minority communities in North Carolina. Her legacy continues to challenge us all to be better, to speak up, to make our voices heard and our purpose clear. Andrea was my personal friend for more than 40 years, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said Harris will be remembered as a trailblazer for historically underutilized businesses and for her work with civil rights. She was serving as a member of the Vance County Economic Development Commission Board and was on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington had these kind words: “Today we remember one of the brightest lights of our time. A brilliant champion for all people, a fierce friend and truly a phenomenal lady. Like so many others, we cherish the time we were privileged to share with Andrea Harris. With a strong word she had the ability to remind us what was truly important. I recall the words of Maya Angelou, ‘No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn.’”

Yesterday, NC Governor Roy Cooper honored Harris’ many accomplishments by ordering all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, May 23.

Henderson Family YMCA Moving Ahead With Youth Summer Day Camp

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Co. Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson Family YMCA will hold summer day camp for ages 4-12 weekly beginning June 1 through August 7, 2020.

Camp will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation is $115 per week for members and $135 per week for non-members. Financial assistance is available.

Registration is available online only at https://www.hendersonymca.org/programs/camps/summer-day-camp

The camp will conduct daily health screenings and will follow recommendations from the NCDHHS, CDC and the health department.

More information on a virtual camp option and a teen camp for members 13-17 is coming soon.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, please visit the website at www.hendersonymca.org or call (252) 438-2144.

Vance Co. Early College High School Graduates 41 in Drive-Thru Ceremony

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County Early College High School celebrated commencement with 41 graduates on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College. 

Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website and live updates were provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM. 

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Travis Taylor, principal of Vance County Early College High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma. 

Graduates were Ashly Arias, Dawson Ayscue, Evan Beaudet, Angela Bolanos Salazar, Mason Boone, Jasmine Davis, Daniela Decena-Santos, Aryianna Dockery, Virginia Ellis, Adison Evans, Emani’ Foster, Kierra Gray, Cheyenne Guerrant, Matthew Gupton, Viviana Hernandez, Seth Hight, Wesley Hight, Lakaevyn Holden, Tania Hunter, Isaiah Johen, Tre’Quan Johnson, Josiah Jones, Malik Kilgore, Logan Ludenburg, Destiny McBurrough, Kristyn Medlin, Hanna Miller, Chauncy Noel, Brayden Patterson, Jade Puryear, Josie Roberson, Kendall Royster, Jennifer Solomon, Julie Solomon, Jabrial Steed, Jessica Steed, Aure Tejada, Lane Wade, Ahbrionna Williams, Haley Williams and Leslie Zuniga Trejo.

Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 31 graduating Vance County Early College High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude). 

Seniors Jade Puryear and Josiah Jones delivered pre-recorded speeches to their class. 

In addition to 41 high school diplomas being awarded, 29 students earned an Associate of Arts degree, and an additional 12 students earned transferrable college credit. Combined, the Vance County Early College High School students have been awarded over $5 million in scholarships and grants. 

For additional pictures from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).

 

 

Vance Co. Early College Grad

Vance Co. Early College Grad

Vance Co. Early College Grad

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Report; NC Moves to Phase 2 of Lifting Restrictions

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Brian Short, director of H-V Emergency Management

As of May 21, 2020, there are 222 known COVID -19 cases in Granville County, 194 cases in Vance County, and 20,860 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC, one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 99 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 45 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 18 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 123 community-based cases in Granville County, 54 have been released from isolation and five are hospitalized.

Of the 99 cases in the prison system, 67 have been released from isolation.

Of the 194 cases in Vance County, 75 have been released from isolation and 11 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 26 deaths in the health district – 19 in Vance County and seven with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

In state news, Governor Cooper and DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen issued Executive Order 141 announcing that North Carolina will move into “Safer At Home” Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions today, Friday, May 22, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness. Teleworking is also urged when possible.

Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches.

Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including bars, night clubs, gyms and indoor fitness facilities and indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters and bowling alleys.

Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations, including restaurants at 50% dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; pools at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements.

Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements.

Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level.

Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.

The Safer At Home Phase 2 runs through at least Friday, June 26, 2020.

Salvation Army

Town Talk 05/21/20: Salvation Army Increases Food Distribution; Summer Camp a Go

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Lt. Derrick Smith and Kim Davis, with the Henderson Salvation Army, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Food Distribution

To ensure that the nutritional needs of the community are met during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army is now distributing emergency food boxes every 30 days instead of the typical every 60-90 days.

Food Bank-provided fresh produce boxes with a variety of fruits and vegetables are also available at the Salvation Army’s new location at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson.

Food boxes are available for pickup Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Picture ID is encouraged but not required for food distribution.

Those in need of transportation can call the Salvation Army at (252) 438-7107 and a ride will be arranged courtesy of KARTS.

Summer Camp 2020

According to Davis, director of the Red Shield Club and Community Center, the Henderson Salvation Army’s summer camp is a go this year for all youth ages 6 to 17.

The Red Shield Boys & Girls Club camp will be held June 15 through August 14, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Participants may attend all nine weeks or may pick and choose weeks. Cost is $55 per week, and snacks and lunch are provided each day.

Activities include spiritual programs, daily devotionals, curriculum programs, lessons on healthy habits, music, drama, painting, sports, gaming, computer lab and much more.

To keep campers and workers safe during the pandemic, Davis said the camp will follow strict safety guidelines and will be thoroughly disinfected daily. “Our number one priority is the safety of all – children and staff. We will be following National Health and Safety standards, along with the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, and will be cleaning every day, all day.”

Registration forms are now available at the front desk of the Salvation Army located at 2292 Ross Mill Road. A $25 registration fee applies; however, the fee is waived for any additional siblings.

Davis said several guardians have completed the camp registration in their car and returned the form to the front desk, decreasing their chances of possible virus exposure and saving them an extra trip.

Other News

Registration for the Salvation Army’s 2020-2021 after-school program begins July 1. Forms may be picked up at the front desk. With local schools potentially starting the new school year on different dates, Davis said the organization is prepared to offer both summer camp and after school care for the weeks that coincide.

On the job front, the Salvation Army has several paid positions available, including Education Coordinator, Program Aide – Sports and Fitness, as well as several summer camp positions. Apply online at www.indeed.com.

To hear the interview with Smith and Davis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Warns Public of Increase in Scam Calls

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the public aware of some recent trends that the agency has noticed.

From May 4, 2020, to the present, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office has received approximately nine incident reports that relate to Identity Fraud/Theft, Credit Card Fraud, Obtaining Property by False Pretense and Forgery. It appears that most of the investigations have some international ties to different countries.

The public should be mindful that if you receive a request from an unknown person or persons asking you to buy gas cards or supply them with your Social Security Card, banking information or purchasing animals through Paypal, you could be getting scammed.

We want to encourage the members of our community to be mindful of their financial transactions and ask that you do not provide personal information over the phone.

If you have any questions, please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (252) 738–2200.