Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

KVA Marks 50 Years Of Accreditation With Latest External Review

Kerr-Vance Academy Head of School Matthew McLaughlin has announced that the school has achieved 50 years of accreditation from Cognia, a nonprofit improvement organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand with Kerr-Vance Academy today as we reach this milestone,” McLaughlin stated in a letter to KVA parents.  “Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides a nationally recognized mark of quality and sustained excellence for our school. Being able to maintain this distinction for 50 years demonstrates our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

KVA Board of Trustees President Robert Bowen – who also is a KVA alumnus and a KVA parent – reflected on a half-century of accreditation.

“We are reminded of the dedication and commitment that have brought us here. This achievement reflects our unwavering focus on providing an exceptional education for our students, ensuring that they are prepared to thrive in the world. On behalf of the KVA Board of Trustees, we are proud of the hard work of our educators, students and the community, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence for many years to come.”

Throughout its more than 125 years of service, Cognia has recognized schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource reallocation, and effective leadership. To receive Cognia Accreditation, a school must submit to an external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission is a recognition that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring that all students can flourish in engaging and equitable school environments. Kerr-Vance Academy has continually met high standards and made progress on key indicators that impact student learning. Maintaining their accredited status for half of a century can only be achieved with a steadfast commitment to high quality education and continuous improvement.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Accreditation at https://www.cognia.org/.

Visit https://www.kerrvance.com/  to learn more.

Maria Parham Health To Hold Annual ‘Trunk Or Treat’ Oct. 28

Maria Parham Health will host its 4th annual drive-thru Trunk or Treat event on Monday, Oct. 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., providing a safe and festive way for families to celebrate Halloween.

The drive-thru Trunk or Treat allows children to remain in their cars as they enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween, said Donna Young, MPH public information officer.

Costumed volunteers will pass out candy through open car windows to create a unique and safe trick-or-treating experience. “We started our Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat in October of 2021, in an effort to give children a safe way to trick or treat during the  COVID outbreak. The community really enjoyed doing it this way, so it stuck,” Young explained.

Families from the Henderson and Vance County communities are encouraged to bring their little ghosts and goblins for an evening filled with elaborately decorated trunks, festive costumes, and, of course, plenty of candy!

Details about the drive-thru route will be announced about a week before the event, so be sure to keep an eye on the MPH Facebook page for the latest updates.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Grant Funding Available To Preserve Farmland Through Agricultural Easements

Landowners interested in preserving farmland through agricultural conservation easements can apply for grants through a state trust fund. The application period is open now and ends Jan. 17, 2025.

County governments and conservation nonprofit groups can apply for farmland preservation grants from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund; property owners work with county governments or land trusts to apply for the funding, according to information from the office of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“A growing population and increased development continue to put pressure on family farms,” Troxler stated. “Agricultural conservation easements are the best tool to preserve farmland. I encourage farmers and landowners across the state to work with local partners and apply for grant funding to become North Carolina Forever Farms.”

Grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests; to support public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; to develop agricultural plans; and to create Agricultural Growth Zones that enhance local investments in farmland preservation.

If awarded a grant in which the application requests funds for the conservation easement purchase value, landowners will be compensated for the purchase of the development rights.

During the most recent grant cycle, the N.C. ADFP Trust Fund awarded $18.2 million to protect working farms and forests, support county farmland preservation efforts and promote agricultural enterprises.

Agricultural conservation easements not funded in the previous grant cycle are encouraged to reapply for funding. Reapplications must notify the Farmland Preservation Division via online form.

A new online grant portal will be used for Cycle 18 applications. Grant applications, rules and information packets are available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants. For more information, call the Farmland Preservation office at 919.707.3074.

VCS Announces October Student Spotlight Honorees

From VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Vance County Schools has recognized four students from across the district in its October Student Spotlight. These students were selected not just because of their academic achievements, but also because they embody qualities like kindness, dedication, a commitment to personal growth and service to others.

This month’s winners are Lucas Tyburski from STEM Early High, Fatima Ramirez Ramirez of Vance Virtual Village Academy, Rihanna Williams of Vance County High and Damira Williams from Advance Academy. Read more below about their accomplishments, dreams and role models.

Lucas Tyburski, 8th Grader

Lucas was nominated by his teachers and school administration. He exemplifies the qualities of a true STEM shark – someone who cares for his school, his peers and his community.

Lucas recently took the initiative to organize a donation drive for those affected by Hurricane Helene. He also serves as co-president of the SAVE Club (Students Against Violence Everywhere) at STEM, participates in RoboVance and is an anchor on the school’s news team. These contributions highlight his drive to create a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. Lucas’s favorite subject, Social Studies, allows him to explore various cultures, geography and history.

His dream is becoming a sports commentator, covering games like baseball, basketball, hockey and football—fueled by his love of sports and experience as a catcher on his baseball team. A natural-born leader, Lucas admires the versatility and determination of pro baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani, and he hopes to inspire others through his involvement in school and community initiatives.

Lucas enjoys reading, and his favorite book being Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

When asked what advice he would give to other students, Lucas emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities—wisdom he has gained through his own personal growth over the years. Most recently, he has enjoyed studying estuaries in science class, where he discovered that bears inhabit Pamlico Sound—just one example of his curiosity and love for learning.

If he could have any superpower, Lucas says he would want to make people kind and friendly, believing that spreading positivity is essential for moving forward in life.

 Lucas’s academic journey is driven by the encouragement and support of his teachers, who continue to motivate him daily. As a standout student and a shining example of what it means to be a STEM Shark, Lucas Tyburski’s passion, leadership and dedication make him a true asset to STEM Early High School and the greater Vance County community.

Fatima Ramirez Ramirez, 12th grader

Vance Virtual Village Academy is proud to highlight the achievements of Fatima Ramirez Ramirez, a senior whose hard work, positivity and academic success make her a standout student. Nominated by her English Language Arts teacher, Cynthia Schlessinger, Fatima’s

commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to both students and staff.

In addition to her V3A courses, Fatima is enrolled in Vance-Granville Community College classes, where she is working toward an associate’s degree.

Her academic drive is matched by her involvement in extracurricular activities, including her membership in the Beta Club and her volunteer work at the VGCC daycare. Fatima’s teacher, Penny Britt, commends her for her positivity, noting that “Fatima’s courteous demeanor makes every conversation enjoyable. Her work is always accurate and delivered on time, reflecting her dedication and attention to detail.”

As a student who has exceptional participation in class, attends all in-person learning events, excels in her coursework and engages in extra-curricular activities, Fatima is a true leader within V3A.

When asked about her favorite subjects, Fatima expressed a particular interest in history, explaining that she enjoys learning about the stories of the world’s past. She also enjoys creating sculptures out of clay and dreams of one day pursuing a career in archaeology and anthropology, where she can travel the world and explore the rich history of different cultures. Fatima’s role model is Hypatia of Alexandria, a renowned teacher and philosopher from ancient Egypt. Fatima admires Hypatia’s bravery and intelligence, stating, “She was a woman too advanced for her time – she stood up for women.” Fatima’s own resilience and determination are evident in her goals for the future, which include helping those in need by addressing issues such as homelessness and food insecurity.

When reflecting on her journey at V3A, Fatima shared that her favorite aspect of the school is the supportive teachers, adding she has found true success since enrolling at the school two years ago. She believes her past experiences motivate her to work hard and achieve her dreams, saying, “I want to be successful and support myself and my family in the future.” Fatima’s advice to other students is to “be yourself and if no one believes in you, you have to believe in yourself. The sky is not the limit; you can go beyond that.” Fatima’s dedication to her education, passion for learning, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world make her a remarkable student and a role model for her peers.

Rihanna Williams, 12th grader

Senior Rihanna Williams School already has her sights set on what’s after high school – and VCHS administration shared, “Rihanna’s commitment to her academics and future plans sets her apart as a role model for her peers. Rihanna has already been accepted to N.C. Central University, where she plans to pursue her dream of becoming a traveling nurse.” In addition to her academic pursuits, Rihanna is an active participant in the school’s Chorus, a passion she has nurtured since she was a freshman under the guidance of Dr. Kowind Stokes.

Rihanna’s academic ambitions and desire to make a difference in the healthcare field reflect her dedication to personal growth and service to others. She is well-known among her peers for her positive attitude and constant support. She shared that her favorite thing about Vance County High School is the support she receives from administration and teachers, noting, “They care and want me to be successful.” When asked about her inspirations, Rihanna named her mother, Alethea Williams, as her greatest role model. “She has been with me through a lot and pushes me to stay focused,” Rihanna explained. Her mom’s influence has shaped her into the resilient and driven young woman she is today.

Rihanna also shared her vision for making a difference in her community. If given the opportunity, she would work to end violence and encourage greater collaboration among community members to create a safer, more supportive environment.

Rihanna’s favorite movie is Transformers and she dreams of traveling to Bora Bora. If she could possess any superpower, she would choose invisibility to help others without fanfare. Her advice to fellow students is simple yet powerful: “Stay focused in school and don’t follow in the wrong ways. “Rihanna Williams is a shining example of the values and excellence that define the students of Vance County High School.

Damira Williams, 7th grader

AdVance Academy is excited to shine the spotlight on Damira S. Williams, a 7th-grade student nominated by her teachers. Damira is a member of the SAVE Club (Students Against Violence Everywhere), where she consistently demonstrates her commitment to helping others and making a positive impact. She is passionate about creating change and strives to support those around her.

Damira’s favorite subject is Math because of her love for calculating and problem-solving. She is still exploring her career goals but is determined to be successful, setting high standards for herself and continuously pushing forward.

Outside the classroom, Damira enjoys dancing and listening to a variety of music genres. Her favorite movie is Scream and she enjoys spending time with her family. Damira admires her sister, Jada, for her accomplishments and the strong bond they share, as well as her mother for being a source of strength and support.

Damira enthusiastically shared her fascination with science terminology and gaining knowledge to become successful. If she could have any superpower, Damira says she would choose the ability to teleport, allowing her to travel anywhere instantly—an exciting prospect for someone who dreams of visiting Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower.

Damira’s motivation comes from within, and she consistently works toward achieving her goals. Her advice to fellow students is to “Keep pushing, don’t be a follower but be a leader. Listen to those giving you advice and stay focused.” As a student at AdVance Academy, Damira values the opportunities available to her and feels that the school truly cares about its students. She is grateful for the supportive environment and the encouragement she receives from her teachers and peers. Looking ahead, one of her wishes is to see a reduction in violence, particularly in her hometown of Henderson, believing that creating a safer community would make a significant difference. AdVance Academy is proud to recognize Damira Williams as a student who exemplifies the school’s values of excellence.

Congratulations to October’s Student Spotlight winners!

Vance County Gains Retirement Community Designation; Official Ceremony Oct. 22 At 1 PM

Relax. Relate. Retire.

Sounds pretty nice, right?

Vance County receives its official designation as a “Retirement Community” at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in a ceremony at Satterwhite Point Community Building, 20 Shoreline Lane at Kerr Lake.

This designation has been in the works for a while, and Vance County Tourism’s Pam Hester said next week’s event will put an exclamation mark on what locals have known for a long time – that Vance County is conveniently located to bigger cities while offering local amenities, recreation and activities that retirees are looking for.

Local legislators Rep. Frank Sossamon and N.C. Sen. Lisa Barnes are scheduled to speak and Andre Nabors with Visit NC and Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina will present the certificate to local tourism and county leaders.

To be considered for a CRC designation, applicants must complete a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the N.C. General Assembly. Certification means that they are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.

Early In-Person Voting Begins Thursday, Oct. 17

Early in-person voting begins this Thursday, Oct. 17 in North Carolina. Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles reviews some basic information for voters who wish to cast their ballots before the Nov. 5 Election Day.

There are two polling sites in Vance County for the early in-person voting Aycock Recreational Complex, 305 Carey Chapel Rd. and the former Eaton Johnson gym, 500 N. Beckford Dr.

Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote, but all voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. Find out more at ncsbe.gov/voter-id.

Early voting continues on weekdays through Nov. 1. Both in-person polling sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The final day of early voting is Saturday, Nov. 2 and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on that day.

Absentee ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. A voter can fill out an absentee ballot request at votebymail.ncsbe.gov or may complete a request form provided by the board of elections.

Although the voter registration deadline has passed, eligible individuals who did not register by the Oct. 11 deadline may register and vote at either early voting site during the early voting period. New registrants will be required to provide documentation of their residence.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Vance County Board of Elections Office at 252.492.3730.

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TownTalk: S!stersSpeakLife Plans Breast Cancer Awareness Event

The van that will be parked at Aycock Rec Center Saturday, Oct. 19 is equipped with potentially life-saving equipment for women across the area.

It’s a mobile diagnostic lab of Invision Diagnostics and Freddie Harris of S!stersSpeakLife said 17 women have already signed up for the mammograms that will be taken inside that van.

Harris, herself a two-time breast cancer survivor, said the mobile lab will provide 3D mammography from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

S!stersSpeakLIfe is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer and raising awareness about breast health.

It’s just one way to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Together We Fight,” she told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

“As a community, we are stronger together,” Harris said.

As of Monday, 17 women had registered, but there’s room for more. “We’re still taking appointments,” she said. “Early detection saves lives.”

More than 310,000 women across the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024. One in eight women screen positive for breast cancer, she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted the routine, annual mammograms that women should get. “We don’t want any woman to miss the opportunity” to schedule a mammogram.

Register for the event at. Register for the mammogram at 877.318.1349.

There’s no fee to register to attend the event, but Harris said it will help with a count for lunch, which she hopes to be able to provide. Find S!stersSpeakLife on Facebook to learn how to register to attend or call Harris at 252-204-8435

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State Of Transportation Topic Of Oct. 30 ‘Lunch And Learn’

The “State of Transportation” Lunch and Learn session sponsored by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, Oct.  30 at 12 noon at the Henderson Country Club.

NCDOT Division 5 Engineer Brandon Jones is scheduled to be the featured speaker. Jones, a 28-year employee of NCDOT, oversees operations for the seven counties in Division 5 which includes project development, project delivery, maintenance of roads and bridges and traffic operations. Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin counties are included in Division 5, along with Person, Durham and Wake counties.

The cost per person is $30 or $240 for a table of eight and lunch is included. Please register by Oct. 25.

To register, contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 or email Chamber Director of Admin & Marketing Tanya Weary at tanya@hendersonvance.org.

TownTalk: 9th Annual Military History Show Coming Up Soon

Wartime friends –  and foes – will be represented when the 9th annual Military History show commences later this month, but organizer Harry Coombs is confident that there won’t be any skirmishes. All sides are coming together in a show of force to benefit the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee.

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Henderson-Oxford Airport, 6514 Airport Rd., Oxford, where it’s been held since Coombs first hatched the idea of showcasing his own collection of military artifacts. But he learned early on that it’s hard to be the organizer AND the exhibitor. In fact, Coombs said on Monday’s TownTalk that he has yet to display any of his collection. Except his 1931 German-style BMW motorcycle.

But that’s ok, because there will be plenty of reenactors representing military personnel dating back to the Revolutionary War.

“Each year, it’s the same – but different,” Coombs said of the various reenactors and which era will be represented. He said in addition to the reproduction uniforms from the Revolutionary War and Civil War periods, authentic uniforms from more recent wars will be represented, including the two World Wars, as well as Vietnam and the Gulf War.

“They are absolutely authentic,” Coombs said. “The firearms, weapons – they’re all the real things,” he said. The reproductions are “museum quality,” he said. “They’re reproductions, but they are on-the-spot reproductions.”

The event is free and open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coombs said. In addition to the reenactors, there will be weapons demonstrations and other displays of military equipment and vehicles.

Total Flight Solutions is going to be on site to provide helicopter rides again this year. If prices remain the same as last year, $40 will get you a seat on a chopper for an overhead tour of the area.

There will be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a donation bucket to stuff in some extra bills, all of which go to support the work of the local Veterans Affairs Committee, which helps veterans with a wide range of support services.

Each year, the event has bettered the previous year’s profit, and last year, Coombs said, was the best yet – a total of $3,000 was raised.

So whether you’re interested in seeing what the Army calls a “half track,” just how big a Howitzer cannon is or what the Allied Forces uniforms looked like during World War II, the Military History Show is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Vendor spaces are available, Coombs said. Reserve a 10 x 10 space for $25.

Search the Event tab on Facebook to find the 9th Annual Military History Show for more details.

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Vance County Schools Get ‘Opportunity Culture’ Designation For Use Of Innovative Staffing Models

– information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Seven Vance County elementary schools are among 366 schools across eight states to be designated as Certified Opportunity Culture schools for their dedication to advancing student achievement and teacher career development through innovative staffing models.

Vance County Schools began using the Opportunity Culture model in 2016, an initiative of Public Impact, LLC, which has been in business since 1996.

According to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin, Opportunity Culture models allow schools to innovate by extending the reach of their best educators to more students while providing career advancement outside of the administrative pathway. Since 2013, Public Impact’s Opportunity Culture models have been adopted by more than 75 districts in 14 states, leading to significant boosts in student learning outcomes and teacher retention.

These schools have been designated as Opportunity Culture schools:

  • Aycock Elementary School
  • Clarke Elementary School
  • Dabney Elementary School
  • E.O. Young Elementary School
  • L.B. Yancey Elementary School
  • Pinkston Street School
  • Zeb Vance Elementary School

This designation highlights our schools’ dedication to an innovative and impactful education, Sandlin said. The newly certified schools hold provisional status based on their performance in the 2023–24 school year, with opportunities to achieve higher certification levels in subsequent years.

Certification is based on four key factors:

  • Careful selection for Opportunity Culture roles
  • Expanded student access to high-quality instruction
  • Strategic incorporation of high-dosage tutoring
  • Long-term financial sustainability of staffing models

Casey Jackson is the VCS Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator.  “We are extremely proud of our Certified Opportunity Culture Schools, where educators have boldly reimagined traditional staffing structures to enhance teaching and learning,” Jackson stated. “By earning this certification, these schools have shown that innovative, well-thought-out design not only transforms the educational experience for students but also elevates teachers’ professional growth and support. This achievement is a testament to the power of intentional change in creating lasting, meaningful impact across the entire school community.”

This recognition underscores Vance County’s commitment to creating excellent learning environments for students and providing innovative career pathways for educators. Each school using Opportunity Culture models forms a design and implementation team of teachers and administrators who develop strategies to extend the reach of excellent teachers. The Multi-Classroom Leader role is central to the model, with MCLs leading small teaching teams. Other key roles, such as Extended Impact Teachers and Reach Associates, help expand the impact of high-performing educators.

Learn more at https://www.opportunityculture.org/.