Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC graduates 11 cadets in school’s 104th BLET Class

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Eleven cadets graduated on May 16 from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College, in a ceremony held in the Civic Center on Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.

Graduates of VGCC’s 104th BLET class included Jill Nicole McLean of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; Spencer Reid Warehime of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office; Shawn Maurice Brown, Jr., of the Henderson Police Department; Alonza Kyle Fitts of the Louisburg College Campus Police Department; Jacob Matthew Gardner, Thomas Sellers Marrow and Joshua Taylor Mills, all of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation; Kevin Wayne Murphy of the Oxford Police Department; Christopher Michael Agamaite of the Roxboro Police Department; Mark Donald McNamara of the San Jose (California) Police Department; and Kirk Richardson of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by students from the ROTC program at Northern Vance High School, and the singing of the national anthem by NVHS student Jaylen Webb.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, thanked the many leaders from local and state law enforcement agencies in attendance for partnering with the college. “We are honored to work with you, and we thank you for supporting our cadets, providing many of our instructors, and hiring our graduates, as together, we promote increased safety and quality of life for the communities we serve,” Ballentine told the law enforcement representatives. “All of today’s graduates are either employed or have at least accepted conditional job offers from law enforcement agencies.” She congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous, 667-hour training program and encouraged them to continue their education. “I wish you success and safety as you protect and serve all of us,” Ballentine added.

Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Jill McLean thanked the many instructors who had trained them, as well as the family members and friends who were there to support the graduates. “These past four months have flown by,” McLean reflected. “This class has taught us a lot about ourselves and what it takes to do this job. I could not have asked for a better group of guys to take on BLET with. We are a ‘family’ of eleven. These guys have made my job as class leader extremely easy.”

Graduates selected Sgt. Christopher Dickerson of the Roxboro Police Department, one of their instructors, to serve as their featured speaker. He is a 2006 graduate of the VGCC BLET program. “This profession is the greatest profession in the world,” Dickerson said of law enforcement. He noted that in 2016, a Gallup poll found that Americans had a higher opinion of their local police than in any survey since 1967.  Dickerson recalled, “I asked you why you wanted to be a police officer, as I do in every class. I heard ‘I want to help my community’ or ‘I want to make my family proud.’ Not a single one gave a selfish response, and that’s why you’re here today.”

He asked the graduates to “remember your drive and what put you in this class” and “never forget your first badge. By pinning that badge on your chest, you have joined the largest family in the entire world.”

Andrea Hyson, the training program coordinator, and instructor Glen Boyd presented awards to the top students in the class in three categories. Murphy won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification. Fitts earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. McLean took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass.

For more information on the BLET program, contact Hyson at hysona@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

VGCC pins Associate Degree Nursing graduates

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Vance-Granville Community College recognized 41 students who graduated this spring from the Associate Degree Nursing program with a pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center on May 10.

Among those honored with distinctive nursing pins at the ceremonies were seven who graduated through the LPN to ADN Transition Program, which helps Licensed Practical Nurses to continue their education and then become Registered Nurses. These graduates were Ashley Brooke Jones of Bullock; Brittany Mechel Champion and Martina Usher McKinnon, both of Creedmoor; Theresa Ann Channer of Durham; Kimberly Ramsey Ilupeju of Hillsborough; Heather Margaret Pipkin of Kittrell; and Jahid Kwaku Ross of Winston-Salem.

The graduates who took courses in the traditional five-semester sequence included Peggy Marie Forsythe of Bahama; Amber Buchanan Womack of Bullock; Connie Frances Bass of Creedmoor; Taylor Sommer George, Fathia Gyamfi, April Latoya Harris, Lucy Wambui Ngethe and LaDonya Santrell Tinnin, all of Durham; Jenna Marie Davis, Heather Jade Floyd, Emily Gordon McGhee, Erin Breslin Woodlief and Lonnie Linwood Wright, all of Franklinton; Madelaine Lyon Sachs of Henderson; Reneé Kathleen Jackson of Kittrell; Jordan Lynne West of Littleton; Rachel Anne Edwards and Victoria Mae Turner, both of Louisburg; Marissa Abuyen Coghill, Talia Monique Dyce, Stacy Nicole Miles and Sharon Nikita Ray, all of Oxford; Sara Elizabeth Wheeler and Katherine Darby McRae, both of Raleigh; Courtney Mae Humphries and Abbey Gentry Loftis, both of Roxboro; Sandra Holland Enloe of Stem; Heather Jean Avery, Brooke Ashton Hursey and Kayla Dawn Roberson, all of Wake Forest; Taylor Reneé Crisp and Amanda Lee Oser, both of Warrenton; Sonia Beverly Childers of Wendell; and Deborah Yvett Janifer of Youngsville.

In welcoming remarks, VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams congratulated the students on their success. “The class of 2017 is the most recruited class we’ve had in our history,” she said, noting that at least 26 had already obtained employment by the time of the ceremony. She thanked the graduates’ families and friends, as well as their instructors, for their support. “This occasion demonstrates the excellence of our esteemed Nursing faculty and the other faculty and staff who have educated, inspired and supported the graduates to this achievement,” Williams added. “Graduates, just as VGCC has made an impact on your lives, you will make a difference in the lives of others as registered nurses,” the president told the members of the class. “We are proud to have trained you for such a worthy endeavor.”

Class of 2017 President Brooke Hursey made welcoming remarks on behalf of her classmates as they reached the culmination of what she termed “a long and very difficult journey.” She thanked the graduates’ families and friends “for not allowing any of us to quit,” and their instructors, “for the education you have provided and the foundation you have helped us lay in nursing.” Hursey added that during the program, the class had become like a family and had overcome “huge obstacles.”

Student Heather Floyd presented a gift on behalf of the class to the VGCC Nursing department: a plaque engraved with a quote attributed to Florence Nightingale, “I attribute my success to this — I never gave or took any excuses.”

Academic honors were presented to graduates who completed the program with at least a 3.5 grade point average: Dyce, Enloe, Jackson, Jones and finally Sachs, who was recognized for having the highest GPA in the class.

Cords were presented to students who participated as members of the National Student Nurses Association, which sponsors community service projects and professional development. These students included Avery, Bass, Crisp, Davis, Edwards, Floyd, Forsythe, Humphries, Hursey, Jackson, Janifer, Loftis, McGhee, McRae, Oser, Roberson, Tinnin, Turner, Wheeler, Woodlief and Wright.

Former VGCC Nursing instructor Tracey Hight, who now works for Granville Health System, served as guest speaker for the ceremony. “It has been a pleasure to work with each student who will be pinned tonight,” she said. “I am grateful to be part of your nursing career.” She offered three pieces of advice to the graduates.

“First, treat your patients like they were your family members,” Hight said. “Patients are people, our people, the people we feel called to help.” Second, she told her former students, “have no fear and believe in yourself. The career path you have chosen is wide open. Do not be afraid of change and the doors that may open for you. Continue your education, reach for the stars and know that the options are endless.”

Finally, Hight said, “You are ready to go into the world and become a nurse. As scary as that seems now, you have had education to prepare you. You’re ready to become the nurse you’ve always dreamed of. After you pass the NCLEX [National Council Licensure Examination] and walk into your new job as a nurse and receive the name badge that says ‘RN,’ your heart will thump with excitement and your stomach will fill with anxiety. Just look at that name badge and those letters RN and remember that Ms. Hight said you were ready.”

Instructor Heather Wilson described the significance of the nursing pin. The unique green and gold pin identifies each nurse as a VGCC graduate, and indicates that the graduate has the training and competence to serve as a professional nurse. During the ceremony, graduates were pinned by Associate Degree Nursing program head/instructor Anna Seaman, and received lamps and roses from instructors Julia Falkner and Dr. Markiesha Edgerton. Meanwhile, Nursing Department Chair Erica Jastrow read their biographies. After all graduates had received pins, the lights in the Civic Center were lowered, and instructor Crystal Senter led students in reciting the “Florence Nightingale Pledge” by lamp-light.

–VGCC–

Forty Eight Graduate from Vance County Early College High School

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2017

A total of 48 students in the Class of 2017 graduated on May 26 from the Vance County Early College High School.

Their commencement ceremony was held before a packed crowd in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson.

Kristen Oakes, shown in the photo at the podium, gave the valedictorian address as the top graduate in the Class of 2017.Oakes will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.

Jacob Weaver addressed his classmates and the audience as the salutatorian. He also will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.

Oakes and Weaver were joined in the graduating class as the top 10 percent academically by Christopher Brame, who will attend UNC Chapel Hill, Sierra Hawkins, who will attend Salem College, and Janet Rodriguez-Morales, who will attend East Carolina University.

Of the high school graduates, 31 students also received either an associates degree in arts or science. There were eight students who received both an associates degree in arts and an associates degree in science. Forty-seven of the graduates will attend a four-year college, university or a community college in the fall. One graduate is joining the U.S. Marine Corps.

Those students who earned an associates degree will enter their college or university in the fall as juniors.

Their experience in the Vance County Early College High School allowed them to receive their first two years of college coursework at no cost to them or their parents.

The presentations of diplomas, degrees and certificates were led by: Principal Debbie Hite; Superintendent Anthony Jackson; Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of Vance-Granville Community College; and Dr. Angela Ballentine, vice president of academic affairs at Vance-Granville Community College.

Graduates of Early College for 2017 include in addition to the top 10 percent students: Celene Acuna, Jasmine Allen, Christopher Ayscue Jr., Megan Ayscue, Keana Baskerville, Je’Ronee Blackwell, Christopher Blue, Lauren Chavis-Hargrove, David Cobbs Jr., Ashlyn Collier, Chadstity Copeland, Erika Decena-Santos, Alexis Hanks, Mya Hargrove, Hayden Harris, William Harris, Robert Hawkins IV, Ronald Renteria, Tia Johnson, Mychell Keith, Darius Macon-Majette, Jaylil Majette, Nyesha Miller, Michelle Dominguez, Xavier Perry, Bali Reavis, Autumn Richardson, Tara Roberson, Kellie Robinson, Stephon Sample, Alexandra Saravia, Rebecca Short, Timonty Terry Jr., Alicia Tucker, Christian Vazquez, Angel White, Darius Williams, Malik Williams, Hailey Williamson, Jordan Williamson, Amber Wilson, Anautica Wilson and April Zuniga-Trejo.

Serving as graduation marshals were Nancy Bonilla, Ke’Moni Champion, Zenee Davis, Nealee Fisher, Lehman Ford, Luke Frazier, Victoria Inscoe, Lillian Kanouff, Seth Moody and Suzanne Williams.

SCAM JAM Planned In Person County on June 14

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Henderson – A recent survey shows that nearly all North Carolinians 50 years and older worry about being a victim of fraud. On June 14, the Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging with the Person County Senior Center has scheduled a Scam Jam to help educate seniors to protect themselves from frauds and scams.

The Person County SCAM JAM is a free educational and entertaining forum where seniors will learn to avoid today’s scams and frauds, from identity theft to telemarketing and consumer and Medicare frauds.

Elder Abuse takes many forms and it is not always immediately apparent. In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse mimic symptoms associated with aging, but should not be ignored. Failure to recognize and avoid fraud and exploitation can ruin one’s financial security. Financial abuse involves unauthorized use of an elderly person’s funds or property, either by a family member, caregiver, or an outside scam artist. Signs of financial abuse may include: significant withdrawals from accounts, missing cash or items from household, suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies, unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them and unnecessary services, goods, subscriptions.

The SCAM JAM is designed to empower citizens to protect themselves and their families. Scheduled speakers include representatives from the Senior Medicare Patrol from the North Carolina Department of Insurance, North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State as well as local Law Enforcement.

This free half day seminar will begin at 1:30 p.m. ending at 4:30 p.m. and will be held at the Person County Senior Center, 87 Semora Road, Roxboro.

The Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging leads and is involved in the efforts that provide for the development and enhancement of comprehensive and coordinated community based systems of services, opportunities, and protections for older adults which assist them in leading independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

We serve five counties, Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

For more information about the Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging, please call 252-436-2040.

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