A total of 15 students who attend the Vance County Early College High School, located on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson, have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements in the five-year program.
The students include: Hunter Antel, Nancy Bonilla, Andrew Brame, Cameron Bullock, Brooklyn Davis, Malcolm Elam, Lehman Ford, Luke Frazier, Victoria Inscoe, Lillian Kanouff, Seth Moody, Brittney Patterson, Hannah Roberson, McKenzie Taylor and Matthew White.
Administrators and staff at the Early College High School, whose mascot is a wolf, joined special guests and family members in honoring all of the students at a “Leading the Pack” celebration ceremony on February 23. The celebration was held at the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College.
The students were recognized for leading their classmates with the highest grade point averages and with outstanding progress towards earning their high school diploma and at least one associate’s degree from Vance-Granville Community College. Several of the students are expected to graduate with multiple associate’s degrees.
The Early College program provides opportunities for students to complete their high school career and at least two years of college course credits at no cost to them. Upon graduation, most of the students go on to complete their post-secondary education at a four-year college or university.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VCS-Proud-Logo-050316.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-17 14:17:092017-03-17 14:17:09Fifteen Vance County Early College High School Students recognized for academic success
Sixteen Vance County Schools educators were honored during the evening of March 16 for their completion of the prestigious Vance County Teacher Executive Institute program.
The Teacher Executive Institute (TEI) is presented each year by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and the Vance County Public School Foundation as a leadership program for local public school educators. Participants go through four all-day sessions during the school year that are designed to bring them together with local business leaders to discuss their common interests and partnership in educating local youth to be future members of our workforce and future community leaders.
Educators honored for completing this year’s program include: Facetia Branch of Carver Elementary; Shannon Bullock of Clarke Elementary; Jennifer Coleman of E.O. Young Jr. Elementary; Jill Coleman of Aycock Elementary; Valerie Hairston of Zeb Vance Elementary; Regina Hilliard of E.M. Rollins Elementary; Kevin Johnson of New Hope Elementary; Sharita Jones of L.B. Yancey Elementary; Melodie Kernahan of Southern Vance High; Mieya Petitt of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Kedecia Stewart of Pinkston Street Elementary; Orlando Terry of STEM Early High; Tracy Thorpe of Northern Vance High; Donna Vann of Dabney Elementary; Thomas Venetta of Early College High; and Adith Williams-White of Henderson Middle.
The TEI graduates are shown in the accompanying photo as they are joined by the Chick-fil-A Cow, wearing his graduation attire. Chick-fil-A of Henderson is one of about 20 business sponsors for the program. Shown with the graduates are Miles Macleod, N.C. North Central Region Teacher of the Year, standing at far left, and Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent for Vance County Schools, standing at far right. Macleod was the featured speaker for the evening and Brooks assisted in presenting each graduate with a handsome framed certificate.
Shown in the photo are, seated from left, Adith Williams-White, Regina Hilliard, Mieya Petitt, Facetia Branch, Kedecia Stewart and Sharita Jones. Standing from left are, Miles Macleod, Valerie Hairston, Jill Coleman, Shannon Bullock, Tracy Thorpe, Orlando Terry, Melodie Kernahan, Kevin Johnson, Jennifer Coleman, Thomas Venetta, Donna Vann and Dr. Trixie Brooks.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/TEI-Image-Vance-County-Schools-WIZS.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-17 14:11:332017-03-17 14:11:33Sixteen Graduate from Prestigious Vance County Teacher Executive Institute
Students can earn college credits on an accelerated schedule at Vance-Granville Community College by taking four-week online classes this summer.
For the first time, VGCC has scheduled certain curriculum courses on back-to-back four-week schedules during the summer term. The first four-week mini-term will begin May 30 and end on June 26. Then, the second mini-term starts June 27 and ends on July 31.
Five courses are scheduled for the first mini-term: Personal Health/Wellness (HEA 110), Critical Thinking (HUM 115), Music Appreciation (MUS 110), American Government (POL 120) and Keyboarding (OST 131). All five are offered completely online. During the second mini-term, the same courses will be offered, except for Keyboarding.
Registration for these classes is currently underway, and will close on May 25 for the first session and June 23 for the second.
“This summer, students can accelerate their education in a fast-paced period of study,” said Jeffrey Allen, VGCC’s dean of enrollment and outreach. “We had a great response when we offered four-week classes for the first time in late December and early January, so we are excited about continuing to use this format to meet the needs of our diverse learning community.” He added, “These courses can give many students the opportunity to quickly make progress toward a degree.”
Not only current VGCC students, but also new students, including students at four-year universities, are welcome to enroll. Current VGCC students are encouraged to talk with their advisors to see if the four-week courses are right for them.
All the courses on the schedule except for Keyboarding transfer to most North Carolina colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to check with their four-year school of choice on transferability before registering for particular courses. New students will need to complete a VGCC application for admission first.
Financial aid is available for qualified students. For more information, contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at fao@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3280.
For registration information, visit the Student Learning & Success Center on any VGCC campus or call (252) 738-3330.
HENDERSON, N.C. (March 16, 2017)— On April 1st, Vance County’s Bluegrass band GrassStreet will perform live on the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center as they open for The HillBenders. GrassStreet is comprised of Wayne Kinton on guitar, David Kinton on upright bass and mandolin, Ricky Hargis on banjo and Tab Kearns on dobro.
Since 2003, GrassStreet has performed across the state and region, offering a high-energy mix of original material and Bluegrass standards. The band is noted for their unique ability to cover musical styles ranging from Rock to Blues to Jazz, which sets them apart from the average Bluegrass band.
GrassStreet recently released the album “Time Moves On,” which was produced by Steve Dilling and recorded at Reminiscence Recording Studio in Henderson, N.C. Thirteen of the 14 tracks on “Time Moves On” are original compositions by the four band members collectively, drawing from personal family situations such as depicted in the tunes “Cotton Miller’s Lament,” “Time Moves On” and “Going to Caroline.” Additional favorites include the Civil War era tune “Warren County Clay,” several songs of faith such as “Look Beyond Life’s Storms,” and a song about a late night car race, “Street Fight.”
“We are pleased to have GrassStreet perform on the McGregor Hall stage for the first time,” said Tommy Deadwyler, Executive Director of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center. “Not only is it an honor to support these local musicians, but the band’s level of talent is stupendous and concert-goers will be in awe by the energy and excitement that they bring.”
Equally talented, according to Deadwyler, are The HillBenders, which will headline the April 1st concert. Also a Bluegrass band, The HillBenders will perform their unique version of songs from The Who’s “Tommy” album, one of the biggest “Rock operas” of all time.
Originally composed by guitarist Pete Townshend, “Tommy” by The Who tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, including his experiences with life and the relationship with his family. The original album has sold 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “historical, artistic and significant value.”
With a stylish mix of musicianship and rock-star vocals, The HillBenders will bring Pete Townshend’s original vision to life in a new and exciting way during the concert at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center on April 1st at 8 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. For more information, contact McGregor Hall’s Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or email him at tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Hillbenders-WIZS-Grass-street.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-16 18:24:422017-03-16 18:24:42GrassStreet Opens For The HillBenders’ During April 1st Concert At McGregor Hall
What: Prescription drug take-back event where you can safely dispose of your expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands. Operation Medicine Drop cannot accept biohazard materials.
Where: Vance County Fire Department at 188 Bickett Street, Henderson, NC 27536 and Henderson Fire Department at 211 Dabney Drive, Henderson, NC 27536
When: March 21, 2017 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at both above locations
Why: Unintentional poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise in North Carolina. Since 1999, nearly 4,500 people have died from prescription poisoning. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over-the-counter medications to protect their families and the environment.
More information is available at ncsafekids.org.
Contact: Captain W.W. Bullock at the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (252)-738-2200
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Operation-Medicine-Drop-WIZS.gif280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-15 14:37:552017-03-15 14:37:55Vance County Fire Department, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office Partner for Operation Medicine Drop
The first concert for the year will be held on Thursday, May 25 and will feature “The Konnection Band”. This band is a local favorite and is one of the East Coast’s premiere party bands, specializing in a variety of music including Top 40, Rock, Country, R & B, Beach and Oldies.
The second concert is set for Thursday, June 22 and will host “Steve Owens & Summertime”. A band with a beach music focus and chart-topping songs since their start in 2011, Summertime presents a mix of Carolina Beach Music, soul and rock-n-roll.
The third and final concert of the season is on Thursday, September14 and will feature “Liquid Pleasure”. After more than two decades of bringing audiences to their feet, this band has become a multi-cultural icon. Veteran member Melvin Farrington says “We love being in touch with people like us, who love a variety of good music, and appreciate hearing it performed live”. Liquid Pleasure presents a mix of Oldies, Beach Music and Disco.
In addition to the live music and dancing, a kids section will also be included this year. So bring the whole family for an evening of food, friends and fun!
Sponsors for this year’s concert series are: CenturyLink, Duke Energy and Maria Parham Health – Gold Sponsors; BB&T, Mars Petcare, Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC #6091 – Silver Sponsors; and Express Employment Professionals – Bronze Sponsor.
All concerts are free to the public and will be held at the corner of North Garnett and Breckenridge Streets from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for 2 Presenting Sponsors and more. For more information, contact the Chamber at 438-8414 or annette@hendersonvance.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/chamberofcommerce.png280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-15 13:27:582017-03-15 13:27:58H-V Chamber Announces 2017 “Meet Me In The Street” Concert Series
WHAT: The 2017 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament season will open Saturday, March 25, for Piedmont Division anglers with a tournament on Kerr Lake presented by Navionics. Up to 400 boaters and co-anglers will be competing for top awards of up to $8,000 and $3,000 respectively in the one-day tournament.
NOTES: Piedmont Division anglers can expect Kerr Lake to produce some sizeable bass for this BFL opener. Fans following the action will likely see competitors flipping and pitching to flooded bushes with jigs and Texas-rigged soft-plastics. A variety of moving baits including crankbaits, spinnerbaits and umbrella rigs may also play a role near wood. A five-bass limit nearing 18 pounds should be enough to take top honors at this late-March BFL event.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2017 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW conducts more than 274 bass-fishing tournaments annually across the United States and sanctions tournaments in Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show, broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.
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https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Vance-County-Tourism-feature-image.jpg280453WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2017-03-15 13:09:002017-03-15 13:20:55Kerr Lake Readies For T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League Piedmont Division Opener Presented by Navionics
Vance-Granville Community College is preparing to offer an Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Visual Arts, with classes starting in August. Prospective students can begin the process of enrollment now.
The degree will be a third college transfer option available at the college, joining the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees already being offered. Earning this two-year AFA degree can serve as a springboard to completing a four-year bachelor’s in fine arts (BFA) degree in visual art at a university. Students will be encouraged to contact four-year universities in which they are interested, to find out about any specific transfer requirements.
In addition to their general education classes, AFA students will take classes in art history, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, and drawing.
VGCC has offered visual arts classes of different kinds throughout its history. In 2015, VGCC began holding “Fine Arts Day” events, which incorporated not only visual art but also music, dance and dramatic arts.
Isaac Talley, an award-winning visual artist, is a full-time art instructor at VGCC, teaching courses such as Art Appreciation, Two-Dimensional Design, and Drawing. “The AFA will be an excellent way to complete your first two years of college with tuition that’s very affordable, and then proceed on to East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Greensboro or elsewhere,” Talley said. “It’s a great opportunity, especially for people who are interested in painting, as well as digital photography, which we are planning to add in 2018.”
He added that while at VGCC, students will be able to hone their skills and build a portfolio that can help them gain admission to the university of their choice. They also may simply want more training in art without necessarily continuing to the four-year level. Jessie Hartley of Oxford, a current VGCC College Transfer student who won first place at the college’s juried student art exhibition, said that “the AFA program is appealing to me because it opens up more learning opportunities for me involving art. With the Associate in Arts program, I have learned everything from some early art history to painting and drawing. With the AFA program, my knowledge of art can expand even further with the use of different media and techniques that I possibly haven’t even heard of. It will also help my credibility for future job possibilities involving art.”
Hartley said that she has enjoyed all of the art classes she has taken at VGCC thus far. “In painting and drawing, I enjoyed the freedom and self-control it gave me,” she recalled. “I learned that I could express myself in all manners of ways on a canvas that could speak to the viewer of that piece, perhaps even touch their soul. In art history and art appreciation, I enjoyed going through the past, learning facts and valuable information and where it all began. All in all, I am really looking forward to the AFA program, and I feel that all art students, including myself, will benefit wonderfully from it.”
After she graduates from VGCC, Hartley’s plan is to develop her own studio as a freelance artist. “I would like to travel to different art festivals and sell my work, as well as learn different crafts and techniques with a diverse range of media,” she said. “I may pursue further education later on, which the AFA degree will help with to enhance my credibility and experience.”
For more information about the AFA program, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3371.
–VGCC–
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Parents of children who are pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age are urged to visit Vance County Schools‘ elementary schools this coming week, March 13-17, to tour the school, visit with teachers and administrators and register their children for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.
Special pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration activities are planned for Tuesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. each day at the schools. Aycock, Carver, Dabney, E.M. Rollins, E.O. Young, L.B. Yancey, Pinkston Street and Zeb Vance have special events planned for Tuesday, March 14. Special events will be held at Clarke and New Hope on Thursday, March 16.
All children who register for kindergarten will receive a colorful, new backpack. Refreshments and special children’s activities also will be available.
For those parents who cannot attend the school events during the week, a special registration event will be held at the Vance County Schools Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers will be on hand to talk with parents and to lead children in special activities. Parents of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children can also register them for the 2017-2018 school year at this event. Refreshments and backpacks will be provided. All activities and items are free.
“The WOW Starts NOW!” is the slogan this year for the school system’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration campaign.
To register for the 2017-2018 school year, all pre-kindergarten children must be four years of age on or before August 31, 2017, and all kindergarten children must be five years of age on or before August 31, 2017.
Henderson, NC– District Attorney Mike Waters is pleased to announce the addition of David Erdmann as an Assistant District Attorney.
Mr. Erdmann was sworn in by District Court Judge Carolyn Thompson on Thursday, March 2, 2017. He joins the District Attorney’s staff after four years of practice as a criminal defense attorney in Surry County, North Carolina.
