Tag Archive for: #vancecountyschools

Vance County High School Graduation

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Vance County High School Graduates 153 Seniors

— press release courtesy of Vance County Schools

Graduation season is officially underway in Vance County Schools, as Vance County High School awarded 153 students with their high school diplomas on Friday, May 26, in the Vance County High School stadium.

Principal Nealie Whitt III shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCHS Class of 2023 graduates Mercedes Fields and Fantasia Scott, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Mercedes Fields reminded her fellow graduates – “Stay gold. Stay gold for as long as you can. Remember where you came from and who you are today. And let it positively guide you and motivate you to get the life that you’ve always wanted.”

Fantasia Scott shared, “This is the end of our chapter here, and the beginning of another. Now that we are all done, may we go down different paths, but may they align together in the future.” 

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Nealie Whitt III, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, and Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair.

Congratulations, Vance County High School Class of 2023!

Click Play for the WIZS Broadcast Audio of VCHS 2023 Graduation.

VCHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts: 

  • VCHS students have received $1.7 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Hunter Dean English – United States Air Force
    • Quincie Marie Pritchett – United States Navy
    • Juan Rivera Velazquez – United States Army
    • Ne’Shawn Hakeem Seward – United States Navy
  • 36 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 25 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 4 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 100 VCHS seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • 23 VCHS seniors have secured full-time employment.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • North Carolina Scholar
    • National Beta Club
    • President’s Award for Educational Excellence
    • President’s Award for Achievement
    • Music Honors
    • Council on International Exchange
    • Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Scholar
    • International Cultural Exchange Service

Vance County Early College graduated May 26, at 6 p.m. Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m., followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

Town Talk: Vance County Schools Enjoy Success at Recent Robotics Competition

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Elementary and middle school students traveled to Salisbury over the weekend to participate in a competition and they brought home several awards for their efforts.

The six teams that made the trip for the Brick Master State Level Competition had to earn their spots at a local competition on May 6 called RoboVANCE. That’s right, this competition is for students who design, create and compete using robotics.

“Robotics in Vance County Schools have been in design for the last three years,” said Destiney Ross-Putney, VCS director of instruction and innovation. District leaders wanted to provide opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to learn about robotics, whether in an after-school Legos club or through a high school elective or an extracurricular group.

School officials opened it up at the beginning of the year and Ross-Putney said they were “blown away” by the number of students who showed interest.

Some schools had multiple teams, who met weekly with coaches/advisors to work on the coding and design of the creations.

The adult advisors didn’t necessarily have a background in coding or robotics; rather, they coached the students in problem-solving and working together as a team to complete their projects. The program is completely student-centered, Ross-Putney explained.

“We want to give them experiences that prepare them for the future,” said Aarika Sandlin, VCS communications coordinator.

The Salisbury competition was for elementary and middle schoolers and VCS sent six teams who advanced from the local competition, which included nine K-2 teams, 17 3-5 teams and five 6-8 teams.

The teams who traveled to Salisbury were the Zeb Vance Magical RobotZ, the Carver Electric Eagles, the Dabney Rockets, the VCMS Master Tech Builders, the STEM Card Sharks 3, the STEM Card Sharks and the L.B. Yancey Robotics #1.

The Dabney Rockets won first for elementary coding and the STEM Card Sharks #3 – an all girls team – won the coding competition for its grade level.

For the robotics portion of the competition, teams had four assignments, along with a mystery task. Students had to program their robots to complete a variety of challenges with scenarios that were based on alternative energy sources. VCMS Master Tech Builders took 4th place at the competition for the middle school division.

School leaders couldn’t be happier at the results, especially for the first time ever competing at this level.

“Our robotics program has been hard work since the beginning of this school year, with both staff and students meeting and practicing weekly.” Ross-Putney said.  “To watch these programs develop from the ground up and take state level recognition is a testament to their commitment to problem solving and teamwork.”

Parents and students can learn more about RoboVANCE for next year during the August Open House.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

N.C. Rep Sossamon Takes Field Trip To Visit Vance County Schools

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– Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon visited several Vance County Schools recently as a participant in the first year of “Bring Your Legislator to School” Day.

Sossamon represents District SS, which includes Vance County. He visited E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Dabney Elementary, STEM Early High School and the district’s Center for Innovation.

Lawmakers were invited by members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and bi-partisan legislative sponsors to visit schools in their respective jurisdictions and engage with school communities. Sossamon joined more than 70 fellow legislators who accepted the invitation to visit schools in their districts.

School principals, as well as Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett joined Sossamon as he toured the schools and chatted with teachers and students.

The goal of this visit was to show legislators what current state investment in education looks like in practice during the day-to-day reality of North Carolina’s elementary and secondary schools.

VCS hosts Young Women’s Empowerment Conference

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-information courtesy of Brielle Barrow, VCS communication coordinator

A group of business leaders and professionals joined forces to share their knowledge, expertise and paths to success recently for the first Young Women’s Empowerment Conference sponsored by Vance County Schools.

The conference was designed “to inspire and empower middle and high school students to be their best selves and to prepare for their journey into young womanhood,” according to a press statement from Brielle Barrow, VCS Communication Coordinator.

The event was held Friday, April 28 at the Center for Innovation. More than 200 middle and high school students were on hand to hear from the six keynote speakers and to participate in a variety of mini breakout sessions with the women.

Among those present to speak at the conference were Margier White, KaKeasha Richardson, PA-C, Cameshia Gavin, Kayachtta Hawkins-Bullock, DDS, Heather Kenney and Kemira Venable.

VCS Honors Middleburg United Methodist Church As District Partner Of The Year

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Middleburg United Methodist Church was awarded the 2022-2023 District Partnership of the Year by Vance County Schools for its support of E.O. Young Elementary School.

The announcement was made on April 19 during a partner recognition ceremony to thank all 15 community organizations who have made commitments to schools in the district.

Middleburg United Methodist Church has supported the E.O. Young Elementary School community by supplying their food pantry and clothes closet, installing a washer and dryer for student use, as well as giving laundromat gift cards for students and their families, according to information from VCS Director of Communication and Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

The event was held at the Center for Innovation’s Atrium, and community partners were recognized for the lasting impacts on the students, families and educators in their school communities.

“Our district is grateful for every partnership within our community,” Sandlin stated. “The lasting impact being made goes beyond the present moment. These organizations are making a difference in the lives of our students for years to come and for that, we are truly humbled for the support and love shown to our students, staff and district as a whole.”

The 2022-2023 School Partnerships of the Year are:

  • First Baptist Church of Henderson – Aycock Elementary School
  • New Life Baptist Church – Carver Elementary School
  • First Baptist Church of Henderson – Clarke Elementary School
  • First United Methodist Church – Dabney Elementary School
  • Clearview Church – E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Middleburg United Methodist Church – E.O. Young Elementary School
  • ACTS of Henderson – L.B. Yancey Elementary School
  • Mt. Zion United Church of Christ – New Hope Elementary School
  • Gang Free, Inc. – Pinkston St. Elementary School
  • Union Chapel United Methodist Church – Zeb Vance Elementary School
  • First United Methodist Church & The Garden Club – STEM Early High School
  • Dickies Grove Missionary Baptist Church – Vance County Middle School
  • SEANC District 21 – Vance County High School
  • 4 Point 0 Mobile Tutoring, Inc. – Vance Virtual Village Academy
  • NC Cooperative Extension 4-H – AdVance Academy

VCS Mentoring Program Pairs Teens and Tweens To Make Positive Connections

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-information courtesy of VCS Communication Coordinator Brielle Barrow

Thanks to a unique mentoring program in Vance County Schools, a group of high school students and their elementary-age pals gathered on Saturday mornings to enjoy activities and establish positive connections.

The Just U & Me Mentoring Program recently concluded, according to VCS Communication Coordinator Brielle Barrow.

The program provides 4th and 5th graders with additional support to help them do their very best at school, according to information on the VCS website.

Mentoring is one of a dozen or so effective strategies recommended by the National Dropout Prevention Center to help students stay on track, avoid negative behaviors and make positive choices.

The youngsters gathered over the course of several Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon to have the chance to work and play together, as well as to establish friendships.

A culminating activity included a visit to the Henderson Institute Historical Museum. Mentors and their young partners also spoke with recent VCS high school graduates and received their certificates of participation.

This year’s mentors are upperclassmen from Vance County High School, Vance County Early College and AdVance Academy, as well as VCS graduates.

VCHS Junior Selected For 2023 Governor’s School

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Vance County High School junior Thuy Nguyen will represent Vance County at the 60th annual N.C. Governor’s School, a prestigious summer program that provides a unique enrichment experience for rising high school seniors from across the state.

Nguyen has been selected to participate in the four-week summer residential program, according to information from VCS Director of Communication & Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

This year, 650 students were selected by a state committee named by the State Board of Education and NC Department of Public Instruction. There are two Governor’s School locations –  one at Meredith College in Raleigh and the second at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem.

During the monthlong program, students attend classes that integrate their selected discipline – which includes English, Spanish, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science, Art, Choral Music, Instrumental Music, Dance and Theater – as well as other courses that encourage them to explore and ask questions.

The 2023 session is June 18 – July 15, 2023.

Learn more about Governor’s School at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/north-carolina-governors-school

L.B. Yancey Students Participate In Career Day And Expo

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When you’re a fifth grader, it’s tough to visualize where you may see yourself in the future, but thanks to L.B. Yancey Elementary’s Career Day and Expo, but at least one young person’s eyes were opened to the possibility of becoming a photographer when she grows up.

The “I Am Tomorrow” career expo was held in the school gym on Mar. 22. Students dressed up as doctors, chefs, police officers and more as a way to share information and interests about different careers.

Staff members joined in the fun and parents were invited to participate as well as the children – a much livelier event than last year’s, which had to take place virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions on gathering.

Numerous career professionals set up displays to help the students learn about a variety of career opportunities, from being a barber to a meteorologist. On the list of specially invited professionals was:

  • Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation Robotics Team
  • Spectrum News 1 Meteorologist, Vernon Turner
  • Maria Parham Primary Care Physician, Dr. Gary Smith
  • Fitness Trainer, Jessica Rice-Hawkins
  • Entrepreneur, Jinell Cheek of Nellie C Photography
  • Barber, Richard Terry
  • Licensed Funeral Director, Joshua Hicks
  • Musician, Justen Ward
  • Entrepreneur, Taylor Evans with Cricut Personalizations
  • Representatives from the Walmart Distribution Center
  • Vance County Sheriff’s Office

The day started with a parade, and students walked the school’s hallways while Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” filled the air. Other students lined the hallways,armed with handmade posters with inspirational messages to cheer on the parade participants.

Career Day Expo Chairperson Alicia Clarke said the goal was to allow students to see different professionals as a way to motivate them to set goals for themselves and then working toward achieving those goals. “If this Career Day was any indication of what is to come, then the world will be in good hands,” Clarke stated.

L.B. Yancey Principal Dr. Shannon Bullock agreed. “The school’s Career Day and Expo was a very successful event. The students and parents were so excited to see all the different career choices provided for them. Students were able to see successful individuals from Henderson and other nearby cities, and know that they are able to achieve anything they set their mind to.”

Chamber, Rotary Join Forces To Present “State Of The Schools” 2023

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Henderson Rotary Club, invites you to attend “The State of Vance County Public Schools Address and Luncheon” on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 12 noon.  Dr. Cindy Bennett, VCS Superintendent, will be the keynote speaker bringing you updates, goals and accomplishments of the public school system.

“We would like to thank the Henderson Rotary Club for being the sponsor for all three of these events,” Wilkerson said. “We are happy they recognize the need to keep our businesses and citizens informed.”

This address is the 3rd local address planned by the Chamber’s Governmental and Public Affairs Committee.  Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said it’s important to make reservations early – the two session held in 2022 sold out, she said. Call or email the Chamber to reserve your seat. Tickets are $30; or reserve a table of 8 for $240.

The event will be held at Henderson Country Club.

RSVP by calling the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or email Wilkerson at sandra@hendersonvance.org.

Leadership Changes in Vance County Schools

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Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney has been named the Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation. She will begin duties in her new role in May, according to information from VCS.

Kadecia Stewart-Faines has been named Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator and Casey Jackson has been named the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator and are set to begin their new duties in July.

Ross-Putney, a graduate of Vance County Schools, will take the reins from Dr. Gail Powers, who is retiring. She began in 2008 as a math teacher at Northern Vance High School, continuing as assistant principal at STEM Early High School, secondary math specialist, instructional technology facilitator and then executive director of the Center for Innovation and Professional Learning.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said she is confident Ross-Putney will expand her impact on the district in her new role, calling her an “innovative educator and systems thinker. Her work ethic is phenomenal and her desire to support teaching and learning is essential to the work we hope to accomplish.”

Ross-Putney was instrumental in the creation of the district’s first STEM middle school, designing and implementing an early high school model that was one-of-its-kind on the national level. She continues to fulfill her passion of providing access and opportunities to underrepresented student groups to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics) education and career fields.

As a graduate of Vance County Schools, Ross-Putney went on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Math Education and Masters in Education in Instructional Technology from N.C. State University. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from High Point University. As a student-centered and passionate professional who is committed to building relationships, ensuring equity, inspiring creativity, and promoting practices that effectively improves outcomes for students, the district is excited for the work Ross-Putney will bring to the role of Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation and the impact on our learning communities.

Ross-Putney and her husband have three children and live in Franklin County.

Stewart-Faines joined VCS in 2013 and has a total of 17 in the field of education. She began teaching in Kingston, Jamaica before coming to North Carolina. She was a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary and was named 2017-18 Teacher of the Year. She moved on to earn district teacher of the year honors and then regional teacher of the year. She transitioned to school administration and previously was assistant principal at Vance County Middle School. She currently serves as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach.

She earned her Bachelors in Education from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and her Masters in Curriculum an.d Instruction from Florida International University, Stewart-Faines then went on to earn her Masters in School Administration from High Point University. She participated in the High Point Leadership Academy for School Leadership.

Superintendent Bennett shared, “All educators need support, especially those new to the profession, state or country. Kedecia is very knowledgeable in the teaching and learning process and has a heart to serve.

Stewart-Faines lives in Williamsboro with her husband and three children.

Jackson, who will become the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator, joined VCS in 2018. Jackson began as a 4th grade teacher in Virginia for nine years, later becoming an Assistant Principal. After 3 years in that role, she became a Principal, serving in that capacity for one year. In 2018, Jackson joined Vance County Schools as a Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL) at Aycock Elementary.

MCL’s were initially established at Opportunity Culture schools within Vance County Schools as those with data to support high-growth student learning and leadership competencies. MCL’s work directly with staff and students, spending a portion of time teaching, as well as leading small teams of teachers, collaborating to provide support and implementing the best strategies for classroom instruction. Jackson has had great success in this role. As the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator, she will extend her reach, working with both MCL’s and principals.

“Casey is a strong instructional leader. From teacher to MCL to Principal, she has demonstrated her passion for education and supporting both students and staff,” shared Superintendent Bennett. “We are excited about the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator position, as it will expand Casey’s impact throughout the district.”

A graduate of Longwood University, Jackson earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Masters of Science in Educational Leadership. She resides in South Hill, Virginia with her husband and three children.