Tag Archive for: #vancegranvillecommunitycollege

VGCC Partners With N.C. State For Dual-Admission Program

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has entered an agreement with North Carolina State University to offer a dual-admission, dual-enrollment program. The initiative will benefit students who wish to be guaranteed admission to NCSU to earn a baccalaureate degree after completing an associate degree at VGCC.

VGCC is one of eight community colleges working with the university in the N.C. State Community College Collaboration, or C3, as the program is called. NCSU officials met with Vance-Granville officials on Main Campus on June 12 to online the plans for the program.

“This pathway to N.C. State is more like an eight-lane highway for our students to continue a superior education even beyond the doors of Vance-Granville,” said Stacey Carter-Coley, VGCC’s vice president of employee and student services. “What a remarkable day it is for our community of learners, supporters and partners.”

“C3 is intended for high-achieving community college students from low-to-moderate income backgrounds who plan to attend N.C. State University after completing their associate degree at one of the eight community colleges,” Bobbie Jo May, dean of VGCC’s Franklin Campus, said in her welcoming remarks. The program differs from other VGCC partnerships in place, however, she said, because “students are dually admitted to both institutions at the same time.”

North Carolina State University Senior Vice Provost of Enrollment and Management Services Dr. Louis D. Hunt outlines plans for the N.C. State C3 program to allow dual admission and dual enrollment to VGCC students who wish to earn their four-year degree at NCSU after getting an associate degree at the community college. NCSU officials met with college officials on Vance-Granville’s Main Campus on June 12. (VGCC Photo)

When a student enrolls in the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs at VGCC, he or she will also enroll at NCSU as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student, according to Dr. Louis D. Hunt, N.C. State’s senior vice provost of enrollment management and services. Students will have up to three years to complete their AA, AS or Associate of Engineering (AE) degree at one of the designated community colleges.

After completing the degree and maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, the C3 participants will be guaranteed admission to N.C. State. Entry into specific majors may be more competitive, Hunt added.

“Each year, nearly 1,700 students transfer to N.C. State to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Hunt said. “N.C. State is committed to increasing that number by providing a guaranteed admission pathway to N.C. State from our partner community colleges.”

“We’re very excited about this partnership,” he added. “As a land-grant institution, we’ve always been committed to providing opportunities to all citizens across the state of North Carolina. Creating more opportunities for students from low-to-moderate income families and students from rural communities is essential to our success. N.C. State’s strategic plan emphasizes increasing the number of North Carolina Community College System graduates enrolling in our programs.”

May noted that C3 students will work with advising staff at both institutions. “Once enrolled, students are assigned an academic and career coach with Vance-Granville and a separate academic advisor for N.C. State,” May said. “The coach and the advisor will work together with the student on their academic plan.”

Students who may apply for C3 include graduating high school seniors as well as current community college students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of college work, officials said.

Among the benefits of the program for Vance-Granville students will be access to N.C. State’s online advising and course planning systems, the opportunity to enroll in approved NCSU courses while enrolled at VGCC, and planned C3 activities on both VGCC’s campus and N.C. State’s campus.

“Vance-Granville is always seeking new opportunities to educate, inspire and support our students through creative partnerships,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “This initiative developed by North Carolina State University will open new doors for our Vanguards, providing clear pathways from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree.”

Also meeting with the NCSU officials were Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, and Spence Bailey, director of admissions.

The other community colleges participating in the program are Alamance, Central Carolina, Durham Technical, Johnston, Nash, Wake Technical and Wilson.

For more information, interested individuals can visit the N.C. State website at https://admissions.ncsu.edu/m/community-college-collaboration/ or speak with a staff member in the VGCC’s Admissions Office at (252) 738-3234.

VGCC Main Campus Child Care Center Students Graduate

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Six graduates of the Vance-Granville Community College Child Care Center on the college’s Main Campus were honored in a ceremony on June 1.

Preparing to enter kindergarten this fall, the Class of 2018 includes Luke Siler Capps of Oxford; Reed Harding Copeland of Bullock; Victon Steven-Cejorus Doyle of Wake Forest; Eli Michael Duke of Oxford; Cole Thomas Faulkner Jr. of Henderson; and Dixee Caroline Seaman of Warrenton.

The 2018 graduates of the Vance-Granville Community College Child Care Center at Main Campus included, seated, from left, Victon Steven-Cejorus Doyle, Dixee Caroline Seaman, and Eli Michael Duke; standing, from left, Reed Harding Copeland, Luke Siler Capps, and Cole Thomas Faulkner Jr. Standing with them is Bridget Perry, the Child Care Center manager. (VGCC Photo)

“It has been such a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of the growth of your child,” said Bridget Perry, manager of the child care center, to the family members gathered to celebrate the graduates.

Following an annual tradition for the center, Perry reported on what the graduates told their teachers they want to be when they grow up — from police officers and doctors to soldiers, firefighers and teachers.

During the program, the children, known as the “Fabulous Fours” for their ages, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang three songs — “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” “It’s A Beautiful Day” and “Thank-You Song.”

The invocation was given by Seaman, and Copeland provided the welcome.

The “Graduation Poem” was read by Seaman, followed by the poem “I’m Graduating,” recited by Doyle. Duke read the poem “Graduation Poem” and Capps presented the poem “Great Expectations.” All of the “Fabulous Fours” joined together for the poem “I’m a Graduate,” and Faulkner read the poem “Kindergarten Here We Come.”

Parents are encouraged to inquire about openings at the center by contacting Bridget Perry at (252) 738-3220 or perryb@vgcc.edu. Parents from among the general public can enroll their children there, as can parents who are VGCC students or employees.

More photos: Check out this album on Flickr!

 

VGCC Franklin Campus Child Care Center Graduates Students

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Eight graduates of the Child Care Center on Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus were recognized on June 6 in a ceremony.

The students in the Class of 2018 included Macie Collins of Kittrell, and Kaiden Holden, Emmalynn Holt, Aubrey Hoyle, Bryan Luke Lamm, Blake Spruill, Josephine Stover and Brayden Wood, all of Louisburg. Each student is now prepared to enter kindergarten in the fall.

Above: Students graduating from the VGCC Franklin Campus Child Care Center in 2018 included, seated, from left: Macie Collins, Bryan Luke Lamm and Aubrey Hoyle; standing, from left, Emmalynn Holt, Brayden Wood, Blake Spruill, Kaiden Holden, and Josephine Stover. Standing with them is teacher Teresa Gallatin. (VGCC photo)

VGCC Franklin Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May welcomed family and guests to the ceremony, thanking and applauding the staff and noting how the college mission of educating, inspiring and supporting a diverse community of learners to achieve success starts at the pre-school level.

“It’s at this center that your children have developed a deeper love of learning,” May said. “Our staff’s patient instruction and love for these children have helped to turn them into strong, confident kindergarten students.”

Michelle Patterson Jones, the manager of the child care center, and Teresa Gallatin, child care center specialist, presented the children with diplomas. Jones also handed out unique “personality certificates” to the students.

The invocation was given by Tina Dekle, an instructor in VGCC’s Early Childhood Education program. Lila Johnson of Louisburg, a younger student, served as the marshal, carrying the American flag and leading the students in and out of the ceremony to the song “Pomp & Circumstance.”

Spaces for students are currently available at the center. Parents from among the general public can enroll their children there, as can parents who are VGCC students or employees. For more information, contact Michelle Patterson Jones at (919) 496-1567 or pattersonm@vgcc.edu.

More photos: Check out this album on Flickr!

VGCC Honors Radiography Graduates At Pinning Ceremony

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Twenty new graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s two-year Radiography program were honored in a May 7 pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center.

The Radiography Class of 2018 included James D. Bolton of Henderson, Marco Antonio Carmen-Vazquez of Oxford, Yamile Chavarin of Henderson, Whitney Michelle Cox of Oxford, Crystal Gill of Henderson, Brittany Harmon of Norlina, Gloria Maria Hudnall of Oxford, Corinna W. Hutton of Durham, Jan Maniace of Hillsborough, Aaron McNeill of Oxford, Mark James Meinhart of Louisburg, Bethany Scarbrough Murphy of Youngsville, Laurie Newton of Henderson, Brittnee M. Orto of Creedmoor, Ashley Rhew of Timberlake, Katie Weary of Bullock, Terrance Mario Wesley of Raleigh, Lori Faye Wiggins of Creedmoor, Johnathan Williamson II of Oxford, and Jennifer Wright of Hurdle Mills.

In his remarks to the Class of 2018 as keynote speaker, John Douglas Britton II, a vascular interventional technologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Durham, urged the graduates to “aim high” but “never forget your roots.” (VGCC Photo)

In his remarks to the Class of 2018 as keynote speaker, John Douglas Britton II, a vascular interventional technologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Durham, urged the graduates to “aim high” but “never forget your roots.” A 2015 graduate of VGCC’s Radiography program, Britton added, “It’s important to set goals for yourself. To aim high is to work towards significant rewards along with personal and professional satisfaction.”

“It’s also important to remember who you are, where you’re from, where your roots are and realize that honoring your foundation will ensure that you live a grounded, meaningful life — one with purpose,” he said. “The gift of heritage comes with a responsibility to share, inspire, spread the word and teach others as you have been taught.”

Britton was chosen by the graduating students to receive the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Certificate of Excellence for Clinical Educators, presented at the ceremony by Stacey Soles, VGCC’s clinical coordinator for Radiography.

Receiving the JRCERT Certificate of Excellence for Students was Aaron McNeill, with the award presented by instructor Lewis Daughtry, Jr. A special recognition was also made to McNeill by Soles for perfect attendance in the clinical education classes during the entire 21 months of the program.

Members of the 2018 Radiography graduating class at Vance-Granville Community College who received their pins May 7 included, on the front row, from left: Katie Weary, Laurie Newton, Marco Antonio Carman-Vazquez, Crystal Gill, Ashley Rhew and Yamile Chavarin; second row, from left: Brittany Harmon, Lori Faye Wiggins, Terrance Mario Wesley, Brittnee M. Orto and Jan Maniace; third row, from left: Corinna W. Hutton, Whitney Michelle Cox, James Bolton, Aaron McNeill and Gloria Maria Hudnall; back row, front left, Bethany Murphy, Johnathan Williamson II, Mark James Meinhart and Jennifer Wright. (VGCC Photo)

Among other awards presented, the VGCC Radiography Academic Award was given to Ashley Rhew, and the VGCC Radiography Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Terrance Mario Wesley. Those presentations were made by Angela Thomas, VGCC’s dean of Health Sciences.

The students voted for Tabitha Owens of EmergeOrtho as the top technologist at the clinical sites in which they received their 900 hours of practical training, while the Clinical Affiliate Award of Excellence went to the Granville Medical Center Radiography Department. Both awards were presented by instructor Anthony Twisdale.

In welcoming remarks, VGCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown congratulated the graduates, welcomed them to the imaging profession and encouraged them to “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined.”

Dr. Brown shared some information about the diverse class, noting that nine of the 20 graduates had been raising children during their studies and 12 had earned Dean’s List or President’s List honors. Seven have already accepted employment opportunities in their new careers, and 10 of them have been accepted into educational programs to diversify their skill set within Radiography, including CT, MRI, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Others have plans to concurrently take classes to obtain their bachelor’s degree at four-year institutions.

The class drew strength from working together as a family, VGCC’s Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas said. “With the realization that you cannot make it on your own, you decided to embrace and display the real meaning of family,” she said. “This gave each of you the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer and then you all gradually began to strive to do better as a unit…. Today, your journey continues as you transition from my students to my colleagues — colleagues with whom I can say that I trust to work as well as to take care of my loved ones.”

As class representative, Terrance Mario Wesley spoke on behalf of his classmates. He shared comments about each of his fellow graduates and his program instructors and clinical instructors. Describing his instructors as being “the best a student could ask for,” he added, “I would like to thank you all for imparting wisdom, believing in us, and being an awesome example for us.” Wesley said. He closed with a quote from his childhood mentor as encouragement to graduates and the next class of radiographers: “Good, better, best — never let it rest until your good is your better and your better is your best.” Wesley also gave the invocation and benediction.

Daughtry shared the history of the Radiographer’s Pin prior to Thomas and Twisdale awarding pins to each graduate. Thomas led the graduates in reciting the Radiographer’s Pledge as the ceremonies concluded.

View VGCC’s Flickr album of photographs from the pinning ceremony.

New VGCC Nursing Scholarship Named in Honor of Retired Registered Nurse

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Hutson Wester of Henderson recently made a donation to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to create the Brenda McGee Wester, R.N., Academic Achievement Scholarship in honor of his wife.

Wester has long been a supporter of the college’s scholarship program. He started his first scholarship in the 1980s, recently elevating the Hutson Wester Insurance scholarship to the Presidential Merit Award status. He started the Virginia L. Wester Academic Achievement Scholarship in 2015 in memory of his former wife. He was also instrumental in endowing the Henderson Rotary Club Academic Achievement Scholarship in 2008.

Now retired from Wester Insurance Agency in Henderson, Wester also taught Continuing Education classes on insurance at VGCC for several years.

Brenda McGee Wester retired after 30 years as a Registered Nurse in 2005, having worked at Duke Raleigh Medical Center and Wake Medical Center as well as spending a portion of that time in State government. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Johnston Community College and is considering enrolling into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at a four-year institution, she said.

Hutson Wester and his wife, Brenda, present a donation to Vance-Granville Community College’s Endowment Fund to start the Brenda McGee Wester, R.N., Academic Achievement Scholarship. From left are Eddie Ferguson, Endowment Fund director; Kay Currin, Endowment specialist; Brenda Wester; Hutson Wester; and VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams.

Mrs. Wester said her career in Nursing was sparked by her mother’s interest in helping neighbors in the McGee’s Crossroads community while growing up as one of six daughters on a 100-acre tobacco farm in Johnston County. “My mother, Lillie McGee, was the one that they called on when a mother was having a baby,” said Mrs. Wester. “My mother was a nurse by what came natural to her,” serving as a midwife in addition to providing loving care to members of her family.

“I know what it’s like to come along and want to be a nurse, but some students can’t afford to go to college,” said Mrs. Wester. “Having a scholarship available will help them be able to make it. That means a lot to me.”

In awarding the newest scholarship, preference will be given to students enrolled in eight or more credit hours in one of the college’s Nursing programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be required. VGCC offers Associate Degree Nursing, LPN to ADN Transition, RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing) and Practical Nursing among its Health Sciences programs.

“I think Vance-Granville is one of the best things that ever happened in our four-county area,” said Hutson Wester. “I’ve seen what the college has done since the very beginning when it was located in the former Maria Parham Hospital building on Chestnut Street in Henderson.”

VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams voiced her appreciation of the new scholarship. “Students who are preparing for careers in Nursing have a new source of support, thanks to the generosity of Hutson Wester. This scholarship, like those he started earlier, is so essential in helping us meet our mission of educating, inspiring and supporting our students.”

Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, added, “Hutson Wester has been such a strong supporter of the college — in the classroom, in the community and also on the golf course as a regular participant in our annual Endowment Fund golf tournament. He has chosen a meaningful way to honor his wife.”

The new scholarship will add to the more than 9,000 scholarships that have been awarded to students since 1982, funded by interest earned on the Endowment Fund and Scholarship Program. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff to assist deserving students. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business, industry or organization with a lasting gift to education. In the Fall of 2017, Vance-Granville awarded scholarships to 306 students.

For more information, the Office of the Endowment can be reached by calling Endowment Specialist Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.

VGCC Pins Associate Degree Nursing Graduates

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 34 students who graduated this spring from the Associate Degree Nursing program with a pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center on May 9.

Among those honored with distinctive nursing pins at the ceremonies were eight who graduated through the LPN to ADN Transition Program, which helps Licensed Practical Nurses to continue their education and then become Registered Nurses. Those graduates were William Autrey of Henderson; Joan Currin of Kittrell; Tammy Emery of Creedmoor; Brittany McFarland of Kittrell; Latonya Morton of Oxford; Roselyne Muhimpundu of Wake Forest; Laura Murray of Oxford; and Omar O’Brien of Wake Forest.

Members of the 2018 Associate Degree Nursing class at Vance-Granville Community College who received their nursing pins on May 9 included, on front row, from left: Shayne Gravitt, Valerie Strange, Victoria Puplampu, Halie Brooks, Laura Murray, Brittany McFarland, Crystal Satterfield and Courtney Moss; second row, from left: Tonya Berry, Caitlyn Smith, Ashley Drake, Jessica White, Brittany Beddingfield and Jeannie Adcock; third row, from left: Brittani Lynch, Roselyne Muhimpundu and Guadalupe Duran; fourth row, from left: Tammy Emery, Stephen Gakumo, Caitlin Moen, Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan, Christine Kingsley, Kaylan Hoyle, Shakeera Robinson, Tasha Warren and Rachel Morton; back row, from left: William Autrey, Jodie Carroll, Joan Currin, Latonya Morton, Matthew Grooms and Omar O’Brien; not pictured: Joy Harris and Mujahid Yagoub. (VGCC Photo)

The graduates who took courses in the traditional five-semester sequence included Jeannie Adcock of Oxford; Brittany Beddingfield of Oxford; Tonya Berry of Franklinton; Halie Brooks of Raleigh; Jodie Carroll of Oxford; Ashley Drake of Stovall; Guadalupe Duran of Louisburg; Stephen Gakumo of Durham; Shayne Gravitt of Raleigh; Matthew Grooms of Butner; Joy Harris of Oxford; Kaylan Hoyle of Henderson; Christine Kingsley of Louisburg; Brittani Lynch of Hollister; Caitlin Moen of Cary; Rachel Morton of Louisburg; Courtney Moss of Henderson; Victoria Puplampu of Durham; Shakeera Robinson of Franklinton; Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan of Creedmoor; Crystal Satterfield of Oxford; Caitlyn Smith of Creedmoor; Valerie Strange of Bullock; Tasha Warren of Henderson; Jessica White of Louisburg; and Mujahid Yagoub of Durham.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, described the class as being “highly sought after” by employers, colleges and universities because of their educational background and skill level. “Over 80 percent of these students already have a job waiting for them as a registered nurse,” he added.

Associate Degree Nursing program head/instructor Dr. Anna Seaman praised the class for its hard work, dedication and compassion. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “You have the knowledge and the skills you need to be successful. But, most importantly, you have the dedication and the heart to do it with caring and compassion. We know that the dedication and compassion that you possess will be appreciated by those patients and families that you care for in the future.”

Halie Brooks, the president of the Class of 2018 nursing graduates, thanked families for their support as well as the nursing instructors. In remarks to her classmates, she added, “We have made lifelong friendships that we will forever cherish. We have also been each other’s support system through the early mornings, long days and late nights. And without each other, we may not be here.”

Academic honors were presented to graduates who completed the program with at least a 3.5 grade point average: Adcock, Brooks, Carroll, Duran, Emery, Grooms, Hoyle, O’Brien, Strange and finally Murray, 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 Beddingfield, Berry, Brooks, Carroll, Drake, Duran, Gravitt, Grooms, Harris, Hoyle, Kingsley, Lynch, McFarland, Latonya Morton, Rachel Morton, Moss, Pumlampu, Robinson, Rojas-Galvan, Smith, Warren, White and Yagoub.

Instructor Brande McIlroy 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 Dr. Seaman and received lamps and roses from instructors Ugur Celimli and Vanessa Ramseur. 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 lamplight.

The invocation was delivered by Rachel Morton and the benediction by Brittany McFarland, both of them graduates of the program. Also participating in the program were instructors Patsy Pegram and Michael Frazier.

A Flickr album of photographs from the pinning ceremony is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157696465731814.

Early College High School Accepting New Applicants

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Early College High School is accepting applications for rising sophomores and juniors for the 2018-19 school year.

Applications must be received in the Early College High School office by noon on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

The application is available on the school district’s website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Acceptance notifications will go out to students on July 6, 2018. An orientation session for new students and their parents will be held on July 19, 2018.

Early College High School is located on the third floor of Building 2 on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson.

Interested persons with questions about the application process may contact the school at 252-738-3580.

VGCC’s Endowment Golf Tournament Sets Record For Seventh Consecutive Year

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s 34th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament hit a new record total by raising $125,000 to help fund scholarships for deserving students and support the mission of the college.

That result surpassed the $116,675 generated in 2017, in what was previously the highest-grossing golf tournament in VGCC history.

A total of 168 golfers formed 42 teams to play in either the morning or the afternoon round on May 1 at Henderson Country Club.

“We are always so appreciative of the support from all of the golfers and sponsors who demonstrate their commitment to higher education and to economic development through this event,” said VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams. “Thanks to such strong community support, we again set a record, surpassing our previous fundraising record for the seventh consecutive year. Since 1985, VGCC golf tournaments have now raised nearly $1 million, with the current tournament bringing our total to $987,000 thus far. The impact on our students and our college is incredible.”

Above: Eddie Ferguson and Kay Currin of Vance-Granville Community College’s Office of the Endowment and VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams celebrate the results of the 34th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club with VGCC students Jeannie Adcock and Andrew Lynam. At a dinner after the tournament, the students voiced their appreciation to golfers and sponsors for support of college scholarships. From left are Ferguson, Currin, Adcock, Lynam and Dr. Williams. The total of $125,000 that was contributed represented an increase over the amount announced at the dinner after additional donations were received. (VGCC Photo)

At the dinner held to round out the day, players received trophies as they also took home an assortment of door prizes and participated in a silent auction. VGCC students Andrew Lynam of Youngsville in the Welding Technology program and Jeannie Adcock of Henderson in the Associate Degree Nursing program expressed their appreciation to tournament participants.

In the morning round, the team of Mark Heilman, Jeff Hoffner, Bill Oncea and Andy Archer of the CertainTeed team took home the “first net” trophy with a score of 54. The AAA team of Blair Thomas, David Thomas, Kyle Holtzman and Hal Finch won “second net” with a 57. The “first gross” trophy went to the team of Ben Bryan, Tony Murray, Mike Hill and Scott Dickerson, sponsored by Jesse Sullins, with a score of 52.

In the afternoon round, a second team sponsored by Sullins, which included George Foster, Jesse Sullins, Matthew Jones and Gary Bowman, finished with the “first net” score of 55, winning on a scorecard tie-breaker. The Charles Boyd Chevrolet team of Russell Boyd, Rusty Crocker, Mike Rainey and Jan Fletcher won “second net” with a 55. The “first gross” trophy in the afternoon went to the CenturyLink team of Chris Joyner, Steve Launder, Randy Gilmore and Mike Cook with a 52.

D.J. Matthews on the Vanco Outdoor Equipment team took the longest-drive prize on Hole 1 in the morning round, while Gary Bowman on the Jesse Sullins team had the longest drive in the afternoon.

Kevin Cox of the Palziv team won the closest to the pin prize on Hole 11 in the morning, and Gary Nethercutt of The Athlete’s Foot team took that honor in the afternoon round.

Numerous companies and individuals supported the VGCC tournament as sponsors. The morning round sponsor was CertainTeed of Oxford and the afternoon round was sponsored by Altec Industries of Creedmoor.

Other Premier sponsors included Bridgestone Bandag Tire; Carolina Commonwealth; Charles Boyd Chevrolet Buick GMC; Duke Energy; Durham Coca-Cola; First Citizens Bank Investor Services; Glen Raven, Inc.; Granville Health System; John Nelms, Jr.; Novozymes North America, Inc.; Private Wealth Management of North Carolina; Robling Medical; Rose Oil Company, Inc.; Union Bank; Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc.; Vanco Outdoor Equipment; Linda Weaver; and Wester Insurance Agency.

The Platinum sponsors were The Athlete’s Foot; CenturyLink; Core & Main; Henderson Collegiate; Institutional Interiors, Inc.; K-Flex; Kilian Engineering; Maria Parham Health; MR Williams, Inc.; Park Automation, Inc.; and Variety Stores, Inc.

Gold sponsors were AAA Gas & Appliance Co.; Carolina Sunrock; CEI; Golden Skillet; Palziv; Ted’s Catering Service; and Winston International.

Green sponsors included Backyard Retreat; Barnett Real Properties, Inc.; Bearpond Fresh Market; Coldwell Banker Advantage; Dill Air Controls Products; Encore Tech; Greystone Concrete Products; HG Reynolds; JM White Funeral Services; Mast Drug Company; May & Place; MPACT Solutions, LLC; Nick & Sons Truck Repair; NT Techno; RFR Metal Fabrication; Vescom, North America; Wake Electric Membership Corp.; Watkins Plumbing; and Dr. Stelfanie Williams.

Tee Box sponsors were Ag Carolina Farm Credit; Ahner Security; Alex Drake, DDS, PA; Banzet, Thompson, Styers & May; Benchmark Community Bank; Brame Specialty; C&P Body Shop; Carolina Country Snacks; Stacey Carter-Coley; Dave Carver; Century 21 Country Knolls Realty, Inc.; Mack Choplin; City Tire, Inc.; Comfort Zone; Cross & Currin Attorneys; Dave and Kay Currin; Dabney Drive Animal Hospital; Encore Tech; Eddie and Debra Ferguson; Flowers Funeral Home; Frazco, Inc., Insurance – Real Estate; Fred’s Towing & Transport, Inc.; Granville County EDC; H&W Investments; Hall’s Floor Fashions, Inc.; Henderson-Vance EDC; Hight Warehouse; Hopper, Hicks, Wrenn, PLLC; Will Jakes-Edward Jones; Medical Arts Pharmacy; Morton and Sherman Implement Co., Inc.; Mosely Plumbing Company, Inc.; Marsha J. Nelson; One Source Document Solutions; Pete Smith’s Tire and Quick Lube; Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A.; Pino’s Italian Restaurant; Postal Plus Business Center; Professional Pharmacy; Reach Construction; Riggs-Harrod; Robco; Sherman & Boddie,Inc.; Southern Educational Systems; Southern Laundry; Sprinkle Properties; Stainback, Satterwhite & Zollicoffer, PLLC; Sunrise Biscuits of Oxford; Curtis and JoAnne Thompson; Vance Construction Company; Vance-Granville Deans; VGCC Communications Department; Whitco Bug Warriors; William L. Stark and Company; and WOW Wash on Wheels.

Other contributions were made by Ace Hardware of Oxford; ARC3 Gases; The Angus Barn; Bamboo Garden; B&R Properties & Development; Judge Henry and Mamie Banks; BB&T of Henderson; BB&T of Oxford; Jim Beck; Carolina Country Snacks; Chick-fil-A; Circuit Tech; City Tire; Cracker Barrel; Jim Crawford; Dr. Ben Currin; Dell Computer; George’s of Oxford; Joe Hamme; Harvest; Bob Hubbard; Ichibar Japanese Restaurant; Institutional Interiors Inc.; International Paper; Mako Medical Properties; John P. McConnell; Darryl Moss; Nan’s; Newton Instrument Company; The Peanut Roaster; Robinson Ferry; Schewels Furniture Company; Staffmark; Stella & Dot; Tarheel Vending and Wholesale; Ernest Thompson; Tidal Wave; Tru-Green Landscaping; US Foods; Vance Furniture; Vanco Outdoor Equipment; Variety Wholesalers/Roses Stores; VGCC Endowment Office; Mike Williams; Robert Winston and Moo Yancey.

Each year, the golf tournament is the major fundraising event for the VGCC Endowment Fund, through which more than 9,000 scholarships have been awarded to students since 1982. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s photo album from the golf tournament on Flickr

WINNING TEAMS:

Above: The CertainTeed team of, from left, Mark Heilman, Jeff Hoffner, Bill Oncea and Andy Archer took home the “first net” trophy with a score of 54 in the morning round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)

 

Above: The AAA team of, from left, Blair Thomas, David Thomas, Kyle Holtzman and Hal Finch won “second net” with a 57 in the morning round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)

 

Above: The “first gross” trophy went to the team of, from left, Ben Bryan, Tony Murray, Mike Hill and Scott Dickerson, sponsored by Jesse Sullins, with a score of 52 in the morning round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)

 

Above: A team sponsored by Jesse Sullins, which included, from left, George Foster, Jesse Sullins, Matthew Jones and Gary Bowman, finished with the “first net” score of 55, winning on a scorecard tie-breaker in the afternoon round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)

 

Above: Runner-up in the afternoon round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, winning “second net” with a score of 55, was the Charles Boyd Chevrolet team of, from left, Russell Boyd, Rusty Crocker, Mike Rainey and Jan Fletcher. (VGCC Photo)

 

Above: The “first gross” trophy in the afternoon went to the CenturyLink team of, from left, Chris Joyner, Steve Launder, Randy Gilmore and Mike Cook with a 52 in the afternoon round of the 34th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)

VGCC Basic Skills Graduates Encouraged to Dream of Better Futures

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s Adult Basic Skills programs received a double dose of encouragement to dream of better futures and work to make those dreams come true at their commencement exercises on May 3.

The honorees were among those students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

The principal commencement speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr., retired superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. The Oxford native followed at the podium a presentation by Jennifer Pascual of Henderson, speaking on behalf of the graduating students. A native of Vance County, Pascual completed her High School Equivalency in April after attending classes on the main campus.

Above: Retired Granville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dorwin Howard of Oxford addresses VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

“Do you have a dream?” Dr. Howard asked the graduates. “Do you have a vision of what your future could look like? If you’ve not begun to dream already, I urge you to do so right now. The truth of the matter is that you cannot afford not to dream.”

Citing his work as a school administrator, Dr. Howard recalled student-athletes who had size, speed, strength and a natural talent for athletics. Those attributes, however, were inadequate without an initiative to work, the discipline to practice and the humility to follow the guidance of coaches, he said. “Champions are not born. They are made,” Dr. Howard said, noting the process begins with a dream.

Citing Amos 6:1 from the Old Testament, Dr. Howard urged the graduates to apply themselves. “Woe unto you who will not apply yourself in order to make yourself better. Woe unto you who are looking for the easy way out,” he said.

“I dare you to dream tonight. Dream of entering the workplace. Envision yourself climbing the ladder of success. Dream of continuing your education to help you advance in your career. Dream of earning well. Dream of living well…. But note that dreams don’t become reality by chance. They don’t happen by luck. Dreams begin in your head and heart and become real as you work to make them come true.”

He encouraged the graduates to explore possibilities by reading about what they would like to become and do in life, to be willing to take risks to succeed and to continue to be diligent and work hard. “Dreamers make things happen,” he said.

“Like your parents, relatives and friends, like your instructors and counselors who worked with you and the administrators here at Vance-Granville Community College, I too believe in you and I believe that one day you will make your dreams come true,” he concluded.

Above: Jennifer Pascual of Henderson addresses her fellow VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

Student speaker Pascual described for her fellow graduates what had not always been an easy road in life because of family and financial challenges. She described having a dream as a 12-year-old of being a pediatrician; however, that dream faded when her mother and father separated, her family faced the future without a father, her mother battled diabetes while working for 25 years in the tobacco fields, and a brother was deported.

“I gave up on my dreams. I also wanted to give up on life,” she said. “But then I had to think about my mother and what she would go through.”

“While it’s not been easy for my family, I’m glad I made it this far to get my High School Equivalency diploma. I didn’t think I would be able to graduate this year because of financial struggles,” she said. “This program got me focused on my future, a better future for myself and family…. As this program has come to an end for me, I want to make my dreams a new reality by becoming a registered nurse.”

She praised her instructors, including Glenn Alston whose teaching helped her “get the hang of math,” and the department chair for Basic Skills, Dr. Greg Nash, who encouraged her to pursue the curriculum nursing program at VGCC now.

“I now realize not to let fear stop me from pursuing my dreams,” she said. “If I can do this, you can, too. Dream big! Chase your dreams until you catch them!”

Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, announced a special incentive to the graduates to continue their education at Vance-Granville. “Commencement, as you know, does not mean an ‘ending.’ It means a ‘beginning,’ and that is especially true on this occasion tonight,” he said. “The diploma that you will receive will allow you to achieve your dreams wherever you may go.”

As an extra incentive for graduates to begin their collegiate studies, Dr. Brown announced that each graduate would receive a certificate worth free tuition and fees for one semester of courses in curriculum programs or continuing education courses at VGCC, absorbing costs not covered by federal financial aid. “This certificate for tuition and fees is our way of saying ‘congratulations’ and ‘keep going,’” he said.

In conferring diplomas to the graduates, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, praised the graduates and applauded the Basic Skills faculty for preparing students to succeed.

After Dr. Nash announced the candidates for graduation, Dr. Brown assisted Dr. Williams in presenting diplomas.

Also on the program were Tiffany Hunter and Owenwiston Raymond III, both 2018 HSE diploma graduates, who provided the welcome and introduced the student speaker, respectively; Michael Young, an instructor in Basic Skills, who introduced Dr. Howard; Dawn Michelle Tucker, dean of Continuing Education and Basic Skills, who offered remarks; and the Rev. Terry Huffines of First United Methodist Church of Henderson, who provided the invocation and benediction.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s album on Flickr!

Video from the Ceremony: Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

VGCC Releases Names of 2018 Basic Skills Graduates

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS

 

Vance County

Seion Bobbitt, Henderson

Lateria Christmas, Henderson

Jazmer Cole, Henderson

Shawn Davis, Henderson

Grethel Flores Tavera, Henderson

Sherrell Harris, Henderson

Andrew Creech, Kittrell

David Kaiser, Kittrell

Shadian Whitmore, Kittrell

 

Granville County

Gavin Carroll, Bullock

Leslie Collie, Creedmoor

 

Franklin County

Christopher Ayscue, Franklinton

Haley Briggs, Franklinton

Chy-Na Fuller, Franklinton

Jadan Puett, Franklinton

Trevor Martin, Louisburg

Patrick O’Neal, Louisburg

Sarah Wilds, Louisburg

Kathrine Herbig, Youngsville

Jacob Naegele, Youngsville

Logan Robbins, Youngsville

 

Warren County

Patrick McCollough, Henrico

Joshua Edwards, Littleton

Mason Keys, Littleton

Alford Brandon, Norlina

Shadae Jackson, Norlina

Chaquell Jiggetts, Norlina

Krystle Reid, Norlina

Taylor Sidden, Norlina

Delahoya Benjamin, Warrenton

Sharron Lewis-Williams, Warrenton

Juanita Mincey, Warrenton

Victoria Perry , Warrenton

Gabrielle Seward, Warrenton

Earnest Solomon, Warrenton

Imani Swinney, Warrenton

 

Wake County

Alexandria McKinnon, Garner

Nikayla Morgan, Raleigh

Lyndaiha Sullivan-Henry, Raleigh

Isaiah Napier, Wake Forest

Brianna Cid, Zebulon

Cynthia Leon, Zebulon

Anasia Perry, Zebulon

 

Other Communities

Jaime Villareal, Asheboro

Tristan Martin, Bradenton, Fla.

Jairin Shaw, Burlington

Tiffany Joyner, Carrboro

Ahjah Lewis-Rowe, Charlotte

James Shepherd, Charlotte

Dontravious Williams, Charlotte

Ebony Wilson, Charlotte

Kyle Broas, Clayton

Robert Osborne, Dallas

James Moore, Durham

Keion Evans, Enfield

Deonte Robinson, Fayetteville

Thaddeus Dozier, Greensboro

Infinity Miller, Greensboro

Jerome Ballance, Jacksonville

Kimberly Birdlow, Lake Wylie, S.C.

Alexander Ingram, Lexington

Matthew Neal, Lexington

Kashief Matos, Pinetops

Armon Davis, Plymouth

Hassan Bangura, Rocky Mount

Christopher Spruill, Tarboro

Kwon’shelya Best, Williamston

Clarissa Overton, Winston Salem

 

VGCC HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

 

Vance County

Cameron Bollinger, Henderson

Johnathan Brooks, Henderson

Bridget Crute, Henderson

Janie Evans, Henderson

Chase Gupton, Henderson

Vernon Jenkins Jr., Henderson

Christie Matthews, Henderson

Erin McGhee, Henderson

Michael Noyce, Henderson

Jennifer Pascual, Henderson

Owenwiston Raymond III, Henderson

Leonardo Renteria, Henderson

Jeremy Roberson, Henderson

Michael Stutzman, Henderson

Taylor Walker, Henderson

Lonnie Webb Jr., Henderson

Denise Woodard, Henderson

Christopher Gaither, Kittrell

Matthew Varker, Kittrell

Rebekah Varker, Kittrell

 

Granville County

Travis Sizemore, Bullock

Christopher Smith, Butner

Barry Avery, Creedmoor

Danielle Blackwell, Oxford

Monica Foster, Oxford

Tiffiny Hunter, Oxford

Charles Johnson, Oxford

Karen Montalvo-Franco, Oxford

 

Franklin County

James Goodson, Franklinton

Michael Ray, Franklinton

Christina Tyson, Franklinton

Shakera Alston, Louisburg

Timon Bailey, Louisburg

Dorothy Bobbitt, Louisburg

Noah Corbett, Louisburg

Serenity Corbett, Louisburg

Ronald Dement Jr., Louisburg

Cathrine Forsyth, Louisburg

Rose Johnson, Louisburg

Emily Martinez, Louisburg

Eric Trammell, Louisburg

Kenneth Jeffreys, Youngsville

 

Warren County

Eric Alexander, Manson

Serenia Lester, Warrenton

Christopher Tharrington, Warrenton

 

Wake County

Benjamin Mashburn, Apex

Amanda Bridges, Wake Forest

Jesse Pendleton, Wake Forest

 

Other Communities

Cheyenne Irby, Roxboro