From VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

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

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

Lucas Tyburski, 8th Grader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fatima Ramirez Ramirez, 12th grader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rihanna Williams, 12th grader

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

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

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

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

Damira Williams, 7th grader

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to October’s Student Spotlight winners!