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June 2009 Archives
Recent Entries
- June 26 Superintendent's Journal: Further Actions to Prepare for a Lean Year
- Board Names Principals
- June 19 Superintendent's Journal: The Budget's Potential Impact on Schools
- WCPSS Students Earn Leadership Scholarship
- Dr. Burns Reports: June 16, 2009
- Board Resolution Honors Outgoing Chair
- ParentVision: Helping Our Youngest Students on the Bus
- Enloe High Graduates Class of 2009
- WCPSS Demographer publishes distance analysis for 2006-07
- Dr. Burns Launches Superintendent's Journal
Categories
June 26, 2009
June 26 Superintendent's Journal: Further Actions to Prepare for a Lean Year
In this week's video journal, Dr. Burns explains further steps taken this week -- prompted by recent developments in the North Carolina General Assembly -- to prepare for the possibility of significantly reduced state funding.
Dr. Burns says that the possibilities of significant cuts in funding for teachers, teacher assistants and schools "are rapidly becoming probabilities." As a result, Dr. Burns announces extending the existing hiring freeze to include teacher assistants and teachers in grades six through twelve, as well as banning out-of-state travel and restricting all expenditures of county funding to essential goods and services only.
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 3:04 PM on June 26, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Board Names Principals
At its June 16 meeting, the Board of Education named Timothy Locklair principal at Holly Springs High, Chip Mack principal of Davis Drive Elementary, Catherine Yanello principal at Wildwood Forest Elementary and Judy Dudley interim principal at Carver Elementary.
Locklair has been principal at Apex Middle since 2004. Prior to that, he was a middle school principal, high school assistant principal and high school teacher in Silver Springs, Maryland.
Mack has been principal at Root Elementary since 1999. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Powell Elementary and a teacher at Conn Elementary.
Yanello has been assistant principal at Wildwood Forest Elementary since 2007. Prior to that, she was assistant principal intern at Yates Mill Elementary and a teacher at Yates Mill Elementary and Lockhart Elementary.
Dudley has served as an interim principal at Knightdale Elementary and Lynn Road Elementary after retiring from WCPSS. Prior to that, Dudley had served as principal of York Elementary and Conn Elementary.
The board named assistant principals including Kenneth Jorgenson to River Bend Elementary, Nanette Lavery to Lake Myra Elementary, Keith Richardson to Sycamore Creek Elementary, Holly Shaw to Timber Drive Elementary, Rossi Wade to Swift Creek Elementary and Samantha Whittington to Banks Road Elementary.
Posted by Bill Poston at 2:15 PM on June 26, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 19, 2009
June 19 Superintendent's Journal: The Budget's Potential Impact on Schools
Dr. Burns provides an update on local funding following the adoption of the county budget, and discusses some of the potential changes in the classroom after the state government completes its work, in this week's Journal.
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 3:25 PM on June 19, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 17, 2009
WCPSS Students Earn Leadership Scholarship
Neel Mandavilli of Southeast Raleigh High and Ashlyn Young of Athens Drive High were awarded the NC Hugh O'Brien (HOBY) Student Representative Award by the Raleigh Jaycees.
The two WCPSS students were among the 10 finalists selected from 226 NC students attending the state leadership program. All finalists were required to write essays, be interviewed by a panel of judges and be nominated by their seminar facilitators.
The award provides a $1,500 scholarship for each student to represent NC HOBY at the World Leadership Congress. The scholarship award was presented on Sunday, June 14 at the closing ceremonies of the three-day NC HOBY Leadership seminar at NC State University.
The 2009 Hugh O'Brien World Leadership Congress will be held at George Mason University in Washington DC from July 25 to 31. The program will host 400 rising high school juniors from all over the world.
The 2009 NC HOBY leadership seminar at NC State University attracted 226 sophomore leaders representing high schools from all across the state. Each sophomore was nominated by their high school for their outstanding accomplishments as a leader, and for their future potential as a leader. During the three-day program, students met with government leaders and entrepreneurs to gain an insight into public service and private enterprise. They were provided with guidance and direction on how to initiate and run volunteering projects that benefit their local communities.
HOBY's mission is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership. They are outstanding 10th graders who participate in HOBY programs and return home, charged with providing visionary leadership to their classmates and community. The HOBY program, which was started in 1955, currently has approximately 410,000 HOBY ambassadors.
Posted by Bill Poston at 2:45 PM on June 17, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 16, 2009
Dr. Burns Reports: June 16, 2009
Superintendent Burns highlighted the accomplishments of the Class of 2009 and saluted the outgoing Chair of the Wake County Board of Education, Rosa Gill, in his June 16 report to the school board.
Click here to listen to Dr. Burns Reports.
This is an 11-minute MP3 file.
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 6:14 PM on June 16, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Board Resolution Honors Outgoing Chair
Outgoing chair Rosa Gill was recognized by her fellow Wake County Board of Education members for her nine-and-a-half years of service including the past two as the board's chair. Gill resigned from the board following the board's June 16 meeting after being selected to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives representing District 33. She succeeds former Rep. Dan Blue, who was selected to serve out the remainder of the late Sen. Vernon Malone's term in the N.C. Senate.
New school board chair Kevin L. Hill read the following resolution, which was adopted by the board this afternoon:
In Appreciation of the Dedication and Commitment Provided by Rosa Gill to the Children of Wake County Public School SystemWHEREAS, Rosa U. Gill has served the children of Wake County as a member of the Wake County Board of Education since 1999, and as its Chair for the last two years; and
WHEREAS, during that time Rosa U. Gill has been a dedicated member of the Wake County Board of Education, committed to a thoughtful process, willing to address difficult issues by involving and listening to others, and unfailingly focused on the success of every child; and
WHEREAS, Rosa U. Gill's service as a Board member continues her history of support for Wake County students and citizens as an educator, volunteer and public servant; and
WHEREAS, Rosa U. Gill has been named as the successor to Dan Blue in serving the citizens of District 33 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and has therefore announced her intention to resign her seat on the Wake County Board of Education; now,
RESOLVED, that the Wake County Board of Education heartily thanks Rosa U. Gill for her service and wishes her well as she accepts her new responsibilities to the State of North Carolina, and respectfully encourages her to continue her life's work of bringing educational opportunities to every child.
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 5:20 PM on June 16, 2009 | Leave Feedback
ParentVision: Helping Our Youngest Students on the Bus
Find out some of the steps we're taking next year to keep kindergartners and first graders safe on the bus in the latest ParentVision video podcast!
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 5:17 PM on June 16, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 13, 2009
Enloe High Graduates Class of 2009
Enloe High graduated 570 students in the Class of 2009 today at the Raleigh Convention Center. This was Enloe's 46th commencement ceremony.
Each high school organizes its graduation ceremony and has the opportunity to practice with graduates in the Raleigh Convention Center. Enloe students arrived at the Convention Center at 7:15 for their 8 a.m. ceremony. They gathered in an area just behind the stage. Senior Kim Lorella reflected on the excitement just before the ceremony began.
Click here to listen to Senior Kim Lorella just before the graduation ceremony.
One of the parents at the convention center was Rueben Young, NC Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety. He was proud to see his son, Brandon Young, graduate from Enloe.
Click to listen to Rueben Young on his son's graduation.
At 8 a.m., the graduation ceremony began with the Enloe High Wind Ensemble directed by Robert Hunter playing Pomp and Circumstance. Student leaders spoke. Then students marched across the stage to receive a diploma and handshake from Principal Beth Cochran. Once all students had received diplomas, Cochran announced them graduates with students and families excitedly celebrating.
Click to listen to Enloe High Wind Ensemble perform Pomp and Circumstance.
Click to listen to Enloe students receive their diplomas
Click to listen to Enloe Principal Beth Cochran announce students as graduates.
Once the graduation ceremony was completed, families and students went to Enloe High where parents of the junior class had prepared a celebration, the Enloe String Orchestra played and the newly graduated students artwork was displayed.
Parents of Enloe graduates Daniel Vitek, Amelia Lumpkin and Roxanne Thompson took a moment during the celebration to talk about the excitement of graduation day.
Click to listen to Enloe Parents Talk about Graduation
The graduating Enloe students agreed with what these parents had to say about the importance of the role that Enloe teachers played in their lives. In the commencement ceremony program, the students noted:
The Senior Class of 2009 would like to express their sincere appreciation for the encouragement, support and guidance they have recieved from the faculty and staff of Enloe Magnet High School.
Posted by Bill Poston at 4:30 PM on June 13, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 12, 2009
WCPSS Demographer publishes distance analysis for 2006-07
In a report looking at the 2006-07 school year, WCPSS demographer Maja Vouk found that 79.6 percent of the 128,260 WCPSS students in that year attended a school within five miles of their home. Of the 102,051 students attending school within five miles of their home, 87,324 were assigned to school and 14,727 by choice.
Students attending a school by choice, such as those going to magnet and year-round schools, or transfers, who use their own transportation, tend to live further from the attending school than "by assignment" students.
In 2003-04, Vouk did the first distance analysis of WCPSS students. In that report, 78.7 percent of the 108,585 WCPSS students attended a school within five miles of their home. Of the 85,468 students attending school within five miles of their home, 71,769 were assigned to school and 13,699 by choice.
In looking at the 2006-07 distance analysis by grade level, the report finds that:
- 89.8% of the elementary school students are assigned to a school within five miles of home, and 99.0 percent are assigned to a school within 10 miles;
- 81.1% of the middle school students are assigned to a school within five miles of home, and 99.0 percent are assigned to a school within 10 miles; and
- 84.2% of high school students are assigned to a school that is within five miles of their home, and 99.5 percent are assigned to a school within 10 miles.
The analysis describes a straight-line distance between the node where the student lives and the student's school.
You can find the full report online here or the report summary here.
Posted by Bill Poston at 4:48 PM on June 12, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Dr. Burns Launches Superintendent's Journal
The Journal is a videotaped message from Superintendent Del Burns to parents and the community regarding the issues that affect the Wake County Public School System. In what are expected to be regular webcasts, the Journal will allow parents and other key stakeholders the opportunity to hear directly from the Superintendent about plans for the new school year, ways to become involved and how we are improving to meet the needs of all of our students.
In his first Journal entry, Dr. Burns discusses the impact the recession has on the system as we have developed our funding request for the 2009-10 school year and are planning for the opening of school in a few weeks.
You can find text of his talk here.
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 4:16 PM on June 12, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 11, 2009
2009 WCPSS School Counselors of the Year
Three school counselors have been named the 2009 Wake County Public School System Counselors of the Year. They are:
- Margaret Ray-Nobles - Holly Grove Elementary School
- Jean Carter - Heritage Middle School
- Tammy Rhye-Butler - Middle Creek High School
"These schools counselors demonstrate the best qualities of WCPSS school counselors and implement an outstanding comprehensive school counseling program at their schools," said Eric Sparks, WCPSS Director of School Counseling
The School Counselor of the Year is named for elementary, middle and high schools.
Packets are being submitted for these school counselors to the NC School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association for consideration for the state and national award processes.
Posted by Bill Poston at 12:42 PM on June 11, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 10, 2009
Graduation Celebrates Each Student's Story
Millbrook High Principal Dana King says the graduation ceremony for the school's Class of 2009 will be a celebration and recognition of each student's achievement.
King says Millbrook High has been working with students and the school community to mark this importance milestone in the students' education careers.
Click here to listen to Graduation Celebrates Each Student's Story
This is a 10:45 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 5:20 PM on June 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Board Reviews Plans for PLC Wednesdays
Dr. Donna Hargens, the WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, talked in the Board of Education's Student Achievement Committee meeting Tuesday about a draft policy on professional learning communities.
Dr. Hargens talked about the importance of providing this time to teachers to improve instruction for students. She said across the school district during the 2009-10 school year, teachers will be meeting on Wednesday afternoons in PLCs.
Click here to listen to Board Reviews Plans for PLC Wednesdays
This is a 6 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 5:11 PM on June 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Class of 2009 Earns $66 million in Scholarships
Wake County high school seniors continue to garner praise, accolades and financial rewards as this year they earned a record amount of scholarship money.
A record $66.38 million in scholarships were earned by students graduating from Wake County Public School System high schools this year.
There are more students and more high schools than in past years, but the sharp increase in scholarship dollars can also be attributed to the aggressive efforts of families and students as well as encouragement by WCPSS high schools.
The $66.38 million earned by the Class of 2009 compares with the $46.78 million earned by the Class of 2008 and the $36.6 million earned by the Class of 2005.
Since the 2005 graduation, WCPSS has opened new high schools such as Knightdale High, Holly Springs High and Panther Creek High and East Wake High has subdivided into four schools.
There are 8,094 students graduating in the Class of 2009. In the Class of 2008, there were 7,684 students and in the Class of 2005 there were 6,524 students.
Posted by Bill Poston at 3:47 PM on June 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 9, 2009
H1N1 Flu Virus FAQs
Wake County Human Services has issued updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the H1N1 virus. We've posted the documents here in both English and Spanish.
Posted by Bill Poston at 3:20 PM on June 9, 2009 | Leave Feedback
WCPSS Family Involvement Day Summer Institute
Wednesday, June 10 is the deadline for registering to take part in the WCPSS Family Involvement Day Summer Institute.
The WCPSS Family Involvement Day Summer Institute will be held June 18 at the McKimmon Center on the NC State campus by the Wake County Raising Achievement and Closing the Gaps (RACG) Sub-Committee.
The Family Involvement Day Summer Institute is open to all Wake County Public School System parents and staff. The event will provide information on increasing the involvement of families in schools.
The Keynote Speaker will be the National PTA CEO Byron Garrett. Garrett was selected as the National PTA CEO in June 2008 and leads the PTA's national office headquartered in Chicago engaging parents, schools, legislators, and community leaders in improving children's health, safety, and educational success.
Garrett is a former school administrator, community leader, and education advocate. Before joining PTA, Garrett held leadership positions within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the administration of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. He is also a published author of several books, including "The ABC's of Life."
An accomplished speaker, Garrett has delivered presentations all across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. He has also been a guest on the "Dr. Phil Show," and been featured in a number of publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Jet. In 2009, Ebony named Garrett to its "Power 150," an annual list of "The Most Influential Black Americans."
He was born, raised, and attended public schools in the Carolinas. He holds a bachelor's degree in human relations from High Point University, a master's in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, and has completed doctoral coursework at Pepperdine University in their educational leadership, administration, and policy program.
You can find out more about Garrett on his blog, http://www.pta-blog.org/
WCPSS schools have been asked to encourage families, school improvement team members and PTA officers to attend.
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. While the event is free and open to any parent in Wake County, please note that you will be responsible for lunch on your own that day. There are several restaurants in the area, or you should feel free to bring a bag lunch from home.
Space is limited and people interested in attending are asked to register, by contacting Roslyn Moffitt, WCPSS Title I Department, by phone at (919) 850-1935 or by e-mail at rmoffitt@wcpss. net . Ms. Moffitt will need to know which sessions you plan to attend when you RSVP.
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
KEYNOTE
Byron Garrett
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
MORNING SESSIONS
(Choose one of the following three sessions)
Math Strategies
Literacy Strategies
How to Navigate the WCPSS system
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
(Choose one of the following three sessions)
Math Strategies
Literacy Strategies
Advocating for Your Child from the Male Perspective with Byron Garrett (National PTA CEO)
Posted by Bill Poston at 10:44 AM on June 9, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 8, 2009
WCPSS Student Earns Honors at Geo-Bee
Shantan Krovvidi, 13, a seventh-grader at Ligon Middle School earned third place in the 2009 National Geographic Bee held in Washington, D.C., on May 20. He won a $10,000 college scholarship. Krovvidi was one of the top 10 contestants who met in the final round. He was North Carolina's representative among the 55 state and territory winners who competed in preliminary rounds on May 19. Nearly 5 million students take part in the National Geographic Bee each year.
Click here to listen to WCPSS Student Earns Honors at Geo Bee
This is an 11 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 4:37 PM on June 8, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Millbrook Freshmen Completes Photonics Xplorers program
Millbrook High School freshmen Jelani Bayyan completed the Photonics Xplorers program through the NC State University College of Physical and Mathematical Sceinces.
Photonics Xplorers is a year round science, math and technology program for rising ninth grade students from across North Carolina.
Photonics Xplorers' curriculum supports and expands upon local state, national and international science, technology, engineering and mathematics education standards. The curriculum consists of investigations of light and electricity that equip participants to behave and think like real scientists.
Students attend classes at the university throughout the school year. They carry out investigations based upon the photonics concepts. The students receive mentoring, contact with ethnically diverse scientists, and career preparation skills.
Students attend the program at The Science House on Centennial Campus at NC State. Upon successful completion of the one-year program, students can earn a $500 scholarship, upon successful completion of program requirements.
Thanks to Assistant Principal Kelly Aman for sharing this story with GotNews.
Posted by Bill Poston at 8:41 AM on June 8, 2009 | Leave Feedback
TEAF Scholarships Awarded to WCPSS Students
Five WCPSS students have been awarded scholarships by the Triangle Educational Advancement Foundation (TEAF).
The WCPSS students are Kae Ashleigh Eller of Apex High, Malik Fair of Millbrook High, Greg Jackson of Knightdale High, Dominique Jones of Southeast Raleigh High and Santiago Rubio of Wake Forest-Rolesville High.
Each of the 2009 TEAF scholarship students will receive an award of $5000.
The TEAF is a non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting academics, athletics and community service in the Triangle. The TEAF has staged the GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational Basketball Tournament for over 35 years. TEAF's overriding goal is to provide scholarships and athletic opportunities for Triangle-area high school students.
Posted by Bill Poston at 8:28 AM on June 8, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 3, 2009
ParentVision: Understanding Elementary Report Cards
What do "Level 1," "Level 2," "Level 3," and "Level 4" mean on elementary report cards? Find out in today's ParentVision video podcast!
Posted by Chip Sudderth at 3:20 PM on June 3, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 2, 2009
Dr Burns Reports: June 2, 2009
Superintendent Del Burns told the Wake County Board of Education June 2 that 10 WCPSS students have earned National Merit College Scholarships and 65 students have been selected to participate in the Summer Ventures in science and mathematics program.
Click here to listen to Dr. Burns Reports
This is a 10 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 6:27 PM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback
WCPSS Valedictorians Discuss Their Plans, Offer Advice
The Class of 2009 valedictorians were applauded by the Wake County Board of Education today.
The valedictorians were invited to attend the Board of Education meeting. Eric Sparks who directs Counseling and Student Services introduced the students and described some of their accomplishments to the board. Board chair Rosa Gill congratulated the students on their accomplishments and called on the board and crowd to applaud the students' success.
Click here to listen to WCPSS Valedictorians Discuss Their Plans, Offer Advice
This is a 6:45 minute mp3 file.
You can read more about the Class of 2009 valedictorians here.
Posted by Bill Poston at 5:37 PM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Sanderson High Senior Patrick Short
Patrick Short is in the graduating class at Sanderson High. Short earned a number of honors this year: Presidential Scholar, Parks Scholar and Morehead-Cain Scholar. The Presidential Scholar honor earns Short a trip to Washington, DC. The Parks Scholarship is full tuition to four years at NC State University. The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is full tuition to four years at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Click here to listen to Sanderson High Senior Patrick Short
This is a 5:45 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 11:32 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Panther Creek High Senior Andrea McKerlie
Andrea McKerlie is in the first graduating class at Panther Creek High. McKerlie is a published author with her second due for release any day. McKerlie is heading to Meredith College to pursue her interests in writing and music.
Click here to listen to Panther Creek High Senior Andrea McKerlie
This is a 5 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 11:16 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Holly Springs High Senior Lindsay Cordero
Lindsay Cordero is in the first graduating class at Holly Springs High. Cordero earned admission to West Point, the US Navy Academy and the US Air Force Academy. She also earned recommendations from two US Senators and a Congressman to the military academies.
Click here to listen to Holly Springs High Senior Lindsay Cordero
This is a 5 minute mp3 file.
Posted by Bill Poston at 11:09 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback
June 1, 2009
Three WCPSS Students Earn State Honors for Sportsmanship
Three WCPSS athletes are among 27 student athletes from across NC recognized by the NC High School Athletic Association as "Heart of a Champion" winners for their outstanding sportsmanship.
The three WCPSS students are Christina Alevizatos of Millbrook High, Nathaniel Touchberry of Millbrook High and Ashley Davis Raleigh of Sanderson High.
Schools annually nominate one male student athlete and one female student athlete for the honor. Alevizatos was nominated by athletic trainer Shannon Poole and teacher Kathy Stefanou. Touchberry was nominated by athletic director Scott McInnes. Raleigh was nominated by athletic director Bob Catapano.
The students must have participated in at least one varsity sport, including cheerleading, during the 2008-09 school year, have not been ejected from any contest, and must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship during their high school careers. The students filled out an application questionnaire and then a school official, such as the principal or athletic director, also provided an evaluation.
The sportsmanship recognition is part of the program offered by the NCHSAA Student Services Division and is sponsored by the North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Mark Dreibelbis, NCHSAA assistant executive director, and student services assistant Chiquana Dancy administer the program.
The students will be honored at a luncheon on Saturday, June 13, at the Radisson Governors' Inn in the Research Triangle Park.
Posted by Bill Poston at 11:43 AM on June 1, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Leesville Road High Wins NCHSAA Women's 4-A Soccer Championship
Leesville Road High slipped past Ardrey Kell of Charlotte 1-0 on Saturday night in a battle of unbeaten teams in the 24th annual NC High School Athletic Association's women's 4-A soccer championship at Paul Derr Stadium at N.C. State.
The teams battled through 80 minutes of regulation play, 20 minutes of overtime and then 10 minutes of sudden death overtime before going to penalty kicks.
The defensive battle saw Leesville take 12 shots on goal to only three official shots for Ardrey Kell, and Kell had no corner kicks to four for Leesville. Ironically, Leesville keeper Erika Lenns was not credited with a save during the 110 minutes of action but made three huge ones in the penalty kicks to earn Most Valuable Player honors.
Leesville converted all three of its kicks in the session, with Nicole Jewell, Stephanie Bronson and Nitang Jones finding the back of the net. Kell, which went first in the kicks, missed its first two and then Nicole Steyl tallied. But when Lenns made the stop on Liska Dobberstein's attempt, the fourth for Ardrey Kell that preserved the win for Leesville and the celebration began.
Leesville, a young team with only two senior starters, posted a 22-0-3 mark. Kell, in only its third year of existence, finished the season 21-1-1. Neither team even allowed a goal in its five playoff games prior to the championship.
WCPSS Athletics Administrator Bobby Guthrie thanked coach Paul Dinkenor and his team for their hard work and dedication and for an exciting game to end the season.
"I want to congratulate you for this great accomplishment for the 2nd year in a row," said Guthrie. "You are right that your team has had a target on its back all year long being ranked as the number 1 team in the state, but you certainly held up under the pressure."
"One thing that I thought was tremendous after the game, was you saluting the Leesville crowd and then your team doing the same," said Guthrie.
Posted by Bill Poston at 10:07 AM on June 1, 2009 | Leave Feedback
Millbrook High Student Named AMVET Essay Winner
Millbrook High senior Ashley Honeycutt has been notified that she is the North Carolina 12th grade winner of the AMVET Americanism Essay Contest. Honeycutt will receive a $1,000 cash prize at the AMVETS Department State Convention Awards Banquet in Greensboro on Saturday, June 6th. She will also read her essay:
WHAT DOES AN AMERICAN VETERAN MEAN TO ME?
By Ashley Honeycutt
My grandfather is a veteran. My uncle is a veteran. My great uncle is a veteran. I have grown up surrounded by veterans, but it wasn't until this past summer and the first semester of senior year that I learned to really value and appreciate these exceptional men and women. It was then that I found out what veterans have meant to me my entire life--and what they have done for me recently has been life-changing.
When I reflect on the veterans who were always there for me growing up, I can recall that they were some of the strongest and most compassionate individuals I have ever encountered. They were men at my church who loved to give me a pat on the back for a job well done. They were the ones who cried when I sang our National Anthem at my brother's baseball games. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, taught me to cherish the land of my birth. These men have always exemplified integrity and righteousness to me. They are my role models.
Then, I went to high school and began to learn about what these men I had known my entire life had actually done for me and for my country. United States History gave me a vague appreciation for what the men and women who served actually did to protect my freedom. But, the class that really helped me understand what sacrifice stood for was Lessons of Vietnam taught by Ms. Lindy Poling. This was a course that explored the controversial war that left such a vicious scar on our nation. We learned the most through compassionate veterans who took the time to visit and share their experiences and insights with our class. It really made an impression on me that these amazing Americans like General George Price would take the time to drive all the way to Millbrook High School just to speak to high school students. These veterans not only taught me about the Vietnam War, but they also taught me compassion and understanding.
I cannot write a paper about what an American veteran means to me without sharing how my life was suddenly given direction and purpose this past summer, thanks to an organization of veterans and their families. I attended Tar Heel Girls State, and was then selected to be one of two girls from North Carolina to participate in Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. Before going to Girls State at Catawba College, I had no idea what path my life would take. The ladies from the American Legion Auxiliary who facilitated Girls State and Girls Nation changed that. They became my friends, my mentors, and I love them dearly. I had always wanted to help people, but this program showed me that the way I would do this would be through politics. Veterans organizations like the American Legion are helping my generation realize its potential everyday, and I am eternally grateful that these veterans helped me realize mine.
Posted by Bill Poston at 8:51 AM on June 1, 2009 | Leave Feedback