Vance County Early College holds Open House
Vance-Granville Community College president Randy Parker welcomed students and parents to the inaugural open house for Vance County Early College High School on Aug. 21 at the college’s main campus. “We’re looking forward to you walking across the stage to get your diploma in five years,” Parker told students.
Early College programs allow high school students to take both high school and college-level credit classes. At the end of a five-year period, students will graduate from VCECHS with both a high school diploma and a two-year college degree. Parker said that VGCC is proud to be partnering to operate two early college high schools. The other is located at the college’s Warren County Campus and is a partnership with Warren County Schools, just as VCECHS is a partnership with the Vance County school system . “We are committed to the early college program,” Parker said.
VCECHS Principal Michael Bullard also spoke to the assembled parents and students. He called the early college students “a wonderful group.” The high school currently has 72 students, all in the ninth grade. Bullard introduced high school instructors, including social studies teacher Casey Hall, math teacher Evangeline R. Mitchell, English teacher Maria Campbell and science teacher Donna Capps, to explain school procedures. He also welcomed Mary Mangum, a VGCC counselor who will transition in September to become the high school’s first counselor. “They’re a great team,” Bullard said of his personnel. “You don’t know how lucky we are.” Each of the teachers has been named Teacher of the Year for their schools at some point in their careers.
Beth Brockhaus, VGCC’ s new liaison with the high school, introduced herself to students and parents, saying she looked forward to getting to know each one over the next five years. Brockhaus is actually returning to VGCC after several years living in Mississippi. She was formerly a VGCC counselor and advisor, working with Pre-Health and College Transfer students. In her new role, Brockhaus will also be helping to teach a class, “Success & Study Skills,” for students of the early college high school.
Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Norman Shearin and assistant superintendent Dr. Bill Bowers also joined VGCC officials at the open house.
After meeting in the Civic Center, the group toured the high school classrooms, located in Building 2.
Above: VGCC President Randy Parker (right) welcomes students to the Vance County Early College High School open house on Aug. 21, as, seated from left, VGCC early college liaison Beth Brockhaus, counselor Mary Mangum and school principal Michael Bullard look on. (VGCC photo)
