Students in VGCC Class inducted into Tea Society

Students recently celebrated the completion of the “Let’s Have a Tea Party” class held at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson by Vance-Granville Community College. The graduates automatically became new members of the Old North State Tea Society. Students were given certificates of welcome to the society by its founder, Oxford resident Constance Lue. In the class, students learned about the history of tea, the proper way to brew a pot of tea, how to plan and host a tea party, as well as recipes and proper etiquette. The last day of class, or “final exam,” was a formal afternoon tea party set up by the students in the parlor of the church on March 30. Graduates are now equipped with enhanced knowledge of civility and etiquette, and are ready to use their new skills to plan teas for brides, children, fundraising events, or for family and friends. Deborah Bryan of Henderson served as the instructor, assuming the role formerly held by Lue, who originated the course at VGCC. Bryan was a student in Lue’s first VGCC class in 2006. Most of the members of the class were from Henderson or Oxford, but one drove all the way from Sedalia in Guilford County to participate. Pictured above, celebrating completion of the class at First Presbyterian Church are, in front, from left, Janet Shafer and Cappy Headman, both of Henderson, with Constance Lue of Oxford; and in back, from left, Irene Thomas of Sedalia, instructor Deborah Bryan, Delores Johnson of Oxford and Delores Peterson of Henderson. Not pictured: participant Angie Arnold of Henderson. (Photo provided by Deborah Bryan)