Franklin County Early College students introduced to VGCC
The Franklin County Campus of Vance-Granville Community College welcomed a new class of Franklin County Early College High School students and their parents at a freshman orientation session on Aug. 5.
The event was not only an opportunity to receive information about college policies and fill out necessary forms, but also to help students transition from middle school to both high school and college at the same time. FCECHS students simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and a two-year college degree (or up to two years of college-transferable credit) tuition-free. VGCC fall classes began on Aug. 15.
Along with new students, the high school has a new principal, Erica Shoulders-Royster, and a new VGCC liaison, Evelyn Hall.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring Sharon Murphy of Youngsville, a parent of a current FCECHS student; Amani Rainey, a 2016 graduate of the school who is now a Nursing student at East Carolina University; Brooke Allen, one of the school’s first graduates; and a pair of twins who are “super-seniors” (fifth-year students) at the school this year, Paul Caroline and Peter Caroline.
Murphy referenced the classic novel and film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, when she said to the incoming freshmen, “Each of you has received a ‘golden ticket’ by obtaining a place in the early college high school.” She is a member of the Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) for the high school.
Allen noted that she graduated from the Early College in 2013, and then graduated two years later from Barton College with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design. She is currently employed by The Franklin Times.
Other speakers during Orientation included VGCC Franklin Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May, Warren Campus Dean Lyndon Hall, Vance County Early College liaison Evangeline Mitchell and VGCC counselor Cathy Davis.
Above: From left, panelists at the Franklin County Early College High School orientation session included parent Sharon Murphy of Youngsville, alumni Amani Rainey and Brooke Allen (standing), and current students Peter Caroline and Paul Caroline. (VGCC photo)
