Students graduate from VGCC Tea class

Vance-Granville Community College recently celebrated the graduation of students from the fifteenth edition of a class called “Let's Have a Tea Party.”

The class held its final meeting and graduation ceremony in April with an afternoon tea party planned and carried out by the students at Magnolia Manor Plantation Bed and Breakfast in Warrenton. Graduates included Kay Rodriguez of Louisburg, Linda Dean of Warrenton and Cynthia Umstead of Townsville. The instructor was Dr. B.K. McCloud of Oxford.

During the graduation party, Emeric Harney from New York-based tea blenders Harney & Sons called into the gathering to talk with and congratulate the graduates. Harney is the grandson of the company’s founder, John Harney.

Geri Floyd, president of the Old North State Tea Society, was on hand to invite the graduates to become members. The society was founded by Constance “Connie” Lue, who also established the VGCC tea class.

In the course, students learn about the history of tea; the difference between an afternoon tea party, a royal tea party and “High Tea”; and the proper way to make the best pot of tea. They have tastings of a wide variety of teas (black, white, green, Oolongs and herbal) at each class meeting. Beyond the specifics of teas, students study grace, civility and etiquette.

For information about future tea classes, contact Gail Clark at (252) 738-3385 or ped@vgcc.edu .

Above:  Seated, from left, at Magnolia Manor are instructor B.K. McCloud of Oxford and graduate Linda Dean of Warrenton; standing, from left, are graduates Cynthia Umstead of Townsville, Kay Rodriguez of Louisburg and Geri Floyd, President of the Old North State Tea Society. (VGCC photo)