Teacher of the year among list of community achievements and events
Many people are doing great things in our community but do not always get the recognition. Here are just a few of the accomplishments and achievements by area residents — as well as a few upcoming events sponsored by local nonprofits.
Forgotten history
On Wednesday, archeologist Nichole Wagner will present “The Forgotten History of Camp Patterson” at the New Bern Historical Society Lunch & Learn at 11:30 a m. at Carolina Colours Pavilion, 3300 Waterscape Way. Wagner is district archaeologist for the Croatan National Forest and Uwharrie National Forest.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps was started as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It began as a means to provide educational, recreational and job-training opportunities for young men ages 17-23.
Each man was paid $25 per month, and $20 was sent home to their family. On Jan. 5, 1935, Company number 5420-C was officially named Camp Patterson and was one of two companies serving in the Croatan National Forest.
The cost is $22 for Historical Society members and $26 for nonmembers. Reservations may be made at www.NewBernHistorical.org or at the society office at 511 Broad St., or by calling 252-638-8558.
Prepaid reservations are required. Paper tickets are not issued for this program. You may check in at Carolina Colours Pavilion with your confirmation.
Poet donates books
Tonya Sinclair Swindell has published her first book, “Nourishment & Encouragement: Poetry for your Mind, Body and Soul,” a collection of 25 original poems that include aspects of history, current events and inspiration. She recently donated copies to the New Bern Craven County Library to be included in the local author section.
She is a 1991 graduate of New Bern High School and is the daughter of Dolores Sinclair of New Bern and the late William Sinclair, former assistant principal, coach and driver's education teacher at Pamlico County Schools.
For more information or to purchase a copy of her book, visit teacher-withapen.com.
Slime for a cause
Craven County Partners In Education and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office will hold a D.A.R.E. to Slime Fundraiser to raise money for the continued training of D.A.R.E. Officers, both new and current. It will also assist with purchasing teaching materials and graduation supplies.
Twenty-five percent of the money will be donated to the North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officers Association, which supports training for D.A.R.E. Officers across the state. Slime Celebrations will be held at each participating school the week of June 6-9. The partnership helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
The top three schools will also get to Slime Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes (1st place); Chief Deputy Cummings (2nd); and Major McFadyen (3rd). Participating schools are Arthur W. Edwards Elementary, Ben D. Quinn Elementary, Brinson Memorial Elementary, Graham A. Barden Elementary, J.T. Barber Elementary, Oaks Road Academy, Roger Bell New Tech Academy, Trent Park Elementary and W.J. Gurganus Elementary.
Funds will be collected from May 9-27. If you would like to donate to the D.A.R.E. to Slime Fundraiser, you can do so at the participating schools; online through the PIE website (CravenPartners.com); or send a check to Darlene Brown, Partners In Education, 3600 Trent Rd. New Bern, NC 28562. Checks should be made out to PIE with D.A.R.E. on the memo line.
Mom, Marine receive scholarships
Each year, the New Bern Woman’s Club presents scholarships to two students at Craven Community College. Due to the high participation by the community in the Holly & Ivy Homes Tour, this year the club was able to increase the scholarships from $1,00 to $2,500.
Sybil Williams is this year’s recipient of the 2022 NBWC Memorial Scholarship for $2,500. i The Memorial Scholarship is given to an excellent student returning school to better her life through education. Williams is the mother of two boys who is moving into the Associate Degree in Nursing program. She plans to seek her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Sgt. Brandon Olson is the 2022 recipient of the $2,500 NBWC Education Department Scholarship. This scholarship is given for outstanding academic achievement. Olson is an active-duty Marine who is enrolled in the pre-medical program and plans to be transferring to UNC. His goal is to become a surgeon.
Food pantry volunteers recognized
The food pantry volunteers at The Fiilling Station in Pollocksville were recently awarded the 2022 Governor's Medallion Award. Out of 100 counties in NC, 22 counties will receive the award to recognize their service in 2021.
The Perfect 10 Volunteer Group and the Food Pantry Volunteer Group, along with Geraldine Eubanks, will be receiving certificates, pins and other goodies for the services. A celebration was held at The Filling Station with board members Maria Robles, John Bender, Clyde Murphy and Willie Smith in attendance. Jones County Sheriff Matt Weinman, deputies JJ Erin, Pat McCain and Timothy Corey also attended. Refreshments were provided by Bob and Carol Mattocks.
Teacher of the Year gets a new ride
Laura Wilson Wells, a 4th-grade teacher at Roger Bell New Tech Academy, was named the Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year. Toyota of New Bern, in partnership with AlphaGraphics of New Bern and Craven County Partners In Education presented the keys to a 2022 Toyota Camry to her. The car was festively wrapped by AlphaGraphics of New Bern.
Wilson is the fifth consecutive Teacher of the Year to be awarded the use of a new car for one year from Toyota of New Bern. As the winner, Wilson will go on to represent the county at the state level for a chance to be named Teacher of the Year for North Carolina.
To learn more about Partners In Education grants and programs or how to be a PIE Partner, contact Darlene Brown, executive director, Craven County Partners In Education, at 514-6321 or visit cravenpartners.com.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Teacher of the Year, authors and nonprofits top list of achievements
