North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Communications Director Tammy Martin delivered school supplies to Warren County Middle School as part of the Governor Roy Cooper’s School Supply Drive (September 10th).

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This week, Governor Roy Cooper announced the 2024-2025 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is underway. The award, passed by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

“School employees are the backbone of our education system,” says Governor Cooper. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, teachers, and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of North Carolina schools and the crucial work that they do every day.”

For the purposes of the award, a classified school employee is defined as an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state, or an employee of a nonprofit entity, who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.

Award winners demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Public school units, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents, and students may nominate by September 30.

The two winners in North Carolina will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1st. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single classified school employee from among the nominees to receive the RISE Award in the spring. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina will honor nominees and finalists. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will recognize the honoree and communicate their story in order to inspire excellence among classified school employees.

Nominate an unsung education hero for the 2024 RISE Award. Submit your nomination by September 30th at 5pm through https://forms.office.com/g/SuEnGi73qm.

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AccessOn Networks announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the company a $17.5 million dollar grant which will allow the Holly Springs-based company to bring high-speed internet access to more than 2,500 addresses, 100 businesses, 76 farms and 22 educational facilities in rural Warren and Halifax counties.

“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school and connect with their loved ones,” commented USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA partners with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to high-speed internet so people in rural America have the opportunity to build brighter futures. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet.”

Warren County Manager Vincent Jones, Commissioner Walter Powell, Community & Economic Development Director Charla Duncan, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, Haliwa-Saponi Chief Brucie Ogletree Richardson, Senior Advisor to President Biden Mitch Landrieu / Photo Credit: Warren County Government

“AccessOn Networks is thankful for the opportunity to receive this funding from the USDA,” said Steve Ledford, AccessOn Networks CEO. “This grant will allow us to help residents and businesses in Warren and Halifax counties that desperately need access to reliable high-speed internet. We would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA, Governor Cooper and NCDIT, Congressman Butterfield, Congresswoman Ross, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Warren County Manager Vincent Jones and Halifax County Manager Dia Denton, county commissioners from both counties, and all of the residents, business owners and community leaders who supported this application. Their support was vital in helping us win this grant funding.”

Governor Roy Cooper / Photo Credit: Warren County Governor

There is no timeline for when this initiative will begin.

Read more: AccessOn Networks Awarded USDA ReConnect Grant to Bring High-Speed Internet to Rural Areas of Warren and Halifax Counties

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Exactly one year ago today, local government officials, artists, and entrepreneurs shared their encouraging words, greetings, and their talents to take part in the Fallin’ for the Holidays Virtual Festival.

After a nine-month period of uncertainty, sadness, and separation, for two hours on a Sunday evening, the Warren County community and beyond came together to celebrate the holiday season with music, spoken word, cooking segments, crafts, and messages from our family and friends from afar.

Prior to its airing, I promised a surprise guest would do the introduction. If you haven’t watched it yet, I won’t spoil it here.

Special thanks again to our participants: Jalon + Jada Mills, Stephen Misenheimer (Warren County Cooperative Extension), Mary Bullock (Warren County Memorial Library), Chef Ryan Grimm, Denise Allen (Sweet Delights Cookies), Jane Ball Groom, Thomas Park, Brandon Foster, Heritage Quilters, Carlos Bardales (sponsored by the Warren County Arts Council), and Santa Claus! Yes, I got an exclusive with St. Nick himself.

Holiday Greetings from Stephanie Wheeler, Christian Nwachukwu, Vee Wess, Oita Cheston Coleman, and Brooke Simpson!

Watch it for the first time or relive the moment by clicking the play button below:

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