The Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe will welcome visitors from across the region for the 61st Annual Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow, set for April 17–19, 2026, at 130 Haliwa Saponi Trail in Hollister.

Recognized as the oldest powwow in North Carolina, the Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow has historically drawn crowds of up to 10,000 visitors in a single weekend. The three-day cultural celebration showcases Native traditions through competitive dancing, drum contests, art exhibitions, and multiple Grand Entry ceremonies open to the public.

Competition Highlights

This year’s powwow features a highly anticipated drum contest with a $5,000 first-place prize, followed by awards of $4,000, $3,000, and $2,000. Dance competitions will include Golden Age, Adult, Teen, Junior, and Tiny Tots categories, with cash prizes awarded in each division. Registration for participants is $10 per person, and tribal identification may be requested.

The Pine Lodge Singers of Pembroke, N.C., will serve as the host drum for the weekend.

Grand Entry & Schedule

Grand Entry times are scheduled as follows (all times Eastern):
Friday: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon and 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.

A worship service will also be held Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Admission & Event Details

Daily admission is:
$10 for ages 7–61
$8 for ages 62 and older
Free for children 6 and under

A weekend pass is available for $20. Admission and on-site purchases are cash only. Camping will be available, but pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited on tribal grounds.

Traditional and contemporary art entries must be delivered to the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School cafeteria by 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Featured Staff & Guests

This year’s featured staff includes:

Head Male Dancer: Eric Plainbull
Head Female Dancer: Charlize Evans
Arena Director: Will Richardson
Head Judge: Kevin Chavis
MCs: JD Moore and Sandon Jacobs

Host hotels for the event include the Holiday Inn Rocky Mount and the Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids.

Vendor & Contact Information

Vendor applications will be accepted exclusively through the official online form. The only way to apply for vendor space is by submitting an application at the Tribe’s designated link.

Headquartered in Hollister, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe is a sovereign Indian nation committed to protecting its identity, cultural heritage, and the well-being of its citizens. Through education, health initiatives, economic development, housing, and cultural programming, the Tribe continues to serve as an advocate for its people while building partnerships with local, state, and federal entities to strengthen the broader region.

For more information, contact the Tribe at (252) 586-4017.

Community members and visitors alike are invited to experience the rich traditions, powerful drumming, vibrant regalia, and cultural pride that define this longstanding North Carolina tradition.

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Warren County High School is soaring into sports history this week as the Eagles football team advances to the fourth round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs, the deepest playoff run in the school’s 42-year history.

Led by Athletic Director and Head Coach Victor Hunt, Jr., the Eagles, with a 10-2 record, will take the field on Friday, November 28, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm at Warren County High School. Fans, families, and community supporters are encouraged to pack The Nest and bring their Eagle Pride as the team looks to continue its record-breaking postseason journey.

Before the game, the Athletic Department will host a “HYPE ME UP” Meet & Greet at 6:00 pm, giving supporters a unique opportunity to celebrate the players and cheerleaders ahead of the big match-up against Holmes.

The pregame event will feature:

Live interviews with Eagles football players and cheerleaders

Photo and TikTok opportunities

Complimentary hot chocolate to keep everyone warm

The meet and greet is free, and admission for the game is $14.

With the game falling on Black Friday, fans are encouraged to participate in the evening’s theme: #TheBlackout.

“This team has worked incredibly hard all season, and seeing them make it this far is something our entire community should celebrate,” said Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis.

The school encourages everyone to come early, enjoy the festivities, and help send the Eagles into the next round with the full power of Warren County behind them.

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If you were anywhere near downtown Warrenton on Saturday, August 30, you probably heard the music, smelled the food, or saw South Bragg Street glowing with string lights and conversation. That’s because more than 80 guests gathered for the 4th annual Dinner Off Main hosted by BriCie Events owner, Patricia Jones Crosson.

But, this was no ordinary dinner.

Picture this: a perfect summer evening, round tables with exquisite placements stretching across the street, family and friends sharing stories and laughs. Guests even came in from as far as the DMV, Charlotte, and Raleigh to join in on the celebration.

DJ TKO from Wake County dropped a playlist that kept attendees pulling out their line dance moves all night. A new addition to the party was the Dinner Off Main Lounge, a chill spot for guests to enjoy cigars and hookah.

The event caterer, Pleasurable Plates served up a tantalizing menu featuring baked chicken, meatballs, spinach dip, and more, that left guests with the full package: good vibes, full plates, and even fuller hearts.

The real centerpiece of the evening, though, wasn’t the food or the music.

It was the moment three local students were awarded the Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship, honoring the late John Graham High employee’s commitment to education and opportunity.

Honorees Tranique Kearney has made her presence known at UNC-Charlotte and Raleigh Pierce has began his educational journey at Campbell University. Demontay Hawkins was unable to attend, but his proud parents accepted the award on behalf of the Keystone College freshman.

As their names were called, applause echoed through Bragg Street, proof that the community will lift each other higher, especially for our youth.

When the scholars initially applied for the scholarship, they were told the potential award would be $750. Because of the overwhelming generosity from those who understand the strain of college tuition and expenses, the amount was increased to $800 for each student.

The evening came to an end in its traditional form. The event volunteers handed out sparklers to light up the night sky. This year, they added white hankerchiefs, turning Bragg Street into New Orleans.

And none of this magic would’ve been possible without the sponsors who had the community’s back: BriCie Events, URBAN 360, Bythe & Company, WRTN, and Bragging Rooster, which kept the party festive with fruity cocktails as the drink sponsor.

Now in its fourth year, Dinner Off Main has grown into Warrenton’s can’t-miss summer experience, one overflowing with elegance, togetherness, and a reason to raise a glass to our community’s future.

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Warren County Courthouse Square buzzed with nostalgia, laughter, and camaraderie as John Graham High School alumni gathered for an energetic Meet & Greet. The event welcomed former classmates and teachers back to a familiar spot with open arms, bringing warm memories back to life in the heart of downtown Warrenton.

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Community members celebrated the first annual Soul City Homecoming with a parade around the Green Duke village, followed by live music and food at the “Entertainment Tent” on Sept. 21.

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The NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) presented state test results for the 2023-24 school year to the State Board of Education on Sept. 4. While NCDPI continues to classify Warren County Schools as a Low Performing District, there are some areas of improvement to celebrate.

How scores are calculated and categorized
As a reminder, 80 percent of the NCDPI school performance grade comes from the percentage of students performing at or above grade level. Only 20 percent of the grade reflects how much students’ test scores improved from the previous year, also known as their growth rate. Schools can show growth, while still not meeting proficiency targets.

Warren County Schools 2023-24 school performance results at a glance:

DISTRICT RESULTS

* For the third consecutive year, the district’s overall student performance score has increased to 29.5 percent in 2023-24.
* Our overall English II proficiency score improved to 54 percent in 2023-24 from 50 percent the year before.
* The district’s overall proficiency score in 5th-grade science jumped to 41.4 percent in 2023-24 from 25.8 percent in 2022-23.
* Our district’s overall math proficiency score improved from 22.7 to 25.8 percent.

The most significant jump was in high school Math III scores, increasing from 23.5 in 2022-23 to 40 percent in 2023-24.

Other math proficiency score improvements

SCHOOL RESULTS

Warren Early College High School (WECHS) earned an A grade and exceeded its expected growth in academic performance for the second straight year in the school’s history.
Warren County High School (WCHS) met its growth targets, improved its overall student performance score, and maintained a D grade.

Seventy-eight percent of WCHS students graduated within four years, and when given five years, the graduation rate jumps to 82 percent.

Vaughan Elementary (VES) maintained a D grade even though NCDPI reports the school did not meet its growth targets. However, VES 5th graders nearly doubled their science proficiency scores from 38.4 percent in 2022-23 to 73.7 percent in 2023-24. That significant improvement is not calculated in the overall student performance scores because the school’s 5th-grade class was smaller than 30 students.

AREAS OF FOCUS NEEDING IMPROVEMENT

* Only 29.5 percent of our students are performing at or above grade level.

* NCDPI identifies five of our six schools as low-performing (all but WECHS).

* Mariam Boyd Elementary (MBES), Northside Elementary (NES), and Warren County Middle (WCMS) schools have an F school performance grade.

* MBES, NES, VES, and WCMS did not meet student improvement (growth) expectations.

* Most reading-level proficiency scores across the district declined.

INITIATIVES IMPROVING OUR PROFICIENCY RATES

* Elementary schools rearranged class schedules in 2023-24 to teach core subjects in the morning when students are typically more alert and engaged. This strategy helped improve elementary science scores.

* We’re providing tutoring throughout the school year and enhanced summer learning opportunities to help students performing below grade level.

* We’ve hired Instructional Coaches and Master Teachers to show classroom teachers proven strategies to help students learn difficult concepts and subjects.

* We’re using data-driven instruction to identify students’ individual strengths and areas where we need to improve that student’s understanding.

* The district is working to foster partnerships with community organizations and volunteers to provide students with additional learning opportunities, experiences, and individualized support (or attention).

* We’re strengthening relationships between school staff and students’ families so we can all work together to meet our children’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.

“For Warren County Schools to truly reflect our students’ capabilities, we need parents, teachers, staff, and the community to work together to ignite children’s passion for learning so each one can meet their true potential,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis.

Warren County Schools acknowledges our need to significantly improve the levels of teaching and learning in our schools. We also believe the state’s grading and classification system does not accurately reflect our district’s academic performance. Two of our six schools are too small for students’ scores to be included in the state’s formula to calculate student proficiency and academic growth. VES and WECHS have several classes with less than 30 students, so their scores aren’t included in their proficiency or growth scores. Both scores would be higher if VES and WECHS student achievement results were included.

NCDPI notes that the information in the School Report Card, while important, cannot tell you the entire story about a school. Other important factors — the extra hours put in by teachers preparing for class and grading assignments, the school spirit felt by families, the involvement in sports, arts, or other extracurriculars – are crucial aspects of a school community, but are not reflected in these test results and classifications.

*****
Ed. Note: Warren County Schools students, teachers, and staff are to be commended for their efforts and their success in making noticeable strides in reaching their objectives. We know it is not easy. As a community, we are proud of you all, and we look forward to seeing how the new initiatives impact proficiencies.

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The Front Porch Grocery Co-op, in partnership with Turner Brothers Media LLC and Pink with a Passion, hosted “Catering to the Community,” a street food festival and voter registration drive on Saturday, September 7th in the parking lot of the forthcoming Mag’s Marketplace in Warrenton, NC.

Attendees gathered at the festival to enjoy a variety of vendors selling everything from made-to-order fry bread, Indian tacos, and fried fish dinners to assorted desserts and also candles. Children kept busy with cornhole, a bouncy house (Sisterly Dreams Co.), and face painting.

In addition to the delicious food, attendees were also provided with voter information from various political parties, encouraged to register to vote, and offered voter identification cards if they did not have a proper ID, courtesy of the Warren County Board of Elections who were on-site.

It’s important to note that voters will be required to show valid identification to vote in this year’s election.

For more information about The Front Porch Grocery Co-op and how to get involved, visit them on Facebook @TheFrontPorchCoop.

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The NC Rural Center has opened the application period for its Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), the organization’s flagship leadership development program. Current and emerging leaders across the state are invited to apply.

Since its founding in 1990, the three-month intensive training program has helped nearly 1,200 people develop skills and increase their knowledge of economic and community development strategies, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle challenges in their rural communities.

“Rural communities need strong leadership to thrive,” said Olaunda Green, director of leadership training at the Rural Center. “We’re proud to provide training opportunities that not only equip established leaders but also emerging leaders who will greatly impact the future of rural North Carolina.”

Each year REDI welcomes local, state, and federal government staff, nonprofit and faith-based leaders, business owners, elected officials, economic development professionals, and other community-minded people for nine days of intensive rural community economic development training. Graduates of REDI join an extensive alumni network that spans all of North Carolina’s 100 counties and includes graduates from the Rural Center’s other leadership training program, Homegrown Leaders. Many of the Center’s leadership alumni are active in state and local government, and in philanthropic, nonprofit, and small-business sectors, as well as in faith and community-based organizations.

Applications will be available on the REDI webpage and accepted through September 15.

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The Hecks Grove Community Center was awarded a $10,000 contribution through Blue Cross Blue Shield NC’s Agent Community Impact Grant on Wednesday, July 31.

Tilda Hendricks, president of the Hecks Grove Community Center and owner of Hendricks Insurance, shared that the grant will be allocated to Phase III of the center’s ongoing restoration project, which includes repair and renovation for the southern end of the school and the kitchen.

For the last five years, the committee has worked diligently to bring the building back to life in order to make it a holistic community center for all ages to come and benefit from it. Their goal is to utilize the building as a community center along with it being a meeting place for seniors during the day to receive meals, and also a after-school program for students that need help with reading and math.

Former Hecks Grove students and local community members are being asked to support the project by contributing to the matching funds campaign.

If you are interested in donating, your contribution can be mailed to:
PO Box 463
Warrenton, NC 27589

HECKS GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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