A son of Warren County is receiving national recognition for a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and service.

Marcus Kearsey, a native of Hollister in the Warren-Halifax area, was recently honored with the Bolden Icon Award, the highest distinction presented during the Bolden Awards 2.0: Home Away From Home in Atlanta, Georgia on May 23rd.

The award recognizes individuals whose impact extends beyond professional accomplishments to include meaningful contributions in service, faith, leadership, and purpose. For Kearsey, the honor reflects a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.

During the ceremony, Kearsey not only accepted the prestigious award but also delivered a performance that highlighted the talent and artistry that have defined his career. Throughout the years, he has built an impressive reputation as a dancer, choreographer, model, and actor, earning respect both within the entertainment industry and among the communities he serves.

The Bolden Icon Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence while inspiring others through their work and personal commitment to uplifting those around them. For Kearsey, the recognition serves as a testament to years of dedication, perseverance, and passion.

A proud graduate of Warren County High School’s Class of 2001, Kearsey remains deeply connected to his roots. He is the son of Cecelia Kearsey and the late Charles Kearsey of Hollister.

His journey from rural northeastern North Carolina to national stages and recognition is a reminder that talent, hard work, and purpose can open doors far beyond county lines while still keeping home close to heart.

As Warren County continues to celebrate the accomplishments of its native sons and daughters, Marcus Kearsey’s latest honor stands as another example of the excellence emerging from our communities.

Congratulations to Marcus Kearsey on this well-deserved recognition and for representing Warren County with distinction wherever his journey takes him!

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Today’s scoreboard does not erase the heart, discipline, and determination you carried all season long. You all represented Warren County with pride, resilience, and a spirit that refused to back down. And, that kind of excellence cannot and will not be measured by a single game.

Let’s be clear: you didn’t JUST make it to the State Championship. You sparked something in this community. On a Wednesday evening (yes, Bible Study night), Warren County showed up on the Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton to celebrate you, stand with you, and send you off with pride. That kind of love? That kind of unity? Had a song produced for YOU? That’s a legacy far bigger than today’s game outcome.

To Coach McRae (or McGOAT, as my son refers to you): Thank you for leading with vision, grit, and belief in these young men. Your comeback story serves as inspiration to all those around you, and we proudly call you one of our own.

Khalil, Nazir, Graham, Jeremiah, Zamir, Elijah, Jeremiahe, Nyjae, and Zane: Continue to hold your heads high. You all made Warren County proud and we will continue to support you, every step of the way.

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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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The Warrenton Rotary Club has announced that Victor Hunt, Jr. will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Warrenton Christmas Parade, bringing a spirited blend of athletic pride and community leadership to this year’s celebration.

Hunt, who is widely recognized for his leadership as the Athletic Director and the head coach of the Warren County High School Eagles football team, will trade the sidelines for Main Street on Saturday, December 13. The honor comes at an especially exciting moment for the Eagles, who are advancing through the 2A North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs.

When invited to serve as Grand Marshal, Hunt noted that December 13th will be a full and meaningful day. With the playoff game scheduled in Durham earlier that morning, he expects to return to Warrenton just in time to take his place at the front of the parade, which begins at 5 pm.

A small gathering on November 21 at Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard marked the official moment Hunt accepted the Rotary Club’s invitation.

Warren County High School Principal Dr. Lionel Kato, Assistant Principal Crystal Boyd, and Warrenton Rotary Club Parade Chairman Butch Meek joined Hunt for the occasion, while students looked on with Eagle Pride.

The Warrenton Rotary Club said they are thrilled to honor someone who embodies both school spirit and community commitment. The 2025 Christmas Parade promises to be one of the most memorable yet—with Coach Hunt leading the way.

The next WCHS Eagles football game is Friday, November 28 at 7pm, where they will take on Holmes in the fourth round playoffs.

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In honor of Arts in Education week, the WCHS Dynamic Marching Machine were invited to perform on Sept. 18 for staff at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and education leaders like NC Superintendent Mo Green in Raleigh, NC.

Accompanied by WCS Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis and WCHS principal Dr. Lionel Kato, the students took center stage on the Halifax Mall and wowed the audience with a high-energy performance that left a lasting impression with onlookers.

If you missed the performance or want to live it, check it out!

For more information about the Dynamic Marching Machine and their next move, visit WCHSBands.org.

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A blood drive in memory of Chaise Williams was held Thursday, July 31, at Boyd & Royster Funeral Services in Warrenton. The event, which ran from 10am and ended slightly after 3pm, brought out more than 20 participants who donated blood in honor of his life and legacy.

Known for his kind spirit and active involvement at New Bethel Baptist Church of Macon, Chaise was also a proud 2005 graduate of Warren County High School, where he marched with the Dynamic Marching Machine.

After graduating, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from East Carolina University in 2009.

Chaise Williams, the beloved son of Charles and Loria Williams, passed away in 2011 at the age of 23.

The blood drive served as a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact Chaise made on those who knew and loved him, and as a means to save the lives of others.

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In its ninth year, the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) concluded Friday with 18 students celebrating their achievements and walking away with a greater understanding of the transportation industry.

The NSTI is a collaborative effort between Warren County High School, Vance-Granville Community College, the Federal Highway Administration, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

During the three-week paid internship program, high school-aged students are introduced to a wide scope of career opportunities within the industry. The program also incorporated real world experiences through field trips, which included riding a ferry and excursions to SunRock, Walmart Distribution Center, RDU airport, and the Nautilus Museum in Norfolk, VA.

With an attentive audience of family and community members, students explained through presentations what activities they were involved in and what they learned in the process.

Not only did the students gain awareness from the experience and memories that will stay with them long past the summer, but they will also be able to add “OSHA Certified” to their budding resumes after successfully completing the 10-hour training.

Odessa Perry, accompanied by Jennifer Davis, coordinated the NSTI program. Kyle Burwell, Dean of Business & Industry Solutions emceed the program graduation and Lisa Rodwell, Director of Occupational Extension Director, provided an overview of the NSTI program.

Christy Dunston, Director of the Office of HBCU Outreach for the NC Department of Transportation, gave the graduation address and encouraged students to pursue the vast opportunities available in the industry.

After being presented with their certificates of completion, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly minted NSTI graduates eagerly demonstrated their individual projects that ranged from structures replicating roadways, industry-related equipment, and other modes of transportation to poster boards mapping out Main Street in Warrenton.

Congratulations to this year’s NSTI graduates!

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The Warren County High School Class of 2025 was ushered into their next chapter with a resounding message to “keep going” from this year’s commencement speaker and WCHS alum, Bishop J. Terrell Alston. (May 24, 2025)

WATCH: Warren County High School Graduation 2025

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On March 6, 2025, William E. Kearney II reached a significant milestone by graduating from the esteemed Excellence in Government Fellows Program.

“My inspiration to apply for the Excellence in Government Fellows Program comes from a deep-seated passion for public service and a desire to drive meaningful change within government institutions,” Kearney shared. “I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on leadership development, collaboration, and innovation, which align perfectly with my goals of enhancing my skills and contributing to effective governance.”

Throughout the 10-month fellowship through the Partnership for Public Service, Kearney engaged in intensive workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects addressing critical governmental challenges. Collaborating with a diverse cohort of fellows nationwide, he gained valuable insights into effective governance and policy implementation.

A proud native of Warrenton, North Carolina, Kearney is the son of Doris Kearney and the late William E. Kearney. His passion for public service began at Warren County High School, where he graduated in 2002. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Winston-Salem State University and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

Beyond academics, Kearney has exemplified leadership and dedication through his service as a United States Army veteran. His commitment to public service continues in his current role as a Lead Investigator for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, where he helps ensure the integrity and effectiveness of food assistance programs nationwide.

An active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kearney remains dedicated to fostering community service and mentorship.

“Completing the program means a great deal to me,” Kearney reflected. “It signifies not only the achievement of personal and professional growth but also a commitment to serving my community with greater effectiveness. The knowledge, insights, and connections gained through the program equip me to address complex challenges in the public sector and inspire others to do the same. It reinforces my dedication to fostering a more responsive and accountable government that truly meets the needs of its citizens.”

With the expertise gained from the Excellence in Government Fellowship, Kearney is well-positioned to address pressing federal issues and advocate for policies that directly impact rural communities. His unwavering commitment to public service reflects his drive to create meaningful, lasting change.

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