Progress 2018

Young People Making [ A N D T H E Y O U N G AT H E A R T ]

a difference PROGRESS 2018 The Tidewater News

February 28, 2018

2 • Progress 2018

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Progress 2018 • 3

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4 • Progress 2018

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Progress 2018 • 5

CONTENTS Basalisa Andujar ....................................................7 Breanna Ricks ........................................................8 Chloe Jarrat .........................................................10 Chris Bailey ..........................................................12 Collis Bryant .........................................................14 Devin Fischer .......................................................16 Eric Taylor.............................................................18 Faith Tennessee ...................................................20 Dr. Dan Lufkin ......................................................22 Gavin Edwards.....................................................25 Joronda Baxter ....................................................26 Steve Butler Jr......................................................32 Linda Drake..........................................................34 Luann Scott ..........................................................36 Maddie Schimizzi.................................................38 Madelyn Cosby ...................................................40 Madison Hunnings ..............................................42 Madison Wright ...................................................44 Nyjey Pope ..........................................................46 Selena Johnson ...................................................47 Samantha Sommerfeldt ......................................48 Trenton Greene ...................................................50 Theresa Rawlings.................................................52 Newsome Family Band .......................................54

Progress 2018

Young People Making [ A N D T H E Y O U N G AT H E A R T ]

a difference Tony Clark Publisher Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Merle Monahan Contributing Writer Ryan Outlaw Lead Designer Loretta Lomax Designer Crystal Parker Designer Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director

Rachel Parker Advertising Representative Michelle Gray Office Manager

February 28, 2018

6 • Progress 2018

International Paper’s Franklin Mill Community Outreach Efforts The year 2017 was a tremendous year for International Paper’s Franklin Mill and its community outreach efforts. The International Paper Company Foundation and International Paper’s Franklin Mill awarded $95,000 in grants and contributions to area schools and non-profit organizations.

International Paper employees raised more than $108,000 and led a collaborative volunteer initiative to build the Armory Park Playground in Franklin.

Through its Workplace Giving program, Franklin Mill employees also pledged more than $30,700 in support of the Franklin Southampton United Way. International Paper Foundation grants were awarded in the categories of education, hunger, health and wellness and environmental initiatives.

Recipients of the 2017 International Paper Foundation Grants include:

2017 International Paper Company Foundation Grant Recipients – $60,000 Ahoskie Food Pantry - Power Pack Program Capron Elementary School - Learning with Osmos Carrsville Elementary School - Reading, Writing & Resources!

City of Franklin - Armory Park Playground Franklin Robotics - 3D Printing Gates County High School - Have It Your Way: Reading Made to Order Graz’n Acres Therapeutic Riding Center - Franklin City Public Schools Special Education Program Meherrin Elementary School - Reading Rocks Nottoway Elementary - Power Up Your Brain with Osmo Riverdale Elementary School - Growing Future Environmentalists through Project Based Learning S.P. Morton Elementary School - Growing Food for the Future Southampton County Department of Social Services - Our School Year Southampton High School - STEM Makerspace The Children’s Center - Literacy Project Western Tidewater Free Clinic - Critical Access to Healthcare Services Windsor Elementary School - Hooked On Books Windsor High School - Oyster Restoration

2017 International Paper Foundation – Earth’s Birthday Butterfly Program Recipients – $10,000

Capron Elementary Carrollton Elementary Carrsville Elementary Gatesville Elementary Hardy Elementary

Meherrin Elementary Nansemond Suffolk Academy Nottoway Elementary Pioneer Elementary School Portlock Primary School

Riverdale Elementary Southampton Academy SP Morton Elementary School Windsor Elementary

* 264 Classrooms Total *

2017 International Paper Franklin Mill Community Contributions – $25,000

Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Charles R. Younts American Legion City of Franklin Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & Eastern Shore Franklin City Educational Foundation Franklin City Public Schools Franklin Cooperative Ministry Franklin Southampton Chamber of Commerce Franklin Southampton Concert Association Franklin Southampton County Fair Garden Club of Virginia Hunterdale Ruritan Club Isle of Wight Crime Line

Isle of Wight Education Foundation KaBOOM! Luter Family YMCA Paul D. Camp Community College Propeller Club - Port of Virginia Rawls Museum Arts Rotary Club of Franklin Southampton Academy Southampton County Department of Social Services Southampton County Public Schools Texie Camp Marks Children’s Center Trooper Hill Toy Drive Village at Woods Edge - Alzheimer’s Association

Progress 2018 • 7

Basalisa Andujar, third from left in front, with fellow Windsor High School Dukes at the recent Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach. They helped to raise money for Special Olympics. Photo submitted.

HELPING PEOPLE COMES NATURALLY TO BASALISA ANDUJAR

story by Stephen H. Cowles

Basalisa Andujar, standing to the left of Miss Virginia USA.

B

asalisa Andujar views her community service not as something she’s forced to do, but as an activity that comes naturally to her.

The Windsor High School sophomore balances homework with serving as the Student Government Association president, organizing pep rallies and decorating the gym, playing volleyball and participating in Beta Club.

Through the latter, Andujar has led Bingo games for residents at the Windsor Rehabilitation Center.

At the area animal shelter, she’s helped clean up as well as play with the dogs.

Oh, and she’s also a member, usher, singer and praise dancer at Morning Star Baptist Church.

“I love helping people,” said Andujar. “It’s part of my character. I was raised that way.”

And did we mention that she’ll sometimes help her teachers with duties in the

classrooms?

With her grandmother, Ethel Joyner, she helps deliver meals to seniors through the Meals On Wheels program in her neighborhood.

For the second time, Andujar joined classmates at the Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach in early February. That fundraiser benefits Special Olympics, a competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“It was really a lot of fun,” she said.

Looking ahead to adulthood, Andujar aims to attend The College of William and Mary, where she wants to study and become an attorney.

“I love stating my opinion,” Andujar said, and she repeated for emphasis, “I love helping people.”

Evidently such a career would be an ideal opportunity for both.

She also intends to continue service projects in college and later in her life.

8 • Progress 2018

BREANNA RICKS’ BOND WITH CHILDREN BEGAN EARLY

story by Stephen H. Cowles

W

ith the goal in mind to one day becoming a pediatrician, Breanna Ricks is getting exposure not yet to medicine, but to children themselves. Her career choice, by the way, is partly inspired by her own background. Ricks said that when she was born to Reginald and Evangeline, she weighed in at just 3 pounds, 3 ounces.

That has evidently created an affinity to youngsters, especially those who come into the world with some challenges.

An only child, Ricks has found ways to become better acquainted with children.

Last summer, for example, the Sedley resident started volunteering at Grace’s Little Angels, located in Grace Memorial United Methodist Church. She’s there every day after school.

The high school junior is involved in her own congregation, St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, also located in the village. She’s participated in a soup kitchen and related food drives. There’s also been outreach to nursing homes, which includes visits and bringing of socks, lotions and other useful items. Ricks also has organized the collection and distribution of book bags to Nottoway or Riverdale elementary schools.

Last summer and fall, she volunteered to help inform people about the courthouse referendum.

At Southampton High School, Ricks belongs to the Beta Club, Prom Committee, National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Student Council and is vice president of the Student Advisory Council.

Since ninth grade, Rich has been vice president of the Key Club, which is her favorite. Meeting new people and making friends at the conventions is especially enjoyable for her. During one of the gatherings in her freshman year, she was named an Above and Beyond member.

School work, church and service might seem daunting to many — and Ricks acknowledged “It’s tough to juggle” — but nonetheless, she’s not letting it all overwhelm her.

“I’ve always made school my number one priority, and to maintain my grades,” Ricks said. That’s a practice that will serve her well when she attends either George Mason, UNC or UVA. And yes, Ricks affirmed that she’ll somehow continue to help her community wherever she is later in life.

Breanna Ricks

Breanna Ricks from the Key Club of Southampton High School reading to elementary school children for Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

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10 • Progress 2018

CHLOE JARRATT DOESN’T LET JUVENILE DIABETES STOP HER Chloe Jarratt displays the equipment she needs to use for checking her blood sugar. She also keeps a journal of each reading. All of that, plus needed snacks and juice, are carried around in her purse. story by Stephen H. Cowles

I

f you belong to a civic or social club in Western Tidewater, you might have already met Chloe Jarratt. If not, chances are good you will eventually. The 8-yearold Capron resident has making periodic appearances to educate people about Type 1 diabetes, better known as juvenile diabetes. Not too long ago, the young public speaker made presentations to the Rotary Club in Franklin and fifth-grade gifted classes at her school, Riverdale Elementary.

Since being diagnosed in November 2014, Jarratt has had to endure the trials and tribulations associated with managing the disease. That condition is the result of a person’s immune system attacking and destroying the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. The hormone controls glucose, a type of sugar the body gets from carbohydrates in food. Glucose, in turn, helps to energize your body.

“That was one of the weirdest days of my life,” Jarratt remembered.

In spring 2016, she qualified as one of only three children in Virginia, and one of 12 in the United States, to participate

in an experimental treatment of wearing an artificial pancreas for a week. For the testing, her insulin pump was removed and the new device attached. Jarratt and other children participated in several activities to see how well the artificial pancreas would function. At the time it showed quite a lot of promise. Amanda Jarratt, the child’s mother, recalled the equipment kept the glucose at comfortable levels. Usually, the girl would have large spikes of blood sugar at meals and significant decreases in between eating.

Maintaining 80 to 160 is ideal — 100 is a perfect blood sugar. Juvenile diabetes has caused Jarratt to have spikes up to 375 or drops to 60 in one day.

Returning the artificial pancreas was a tough day for everyone, but it had to be done, and Jarratt has continued to adjust by wearing the Medtronic insulin pump and a blood glucose monitor and sensor.

She has an iPhone with a Bluetooth device.

As long as that device is within 20 feet of her, her parents will receive a text message warning that the blood sugar levels have spikes or dropped to dangerous levels.

That’s included in an adult-sized purse she regularly carries, which also contains the equipment to test her blood sugar, as well as Skittles and juice.

All this ordeal has inspired Jarratt twofold.

“I want to be a junior advocate for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,” she said.

And to prove her dedication, the girl created a PowerPoint about JD that she takes to the clubs and other groups. Adults and other children ask her a lot of questions at these meetings.

“You have to show other people,” she added.

The family has also participated in fundraisers in Virginia Beach, and last year’s event generated $7,000. A gala was also scheduled in late February.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Jarratt also wants to become an endocrinologist, which is someone who specializes in endocrine glands and hormones.

“I do not let diabetes stop me,” she said.

“Everyone says I manage it well right now,” Jarratt. “I keep doing my thing.”

Progress 2018 • 11

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12 • Progress 2018

CHRIS BAILEY LIKES HELPING HIS COMMUNITY

story by Stephen H. Cowles

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ou know the saying, ‘The family that fights fires together, stays together.’

That could be said of Southampton High School’s Chris Bailey, who comes from a line of first responders. His grandfather, Doug Bailey Sr., was a deputy sheriff for 20-plus years. His father, Doug Jr., and brother, Doug III, are firefighters at the Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad. His mother, Rachel, works for the Department of Corrections, but close enough.

For himself, Chris has been training since 14 — he’s 18 now — and had even planned to join the CVRS sooner. For the past few years he’s helped out with fundraisers or whatever’s needed.

“Now I’m in a class to get my certification

to fight fires and becoming a Firefighter I,” said the high school senior. “That’s where the fun begins.”

The studies began in early January and are anticipated to be done in spring, possibly early summer.

“I like serving the community,” he added.

But firefighting will become an avocation, rather than the main career. His plan is to attend the Advanced Technology Institute in Virginia Beach this fall and become an auto technician.

For Bailey, service to others isn’t done for a particular reward.

“It’s not an object prize,” he said. “It’s being their to help your community. It’s being the cushion for people to fall back on.”

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14 • Progress 2018

COLLIS BRYANT RAISES CASH FOR CHURCH story by Merle Monahan

C

ollis Bryant is a busy man.

Aside from his regular job as a third generation transportation broker, the song leader and deacon board chairman at Ivor Baptist Church recently took on another job — raising funds for the church.

“Well, there was a need here and I’ve always tried to do my part,” Bryant said, adding that funds were needed to send the youth to camp and for mission trips.

He did indeed do his part and more.

His idea was to have a huge outdoor event where there would be various attractions, including craft booths, food vendors, music and an antique car show, to name a few.

It would conclude with a raffle, the prize being a brand-new motorcycle donated by a church member who ran a cycle business.

“This was our biggest attempt at raising money,” said Bryant, “and boy, was it successful! We raised just under $5,000.”

“Nobody expected us to raise that amount,” he went on, “especially since there was a threat of rain all day.”

Bryant said having the fundraiser, which already has been scheduled to become an annual event here, was suggested by his

brother, who had participated at one at his own church.

He added, “When my brother told me how successful their event was, I decided then to bring this up before our congregation. “The vote was unanimous to go ahead.”

Advertised as the “Iron Chariots Car Show,” Bryant went about choosing teams of church members to head up each attraction, such as food, parking, T-shirt sales, etc.

On the day of the event, two streets surrounding the church were blocked to traffic and a church lot across from Bell Avenue was designated for showing the antique cars. Several bands and a team of professional roller skaters were on hand, along with a dozen craft booths.

“We didn’t have all the cars we expected because of the rain threat,” said Bryant. “I don’t blame the owners. I wouldn’t want to bring my car out in bad weather, either.”

Other events went off as planned, however.

“Some of our members who like to cook took care of feeding the crowd, while

the youth ran errands. Then there were a couple golf carts to transport anyone who needed help.”

Bryant said the church is in the planning stages of the next fundraiser.

“It will be held at the church on May 5 and billed the same as last year. We hope to have twice the number of cars, but haven’t decided on other attractions yet.

“But we will have more activities for the children, like a bounce house, for instance.

Also, we don’t know what we’ll raffle off as the grand prize, but there will be one.”

Bryant and his wife, Anna, moved to Ivor from Suffolk several years ago. They soon joined Ivor Baptist and immediately became involved in church activities.

“I like to be involved,” he said “and if there is any way that I can help, I will be there.

Bryant added with a grin, “And I like antique cars and drag racing too.”

As a matter of fact, Bryant and Anna participate in drag racing competition about twice a year.

“Actually, it’s a hobby that we’ve had for a long time. We like it,” he said.

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16 • Progress 2018

DEVIN FISCHER LEADS BY EXAMPLE

story by Stephen H. Cowles

I

n early February, Devin Fischer, 13, joined a select group of students at Southampton Academy. He and 21 others were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, which requires not only high marks in classes, but also to set a positive example for others in the way of their character.

The son of David and Gwen Fischer of Franklin has already been doing so through his volunteer work a couple of times a week at East End Pavilion. There, he assists with Bingo games and pushing residents to where they need to go in their wheelchairs.

In addition, Devin does yard work not only at home but also for other residents in his neighborhood, including

grandmother, Mary Davidson of Franklin, and Josephine Sumner, a close family friend.

The outdoor work extends to his taking care of a garden each year. Cukes, green peppers, squash and tomatoes are the usual crops he grows. And let’s not forget the 15 Golden Comet chickens, which are raised for their eggs, of course.

“I also volunteer at my church, Franklin Baptist,” said Fischer, who belongs to its choir and youth group. They’ve rung handbells for the Salvation Army and do projects for people in need, such as getting together Thanksgiving food baskets for Franklin Cooperative Ministry.

Asked if he will continue to help other people, Fischer confirmed, “Absolutely!”

Devin Fischer

Left: Devin Fischer pushes Joyce Lowe in her wheelchair at East Pavilion. Center: Devin with Doris Bailey, a resident of East Pavilion. Right: Devin holds one of his 15 Golden Comet chickens. Photos submitted by Gregory Davidson.

Progress 2018 • 17

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18 • Progress 2018

Eric Taylor, center, unit director of the Boys & Girls Club in Franklin, said he looks foward to a great year, especially with the addition of this new reading space at S.P. Morton Elementary School, which is where the club meets. Photo by Stephen H. Cowles.

CHILDREN IN ERIC TAYLOR’S LIFE MAKE HIM A BETTER MAN story by Stephen H. Cowles

A

t 6 feet-plus in height, Eric Taylor is an unmistakable presence when he, the staff and youngsters meet in S.P. Morton Elementary School. They’re not there for the daily classes. Instead it’s because they belong to the Franklin Unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, which is where Taylor leads as unit director.

While his build might seem imposing, Taylor’s demeanor is warm and inviting, which is in keeping with the goal to instill positive qualities in the children.

For example, following this interview we walked toward the exit. Turning the corner into a hallway, three children — Zamyiah Beale, 9; Alexis Bradsby, 6; and Christina Meyers, 9 — looked over and their faces lit up smiling as they called out, “Mr. E!” Then they ran over to talk to him.

••• Taylor started out on the staff in 2008 and three months later was moved up as program leader, which required him to set staff schedules and the like, and he answered to the unit director at that time.

But four months later that position came open and he accepted the responsibility.

To become more engaged with the kids

— to inspire and motivate them, Taylor and his staff developed a three-pronged goal of promoting 1) academic success; 2) good character; and 3) healthier lifestyles.

That can equate to success not only within the club, he said, but also society.

“We push this day in and day out,” Taylor added.

As needed, the staff collaborates with the children to find out what they want and seek ways to making those ideas happen.

Games such as Math Wars have been developed to promote the first goal.

The youths learn addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in a competitive way and earn little rewards, such as BGC Bucks, which can be used to buy items such as pencils and keychains from keychains.

The Stop, Drop and Read program was established last year to encourage reading.

There have also been cooking lessons presented by people from outside the club as a way to “redirect the children to better and healthier lifestyles,” said Taylor.

As an example, they’ve made buckwheat pancakes. For activity, exercises and karate are also offered available.

••• Taylor’s experience of working with all

Progress 2018 • 19 different kinds of people first comes from his own background.

The son of Bishop Nathaniel and Elder Francine Gomillion, he naturally grew up in their congregation, Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist in Zuni.

“I worked with kids at the church — I was always around kids,” Taylor recalled.

Speaking of family, Taylor is married to Kurtisha Wilson-Taylor, they are the parents of Quache’ Taylor, Jabria Cross, Jahein Wilson and Jakayla Brown.

Previous to joining the B&G, he worked as a barber for 15 years at Virginia State University and trained at the Richmond Barber School. At one point he considered getting his own shop.

But when the opportunity came up for a career change with the club, Taylor decided it was the right decision.

“I came with a drive to see that our children going to make it — to be the best and give your 100 percent” said Taylor. “I think they’ll get a great return.”

There’s no question in his mind that already they have been affected in good ways.

“I totally see that. I see a big difference in how they respect each other … they uplift one another.

This is a family,” he said. “This is my fit, my purpose.”

The club is “a lifeline providing opportunities not available at home,” Taylor said, and added that the site also is “a safe haven for kids, providing structure, leadership and instilling good values.”

He continued, “I would love to see all of the kids become successful, and for them to look back and see that was because of being in the Boys and Girls Clubs.”

At the site, said Taylor, not only do the kids learn how to grow, but also the adults. They know to hold themselves to the same standards expected of the children.

As an example, he said. “Everybody has faces they show. What the B&G movement does is help people be better citizens in life. I have to be the same in home, in my personal life.

“There has to be a level of consistency,” he said.

“I have to be ‘Mr. E.’ all the time.”

Pictured with “Mr. E.” are, from left, Zamyiah Beale, 9; Alexis Bradsby, 6, and Christina Meyers, 9. Photo by Stephen H. Cowles

20 • Progress 2018

FAITH TENNESSEE HUMBLED BY SERVICE

story by Stephen H. Cowles

W

hen you give of your time and talents to help other people, you receive not only the satisfaction of being of service, but also gain a sense of humility. Faith Tennessee has learned this through her own experience.

During a bus ride last year to Southampton High School, the senior realized that a lot of other students and friends didn’t have coats to protect them during the wait for transportation.

“It was a humbling situation” said Tennessee. “There are certain things you take for granted.”

So she reached out to others people to help remedy the situation.

“I got my church [Pleasant Grove Baptist]

and family members to donate new or slightly used coats,” said the senior. The result was 35 to 45 jackets that were taken to her Capron Elementary, Southampton Middle and her own school.

Though she didn’t seek out recognition, it happened nonetheless.

“I would hope that someone else will do anything they see as a need for the community,” the Drewryville resident said.

She added that such projects are something that she will continue to do for her community as time goes on.

The daughter of Keith and Marilyn Tennessee, she said that career wise she plans to attend a culinary school after graduation.

Faith Tennessee, second from left, and Marilyn Tennessee hold up a coat that will be donated to students needing warm jackets. With them are Southampton High School Principal Allene Atkinson and Assistant Principal Aronda Bell.

File photo.

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Progress 2018 • 21

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22 • Progress 2018

DR. DAN LUFKIN’S CHILDHOOD DREAM COMES FULL CIRCLE Dr. Dan Lufkin, eighth president of Paul D. Camp Community College, has established athletics at the school through the PDC Hurricanes baseball team. He’s also involved with the mentorship program, “Men with a Purpose.” Photo by Stephen Faleski.

story by Stephen Faleski

D

r. Dan Lufkin has loved the sport of baseball since he was a child.

Though he admitted to not being the best little league player on his local team, he always enjoyed when his father would take him to major league games at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.

Growing up, he dreamed of one day being a high school athletic director, a goal he was able to achieve, albeit at the postsecondary level when he was offered the opportunity to start an athletics program at GateWay Community College.

Now, he’s the eighth president of Paul D. Camp Community College, and his love of baseball, coaching and creating something new have all come full-circle with the founding of the school’s first-ever baseball team, the Hurricanes.

The impact of Lufkin’s presidency can be seen throughout each of the school’s three campuses, particularly on its main campus in Franklin, where construction workers are outside nearly every day putting the final touches on a new ball field that will serve as the Hurricanes’ home turf. Lufkin began his initiative to

create the college’s first athletics program affiliated with the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) in 2017, and recruited the school’s first baseball coach and athletic director, David Mitchell, that same year.

When asked what had inspired him to bring baseball to campus, Lufkin said that the idea had originated from his initial talks with members of the community as to what they would like to see happen on campus, and from reading a book on the history of Franklin called “The Mill” by Phyllis E. Speidell.

“If you’re going to serve a community, I believe it’s important to learn about the culture of a community and its history,” Lufkin said. “There was a section [in the book] where years ago, they had a baseball team here. It was a minor league baseball team.

“This idea of sports at Paul D. Camp came up quite often. Every time I brought [the minor league team] up, they would say, ‘Oh, I remember that, I remember where the field was,’ and ‘Are you going to start baseball?’

“Baseball, softball, athletics, they have a special way of bringing awareness to the college, bringing people to the college, promoting the college regionally.

It provides the opportunity for people to speak about the college in a different way and generates excitement.”

Lufkin said he also hoped that having athletics on campus would increase the college’s appeal to prospective students fresh out of high school who may have ambitions of playing college-level sports but might not be ready academically or physically to play at a four-year university.

His hopes were answered in mid-2017 when 22 students representing 16 different high schools signed letters of intent to become the first Hurricanes.

Athletics are not the only way in which Lufkin has sought to bring some of the life experiences students would get at a university to the community college level.

He has also become heavily involved with a male mentorship program called “Men with a Purpose,” which he described as a support network that encourages students to talk about the challenges they face with

Progress 2018 • 23 earning a college degree or credential.

“It was mentors that helped me during my academic journey,” Lufkin said. “And it’s just a way for me to try to give back, to say that it’s OK to rely on someone else for advice.”

Paul D. Camp has also, under Lufkin’s leadership, recently become a member of the American Association of University Women, which provides a similar resource for female students.

On a day-to-day basis, Lufkin said that

his job as president was about building relationships with the community and with businesses and industries.

“Every day is different,” he said. “Which is what I love about my job. I see the college as a convener, where we’re able to bring business and industry and civic leaders together, and we’re responsive to the challenges by implementing and developing solutions [in the form of course offerings.]”

His overall goal for the institution is to

Academically based care in a Christian Environment A ministry of Grace Memorial United Methodist Church

have Paul D. Camp become known as the region’s first choice for post-secondary education and workforce development and community partnerships.

“If we are able to do that, we will continue to increase our enrollment and offer programs that are relevant and lead to careers where people can have a family-sustaining wage,” he said. “That’s what we’re all about, we respond to the challenges in the community, to the businesses and partners.”

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Progress 2018 • 25

FUTURE TEACHER, GAVIN EDWARDS CREDITS DR. SEUSS story by Stephen H. Cowles

Gavin Edwards dancing with a resident during the ‘Senior Prom’ at the Village at Woods Edge in Franklin.

I

f Gavin Edwards should someday return to Southampton High School after graduation, it might not be just for a reunion, but to work. The senior said he would like to one day teach high school or elementary students, and he owes that choice to a famous writer of children’s books.

“Dr. Seuss Day made me want to be around kids more,” said Edwards, who is president of his school’s Key Club, an international organization that encourages students to participate in their communities.

He recalled when fellow members traveled to elementary schools last March for Dr. Seuss Day. They dressed as characters from the stories, read to the children and even helped them for the Accelerated Reading quizzes that followed.

His membership in the club came naturally enough.

“I had a lot of friends in it and who talked about how they really enjoyed the club. I thought it would be a good thing to do for me and the community,” said Edwards, who was a board member last year.

“We do lot of community service, locally and even in Virginia Beach,” he added.

An example of the latter, in November every year the club helps with Special Olympics, a competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“We go to the soccer game, and cheer them on,” Edwards said. “We’ll go over and talk to them and take photos with the athletes. They really like it.”

Closer to home, last spring the club organized a prom for residents at the Village at Woods Edge.

“We got really involved, which is what they [the residents] liked most, I think,” he said. “The senior prom for seniors was

pretty awesome. A lot of them don’t get visitors. So there was someone new to talk to, especially young people.”

The club also hosts a monthly Bingo game and further socializes with them while they play.

The son of Scott and Renee Edwards, he got his younger sister, Carlee Edwards, involved with the club as well.

“It’s pretty busy throughout the year,” he said, and cited the school-wide fundraiser in October for UNICEF. Edwards added that Key Clubs have helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus in 48 countries since the organization began.

Following graduation this spring, Edwards will make his way to Longwood University, where he’s been accepted into an honors college. There, he’ll likely begin a new level of service while striving for his goal to educate future students.

26 • Progress 2018

WATCHING CHILDREN GROW FULFILLS JORONDA BAXTER Left: Joronda Baxter with students from another class in the school library. Below: Joronda Baxter, the media specialist at Meherrin Elementary School, reads a story to kindergarten students.

Photos by Stephen H. Cowles. story by Stephen H. Cowles

J

oronda Baxter didn’t set out to make education her life’s work. Before, she was an administer for Sunoco Products. But while thinking about a new career, Baxter decided that since she has always been around children — through babysitting, church and other activities — then perhaps teaching is the way to go. She already had a bachelor’s degree in public relations through Virginia State University, and so back to school she went, earning an online master’s degree from Ashford University of San Diego, California.

Today, she’s in her third year as the media specialist at Meherrin Elementary School. While that might seem like a fancy title for librarian, Baxter does more than check out books for the young Eagles. In addition to being the key communicator for the school, she builds relationship with students. This is done by helping with family reading nights and PTA-related functions, or using technology where applicable for lessons. Reading stories and discussing books is another part of helping the students learn and grow.

“I like smaller children,” she said. “It’s

what I’m supposed to be doing. To see their growth and development is very fulfilling to see … they listen.”

Her involvement with young people isn’t confined to the elementary level.

Naturally, she’s around children at her church, Fellowship Around the Word.

Also for three years, Baxter has been coaching cheerleaders and majorettes in the Southampton High School Marching Band.

“I was asked to volunteer … I was a featured twirler at VSU and a majorette with the band.”

Her involvement in education isn’t really too surprising as she’s a member of Lambda Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., a sorority that prizes scholarship among other virtues. Her mother, Rhonda Chambliss, is a fellow member; her father is the late John Baxter.

Her brother is Alger Nichols, a teacher at Southampton Middle School.

For now, Baxter thrives in her role at the school, but she foresees one day expanding both her professional abilities and service to other people.

Progress 2018 • 27

In your home, in your community and online...

Tidewater Publications,LLC

The Tidewat er SCHOOL NEWS:

MOTIONS IN THE

OCEAN, B1

112TH YEAR , NO. 154

D o w n t o w n F ra

FRIDAY, DE CEMBER 8,

BY STEPHE

N H. COWL ES STAFF WR ITER stephen.cowles@ tidewaternew s.com

WAKEFIE LD In spite of ing weath an initially discourag er Christmas forecast, tonight’s pa still on. Th rade at 7 o’clock is e Charles Str event will start on eet and con Fourth Av tinue down en and end at ue onto Main Street South Street . Those

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participatin port behin g are reminded to red a chance of Armory on the National Guard Campbell don’t get yousnow this weekend starting at Avenue , tation. Bu 5:3 or sleds ou r hopes up too hig t that has ap cessing sta 0 p.m., and the pro h t too soon. changed. rts at 7 sha parently Any hope rp.

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BY STEPH

Cecil Burge ss day with his shows seventh gra ders daughter, Betsy, to pre a snake. The wildli fe spe sent “Snake STEPHANI FALE s Alive!” as cialist visited J.P. SKI | THE TIDE Kin part of J.P WATER NEWS . King’s Ter g Jr. Middle Schoo l on Tuesrific Tuesda y event.

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BY STEPHE N FALESKI STAFF WR ITER stephen.faleski@ tidewaternew s.com

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Grades six participated through eight each class with ferent activi in the event, with dif Franklin Fir FRANKLIN e and grade level. ties available to eac - cue personnel, On Dec. 5, or a cake de Resh ing class titl option of Sixth graders had the coratSchool he J.P. King Jr. Middle att ld ing.” Eighth ed “Creativity with fitness, led ending a session on Icday” of the its first “Terrific Tu by guest spe es- enne tions of go graders had the op school yea ake ing th such event r r tled “J.P. Kin to a music class tiin approximand its first Fitness, Kindred of Taylor MaLaKyears. Held g Rocks,” a de ately 10 constructio art du cu s n rin cla lin “ta 101 g ss, a ary sty the , fl the schoo l day on Tu last hour of ercise treat Tuesday,” a sof ag art, High Schoo session with Frank lin tball exesday, the event was titled presentationl’s JROTC students, de medical kn “It’s Outta’ here,” a a students wit signed to provide ow-how ses his daughte by Cecil Burgess an droponic sion or hy ety of career h exposure to a var d r, Betsy, titl far mi ng iAli ed “Snake s and poten . Sev ve,” cheer ers could ests. lea tial interparticipate enth graddin g with the FH s cheerleade making, soc in T-shirt rs, S a mo cer vie-m , a danc class titled class titled “Lights, Ca aking “Droppin’ e-on, a DJ mera, Acthe Beat,” a SEE TUESDAY, A6

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Cheerleadin COURTLAN D registration g is also open, and Kids Kab, for registr is $30. Deadline non-profi a local children’s ati t organiza Dec. 17. Teaon is on Sunday, tion, is excited to an ms will no istration for unce that the reg- coached by Hoops be Le Basketball Winter Recreation coaches and volun ague teers of the is open.

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BY STEPHE N FALESKI STAFF WR ITER stephen.fale ski@tidewaterne ws.com

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FRANKLIN A Franklin victim, a 74are in custo man and a juvenile female, ha year-old arrested on dy after having been d from the ba returned cording to robbery charges, acCa was holdi nk and Franklin Po pt. Tim Whitt of the ng an enlice Departm vel op e con De’Vian Ty ent. tai undetermi ning an found after mel Worthy, 18, wa ne s amount of d report of roba search following a cash when of West Fo bery in the 400 blo ck proachshe was apurth Aven ue on Tuesday. Officer ed by two suspects.

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Fearful of might do, what the suspects she departmen cash and the relinquished the t for furthe y tion. r investiga The suspe fled. ern Tidew Continued ater Regio broadcast cts’ descriptions we inv nal Jail wit out bond. and police re him hbeing charg estigation led to person — located a Wo ed with the On Thursda bery as we description rthy — matching rob y morning ll as weapon the tions, ond suspe , the secs violact Cameron two blocks away on spe cifi Street 17-year-o was identified as a pistol and cally concealing a ld ma While detai . le after his bra brought pa whose addre ss knuckles. Worth ered that he ned, it was discov y, ment. him to the police de rents ss is in the ter Str partDo loaded 9m was in possession of a charg eet Apartments, wa rchesm He will be s also placed Wo pistol. Officers ed with the remanded pe rthy unde bu to ake rgl Ch tem Juv ary and atesapted burgl enile Servic r he was tra ary nsported to arrest and ha es, of nd wh res les Woodland ich the police Drive, wh idences on Frank youth offenders fro ich Dec. 1. He lin was reman occurred South , Suffolk, Isle of Wi m ght, ampton an ded to We st- Road s agencies d other Hampton DEATHS .

OPINION OBITUARIES A2 Beatr ice J. Daws IT’S HAPPEN on, 91 A3 Do rothy E. Lew FAITH & WO ING HERE A4 is, 57 SCHOOLS RSHIP A4-A5 COMMUNITY B1 CLASSIFIED NEWS B2 S B3-B4

who’s w

17 • vol. 8,

SUMMER 20

BEST BET

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no. 2

28 • Progress 2018

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Progress 2018 • 29

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30 • Progress 2018

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Progress 2018 • 31

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32 • Progress 2018

STEVE BUTLER JR.’S HANDIWORK CAN BE FOUND THROUGHOUT CARRSVILLE story by Stephen Faleski

S

teve Butler Jr. has been involved with Carrsville’s Ruritan Club since the late 1940s, when he worked alongside his father, a charter member, to build a clubhouse for the Ruritans. He was a teenager at the time.

Now, he’s one of the longest serving Ruritans in the Carrsville community, having joined the club officially in 1959 at age 28.

His official 59th anniversary with the club will occur later this month, and the club plans to recognize him for his decades of service during their families night in April.

He was also selected as this past year’s grand marshall of the Carrsville Christmas Parade.

The clubhouse, known today as the Carrsville Community Center, was completed in the early 1950s, is still in use today, located across the highway from Carrsville Elementary School. Another example of Butler’s decades-long involvement with the club can also be found near the school, in the form of roadsigns equipped with flashing lights to alert motorists that they are passing through a school zone. During the early 1960s, when Butler was president of the club, he spearheaded the Ruritans’ efforts to raise funds for and install the flashing lights, which, like the clubhouse, are still in use today.

“We had to put wires underneath the highway,” he recalled. “We did lots of projects like that, probably a lot more so than today.

“We had a very strong club back in those years. I remember they had applications

that had exceeded their bylaw’s limits, so they voted to open it up to a greater number. We had 65 members when I was president in the early 60s.”

Ruritans old enough to remember that particular project may have slowed down in terms of the number of projects requiring manual labor they are willing to take on.

However, the club itself is still very active in the Carrsville community, particularly when it comes to helping those who cannot support themselves.

“This Christmas we did 12 turkey dinners, ready to cook, for people in the community,” Butler said. “Things like that, any victims of hardship, the club is right on that to help.

“We rehabilitate things in the community.

We contribute annual donations to the local fire department. We have one group that maintains the roadsides in the community; they pick up the trash.”

When asked why he decided to join the Ruritans as an official club member in 1959, Butler said it was both something he wanted to do and something that the Carrsville community, expected of him at the time. The year before, he had just moved back to Carrsville and built a house on a plot of farmland, having relocated from Richmond after serving a tour of duty in the Air Force.

“Everybody else in the community at the time was pretty much going [to the Ruritan meetings] so we had a carpool of members and we all road together the first Monday night [of the month,” he said.

Steve Butler Jr. waves to the crowd during the 2017 Carrsville Christmas Parade. He was selected as this past year’s grand marshall for his decades of service to the Carrsville Ruritan Club. Driving the car is Kyle Boykin.

Photo by Martha Fontaine Byrum.

Club membership has decreased substantially since Butler’s presidency.

However, he said that based on the club’s current roster, it still has 39 active members, with some associate and honorary members. He added that in recent years, the club’s membership has been slowly increasing.

“People are getting tired of just sitting around watching TV I think,” he said of the increase.

Most members are of retirement age, he added, but a few younger members in their late teens have become involved recently as well.

As for how the club recruits new members these days, Butler said that each month the club recognizes a particular group or profession and invites those people to attend the Ruritan meeting.

“Next month, we invite farmers who are not already members, then we have a month we invite all the veterans,” he said.

Another way the club makes itself known to the community, he said, is through partnering with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

The club’s next meeting will be on Monday, March. 5 at 7 p.m., in the Carrsville Community Center.

Progress 2018 • 33

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34 • Progress 2018

Linda Drake, who teaches Pre-Kindergarten at Meherrin Elementary School, gets students eager to answer her questions.

Photo by Stephen H. Cowles

TEACHING CHILDREN NOURISHES LINDA DRAKE story by Stephen H. Cowles

Teaching is a matter of course for Linda Drake of Newsoms.

The first people who instilled an interest in and love for children were, naturally, her parents, Harvey and Barbara Hirsch.

“Children were a priority in their lives,” she said of her father and mother, the latter of whom has since passed away.

As early as her teenage years, Drake realized what would be her life’s work.

“When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to work with children,” said the Danville native, and she ultimately made that happen by becoming a teacher.

Having earned a degree at Virginia Tech, she did substitute teaching for awhile. There had been a couple of years when she was in the hotel industry, and likely could have made a successful career, but that wasn’t where her heart found fulfillment.

“I was yearning to go back,” Drake said, and so she did. The teaching degree and licensing were earned at St. Paul’s College.

Here she is 23 years later, teaching Pre-K classes at Meherrin Elementary School — now

in her 15th year. Elsewhere in Southampton County, Drake has taught second grade and Pre-K at the former Courtland Elementary School and then Capron Elementary School.

Teaching, said Drake, is “something that feeds me … energizes me.”

With the little ones, she has what she calls “the whole child.”

They are the proverbial tabula rasa — the blank slate.

“I like giving them their first start,” Drake said. This includes being able to present a variety of academic subjects — letters, numbers, shapes, colors, etc. In the classroom before the interview, Drake gives a quick lesson about the calendar, asking them what is the month, date and day. From the children seated cross-legged on the rug, she calls a girl up front to point out the days that have already passed.

She and the teacher’s aide also foster in the students positive social skills such as compassion. She recalled when one child had fallen in class, and classmates wanted to make sure that person was OK after all.

Progress 2018 • 35 All this is not doing singlehandedly. She gratefully acknowledges her assistant Julia Orsborne.

“I could not do this job without her,” Drake said of her right-hand woman.

With the many years of experience, Drake has become the lead teacher for Pre-K in the county school system.

Instructors at the elementary schools and her periodically confer on curriculum and related issues.

What Drake is doing has not gone unnoticed by two people especially important in her life — her daughters, Emma and Grayson.

“Both of them want to be

working with kids,” Drake said with obvious pride in her voice.

The former has expressed a strong interest in becoming a pediatric nurse.

The latter is earning her master’s degree in teaching at Christopher Newport University, and Drake believes she’ll be back in Southampton to teach.

That gladdens her because she’s firm in her support of the Southampton County Public Schools “I believe in what the county is doing,” she said of the school system.

“I’m very happy here,” Drake said, smiling. “There’s never a dull moment.”

Linda Drake leads her Pre-Kindergarten Class at Meherrin Elementary in a lesson. The Newsoms resident said she knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since her high school days. Photo by Stephen H. Cowles

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36 • Progress 2018

LONGTIME TEACHER LUANN SCOTT MAINTAINS RAPPORT WITH YOUTH story by Stephen Faleski Luann Scott has learned to integrate technology into her lessons over her decades-long career and now uses a Google classroom platform to give students information on their iPads. Photo

by Stephen Faleski.

L

uann Scott always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and used to play school often as a child. Now, with a total of 42 years experience in secondary education, the majority of which has been spent teaching English at Windsor High School, she’s teaching the children of students she taught in her early years with Isle of Wight County Schools.

In only a few years, the first grandchild of a former student will enter Windsor High School and take her class.

Despite her decades-long career, Scott hasn’t lost her ability to connect with Windsor’s current crop of teenagers. In fact, she can’t walk down the hallway without students stopping her just to say hello or to tell her that they just got accepted to college.

“The kids have stayed the same,” Scott said of her rapport with students. “I don’t think kids have changed that much; they have different toys, they have more of an awareness of the world [via] social media.”

“Everyone had, or knows about, Mrs. Scott as a teacher,” said Isle of Wight County Schools’ director of community and media relations, Lynn Briggs, of Scott. “They just love her.”

When asked what she felt had changed over the years, Scott was quick to mention

technology.

“When I first started teaching, we lectured, students studied from notes, that whole process is almost nonexistent now,” she said.

“Students rely on technology, teachers rely on technology.”

As an example, she said she uses a Google classroom platform with her current classes to give them information and to get feedback from them. Her students also use Google Docs to submit papers, which she is able to score on her laptop.

“It used to be we would have a question come up in class and I would have to send a student to the library to look it up in an encyclopedia,” she said. “Now the access to information is almost immediate.”

The town of Windsor and Isle of Wight County have also changed substantially, she said, since her childhood and her early days of teaching.

“When I first came here, the school was a bit smaller, typically graduating classes were smaller, we didn’t have a lot of the neighborhoods we have now,” Scott said. “It was much more rural, we were more isolated.

“As a resident of the town, I like seeing new people come in. New people offer new ideas. We’ve become much more diverse.”

When asked how Virginia Standards

of Learning (SOL) tests, implemented statewide during the 1990s, have impacted her approach to teaching, Scott said while she believed the tests were important, she had never seen them as the thing that drives her teaching.

“SOL performance in English is very cumulative, you have ninth, tenth and eleventh grade, then you take your test,” she said.

Scott describes her personal approach to teaching as a combination of techniques used by three teachers she encountered growing up, who she said changed her life: Martha Everett in first grade, Victoria Shearrin in seventh and eighth grade, and Pamela Edwards in high school.

As for her rapport and popularity with students, Scott attributes this to her friendly nature and the fact that Windsor is a very family-oriented school where students are taught to be very respectful of both adults and each other.

“I’m not worried about behavior or discipline problems, I can get so much more instruction,” she said. “It’s a very good environment in which to work.”

She is originally from Smithfield, but has lived in the town of Windsor for many decades.

Progress 2018 • 37

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38 • Progress 2018

IT TOOK A VILLAGE FOR MADDIE SCHIMIZZI

story by Stephen Faleski

F

or Maddie Schimizzi, working at The Village at Woods Edge in Franklin is more than just a part-time job to help her pay her way through college. It’s become a second home to her, and its residents and fellow staff members, a second family.

The 19-year-old Walters native began working at The Village in June of 2016 as a waitress in the assisted living facility’s fullservice restaurant, the Back Porch and Grille, and she still does. But her responsibilities have since grown to include working with residents, as has her passion for working with the elderly.

“I usually work in the independent and assisted living side, and in the memory care unit, Asa’s Neighborhood,” Schimizzi said.

“I always try my best to interact with them [the residents.] They’re always curious about how school’s going. It’s kind of like having a bunch of grandparents.

Some of them know my grandparents.

“One of the residents told me they knew my grandfather, and had known me when I was a baby. There’s a lot of connections.”

Another conversation with a resident who is a member of the Alphin family led to Schimizzi learning something new about her own neighborhood.

“She used to own the house in front of me,” Schimizzi said of the encounter. “Then I found out that I actually Maddie Schimizzi with Village resident Betty Harrison outside her live on the Alphin farm. independent living cottage. In addition to working as a waitress in I would always visit her the Village’s restaurant, The Back Porch and Grille, she also takes in the activity room and care of residents and helps clean their houses and apartments. help her do her puzzles.

Photos by Stephen Faleski.

[She] would talk about,

at her house, how she would have pool parties. I swim in that pool every summer, that pool that she used to own.”

Schimizzi’s experiences at The Village have also had a strong impact on her plans for the future. She currently attends Paul D. Camp Community College, which she first entered with the intention of transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing, but now is considering switching to business administration, thanks to her conversations with Billie Turner, The Village’s executive director.

“I just want to be in a position like her, or someone like Diane Cook, the human resources manager here,” Schimizzi said.

“I’m just a people person. I like having the opportunity of helping people.”

When not at The Village or Paul D. Camp’s Franklin campus, Schimizzi can also occasionally be found at the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department, where she volunteers her time as a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She became involved via her boyfriend, Jeffrey, who is a volunteer firefighter.

“We’ll go there and cook dinner for them, it’s basically the girlfriends and wives of the firemen,” she said. “We also do fundraisers.

In September of last year, we had a big Truck Feast for the Fire Department. We basically had a whole bunch of catered food and a band, and me and another girl did raffle tickets. We ended up raising over $4,000 that night.”

Schimizzi is currently in her second semester at Paul D. Camp, and upon completing her associate degree, plans to transfer to either the University of Virginia or Old Dominion University.

“They both have really good business schools,” Schimizzi said, but was undecided as to whether she would want to return to Isle of Wight County after graduation.

“My heart wants to stay in Isle of Wight, I like the countryside, but at the same time I love Norfolk,” she said. “I’ve never lived in the city, but I love being around it.”

Progress 2018 • 39

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40 • Progress 2018

MADELYN COSBY USES HER TALENTS TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE story by Stephen H. Cowles

D

eveloping good habits and virtues starts early at home and church.

Madelyn Cosby of Franklin is an example of what happens when children learn and practice qualities such as compassion, generosity, patience and thoughtfulness.

For the past few years, the youth has put her artistic talents to use and combined them with her abilities to engage, inspire and organize other young people and adults to do more for their community.

In 2013, Cosby had created a silent auction, art show and bake sale at her church, Sedley Baptist. The money realized from this first event went to a friend of the family who had her house ransacked while in the hospital undergoing cancer treatments.

At the second event in fall 2014, the then 11-year-old’s auction raised $2,600, more than double her first effort. The recipient was Graz’n Acres in Sedley. The facility offers therapeutic riding and other equinebased activities for both children and adults with educational, emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities, including behavior disorders and at-risk young people. She recalled at the time that the success was helped because it was a local charity and having continually put out the word about

the event.

For her third annual Silent Auction/Art Auction and Bake Sale in 2015, Cosby raised over $3,000 to help the then 2-yearold Breelyn Hewett and her family of Black Creek. The girl had been enduring a series of operations to correct a disorder that caused her hips to become dislocated. She also had to have removed a 4-1/2 pound teratoma growing off her tailbone. The parents used the money to pay for medical and travel expenses.

When Cosby was 13 in 2016, she donated the money from her fourth auction to Partners Among Cats and Canines, a nonprofit, Franklin and Southampton Countybased, low-cost mobile spay/neuter clinic and network of foster homes for cats and dogs. There was, perhaps not surprisingly, even a dog pageant. She repeated that the next year.

But the work that Cosby does isn’t a onegirl show. She gives credit where it’s due, starting with one of her biggest fans — her mother, Kasey.

In winter 2017, the teen and her mother formed the first Little Miss Franklin/ Southampton Relay for Life Pageant, which raised $3,200 for the new Relay For Life

Left: Madelyn Cosby, left, and Alexis Clapp during the Relay For Life event at Armory Park. Center: At right in the middle, Madelyn forms a pyramid with friends at the Relay For Life event.

Progress 2018 • 41 Team — The Dream Chasers. She added that the Dream Chasers generated $5,500 for cancer research. All this was done in memory of her close friend, Nikki Outlaw, who lost her battle with cancer in January 2016. The money ultimately benefited the American Cancer Society.

When it comes to work on the Relay For Life project, the girl said, “My mom’s a lot of help. She’s on social media blasting out messages. We just put it out there.”

At the time of this interview, the Cosbys were busily working on the second pageant, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 3.

“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work when it comes to pageants,” said the 15-year-old. “There’s lots of planning.

Lots of time and thought [are required.]

I try not to forget anything — even lighting.”

They even created a Mother-Daughter lunch and fashion show at the Cypress Cove Country Club as a way to raise money for the Relay, and got a couple hundred dollars. Every penny counts when it comes to cancer research.

As you might have noticed, the recipients of Cosby’s work has been

varied. Informed by her best friend, she’s already got a new project in mind, the Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk. That place is intended, Cosby said, “as a home away from home” for families with children who are patients at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

On why she does all these activities, she said, “I just feel like if I have these abilities [to help others] I might as well use them. Why wouldn’t you? That’s my mindset … I’m perfectly healthy and able.

Why not use my talents to help others less fortunate?”

Thinking about her future, Cosby sees continued service one way or another, including career in nursing, with an emphasis in pediatrics.

“I love helping people, I love children,” she said.

Meanwhile, there’s no question in her mind of maintaining service to others as she matures.

“I feel like I’m definitely going to be continuing in high school and college,” Cosby said, acknowledging that there will be challenges and obstacles.

“I’l figure it out. Nothing’s going to stop me.”

Madelyn, right, and her best friend, Madison Lilly, shop for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. That place, which is in Norfolk, serves as a temporary residence for families who have traveled far from their homes as their children are receiving medical care nearby. Photos submitted by Kasey Cosby.

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42 • Progress 2018

MADISON HUNNINGS SERVES MEALS, SERVES OTHERS story by Stephen Faleski

F

or Madison Hunnings, it was a love of cooking that led her to become so involved in giving back to her community. The Franklin High School senior serves as president of her school’s Family Career and Community Leaders of America chapter — a career and technical students’ organization affiliated with its culinary arts department, with a strong focus on community service.

So far, since becoming president of the organization at the beginning of the 20172018 school year, Hunnings has traveled to J.P. King Jr. Middle School to mentor younger teens, traveled to S.P. Morton Elementary to tutor as well, and one of her larger service campaigns has been to oversee a toy drive in December to collect Christmas and other holiday gifts for underprivileged children.

“We didn’t raise as much as we had hoped for, but we did decent for the short amount of time that we had,” Hunnings said of the toy drive.

She and fellow FCCLA members also recently made posters to go around Franklin High School displaying all the national hotline phone numbers.

“We just got those printed today, you never know what someone’s going through,” she said.

Culinary arts instructor Carolyn Hurdle, who advises the FCCLA and introduced Hunnings to the organization last school year, said that Hunnings and others also plan to travel to either the East Pavilion Nursing Home or the Village at Woods Edge in the near future to work with residents.

She described FCCLA as being similar to SkillsUSA for other career and technical education courses, but with more of a community focus.

“FCCLA basically is the only CTSO that it’s main focus is family,” Hurdle explained.

“We are big on community service and Madison is doing really well [as president.]

She keeps everything going. She’s a leader.

She gets the minutes and everything ready [during meetings.] She has a lot of FCCLA projects planned as far as community service and activities.”

Hunnings is also an active member of the school’s junior reserve officers’ training corps unit, and routinely participates in community service activities through that organization as well. As a JROTC cadet, she has participated in a holiday food drive to collect supplies for families unable to afford holiday meals, and two blood drives in partnership with the Red Cross this school year, the first of which was just open to FHS

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Hunnings hopes to join the Army Reserves after graduation and eventually go to a culinary college and have a career in the food service industry. In the meantime, she plans to remain in Franklin and potentially return to FHS next school year to help Hurdle continue the FCCLA program.

“She’s been instrumental in getting other people to join and to continue with FCCLA,” Hurdle said. “She’s a really big help.”

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44 • Progress 2018

SERVICE IN SCHOOL HAS INSPIRED MADISON WRIGHT Left: Madison Wright donating blood at Key Club Fall Red Cross Blood Drive. Photo submitted by Michele McHenry.

Below: Madison Wright cheers on Jackson Dollarhide after he just put up a shot on the gym court. The high school senior belongs to the Senior Adaptive Class, which works and plays with students who have autism or intellectual disabilities. Photo by Stephen H. Cowles. story by Stephen H. Cowles

P

laying volleyball is more than a game for Madison Wright and her fellow Lady Indians of Southampton High School.

“Just this past Feb. 4 we did a volleyball camp with Camp25,” she said of the event in the J.P. King Jr. Middle School

gymnasium. Approximately 45 to 50 children learned the fundamentals taught by the young ladies who know the sport so well. “It was really fun, really nice. We bonded no matter the age — everyone was really involved.”

Speaking of which, Wright has also

been active with the Blackwater Volleyball Club for many years, and has moved from playing to coaching. This, too enables her to teach the sport to children.

“It’s really neat working with 4-year-olds … to determine what skill level they are on and get to know them,” she said.

That type of outreach is not unusual for Wright, who said that most of her community service is through school.

There’s her membership in the school Key Club, which requires 15 service hours per semester. For example, she and other students will periodically lead Bingo games at the Village at Woods Edge.

“We’ll call out numbers and give out inexpensive prizes. Something practical or cutesy,” she said.

Two years ago, the daughter of Ricky and Laura Wright of Newsoms was involved with SkillsUSA and its Adopt a Highway program, which won the group a state level award.

Wright also belongs to the National Honor Society and serves as treasurer in the Beta Club. “As far as I can remember, I’ve always been involved,” Wright said.

“My favorite thing is the Senior Adaptive

Progress 2018 • 45 Class, which just started with the new semester. It’s very heartwarming,” she said.

The high school senior and others interact with fellow students who have autism or intellectual disabilities.

“We get to play, walk, jog, or roll or throw basketballs,” Wright said. For example, earlier in February they helped players participate in the Tri-Rivers Basketball games. Some were on teams, some just to cheer “and that’s OK.” She also worked with a young man, Jackson Dollarhide, who liked to throw the basketball by himself.

Then there’s one little girl, whom she called Alicia, who made glow-in-the-dark rubber band bracelets for everyone in the class.

“She’s such a sweetheart

for all of us,” Wright said of her enthusiasm.

••• Five years after her brother Mason graduated from Southampton High, Wright will do the same this June. Though as yet undecided about which college to attend, she does know her community service will continue in one form or another afterward.

“That’s very, very big to me,” Wright said, and added that all her involvement with younger children and other students has definitely inspired her to choose nursing as a profession.

“I would like to work with children and get my pediatric certification. I do believe that everything I’ve done has been leading up to that.”

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46 • Progress 2018

NYJEY POPE PROVES COMMUNITY SERVICE NEED NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL story by Stephen Faleski

M

ost of Franklin High School senior Nyjey Pope’s involvement with the school’s junior reserve officers’ training corps unit happens during school hours, but that doesn’t mean that his community service efforts as a member of the Bronco Battalion aren’t felt throughout the city of Franklin and beyond.

In fact, anyone who has tried to give blood during one of the school’s JROTC blood drives this school year has likely already met him, or at least, has seen the results of his leadership. The cadet recently served as student manager of the school’s Valentine’s Day Red Cross blood drive.

“JROTC is about building good character,” Pope said, citing community service as a core component of participation.

As a member of the unit, he has also collected food donations around holidays to donate to those who cannot afford holiday

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meals. This past December, the Bronco Battalion collected an entire table full of supplies during its Christmas food drive.

In addition to being involved with JROTC, Pope also serves as the current student liaison to the Franklin City School Board and the division’s Student Advisory Board. He is also president of Franklin High School’s student government association.

“I go to a [school] board meeting every month and talk about what we’re doing at FHS, J.P. King [Middle School] and S.P. Morton [Elementary School,]” he said, adding that his main function was to represent the student body to the school board and superintendent.

He attributes his growing involvement in the Franklin community to the encouragement of Franklin High School’s principal, Travis Felts.

“He opened a lot of opportunities for me

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Nyjey Pope this year, I thank him for a lot of it,” Pope said. “He recommended me for the student liaison and it led me to become one of the members on the Student Advisory Board.

He sees something in me and keeps pushing me.”

Pope is also a member of Franklin High School’s National Honor Society. He plans to attend The College of William and Mary this fall and to major in pre-law with the hope of one day becoming a judge.

m o c t o d s w s e w n e r N e t st a e t w a tide y to the L Ke r u Yo

Progress 2018 • 47

SELENA JOHNSON LEARNS ABOUT HERSELF THROUGH HELPING OTHERS story by Stephen H. Cowles

T

here’s going to school, and then there’s being a part of your school, the latter of which Selena Johnson of Southampton Academy knows well. For her, being active within and without has created a stronger and enriching bond with her classmates and faculty and community.

For example, Johnson serves on the Honor council, as the girls basketball captain and as Beta Club president.

This past Christmas, the Betas worked with Franklin Cooperative Ministry for its toy drive.

“I think it was pretty successful,” she recalled. “A lot of people picked names and contributed. I was a participant, and bought and wrapped gifts.”

Such activities are the norm for her and not just busy work.

“I think making myself a part of so many different things is just part of growing up, discovering yourself and the things you are passionate about,” said Johnson, who is a senior this year.

Being at the school fosters that exploring.

“I think the Southampton Academy has a particularly close-knit sense of family and community,” she said.

“Recently, I went up to Charlottesville for a scholarship program. Everyone was asking me about it, and offering to help me prepare,” Johnson recalled appreciatively.

Her plan is to attend the University of Virginia, and she’s thinking of pre-med as a career.

Speaking of family, Selena is a daughter of Mona Johnson and the late Greg

Johnson, and sister to Mina Johnson and Gregory Johnson, who are also active in and out of SA. They also play sports, belong to the Beta Club and “things like that,” including membership in Kingdom Life Ministries.

When not at her school, though, Johnson can often be found at the YMCA in Franklin, where she can work out and hang out with friends.

But it’s more than a social setting.

It’s also where she contributes to the operation of the facility.

Noticing last summer that the place was in need of lifeguards, Johnson took classes to become a lifeguard, which she does one to three days a week.

“I think of the Y highly. [Being a lifeguard] It’s something I just wanted to do,” she said.

Another activity there is being a member of the Leaders Club, which is an organization of 13 to 18 year olds.

“We volunteer and organize fundraising and other charitable events,” said Johnson. “We did the Turkey Trot — a 5K race — during Thanksgiving. We marked out where the runners are supposed to go, and also supplied them drinks and snacks. At Halloween for the kids, it was about the games, food and candy.

“I was Shaggy from Scooby-Doo,” she laughed in recalling her dressing up for the occasion. “I had a plush doll of Scooby that I carried with me.”

In addition to learning to become a lifeguard, Johnson participated in Virginia Girls State last summer.

“I think it really humbled me. All the

Selena Johnson, right, with her mother, Mona, during the recent recognition ceremony at Southampton Academy.

Selena was presented gifts of appreciation for her work as captain of the girls basketball team. Photo by Stephen H. Cowles girls were extremely qualified. They had strong academics and were school leaders,” she said. “It was nice to be surrounded by a group of girls fairly similar in community involvement and things like that.”

In addition to the camaraderie, Johnson also gained something no less important.

“I got a sense of respect for all people.

Interacting with so many different people, different viewpoints,” she said. “You just learn to respect everyone really.”

Giving of herself won’t quit once her diploma is placed in her hand this spring.

Johnson already foresees new avenues to explore, learn and interact.

“I definitely will do community service in college,” she said matter-of-factly.

48 • Progress 2018

KEY CLUB CHANGED SAMANTHA SOMMERFELDT’S MIND story by Stephen H. Cowles

S

amantha Sommerfeldt has learned that participating in community service projects is more than making oneself looking good to others.

For the past couple of years, she’s been involved with the Key Club at Southampton High School, and this year is serving on its board. The senior credits the organization for showing her the possibilities and personal rewards of helping other people.

Sommerfeldt acknowledged that mostly in the beginning it was about being able to put down on a resume, but as time and service continued, she added, “You realize it’s more than just something you can write down on an application. The Key Club really changed my mind. It made me feel good, but also to see changes in people.”

In addition, Sommerfeldt belongs to the TLC — Teen Library Council – which collects and donates books, clothes and for distribution. A member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, Sommerfeldt also periodically volunteers at Nottoway Elementary School, which she attended as a child, and where her grandmother, Connie Sommerfeldt teaches first graders.

“I love to go to the school and help on PTA night ... help the kids with Accelerated Readings tests,” said Sommerfeldt. “To see

a child’s face light up, it really puts you out there in the community.”

Through the Key Club, she and other members worked with the Red Cross to organize a blood drive. The two national groups have reportedly cooperated in such projects for years.

Putting in volunteer hours are required by the club, but these are things the student said she would do anyways.

At her church — Wakefield United Methodist — Sommerfeldt will also assist the children, such as with the Christmas plays.

“I like to help with that now, too,” she added.

A daughter of Stephen Sommerfeldt, she has several adopted brothers and sisters. Though Connie is technically her grandmother, Samantha said she’s as much as mother as anything.

Already accepted by Bridgewater College and George Mason University, the plan is to go into the medical field. Her hope is to travel around the world either through the Peace Corps or American Corps.

She would also like to become involved with the FoodBank.

“I would love to do so,” Sommerfeldt said. “It would be amazing.”

Samantha Sommerfeldt

Progress 2018 • 49

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50 • Progress 2018

TRENTON GREENE HAS FOCUS IN WHAT HE DOES FOR OTHERS story by Stephen H. Cowles

T

hough still a junior at Southampton High School, Trenton Greene is already focused in life. Somehow, somewhere between classes and homework, he’s found time to play the alto saxophone for three years in the marching band — next year he’s going to audition for drum major.

Middle: Trenton Greene with young men from the 4-H camp. Bottom: Trenton, in front, with youths from the camp. Photos submitted.

This past September, Greene started volunteering as a mentor at the YMCA. There he strives to teach youth to respect themselves and one another. Oh, and to pull their pants up and wear belts (“I see that a lot in my community,” he added with a chuckle.)

Then there’s his membership in the Student Government Council, and two years ago he began working as a 4-H summer camp counselor, which especially resonates with him. Learning of the opportunity, he signed up.

“I like working with kids and being around people,” was his reasoning for becoming a counselor in training.

Greene recalled a young unhappy camper who was “always into in something,” and apparently had something of a temper. But the child found in Greene someone who listened.

“I gave him inspiration and helped him let out his anger. We found a way to help channel his anger.

His parents really, really appreciated that,” he said.

“I enjoyed doing it.”

To earn money, Greene has worked at a Cracker Barrel restaurant since 2015.

Around his neighborhood, he helps not only with yard

work at home, but also neighbors as well.

Speaking of home, he’s a son of Tim and Taneka Greene, and brother to Trevon Greene and Trinity Cherry, who’s also a CIT for 4-H. She’s involved with Beta Club as is Trenton, and also they’re hoping to get Trevon in Beta.

Trenton said he’s very active at both Rising Star Baptist Church in Branchville and Family Worship Center in Petersburg, the latter of which he got draw in. At the former, Greene’s involved with the church youth and choir.

“I am very, very strongly disciplined when I am doing that,” he said. “I like for things to be done the right way. That’s just how I am. I will not stop until it becomes right.”

That’s a philosophy that likely serves him not just in church but elsewhere in his life.

Greene is confident he’ll continue to help other people in various ways through high school and beyond.

“I’ve thought about going to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and majoring in musical education. I’d like to have my own marching, concert and jazz bands,” he said.

Progress 2018 • 51

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52 • Progress 2018

Playing the banjo at left is Curt Newsome.

With him are father, Curtis, on bass fiddle, and brother, Wyatt, on mandolin. Photo by Merle Monahan.

NEWSOME FAMILY BAND PERFORMS FOR NURSING HOMES, COMMUNITY story by Merle Monahan

W

hile their schoolmates may be spending their “off time” just hanging out with friends, a couple of young college students from Zuni have found an activity that serves them better. It not only satisfies their desire to help the community, but also provides free entertainment for dozens of public events.

Brothers Curt and Wyatt Newsome, 24 and 20 respectively, are musicians. On any given Saturday night or Sunday afternoon, they — along with their dad, Curtis — can be seen loading their instruments into their vehicles. Shortly afterward, the family band arrives at the destination where they will be performing their brand of country/ bluegrass music.

“It could be at a nursing home, a church event, or even a funeral,” said son Curt.

“It doesn’t matter. We all love to play and we’re almost always available.”

The boys’ dad added, “The boys and I have been doing this ever since they learned to play. That’s been about 10

years, I reckon.”

Curtis said he believes that musical talent runs in families.

“Members of my whole family play an instrument of one kind or another. I’ve got a picture of my grandmother playing the fiddle, while my grandfather played guitar.”

“I’m sure that’s the reason I learned to play,” he went on. “I could listen for hours.”

“For instance, I can remember my family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts gathering and playing on a Friday ‘til way after midnight. It was a lot of fun,” he said with a smile.

He also noted that his boys took an interest in learning to play when they were very young.

“It’s a passion with them, especially Wyatt. I remember that his hands were so small when he started the only instrument small enough for him to get his hand around the staff was the mandolin.

“But he kept working at it. Now he plays

Progress 2018 • 53

all of the instruments and is as good as any of us.”

The boys’ mother, Claudia, who often accompanies them on their show dates, said she never worried about the time Curt and Wyatt spent learning to play.

“They were both good students,” she said. “With Curt graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University and now working with his dad at Newport News Shipyard, and Wyatt just entering Richard Bland College, I feel like they’re on the right track.”

“In fact, I’m very proud of them,” she said.

The Newsoms have lived in a wooded area on the banks of the Blackwater River just off Rt. 622 since 1989. Once they started playing for outside groups, they decided they needed a name and came up with Blackwater Tradition, although

close friends often refer to them as the Newsome Family Band.

“It doesn’t matter,” Curt said, noting that by now, they’re known by either.

He recalled that the family has played for groups from as far away as Suffolk, Franklin, Smithfield and Waverly.

“Sometimes we play alone and other times we join other musical groups,” he added.

“We know just about every country music band in this area,” said Curt. “In fact, we’re all just like one big family.“ Curtis explained that the family never charges for its performances.

“If we can bring a smile to someone’s face, then we’re happy.

“But wait, I spoke too soon,” he said with a grin. “Wyatt could get paid if he wanted to — the little ladies in the nursing homes all want to give him a kiss.

“Members of my whole family play an instrument of one kind or another. I’ve got a picture of my grandmother playing the fiddle, while my grandfather played guitar. I’m sure that’s the reason I learned to play,” Wyatt, left, with Claudia, Curt and Curtis on the patio at their home in Zuni. Photo by Merle Monahan.

54 • Progress 2018

STUDENTS MOTIVATE TERESA RAWLINGS

story by Stephen H. Cowles

W

hen approached to be interviewed for this special section, Franklin High School instructor Teresa Rawlings asked to submit what she wanted people to know about her work and community service. Without further ado: “I am an Exceptional Education teacher in the History department and the Special Education Department Chair at Franklin High School. We teach approximately 40 students with special needs. As an Inclusion teacher, I collaborate with the regular education teacher, plan and present history lessons, create assessments, provide accommodations and modifications for students with special needs, and ensure that these needs are being met in the classroom. My principal and colleague, Mr. Travis Felts, is one of the best leaders n education.

His leadership and support enables my area of expertise to run very smoothly.

“As an alumnus of Franklin High School, I had some teachers whom I considered role models.

As a result of their influence, I decided to attend Virginia State University, to become an educator. There, I majored in Exceptional Education with a concentration in the Emotionally Disturbed. There is a very small population of students in Franklin who are considered

ED; the majority lies in the area of Learning Disabilities, where I have a Master of Education degree (K-12) from Old Dominion University. Special Education, as it was referred to in the past, was a new career path in education during my years at Virginia State.

I wanted to be in an area of education where I could help students who had challenges be successful.

“For the past 28 years as an Exceptional Education teacher, I have seen students who faced various challenges and disabilities become productive and responsible citizens. As a result of being “included” and not “excluded,” students with disabilities have gained much success over the years.

“What motivates me? My students! I thoroughly enjoy sharing in the excitement of having passed an SOL (Standard of Learning) test or of meeting a goal they have set for themselves.

In the History department, one of my responsibilities is to provide differentiation strategies for students with special needs which enable them to be successful in the classroom. As a result of these strategies, there is an increase in their scores each semester. I am very proud of the fact that many of my students are now attending community colleges and/or universities or have joined the workforce.

“Outside of the classroom, I am a servant, daughter, sister and an aunt. I have been a member of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin for the past 40-plus years. Presently, I serve in the Finance ministry.

“I am also a member of Lambda Psi Omega Chapter, of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Our chapter participates in several community projects throughout the year. Some of the initiatives and social service programs that we sponsor are the ASCEND Youth Enrichment program, Health Promotion, Family Strengthening and Environmental (Adopt-A-SPOT) and Global Impact. I have assisted with Voter Registration in the high school and in the community. I am also a member of the Franklin/Southampton & Vicinity Alumni Chapter of Virginia State University.

We serve as a charitable and educational organization which promotes the welfare of Virginia State University and members of

the community. One of our main goals is to provide scholarships to students from this area who plans to continue their education at Virginia State.

“Recently, I was asked to serve on the Special Education Advisory and Committee. Last year, I was recognized by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4411 as the “Teacher of the Year,” for my commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to students and community. I was also selected as the Franklin High School “Teacher of the Year,” two honors of which I am extremely proud and grateful.

“My ultimate goal as an educator and citizen of the Franklin community is to make a significant difference in the lives of my students and the members of our community. I plan to do this by continuing to educate to the best of my ability and to contribute to the welfare of our community through positive interactions and outreaches that will help to improve their lives.”

Progress 2018 • 55

Southampton

Southampton County Public Schools

Expanding Excellence • College, Career and Life

Southampton Key Club develops competent and caring leaders through volunteer service and fundraising In our schools…

Hosting Teacher lunches and assisting with student celebrations – Volunteering for Family Reading Nights and SOL Readiness programs at elementary schools – Dr. Seuss Celebrations & Easter Egg Hunts – Collecting School supplies – Ambassadors for Open Houses & Registration Nights

In our community…

Hosting monthly Bingos & volunteering in nursing homes – Organizing a Thanksgiving Food Drive for holiday meals – Sedley Community Halloween Party – Community Dance Recital – The Southampton Renaissance Faire – Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Fair – Sponsoring Free Little Libraries

And beyond…

Hosting two annual Red Cross Blood Drives - Special Olympics – Meals on Wheels – March of Dimes – Children Miracle Network – UNICEF – Yuda Bands International Scholarship Sponsors – American Cancer Society Relay for Life Southampton Key Club has received the Highest International Distinction of Distinguished Diamond Club, 2012 – 2017.