Wilson County The first of a three-part guide to the lives and people of Wilson and surrounding areas for 2013. Wilson Shines Together
Pink Ladies Lend a Hand
Teachers in the Spotlight
2001 Downing Street, Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsontimes.com
Publisher
Morgan Paul Dickerman, III
____________________ Advertising Director Shana Hoover (252) 265-7858 Fax (252) 243-2999 shana@wilsontimes.com
Special Sections Editor Bradley Hearn (252) 265-7848 bhearn@wilsontimes.com
Account Executives Lisa Pearson (252) 265-7827 lpearson@wilsontimes.com
Features 6
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Together with one voice
Wilson County Schools bands together for a great cause
Standing up
WCS makes an effort to eradicate bullying, make schools safer and more friendly
Ladies in Pink
A charitable arm of Wilson Medical Center reaches out to area women
‘I Am Wilson’ 5
Tracy Joyner
8
Reuben Ledbetter
13
Angie Walston
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Jennifer O’Donoghue
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Valerie Kersey
An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
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Contributors Writers: Mark Farmer, LaMonique Hamilton, Bradley Hearn Art: Gérard Lange | Graphic Design LaMonique Hamilton | Photography Tiffany Lievense | Photography Amber McDaniels | Photography Keith Tew | Photography Gray Whitley | Photography
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Plus... Information on area schools, medical and governement contacts
Beth Robbins (252) 265-7849 brobbins@wilsontimes.com
Wilson in pictures: snapshots of the people and places that make up Wilson.
On the cover Students at Beddingfield High School await their graduation in 2012. photograph by gray whitley March 2013
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Between Wilson County Schools, Barton College, Wilson Community College and other private institutions, there are over 15,000 students in Wilson County — all of them learning and growing, for the benefit of themselves and for the future of Wilson. Photograph by Keith Tew, Barton College
Taking the lead in Elementary education Elementary School teachers play an important role in the intellectual and social development of their students. The education they provide can affect the future of their students while providing students with the tools and an environment in which to succeed. Now married with three children, Winstead Elementary teacher Tracy Joyner was born and raised right here in town, a product of the Wilson County Schools system. Upon her graduation from Fike High School, she attended East Carolina University in Greenville and earned a teaching degree. Right after college, Tracy moved back to her hometown and accepted a teaching position at Winstead Elementary School teaching the third grade “It was a bit challenging for me at first, but I started to have fun, and it was awesome. There was a lot to learn,” explained Joyner. “The students really know you care when they can sense the partnership you develop with the parents,” she explained. Despite her positive experience during her first stint as an educator, Tracy headed up U.S. 64 toward Wake County to explore a new teaching opportunity. She spent a few years in the Wake County School System developing new relationships with students and growing as an outstanding young teacher. A few years passed and Mrs. Joyner returned back home once again to make two more teaching stops: Margaret Hearne Elementary for seven years and Elm City Elementary for three years. “Each school had its own challenge. It was great to have experience in different environments,” explained Joyner. During the 2011-2012 school year, Tracy returned to her old stomping grounds, Winstead Elementary, right where she started as a teacher fresh out of college. The only thing different this time around was that she wasn’t just leading one classroom: she was leading the entire school. “As a teacher, you have many needs that you have to meet. But I think the biggest challenge was makAn advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
Tracy Joyner, principal, Winstead Elementary
ing sure that I, as an administrator, met all the needs of all the stake holders, which is your students, staff, community, your parents,” she explained. “Overall, just making sure that I met all the needs is the biggest challenge for me.” Winstead Elementary School has been open for over 30 years, and leaders like Principle Tracy Joyner exemplify a career full of success driven to better the lives of the children day in and day out, whether as a teacher or administrator. “I’ve always been a leader, and I am glad I have the opportunity to not only have a positive effect towards the growth of the students, but with the teachers and the community as well,” she explained. To many of the teachers and administrators at various levels of education and experience, Wilson County Schools has opened the door of opportunity for success. Its success today is predicated on that ability to find new talent. And often times, just as Joyner experienced, the very students educated in the system return to educate others. “The Wilson County School system is the best in the world. We have grown wonderfully over the years and I am excited for what the future holds.”
by Mark Farmer
Tracy Joyner teacher,
Winstead Elementary
March 2013
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Together with one voice
One of the 10 groups performs during WilsonShines. photograph by Wilson County Schools
WilsonShines event raises money for Communities in Schools By Bradley Hearn The inaugural WilsonShines event, held Thursday, Feb. 7 at Fike High School, proved to be a resounding success, both as a charitable fundraiser and a showcase of Wilson County’s talent. WilsonShines brought together students, community groups, parents and teachers to collaborate on musical and dance performances. The program, which organizers hope to make an annual tradition, raised over $5,000 for Communities in Schools of Wilson County. 6
March 2013
“The event turned out phenomenal, and it was truly a collaborative effort between CIS, Wilson County Schools and numerous volunteers,” said Lisa Earp, executive director of Communities in Schools of Wilson County. WilsonShines was the brainchild of Jeremy Tucker, the chorus teacher at Hunt High School. He envisioned and organized WilsonShines as a way of teaching students to give back to the community and as a way of encouraging arts teachers to reach out into the community. In early November, a call for proposals was sent out to all schools in the Wilson County Schools district. Teachers submitted ideas. Those ideas were reviewed by a
board of community leaders and arts supporters. The ideas were voted on and the top 10 selected. Tucker said the proposals were submitted by teachers who are “highly motivated and creative.” Tucker said he’s received calls from teachers who missed the proposal deadline but want to submit proposals and participate next year. The estimated 850 attendees fortunate enough to get tickets for WilsonShines were treated to 10 completely different acts. One act, for example, featured students from three elementary schools. The teachers, Tucker explained, got together and did a narration combined with music.
Another highlight of the night featured Hearne elementary’s chorus paired with First Methodist Church’s children’s choir. Eric Davis, assistant superintendent for human resources, served as emcee. Tucker got the idea for WilsonShines after attending a concert this summer at First Christian Church. The concert featured different community musicians who performed to raise money for an organization. Tucker thought about how many talented teachers and students there are in the school system. He also thought about how the arts in Wilson don’t get a chance to give back enough to the community. “As human beings we don’t give back enough,” he said. “As teacher’s in a community that is incredibly supportive of the arts, it is important to ‘give back’ and teach our students to ‘give back’ to a community that has richly supported our efforts as arts educators. That’s what this event was all about.” Communities in Schools partners with four elementary schools in the district to provide resources and support to students who are greatest risk of dropping out of school. The mission of CIS is to empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. A success for both CIS and the arts in Wilson
County, Tucker says organizers with Wilson County Schools are already hoping to repeat the event next year.
With the success of the first WilsonShines, plans are already underway for next year’s event. photograph courtesy of Wilson county schools
Shop ... Dine... Enjoy!!!
Cultivating a rich future Reuben Ledbetter, Beddingfield High School Agriculture Education involves much more than just learning the basics of seed production. It provides the opportunity for people to understand agriculture is not just farming — it’s a sustainable way of life. As the population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand to feed billions of people in the coming years. The agriculture industry needs talented, driven, and passionate youth willing to make a commitment to agriculture in the future; and that is the direction that Reuben Ledbetter, an agriculture teacher at Beddingfield High School, is steering his students. Reuben Ledbetter grew up on a dairy farm in the town of Olin, which is located about 20 miles north of Statesville in Iredell County. At an early age, Reuben developed a keen interest in plants, animals, and welding. His mother and father were both agriculture teachers, inspiring him to ultimately pursue endless opportunities in a career that is vital to the future economic growth in the world. Upon his graduation from North Carolina State University, Reuben moved to the Wilson area and started his career as an agriculture teacher at Beddingfield. Currently in his eleventh year as a teacher, Reuben continues to enjoy instructing his students about animal science, horticulture, and welding. “It is very important for students to know where food comes from. Interest in the program is very high, and I enjoy watching the kids learn,” he explained. There are plenty of resources available for the students in the agriculture program at Beddingfield. On the one-and-a-half-acre farm at the school lies two greenhouses and a welding shop. In the “Ag shop,” students work on a wide range of projects — as minor as welding grills and as ambitious as bio-diesel assignments. “There is a new sense of urgency to learn about these things again, “ explained Reuben. 8
March 2013
Green energy has become something of a global trend in recent years, highlighting the importance to research and develop renewable energy for future generations. With that in mind, in addition to the welding projects, Mr. Ledbetter’s class has been selling poinsettias, spring crops, and vegetables. “People say go green and organic a lot these days,” he said. “Well, it is just another name that has been around for a while. Back in the day, everything was going green and organic. We are now coming back to it and teaching the future generations.” Beddingfield students actually built the nearly two-acre plot at the school, which is now home to cows, chickens, and pigs. “We really have a lot going on out here. We have dairy cows along with a cow hoping to have a calf,” he explained.” Ledbetter has now been living in Wilson for going on 11 years in June. Just as many others living in the area, Reuben enjoys all that Wilson has to offer. “I really enjoy Wilson,” he explained. “Working at Beddingfield is great and I really enjoy it.”
by Mark Farmer
Reuben Ledbetter, agriculture teacher at
Beddingfield High School, poses with his two daughters
PBIS Students at Vick Elementary School attended a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) celebration on Fri., Feb. 8. The students were awarded the opportunity by earning classroom management points using their iPads. photograph courtesy of Wilson County Schools
Wilson County Public Schools Barnes Elementary 1913 Martin Luther King, Jr. Pkwy E Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7875
Gardners Elementary 5404 NC 42 Hwy. East Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 399-7920
Speight Middle 5514 Old Stantonsburg Road Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 238-3983
Beddingfield High 4510 Old Stantonsburg Rd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7880
Hearne Elementary 300 W. Gold St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7925
Springfield Middle 5551 Wiggins Mill Road Lucama, NC 27851 (252) 239-1347
Daniels Learning Center 723 Elvie St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7900
Hunt High 4559 Lamm Rd. Wilson, NC 27893
Stantonsburg Elementary 409 S. Main St. Stantonsburg, NC 27883 (252) 238-3639
Darden Middle 1665 Lipscomb Road Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 206-4973
Lee Woodard Elementary 103 Church St. Black Creek, NC 27813 (252) 399-7940
Elm City Elementary 5544 Lake Wilson Rd. Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 236-4574
Jones Elementary 4028 Hwy. 42 W. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 265-4020
Elm City Middle 215 E. Church St. Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 236-4148
Lucama Elementary 6260 Blalock Rd. Lucama, NC 27851 (252) 239-1257
Fike High 500 Harrison Dr. Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7905
New Hope Elementary 4826 Packhouse Rd. Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-7950
Forest Hills Middle 1210 Forest Hills Rd. Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-7913
Rock Ridge Elementary 6605 Rock Ridge Rd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7955
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(252) 399-7930
Toisnot Middle 1301 Corbett Ave. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7973 Vick Elementary 504 N Carroll St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7886 Vinson-Bynum Elementary 1601 Tarboro St., SW Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7981 Wells Elementary 1400 Grove St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7986 Wilson Early College Academy 902 Herring Ave. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 246-1418 Winstead Elementary 1713 Downing St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7990 March 2013
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Standing up to bullying Community Advisory Committee formed to help make Wilson schools bully-free Wilson County Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson has formed an advisory committee comprised of parents, students, employees and community members to engage in a critical conversation on how to address the issue of bullying in schools. More than 60 people are serving on the Community Advisory Committee on Bullying. The first meeting was held January 24 and subsequent meetings have been held since then. The members have also broken into subcommittees to focus on educational programs, parental involvement, peer mentoring pro-
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grams, building the capacity of staff and accountability/response. “While there is already work taking place in our schools to address bullying, we need to step back and take a critical look at what we are doing, what we are not doing and what we should be doing differently,” said Mr. Bulson. “Many people have very personal stories related to bullying and are passionate about doing whatever it takes to stop it from happening in our schools. These are the people we need on this committee.” Patricia Williams, an instructional assistant at Jones Elementary School, is one of the members of the committee. Each nine weeks, she reviews with students the safety and ethical issues related to bullying and cyberbullying. “I feel it is important to educate our
students about bullying in their schools, community and in cyberspace,” she said. “It is great to know that Wilson County Schools will be working together with the community to address bullying. This is a very important issue at the local, state and national level. There is much to do.” The charge of the committee will be to take a critical look at how bullying is being addressed in the schools, research other programs and practices and make recommendations to Mr. Bulson on how best to address bullying. For example, the committee might recommend implementing new anti-bullying programs in schools or making changes to current Wilson County Board of Education policies. The committee will continue to meet on a monthly basis until its work is complete.
Safer, friendlier... better
Wilson County Schools work to improve School safety measures beef up Fifteen officers from the Wilson Police Department and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office recently searched dark classrooms and hallways at Forest Hills Middle School. The officers used keys to open classroom doors and found students crouched together in absolute silence. In a matter of minutes, every inch of the school was searched and Principal Joyce Best announced over the intercom that the lockdown drill simulating an intruder on campus was over. The drill was the first of its kind for the school system because of the large number of officers involved. Afterward, Ms. Best wrote pages of notes outlining the strengths and weaknesses found during the exercise. Law enforcement also used the drill to critique its own response. “Our students and staff did a great job,” said Ms. Best. “The planning for it was a collaboration between myself and law enforcement because we really wanted to assess how prepared we would be if the unthinkable happened.” Recent events nationwide prompted Wilson County Schools administrators to take a closer look at the safety and security of school buildings. An intruder on campus is just one incident being assessed. School safety is a broad area that covers everything from fires and tornados to An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
parking lots and playground equipment. “Our main priority each day is the safety of students and staff,” said Superintendent Sean Bulson. “I know the issue of safety is on the minds of parents, and they want to know what we are doing to keep their children safe. I want to assure everyone that we are reassessing everything related to this topic. I believe our schools are safe, but there is always room for improvement.” Mr. Bulson has asked the school district’s Crisis Team to look at current procedures, research best practices and work with schools and law enforcement to make adjustments to crisis plans. Team members are also visiting schools to complete safety assessments to share with principals. Areas of improvement might include installing doors in school lobbies to divert visitors into offices and providing ID badges for staff. The school system enjoys close partnerships with law enforcement, Emergency Management Services, fire departments and numerous health agencies. These groups are willing to assist the school system, as shown in the lockdown drill at Forest Hills. Similar drills will be held in the future as the safety assessment process continues.
Welcoming Environment Initiative measures customer service Research shows that students are more successful when parents are involved in their education. But a large part of how involved they are lies in how welcome they feel in a school. For that reason, Wilson County Schools launched a Welcoming Environment Initiative in November to assess the welcoming environment in schools. “It’s all about that customer service,” said Eric Davis, assistant superintendent of business operations for Wilson County Schools, and the mastermind behind the initiative. “The first impression a parent has is the front office, and it can set the tone for the rest of the year.” Principals volunteer for their school to be a part of the initiative. The first step is for a team of two parents from other schools and two Central Office staff members to complete a walkthrough of the school. After the walkthrough, the team provides a comprehensive assessment of the customer service, which includes everything from how friendly the staff is to how easy the school is to navigate. The assessment provides principals with a way to measure customer service, and it is data they can share with their staff. Principals can also ask for focus groups to be held with parents and for a “Secret Shopper” to arrive at the school with an issue and see how they are treated. “When I heard about this initiative, I wanted Elm City Elementary to be the pilot because we are really focused on increasing parent involvement this year. The walkthrough process was really beneficial, and it showed us additional steps we could take to better serve our school families,” said Principal Claudia Spencer. Since November, nine schools and Adams Welcome Center have participated. The schools are: Elm City, Hearne, Jones, Lucama, New Hope, Rock Ridge and Winstead elementary schools, Darden Middle School and Beddingfield High School. “Recently I had the opportunity to participate in several of the Welcoming Environment walkthroughs, and I must admit that I was quite pleasantly surprised to discover such charming schools in our community,” said Teresa Dixon Pope, parent of three middle school students. “Having spent most of my life in Wilson, I found that I had wrongly judged some schools based on outward appearance. I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome by staff and faculty. I witnessed children engaged in many different activities. I left feeling that these schools were ones where I would gladly send my children.” March 2013
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Barton College Information What will it take to achieve your dreams? A strong academic foundation. Leadership opportunities. Hands-on experiences. Honest advice. Valuable resources. Professional contacts. Personal connections. Look no further than Barton College. Whether your goals are clear or still a little undefined, Barton delivers the best combination for success. Need proof? Consider our graduates. They’ll be the first to tell you just how well Barton prepared them for the work they’re doing…and the lives they’re living…right now. Barton inspires.
www.barton.edu The Dog House. Barton students cheer on their beloved basketball team on campus at Wilson Gymnasium. Also known as the Dog House, Wilson Gym is named in honor of the residents of the Wilson community for their support of Barton athletics.
Vital Stats
President: Dr. Norval C. Kneten Status: Private, co-educational, liberal arts college Campus size: 65 acres Mascot: Bulldogs Fall Enrollment 2012: 1106 Full-time Faculty: 69 Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Average Class size: 13 Church Affiliation: Christian (Disciples of Christ) Athletic Affiliation: Member NCAA Division II Conference Affiliation: Conference Carolinas
Major Programs Accounting Art & Design Art Education (K-12) Athletic Training Biology Business Management Chemistry Criminal Justice and Criminology Education of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (K-12) Elementary Education (K-6) English Fitness Management Gerontology Health and Physical Education (K-12)
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History Mass Communications Mathematics Middle School Education (6-9) Nursing Political Science Psychology Religion & Philosophy Social Studies Secondary Education Social Work Spanish Special Education (K-12) Sport Management Theatre Visual Communications
Degrees
photograph courtesy of BARTON COLLEGE
Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts Bachelor of Liberal Studies Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Social Work Master of Education in Elementary Education
Accelerated Programs A perfect complement to Barton’s traditional full-time academic program, the College’s Accelerated Professional Programs (APP) now provide expanded options for our adult students, specifically designed with the working adult in mind. Barton’s Accelerated Professional Programs now include online and evening courses in addition to weekend classes, giving adults more choices in completing their degrees. APP offerings include Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in: Accounting, Business Management, Birth-Kindergarten Education (B-K), Criminal Justice and Criminology, Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12), and Gerontology; an R.N. to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree; and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.W.) degree. For additional information, please contact the Office of Accelerated Professional Programs by phone, at 1-800-345-4973, Email: accelerate@barton.edu, or Visit on the web: www.barton.edu Or through the app: http://www.barton.edu/app
Planning for achievement Angie Walston knows that being a college student can sometimes be a bit rough. Students are adjusting to new schedules and new freedoms as well as a rigorous course load. As assistant dean of Barton College’s Office of Student Success, she works to guide students from their first day of class until graduation with the department’s three-pronged approach to achievement. Through Academic Advising, they are able to guide students in declaring or changing their major and provide outreach for students who are struggling academically. Student Support offers a peer tutoring program as well as supplemental instruction, where an upperclassman sit in a class with a younger student, and then holds three study sessions outside of class. The upperclassman is able to identify concepts that seem difficult on a student’s level and address them in the outside sessions with the struggling student. The upperclassmen are also able to deepen their knowledge of core concepts by revisiting those foundational courses. Once the student is ready, Career Services is there to provide resume writing and interviewing skills, and assistance with finding jobs to build experience. Walston notes that the key to successful placement is to utilize Career Services early on as a college student. “We certainly don’t want students to wait until their senior year.” The Office of Student Success has also leveraged the power of social media in preparing students for the future. They use Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote their events, although Walston acknowledges that “because everyone on staff has so much on their plates, the An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
challenge is finding time to use social media effectively.” Still, they have found much success on LinkedIn as a vehicle for students and alumni to connect, and for students to eventually connect with potential employers. They are currently working on the Barton College Connections page in order to add further value to the service. She already sees jobs being posted, and upperclassmen with some experience making real connections with people who can help them once they enter the workforce. Walston sees a benefit for younger students as well. They are able to connect with alumni in order to find out more about a particular field from seasoned professionals, and make better judgments as to whether this may be the right path for them. The key to future student success, says Walston, is making sure they meet students where they are. That means keeping up with trends and technology and remaining as current as possible. They are building what she considers to be key to the future of Barton — a strong student/alumni connection. “The idea of using an alumni network at a small college is huge.” Because small colleges do not usually attract recruiters from several Fortune 500 companies, especially in a struggling economy, she says, “using the alumni network will help students find opportunities that they wouldn’t find otherwise. I only see that connection between alumni and students growing
Angie Walston, Barton College by LaMonique Hamilton
within the next few years, and that won’t change no matter what media is used to make that connection.” Also key to current and future student success is the ability to form personal relationships, which is an advantage of attending a small college. Faculty are able to actually get to know their students, and Walston feels that enables students “to get more out of their academic experience. Those relationships allow us to really reach students and ask them, ‘How can we help you reach your goal?’”
Angie Walston Assistant Dean, Office of Student Success,
Barton College
March 2013
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Jennifer O’Donoghue, Barton College
One of Barton’s most active degrees
by LaMonique Hamilton
The first thing one realizes about Dr. Jennifer O’Donoghue is that, beneath the charming personality, is a unrelenting drive to help Barton College students succeed. She holds several titles, including Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sport Studies, Director of Faculty Development, and Director of Athletic Training Education. As head of the Athletic Training program, she makes sure that students are well-versed in the ins-and-outs of sports medicine and are prepared to move on to graduate school, medical school and beyond. When O’Donoghue took the reins in 2009, she, along with fellow faculty members Rich Patterson and Melissa Long, decided that the program needed an overhaul. There were many things that were going well — the small size of the program and the amount of hands-on activity afforded to the students — but they were concerned that other elements weren’t getting the coverage that they needed. She utilized the diversity of her team, who, in addition to all being Certified Athletic Trainers, have a wide range of backgrounds in fields such as nutrition, kinesiology, and even criminal justice. They restructured the program to allow for each element to have a comfortable place within the program, adding in classes such as pharmacology and general medicine to its ranks. The overhaul has produced impressive results. Not only does the athletic training program boast a 100% pass rate for the Board of Certification exam, it also has a 100% job placement rate within the athletic training field. O’Donoghue pushes students to find graduate assistantships, which pay for them to complete graduate school while giving necessary work experience. In addition, the program was able to accomplish what many collegiate programs cannot due to time constraints — an opportunity for student athletes to complete the program. This Spring, two Barton baseball players will graduate with a degree in athletic training because of the changes to the program. O’Donoghue demands that her students rise to the challenge of the program. While she knows that the athletic training program is a perfect precursor to obtaining a doctorate in physical therapy, she advises that many students lack the study skills, commitment, or background in courses such as anatomy and physiology needed to succeed in the program. Freshman students can expect to start clinical rotations as soon as the program begins. It is designed to be very
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rigorous and competitive. O’Donoghue lets potential students know up front that, although she acknowledges the difficulty for an 18 year old to make a commitment, they will likely not have the time to party that their friends may have. However, she also wants them to have a full college experience. “I want them to be a college student, but I also want them to realize that when they graduate with this degree and pass the boards, they will have a job. In this economy, that’s very important. It‘s worth the commitment.” Currently, Barton College is working alongside Wilson County Schools to create a program that will allow area high school students to shadow with the Athletic Training program. There are several options available to students who are interested in learning more about the major. They offer several open houses throughout the year, and it is a priority for the faculty to spend one-on-one time with each potential student. In addition, students are invited to sit in on a class, and possibly spend the night with a current student to learn more about life on campus. One of the most exciting opportunities is the ability for high school students to enroll in the program’s foundations course for $50.00, thousands of dollars less than the average college student pays for a threecredit course. Should the student decide to attend Barton, the class would count toward graduation. O’Donoghue makes sure that the skills of the athletic training program are used throughout the Wilson community. They work with the Nash Street Mile and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as providing education on athletic training and being mentors as career professionals. With her dedication to Barton and her tireless work, it can sometimes be hard to strike a work/ life balance. However, O’Donghue, a wife and mother of two young children, including one with exceptional needs, credits her team for helping her
do what needs to be done. In addition, one of her former students, Jacob Cobb, a physical education major, has been an essential part of helping with her children. “I absolutely could not do it without them. It’s a struggle every day, but it’s the small classroom sizes, these great students, and this faculty that make it possible.” She also notes that women who are juggling careers and family need to take time for themselves. “You have to have something for yourself, whether it’s working out or going for beauty treatments. When you give so much, why not? You should never have to feel like you have to defend that.” The importance of having such an environment that values her role as wife and mother is not lost on O’Donoghue. She simply says, “I’m pretty lucky.”
Jennifer O’Donoghue Director of Athletic Education,
Professor of Physical Education Barton College
Wilson Community College Information 902 Herring Avenue P. O. Box 4305, Wilson, NC 27893 252-291-1195 Fax: 252-243-7148
www.WilsonCC.edu Admissions 252-246-1285
Library 252-246-1235
Bookstore 252-246-1222
Marketing 252-246-1263
Business Office 252-246-1262
Registration Center 252-246-1281
College Transfer Advising Center 252-246-1252
Small Business Center 252-246-1232
Continuing Education 252-246-1287 Financial Aid 252-246-1344
Student Development 252-246-1276
Automotive Systems Technology prepares individuals for employment as automotive service technicians. Classroom and lab experience is integrated and an emphasis is placed on theory and the servicing and operation of motor vehicles. Upon completion, students will take the ASE exam and will be ready for full-time employment in the automotive service industry. Contact Rich Cregar 252-246-1308 or rcregar@wilsoncc.edu. photograph courtesy of Wilson Community College
Wilson Community College Foundation 252-246-1452
Human Resources 252-246-1363
Curriculum Information and programs Degrees, diplomas and certificates in many different curriculum areas Accounting Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Automotive Systems Technology Basic Law Enforcement Training Biotechnology Business Administration College Transfer Community Spanish Interpreter Computer Information Technology Cosmetology
Criminal Justice Technology Culinary Arts Early Childhood Education Electrical/Electronics Technology Fire Protection Technology General Education General Occupational Technology Information Systems Security Interpreter Education Lateral Entry Mechanical Engineering Technology
Medical Office Administration Networking Technology Nursing, Associate Degree Office Administration Paralegal Technology Practical Nursing Education School-Age Education Simulation and Game Development Surgical Technology
Wilson County Private Schools Community christian school 5160 Packhouse Rd. Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-1376 Greenfield school 3351 NC Highway 42 West Wilson, NC 27895 (252) 237-8046
Wilson christian academy 1820 Airport Blvd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 237-8064 Garnett christian academy 4747 Lake Wilson Rd. Elm City, NC (252) 237-8668
A New Beginning Students at Community Christian School look on during their graduation last year. photograph by gray whitley
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Mary Clark, FNP 252-238-2757 Stantonsburg, NC
Wilson Arthritis & Osteoporosis
Fernando X. Castro, MD 252-399-5304
Choose Well. Choose Wilson. www.wilmed.org Hospital-Based Practices of Wilson Medical Center
Wilson Neurology
Benjamin Thomas, MD 252-399-5306
Learn. Estimates By Appointment Only
www.petesautobodyinc.com
4608 Ward Boulevard Wilson, NC
EASTERN CAROLINA PEDIATRICS, P.A. 1702 Medical Park Dr., Wilson, NC • 252-243-7944
Ketarah Robinson, MD, Leesa G. Lawrence, MD, Natalia Jaimes, MD Susan H. Andersen, MD, Julia Watkins, NP, Dr. John Buck, MD Mark Eldridge, PA, Christina Poythress, PA
big care
little patients
Wilson Medical Center employs 1,290 people. Sixty-seven percent - 861 of them - live in Wilson County. Photograph by GĂŠrard Lange
Wilson Medical Center Contact Info General Information/ Switchboard 252-399-8040 photograph by amber mcdaniels
CardioPulmonary Rehab 252-399-8448
Health Information/ Medical Records 252-399-8120
Cardiovascular Services 252-399-8245
Hospice/Home Care of Wilson Medical
Care Coordination 252-399-8728 Critical Care Dialysis 252-399-8550 Eastern Carolina Joint Replacement Center 252-399-8357 Emergency Department 252-399-8102 Fast TRack 252-399-8006 The Growing Tree 252-399-8438 Radiology 252-399-8112 22
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Labor & Delivery 252-399-8240 Human Resources 252-399-8136 Center 252-399-8924 New Hope Primary Care Family Medicine Nadine Skinner, M.D. Alesha Akins, PA-C 252-243-0053 ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATION 252-399-7470 Outpatient Imaging Center 252-399-7430
Outpatient Procedure Services 252-399-8118 Palliative Care 252-399-8533 Pastoral Care 252-399-8959 Patient Financial Services 252-399-8151 main number 252-399-8152 admitting office
WilMed Healthcare Foundation 252-399-8975 WilMed Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Center 252-399-8998 WilMed Sleep Center 1705 Tarboro St. SW Wilson, N.C. 252-399-8025
Physical, Speech & Occupational therapy 252-399-8184
Wilson Arthritis & Osteoporosis Fernando X. Castro, M.D. 1700 Tarboro St., Suite 200 252-399-5304
Stantonsburg Medical Center Family Medicine Mary Clark, Family Nurse Practitioner 252-238-2757 Stantonsburg, N.C.
Wilson ENT & Sinus Center Ken Johnson, M.D. 1700 Tarboro St., Suite 100 252-399-5300
Visitor Assistance 252-399-8107 Volunteer Services 252-399-8770
Wilson Gastroenterology Louis Antignano, M.D. Cyndi Pilkington, PA-C 2605 Forest Hills Road 252-243-7977
Wilson Neurology Benjamin Thomas, M.D. 1700 Tarboro St., Suite 200 252-399-5306 Wilson Radiation Oncology 252-399-7400 Wilson Wound Healing Center 1701 Medical Park Drive Wilson, N.C. 252-399-5302 Women’s & Children’s Services 252-399-8168 Wilson Regional Cancer Center 252-399-8822
Navigating the journey with you In april of 2012, wilson medical center developed a new resource, the oncology nurse navigator program, to help patients diagnosed with cancer understand and maneuver through the confusing, scary and sometimes overwhelming process of cancer treatment. And at its helm, you’ll find valerie kersey, an experienced and caring nurse who loves her role and is eager to help. Bailey native Valerie Kersey has been at Wilson Medical Center for 18 years — her entire professional life. It’s been in her home since graduating from Atlantic Christian College. Though she’s served as a nurse in a wide variety of departments, such as medical surgery, gastroenterology and IV therapy, last April found her taking on the newest nursing challenge: oncology nurse navigator. As the oncology nurse navigator, Kersey is essentially a one-woman program, meeting with the recently diagnosed cancer patients and making sure that they understand each step of the process ahead. Everything from the logistics of getting to scheduled appointments to medicine routines to the emotional journey implied in a cancer diagnosis all fall under her steady guidance. “It’s a very overwhelming process for them and I’m grateful to be able to relieve some of that anxiety,” she said of the free service. “Also, we don’t want anyone ‘falling through the cracks’. We want to be there for them.”
Though not the first hospital to implement such a program, Wilson Medical Center was quick to embrace the idea and is among the minority in North Carolina at the moment. Kersey says she can envision a time when hospitals like Wilson Medical Center create “navigator” positions like hers for other conditions, such as congenital heart disease or diabetes. “There’s just so much information thrown at them. These programs serve as a great way to troubleshoot things early and avoid unnecessary and costly trips to the E.R. down the road.” Kersey’s job requires her to become so involved in her patients’ lives — through their schedules, medications, treatment, family, etc. — that the emotions intrinsically tied to it can be both rewarding and difficult. Unfortunately, not all cancer patients are destined to recover, and those strong connections formed can take a toll on anyone. “It’s hard to separate that,” she said. “They become like your second family.” But Kersey understands the importance of her role — as she served as
Valerie Kersey, Wilson Medical Center
an unofficial “nurse navigator” for her sick grandmother in 2011 — and she loves the environment where she gets to work. “I love the small, community hosptial,” she said. “It’s like being a part of a big family. There’s genuine concern for one another. A lot of nurses stay a very long time. And that says a lot.” She sees the good the growing program and its resources can do for the people of Wilson, she says, and it makes her proud. “I’m really glad Wilson jumped on board,” she said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for our patients, and I think the program can grow and be fitted to this community.” Since it was established last April, 78 patients in Wilson have been assisted by the nurse navigator service.
by Bradley Hearn
Valerie Kersey Oncology Nurse Navigator,
Wilson Medical Center
A Cancer Resource Center has been developed and is ready for use, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Wilson Medical Center’s Oncology Nurse Navigator program and the Bell-Pittman Library Resource Center. The Cancer Resource Center offers free educational materials about different types of cancer and a variety of cancer-related topics. Also, a computer is available in the center for cancer patients who do not have access to one. Patients may explore various approved and credible websites for information pertinent to their cancer diagnosis. The Cancer Resource Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
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Pink Lady
Lisa Skinner, supervisor of outpatient imaging at Wilson Imaging Center, is one of the founding members of the Pink Ladies, a volunteer group that helps women screen and treat breast cancer. photograph by Lamonique hamilton
A volunteer arm of WilMed Healthcare Foundation goes the extra mile for Wilson’s women by LaMonique Hamilton It’s not difficult to imagine that the moment before walking through the doors of WilMed Imaging Center as a patient to have a mammogram is a harrowing experience. Lisa Skinner, supervisor of outpatient imaging, is aware of the trepidation often associated with the procedure, and instills in her staff the importance of kindness and compassion. Says Skinner, “Whether they are a paying patient or whether they don’t have any hope and don’t know what they’re going to do next, I want people to know that we have compassion, and that we love them.” 24
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Skinner credits her “awesome and supportive employees” for the friendly atmosphere of the center, and readily admits that she could not do the phenomenal work she does within its walls — and in the Wilson community — without them. In fact, her work as President of The Pink Ladies, a coalition of women dedicated to helping those who are diagnosed with breast cancer and a volunteer arm of the WilMed Healthcare Foundation, began as result of working directly with women who required additional testing or treatment after an abnormal mammogram. Inza Walston, a breast cancer survivor, started Super Swing in 2003, a golf, bridge, and tennis tournament, with the goal of raising money to help women in Wilson County.
With the money donated through the tournament, Walston, Skinner, and Robin Williams decided to give out 100 free mammograms a year to indigent and uninsured women. Thus began the Mother’s Day Mammograms program and the Pink Ladies, a group comprised of approximately 10 women who volunteered with that initial Mother’s Day effort. Ten years later, the tournament is still the largest fundraiser of the year for the Pink Ladies. That first year, someone was diagnosed with breast cancer. “We didn’t know what to do,” says Skinner. “We didn’t want to say, ‘You’re diagnosed with breast cancer. Bye.’” The Pink Ladies reached out to local physicians and physician’s groups who would provide their care. They agreed to help, and
formed a partnership that had the potential to assist a woman facing breast cancer: from mammogram to remission. Connie Rhem, manager of corporate communications for Wilson Medical Center, says that this is truly a “community effort, pulling in the physicians, the hospital, the foundation, and our community volunteers.” Since the program began in 2003, they have expanded their group to 100 women and even have a junior Pink Ladies volunteer division that includes 26 members. There is no minimum age requirement. Skinner welcomes the opportunity to expose young people to the volunteer process. “If they are able to put a sticker on a piece of candy, then we allow them to be a Pink Lady.” One of the primary ways Skinner and the Pink Ladies serve the community is through education. They give speeches to vari-
ous churches and organizations throughout the Wilson community, offering information about breast cancer prevention as well as tools to aid women in the event of diagnosis. In addition to the handouts and pamphlets provided, Skinner also has a visual aid with various-sized beads representing masses at different stages of development of breast cancer. It is designed to encourage self-examination and regular screenings and also explains the compression component of the mammogram. Although they are available to speak to groups throughout the year, they do much of their work during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This year, they are also moving the breast cancer screenings from May to October to better incorporate the program into their community work. The Pink Ladies are also interested in helping to educate future
medical professionals. In January, Tina Smith was awarded the first annual Joan Hunter Memorial Scholarship, a $500 award offered to a student in the mammography program at Pitt Community College. Hunter, one of six women that the Pink Ladies helped through their outreach, embodied courage and a positive spirit, and the organization wanted to honor her memory in a way that would help others. Lisa Skinner does not realize that the level of care and compassion radiating from her is exceptional. She says that she just cares about women. However, it is evident to everyone else who comes in contact with her. Connie Rhem says it best: “Lisa truly cares about women in the community, and the community at large. It would never cross her mind not to help any woman that she could help. Helping people is as much a part of her as her eye color.”
Information about breast exams in the Wilson Medical Center Imaging Center. photograph courtesy of Wilson medical center
Serving The Community For Over 20 Years Front, Jayme B. Perry, PA-C, James Kovach, PA-C Standing, Paul Greenlaw, MD, B. Todd Smith, MD, Adam Thorp, MD, Gerald C. Vanden Bosch, MD, Michael J. Kushner, MD, Robert N. Satterfield, MD, Lewis P. Martin, MD 1803 Forest Hills Road, Wilson
252-243-9629 Fax 252-243-0915
New Doctors in Wilson Wilson Medical Center welcomed five new faces to its staff of physicians in 2012
Romain Athus, M.D.
Hubert Haywood III, M.D.
Rashid Sheikh, M.D.
Ketarah Robinson, M.D.
Makram Yassa, M.D.
Vidant Medical Group Wilson Medical Center Hospitalist Program 1705 Tarboro Street SW Phone: (252) 399-8040 Medical degree: Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico Internship: Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston and Hospital Muguerza & Maternidad La Conchita, Mexico Residency: St. Joseph’s Medical Center at New York Medical College Board certification: Family Medicine
Wilson Medical Center Infectious Disease Phone: (252) 399-8040 Medical degree: University of North Carolina School of Medicine Internship/Residency: University of Alabama Hospital Fellowship: in Infectious Disease from the Medical College of Virginia Board certification: Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease
Vidant Medical Group Wilson Medical Center Hospitalist Program 1705 Tarboro Street SW Phone: (252) 399-8040 Medical degree: Liaquat Medical College, Pakistan Internship: University of Sindh, Pakistan Residency: Texas Tech University Board certification: Internal Medicine
Eastern Carolina Pediatrics 1702 Medical Park Drive Phone: (252) 243-7944 Medical degree: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Internship/Pediatric Residency: Children’s Medical Center at Georgia Health Sciences University
Vidant Medical Group Wilson Medical Center Hospitalist Program 1705 Tarboro Street SW Phone: (252) 399-8040 Medical degree: Cairo University, Egypt Residency: Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York Board certification: Internal Medicine
Doctor Talks Dr. talks began as a way for Wilson Medical Center to educate the public about physicians practicing in the area, trends in health care treatment and services they offer at the hospital. It is one of the hospital’s community benefits. 26
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In the 20-plus years since the inception of Dr. Talks, Wilson Medical Center has had an extremely positive response from the public and the events are well attended. Dr. Talks serves as an excellent opportunity for the community to hear first hand from our physicians in topics specific to their specialties. Dr. Talks is a free and open educational forum and is held on Tuesdays each month at 7 p.m. in the Wilson Medical Center auditorium. For more information or to pre-register, call Marketing & Development Assistant Sue Barnes at 252-399-8478. For a schedule of upcoming events, see page 27.
Doctor Talks Schedule March 12 – Sayeed Hossain, M.D. Wilson Pulmonary & Sleep Disorders Medicine Topic: Sleep Apnea Syndrome
April 9 – Ketarah Robinson, M.D. Eastern Carolina Pediatrics Topic: Asthma in Children
May 7 – Margaret Metts, M.D., and Valerie Kersey, R.N. Wilson Radiation Oncology and Oncology Nurse Navigator Topic: Oncology Nurse Navigator Program
September 10 – Jobe Metts, M.D., and James Rounder Jr., M.D. Wilson Urology Topic: Prostate cancer
October 8 – Jeff Jones, M.D. Carolina Radiology Consultants Topic: Breast cancer
November 12 – Keith Lerro, M.D. Regional Medical Oncology Center Topic: Cancer clinical trials
Blood drives Held in the Wilson Medical Center auditorium from noon to 6 p.m.
March 20th May 15th July 17th September 11th November 20th
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City of Wilson Quick reference numbers www.WilsonNC.org For all emergencies , dial 911 All Billing Questions 252-399-2200
parade/food vendor permits 252-399-2323
Appliance, debris or limb pickup 252-399-2485
Parks & Rec programs 252-399-2285
Business/privilege license 252-399-2640 Dead animals in road: 252-399-2485 Fire, non-emergency 252-399-2880 greenlight customer/tech. service 252-399-2200 JObs hotline 252-399-2246 landlord/tenant disputes 252-399-2308 missed garbage pickup 252-399-2485 missing signs 252-399-2467
An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
planning services: 252-399-2219 or 399-2220
Other City & County Numbers County of Wilson 252-399-2803 Parks & Recreation 252-399-2261 (administration) Wilson Chamber of Commerce 252-237-0165 Wilson County Public Library 252-237-5355
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation 252-399-2395 Wilson Economic Development Council 252-237-1115 Sheriff’s Department 252-237-2118 Wilson Visitors Bureau 252-243-8440
Police, non-emergency 252-399-2323 pothole/street/sidewalk 252-399-2480 street light outage 252-399-2424 stormdrain clogged up 252-296-3413 or 296-3403 tall grass/rundown houses 252-399-2219 or 399-2220 volunteer for city boards or commissions 252-399-2302 Water/sewer lead, break or backup 252-296-3403 Wilson energy outage 252-399-2444
Getting Around Wilson Transportation Services — Amtrak 252-246-1060 / 401 E. Nash Street Purchase tickets at station, by phone or via the Internet: www.amtrak. com Blue Star Cab Company 252-237-1134 Budget Car and Truck Rental 252-243-7600
Enterprise 252-1-800-736-8222 Greyhound & Trailways 252-243-3279 Rocky Mt/Wilson Airport 800-428-4322 Safety Cab Company 252-243-2356 / 291-7749 Wilson Transit System 252-291-2850
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Wilson Police Department Wilson Police Department Headquarters 120 N. Goldsboro St. | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Main Phone: 252-399-2323 Main Fax: 252-399-2346 Central District- Five Points 1001 Goldsboro St. | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 252-296-3099 North District- Barton College Mon–Fri, 8 am. – 5 p.m. 252-246-1107 South District- Hwy 301 N 700 N. Ward Blvd. | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 252-399-1358
Street Talk
Melissa Daniels, left, talks with Jacqui Boykin and Sandy Hernandez outside the courthouse. photograph by Amber M c Daniels
West District- Parkwood Mall 1501 Ward Blvd. | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m 252-206-1680 WPD Crime Stoppers 252-243-2255
Gang Hotline 252-296-3359
Drug Hotline 252-293-5333
Wilson Fire Department and Rescue Services Fire Station #1 252-399-2845
Fire Station #4 252-399-2897
Fire Station #2 252-399-2895
Fire Station #5 252-399-2898
Fire Station #3 252-399-2896
For more information, visit: www.wilsonnc.org
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COUNTRY RESTAURANT Hwy. 58, Wilson • Near Country Club
Home Made Buttermilk Biscuits • Tenderloin • Ham • Sausage • Hot Dogs Hamburgers • Sandwiches Of All Kinds • Chicken Salad • Ham Cold Plates • Fried Chicken • Daily Breakfast & Luncheon Specials
Open Mon.-Fri. 6:30-2:30 • Sat. 6:30-1:00 Call 237-8723 For Pick-Up Service
inspire
“ Barton’s theatre major comes to life in the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre and, with Broadway and regional talent backing this program, the stars are the limit. We will be adding a musical theatre concentration this year in addition to our concentrations in design, management, and performance. Come be a part of something big; share with us, and the world, this thing you do called theatre.” -Adam Twiss, director of theatre, assistant professor of theatre
INSPIRING FACULTY | At Barton, you are not another no-name face in a crowded classroom. With an average class size of 15, your professors not only become your teachers, but also your mentors, advisors, and partners for your academic goals. Our 71 full-time faculty members bring their educational backgrounds and experiences from schools such as Yale, Duke, and other prestigious universities. Even with their wealth of knowledge and real world experience, they are not out of reach for the students. At Barton, the student/faculty ratio is 12:1. This means your professors are always accessible. Professors here are even known to give out their cell phone numbers! They set high expectations in the classroom, and they challenge you to do your best. /bartoncollege NEED MORE INFORMATION? 1-800-345-4973 | enroll@barton.edu