School News

Last week, J.F. Webb High School hosted the FFA Kerr Federation Event! We are incredibly proud of the Granville Central, J.F. Webb, and South Granville FFA chapters for their outstanding performances!

J.F. Webb FFA Chapter:

- Tool Identification: 1st Place – Team members: Sydney Gates, Will Brame, and Kolik Holmes (Kolik tied with a student from Person High for the highest overall score).

- Extemporaneous Public Speaking: 4th Place – Lola Dunlap (Advancing to the Regional Competition on March 19th).

Granville Central FFA Chapter:

- Employability Skills: 1st Place – Noel Olinger.

- Prepared Public Speaking: 1st Place – Samah Aldiri.

- Extemporaneous Public Speaking: 3rd Place – Brayden Julian.

South Granville FFA Chapter:

- Creed: 2nd Place – Kirson Lavrack.

- Extemporaneous Public Speaking: 2nd Place – Madison Thomorson.

- Tool Identification: 3rd Place (will move on to states) – Team members: Brandon Preddy, Benjamin Carroll, and Kirson Lavrack.

Congratulations to all participants!

 

Coach Albert Capps Receives N.C. Governor's Laurel Wreath Award

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, Coach Albert Capps was honored with the N.C. Governor's Laurel Wreath Award, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to athletics or sports in North Carolina. Representative Frank Sossamon nominated Coach Capps for this distinguished award.

Capps' remarkable educational career began in 1965 at Henderson High School and concluded with his retirement from Stovall-Shaw Elementary School in 2012, spanning 47 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he served at several institutions including Sun Valley High School in Union County, D.N. Hix, J.F. Webb High School, and the Oxford Orphanage (now known as the Masonic Home for Children), where he worked as Dean of Students and coach. His versatility as a coach was evident in his roles as both assistant and head coach across multiple sports, including basketball, football, soccer, track, and wrestling.

His coaching achievements were numerous and significant. Some significant examples include: In 1980, Capps led the J.F. Webb High School football team to a remarkable 5-5 season turnaround after a two-year winless streak. By 1983, the team had advanced to win their first-round state playoff game. His wrestling program produced both a third-place state finalist and a state runner-up. His track teams consistently excelled, winning multiple conference and regional championships. Most notably, his 1997 track team achieved the triple crown: conference, regional, and state championships. Capps holds the distinction of being the only coach in Granville County history to lead teams to both a state championship (1997) and a state runner-up finish (2000) in track.

At the award ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne welcomed guests and shared personal memories of Capps' mentorship during his early teaching career. Former athletes attended to support their coach and share testimonials that had been included in Rep. Sossamon's nomination.

Terri Lawson, a former student-athlete from Oxford Orphanage, reflected, "As our Coach, he taught us life lessons we would need on the field and off the field." Jeff Gravely, quarterback of the 1980 football team, added, "Great coaches squeeze more out of you than you thought you had. Coach Capps certainly did that for me and thousands of others." Mike Barker, the 1983 quarterback, emphasized Capps' focus on "togetherness, being an encourager, and supporting others through adversities on both the athletic field and in life."

Perhaps the most touching tribute came from former track and field athlete Zack Riesland, who expressed gratitude that his children could witness multiple people share the same message: "He invested in me. He loved me. He told me all the time how much God loves me. And I've been trying to make him proud my entire life."

 

Coach Albert Capps (left) is presented the Governor's Laurel Wreath Award by NC Representative Frank Sossamon (right)

 

The N.C. Association of School Business Officials recently recognized Vickie Hines, Granville County Public School Chief Finance Officer, for completing the NCASBO School Business Management Business Office Director program. To earn this certification, Hines completed 112 hours of coursework and assessments. The Director-level courses included advanced studies in laws, regulations, and procedures related to school finance. Hines will also be recognized at the 2025 Annual Conference on Wednesday, February 11, 2025.

Mrs. Vickie Hines, GCPS Chief Finance Officer

 

Huge congratulations to Grayson for being selected as a state nominee by the NC Department of Public Instruction for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program! Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. Keep shining!

 

 

The N.C. Association of School Business Officials recently recognized Donna Albright, Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets Specialist, and Lisa Preddy, Budget Analyst and Benefits Specialist, for completion of the NCASBO School Business Management Academy Managers Certification. To earn the certification, Albright and Preddy completed twenty courses with an assessment for each. The curriculum consists of courses in accounting, financial management, law including legal responsibilities, and business office operations. They will also be recognized at the 2025 Annual Conference on Wednesday, February 11, 2025.

 

Mrs. Donna Albright and Mrs. Lisa Preddy