Gates County Community Partnership Launches “Let’s Chat” Series with Focus on Youth & Mental Health
GATESVILLE, N.C. — Gates County Community Partnership will host the first event in its new “Let’s Chat” series, Conversations that Matter: Youth & Mental Health, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the “chat bench” outside the Gates County Community Center. The featured speaker will be Rondeshya Cosby, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Founder and Clinical Director of Bright Shadows, and the conversation will be facilitated by Crystal Harden, EdD, CEO of ForWARD Education, LLC. In the event of rain, the gathering will relocate inside the Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The “Let’s Chat” initiative is a collaborative effort between Gates County Community Partnership, the Obici Healthcare Foundation, and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Created in response to the growing need for mental health support and stronger community cohesion, the initiative plans to introduce designated benches throughout the local area where individuals are encouraged to engage in open, meaningful conversations.
The chat bench serves as an accessible and inclusive space dedicated to improving mental health, fostering dialogue, and promoting understanding and harmony across the community. Organizers hope the bench becomes more than just a place to sit, but a symbol of connection.
“The Chat Bench represents more than metal and paint, it represents a safe space for hearts to open and voices to be heard,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership. “Our vision is that this bench becomes a symbol of understanding, kindness, and love among all citizens of Gates County. We want it to be a reminder that no one must face life’s challenges alone, and that meaningful conversation can be the bridge that brings us together.”
A Platform for Connection
The primary purpose of the Chat Bench Initiative is simple yet profound: to provide a platform where community members can connect, communicate, and support one another. By encouraging spontaneous conversations in a welcoming environment, the benches aim to combat social isolation, a significant factor affecting mental health today.
With youth mental health as the focus of the inaugural conversation, organizers hope to create a safe and supportive environment for families, educators, and young people to explore the challenges facing today’s youth.
Featured Speaker: Rondeshya Cosby, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Rondeshya Cosby is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and community advocate with deep roots in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Born in Syracuse, New York, she spent much of her childhood in Virginia Beach before moving to Gates County in 2000. She attended Gates County High School for her 9th through 11th grade years before relocating back to New York to complete high school.
In 2010, she returned to Gates County to establish permanent roots, purchasing her first home in 2012. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from the College of the Albemarle in 2013, later graduating at the top of her class from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in November 2020 and became board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in March 2021 after passing the ANCC certification exam.
Cosby worked as a registered nurse from 2015 to 2020 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in both psychiatric and emergency departments and served in the emergency department at Sentara Albemarle and later at Riverside. From 2021 until January 2026, she practiced as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Riverside, gaining extensive experience in outpatient and community-based mental health care.
In 2023, she founded Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry Services to provide virtual psychiatric support to underserved communities. In 2025, she expanded services with a physical location in Elizabeth City offering mental health and substance-use treatment for children, adolescents, and adults ages six and up.
Cosby also founded Bright Shadows Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 2025 to focus on community partnerships, free and low-cost healthcare services, educational programming, support groups, and outreach initiatives. A key goal of the nonprofit is collaborating with Gates County Schools to expand access to mental health services for children and families.
Facilitator: Crystal Harden, EdD
Crystal Harden, EdD, is the CEO of ForWARD Education, LLC, a science education consulting company dedicated to protecting and promoting educational advancement for under-resourced and underserved communities. ForWARD Education provides quality education services and resources designed to empower students and educators in achieving academic success.
Harden’s leadership and passion for equity in education will guide the conversation, helping ensure that participants engage in thoughtful, productive dialogue centered on supporting youth mental health in Gates County.
A Community Invitation
Gates County Community Partnership invites residents of all ages to attend this inaugural “Let’s Chat” event. By gathering at the bench community members can take part in conversations that matter and help build a stronger, more connected Gates County.
As Saunders expressed, the dream is simple yet powerful: that the bench becomes a lasting symbol of understanding, kindness, and love and that through honest conversation, the community continues to grow closer together.
Gates County Community Partnership to Host Black-Tie Charity Gala at ECSU
“Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons” to spotlight youth opportunity, education, and community progress.
ELIZABETH CITY - An evening of elegance, purpose, and local pride is on the horizon as Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) prepares to host its Charity Gala on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at the K. E. White Center at Elizabeth City State University, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and residents for a night designed to celebrate impact and invest in the future of Gates County. With a black-tie dress code, the gala is expected to be one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. Tickets are $50 and available online at GCCP2026.eventbrite.com.
Gates County Community Partnership, established in October 2018 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has quickly become one of Gates County’s most influential organizations focused on youth educational advancement, leadership development, and community enrichment. Over the past several years, the organization has helped deliver life-changing resources to students and families, from scholarships and technology to grants supporting long-term school and wellness initiatives.
“This gala is more than an event, it’s a statement about what we believe in as a community,” said Sandra Jordan Branch of Gates County Community Partnership. “When we invest in education and opportunity, we aren’t just helping individual students. We’re strengthening the future of Gates County itself.”
The Saunders Science Scholars – The Catalyst
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Saunders Science Scholars program is a powerful STEM enrichment and youth development initiative in Gates County, designed to spark curiosity, expand opportunity, and deepen students’ engagement with science through hands-on learning. Named in honor of esteemed local educator Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., the program stands as both a tribute to his legacy and a bold investment in the county’s future. In addition to working directly with cohorts of students, the program strengthens the broader community through mobile outreach programs, camps, and special events that bring high-quality science engagement to local schools and families.
Morehead and the Saunders Science Scholars program served as the catalyst for the start of Gates County Community Partnership, by providing mentorship and igniting GCCP’s mission to expand perspectives, strengthen educational pathways, and open doors for Gates County’s youth.
A Record of Real Results
Since its founding, Gates County Community Partnership has been key in bringing significant grant funding and programming to Gates County Schools. Among its most notable achievements is playing essential roles in securing two transformational grants: the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP grant and the Obici Healthcare Foundation’s Healthy Behaviors grant.
The GEAR UP program has supported students at Central Middle School and Gates County High School, providing academic enrichment opportunities, college advising, college tours, coaching, and professional development, including the Carnegie Learning Math Program. The Healthy Behaviors grant funded the Athletic Training Facility at Gates County High School, a major investment in student wellness and infrastructure. In a related event, GCCP funded a state-of-the-art VertiMax machine for the training facility through a grant from the organization.
In addition to facilitating major school grants, GCCP has secured funding through its own grant acquisition efforts. Support has come from organizations such as the NC GSK Foundation, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation, Sustainable Forestry Land Retention Youth Program, Obici Healthcare Foundation, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield NC. These resources have powered initiatives focused on college readiness, youth development, community enhancement, and summer camps.
From Laptops to Scholarships - GCCP Keeps It Local and Free
Gates County Community Partnership’s impact is visible across the county. The organization has donated more than 190 new laptops to local students and provided internet access to 15 students, ensuring youth are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Their efforts have also strengthened community life beyond the classroom. A successful fundraising drive revitalized youth baseball and softball leagues at the Gates County Community Center, reinforcing the role of sports in mentorship, teamwork, and healthy development. The organization collaborated with the local school system and the county to provide broadband internet access and two large screen televisions. And recently, Gates County Community Partnership chose the center to locate a “chat bench,” which provides a simple yet profound platform for community members to connect, communicate, and support one another.
Perhaps most importantly, GCCP has awarded 31 college scholarships to local graduates, while also frequently providing financial support for students to participate in enrichment activities offered by other organizations.
Through its “Activate Futures” mentoring initiative, GCCP continues to guide students in building leadership skills and preparing for life beyond graduation. The nonprofit also supports college tours and field trips, expanding horizons and making higher education feel attainable for Gates County’s youth.
A Night That Helps Move the County Forward
The upcoming Charity Gala is designed not only to celebrate Gates County Community Partnership’s work, but to raise support for continued programming and expanded opportunities for Gates County’s citizens.
GCCP operates on a firm belief that its services should be offered without cost, ensuring all residents can benefit from its programs regardless of income or other barriers. Its board of directors, made up of individuals with deep roots in Gates County, brings local understanding, professional expertise, and a strong volunteer spirit to the organization’s mission.
The gala’s theme, “Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons,” reflects Gates County Community Partnership’s guiding philosophy: expanding perspectives through education builds empathy, unity, and long-term progress. For those looking for an evening that blends celebration with purpose, and for anyone who believes Gates County’s future is worth investing in, Gates County Community Partnership’s Charity Gala promises a night to remember!
Event Details
Gates County Community Partnership Charity Gala
K. E. White Center, Elizabeth City State University
Saturday, April 4
5:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Black Tie
Tickets: $50
GCCP2026.eventbrite.com
Free ACT Prep Initiative Brings Students Together Across Four Counties
Gates County Community Partnership and A Plus Test Prep help juniors build confidence, strategy, and college readiness.
GATESVILLE — High school juniors from Gates, Hertford, Chowan, and Northampton counties recently completed a free, two-session ACT Prep initiative designed to strengthen test-taking skills and expand access to college readiness resources in rural northeastern North Carolina.
The program was sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership, a local nonprofit, and delivered by A Plus Test Prep of Durham, North Carolina. Three high schools participated in the initiative, which focused on building students’ understanding of ACT scoring, scholarship opportunities, and practical strategies for improving performance across all sections of the exam.
The first session emphasized goal setting and helping students understand why ACT scores matter. Students reviewed how test scores can impact college admissions, merit scholarships, and future career pathways. Participants also received an overview of the ACT structure and were introduced to core strategies such as time management, answering every question, using elimination, and circling keywords in prompts. In addition, students worked through ACT-style practice questions and were encouraged to take notes and actively participate.
The second and final session focused more heavily on the Math, Reading, and Science sections of the ACT. Students learned section-specific techniques for pacing, breaking down questions, interpreting charts and graphs, and identifying the difference between “big picture” and “small detail” questions. The final session reinforced the importance of keeping momentum and making strategic choices.
Organizers say the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers that students in rural communities often face when it comes to accessing test prep and college readiness support.
“Programs like this are about opportunity,” said Brian Rountree of Gates County Community Partnership. “When we remove cost barriers and bring high-quality support directly into our community, students are able to see what’s possible. This initiative gave our juniors practical tools, confidence, and a stronger understanding of how ACT success can open doors to college and scholarships.”
This free initiative reflected a regional commitment to supporting youth across northeastern North Carolina. While the program was initially targeted toward Gates County High School juniors, it was expanded to welcome additional students from neighboring communities. Organizers hope the success of the two-session initiative will serve as a foundation for future college and career readiness programming in the region.
ACT Prep Is Underway!
Gates County Community Partnership kicked off the first of two FREE ACT Prep sessions at the Gates County Community Center, and it was a great success!
Students from Gates County, Hertford County, Chowan County, and Northampton County came together for a high-energy, information-packed session led by A Plus Test Prep (Vincent Brown). Throughout the morning, students learned why ACT scores matter, how scores connect to college admissions and scholarships, and practical test-taking strategies for English, Math, Reading, and Science.
From goal setting and understanding target scores to working through real ACT-style questions, students were engaged, taking notes, asking questions, and building confidence for what’s ahead.
This two-session ACT Prep initiative is proudly sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership to help expand access to college readiness resources for students in our rural communities, at no cost to families.
Session 2: Saturday, February 7
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Gates County Community Center
Gates County Community Partnership is excited to see these students continue the journey as they put in the hard work needed to reach their ACT goals and open doors to future college and career opportunities.
Powering Possibility: Laptops Open New Doors for Gates County Students
Nearly a year after its previous success, The Access Initiative Laptop Giveaway returned to Gates County, once again expanding access to technology for local families. Sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP), the event was held on Saturday, December 27, at Gates County High School in Gatesville, North Carolina.
Now in its fourth iteration, the giveaway continues to address technology needs across the county. During this year’s event, 26 laptops were distributed to families with students enrolled in Gates County Schools. With this latest contribution, GCCP has provided nearly 190 computers to members of the Gates County community since 2020.
“Our goal has always been simple, remove barriers that prevent students from fully participating in their education,” said Sandra Jordan Branch, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “Each year we see firsthand how access to reliable technology can change a household, and that continues to motivate our work.”
The Access Initiative was created to help close the digital gap faced by many rural families, ensuring students have dependable tools for schoolwork, communication, and skill development. As classrooms and learning platforms remain deeply connected to technology, the need for devices remains critical.
For families receiving laptops, the impact is immediate. One parent shared that having a computer at home brings peace of mind. “Knowing my child can complete assignments without borrowing or falling behind is a huge relief,” the recipient said. “This support truly makes a difference.”
GCCP’s leadership emphasized that the program’s growth reflects both community support and long-term commitment. Dr. Chante Jordan, President of Gates County Community Partnership, noted that expanding broadband access across the county has strengthened the initiative’s impact. “These devices now connect students to real opportunities, from virtual learning to college preparation. It’s exciting to see how far our county has come.”
Beyond distributing computers, GCCP hopes the program encourages collaboration and continued investment in local youth. Brian Rountree, Director of Gates County Community Partnership, highlighted the broader mission behind the effort. “When organizations and community members work together with purpose, we build pathways for success that last well beyond a single event.”
As The Access Initiative moves forward, Gates County Community Partnership remains focused on empowering families, supporting education, and ensuring that every student has the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Annie Wealthy Holland Highway Marker Dedication and Community Celebration
The Gates County community came together in a powerful and joyful way to honor the legacy of Annie Wealthy Holland (1871–1934) during the unveiling of her historic highway marker at T.S. Cooper Elementary School in Sunbury, NC on Saturday, September 6.
The event was filled with excitement, pride, and unity as community members gathered alongside a host of distinguished guests; including county commissioners, board of education members, and state legislators; to celebrate Holland’s remarkable contributions to education and community uplift.
A highlight of the day was the inspiring keynote address delivered by Dr. Valinda Littlefield, who captured Holland’s enduring impact as the founder of the North Carolina Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, the first statewide organization of its kind for African Americans. Holland’s dedication to education, advocacy, and empowerment continues to resonate across generations.
The celebration featured food trucks, music, local performers, students, and a special presentation on Holland’s legacy, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that honored history while strengthening community bonds. The unveiling of the marker was a moment of deep pride, reflection, and gratitude.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Center for Racial Equity in Education for organizing this historic event, as well as to Representative Rodney Pierce and the Gates County Historical Society for their tireless advocacy to secure this marker and ensure Annie Holland’s story is permanently remembered in Gates County.
This was more than a dedication, it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of education to transform lives!
Gates County High School Launches Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame with Unforgettable Celebration
Gates County High School made history this fall with the launch of its Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring an inaugural class of 13 outstanding athletes, coaches, and championship teams who have defined generations of Red Baron pride.
The festivities began with a heartwarming reception, where inductees, families, and community members reconnected and shared stories of triumph, perseverance, and teamwork. The formal program of recognition celebrated not just wins and records, but also the lasting impact these individuals have had on Gates County and beyond. The excitement reached its peak during the halftime ceremony of the Hall of Fame Game on September 5, when the Red Barons took on KIPP Pride and the honorees were formally enshrined before a packed crowd.
Among the most touching moments was seeing the legendary 1971 undefeated football team and the 1986–87 Girls Basketball team reunite. Watching these champions laugh, reminisce, and relive their glory days together reminded everyone in attendance that sports are about more than competition, they’re about lifelong bonds, shared history, and community spirit.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class included trailblazers Antonio Davis, Jessie Britt, Thomas Smith, Devane Harvey, Quinton Ballard, Eric Knight, Mary Lamb-Bowman, and Lulu Eure, legendary coaches Leon “Pete” Smoak, Willie “Doc” Williams, and Elton Winslow, as well as the previous mentioned two unforgettable championship squads who remain pillars of Red Baron tradition.
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Gates County community, Gates County Schools, Gates County Community Partnership, the Gates County High School Athletic Booster Club, and the Gates County Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Their vision, hard work, and dedication ensured that the stories of these athletes and coaches will inspire future generations for years to come.
Saunders Science Scholars and Activate Futures Hold Powerful Joint Meeting in Gates County
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Saunders Science Scholars and Activate Futures came together at the Gates County Community Center for a day of growth, learning, and connection.
The meeting brought high school students together for a blend of college readiness activities and community building. The Saunders Science Scholars and Activate Futures both share a common mission: preparing students for success in higher education while equipping them with the life skills and confidence to thrive beyond the classroom. Though some were absent due to testing, the meeting delivered purpose.
A highlight of the day was a “critical conversation” at the community chat bench, a space designed to encourage honest dialogue and mutual support. Even in the late-summer heat, the students persevered and excelled, showing remarkable focus and resilience as they leaned into meaningful conversations. By opening up to one another, they experienced firsthand how honesty and empathy build stronger bonds and foster true community.
Next month's session will be led by Dr. Keyma Clark of Wake Forest University. The topic will include goal setting for future success.
Gates County High School Launches Athletic Hall of Fame
Inaugural Class of 13 Honorees to Be Celebrated September 5, 2025
GATESVILLE, N.C. – Gates County High School will honor its rich sports tradition this fall with the launch of the Gates County High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The inaugural class of 13 honorees, featuring standout athletes, legendary coaches, and championship teams, will be recognized during the school’s first-ever “Hall of Fame Game” on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. when the Red Barons take on KIPP Pride at Gates County High School.
Terri Riddick, Gates County Board of Education, praised the new honor. “This Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of wins and records; it’s a way to pass down the legacy of Red Baron pride to future generations.”
The Inaugural Class consists of the following:
Antonio Davis – Basketball
One of the most prolific shooters in basketball history, Davis led Gates County to a district title and later starred at Livingstone College, where he averaged 35 points per game in 1987-88. He remains the only player in NCAA history to achieve career averages of 50/50/90 in shooting percentages. Davis entered the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2020.
Devane Harvey – Football
A defensive force from 1988–91, Harvey earned All-Conference honors and went on to a decorated career at Catawba College, where he became team captain and MVP. He later played professionally in the Arena League with the Albany Firebirds and Greensboro Prowlers.
Elton Winslow – Coach
Winslow guided both boys and girls basketball teams to championships, helped found the Gates County High School tennis program, served as Athletic Director for over a decade and a coach for 30 years, and established the annual Athletic Booster Club Kickoff Dinner fundraiser.
Eric Knight – Football, Basketball, Tennis
Knight excelled in football, basketball, and tennis, earning multiple All-Conference honors and Albemarle Area Player of the Year recognition. He played in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl and competed against future NBA stars in the NC All-State Basketball Game.
Jessie Britt – Football
After starring at Gates County (1978–81), Britt played college football at North Carolina A&T before reaching the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lulu Eure – Basketball, Softball
Eure was a pioneer, playing on NC State’s first intercollegiate women’s basketball team under Hall of Fame coach Kay Yow. She also competed in softball for NC State and remains one of few two-sport scholarship athletes in school history.
Mary Honey Lamb-Bowman – Basketball
A standout in the early 1970s, Lamb-Bowman went on to coach at Norfolk State, Fayetteville State, Delaware State, and T.C. Williams High School. She later received Norfolk State’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was enshrined in Delaware State University’s Hall of Fame.
Leon “Pete” Smoak – Coach
Smoak guided Gates County football from 1969 to 1990, including the undefeated 1971 Eastern State 2A Championship team (13-0), a season many regard as a state title.
Quinton Ballard – Football
Ballard earned All-East honors at Gates County High School before winning two national championships at Elon University. He later played in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins and entered the Elon Hall of Fame in 2008.
Thomas Smith – Football
A two-time All-Conference star at Gates County High School, Smith became a standout at UNC, setting defensive records before being selected in the 1st round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL with Buffalo, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
Willie “Doc” Williams – Coach
Williams coached Gates County basketball to 574 career wins and led his teams to numerous playoff appearances. He also served as an assistant football coach and acted in that role for the 1971 Eastern State Championship Team.
1971 Football Team
The legendary squad finished 13-0, defeating Southern Guilford 34-8 to capture the Eastern State Championship. The team remains a symbol of Red Baron football pride.
1986–87 Girls Basketball Team
Led by determination and talent, this group finished as the NCHSAA 1A State Runners-Up with a 25–4 record, narrowly falling 50–47 to Hendersonville in the title game.
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Gates County Community Partnership, highlighted the community impact. “These athletes and coaches brought people together. Their achievements inspired not just students, but the entire county. Honoring them ensures their influence continues.”
Kaye Barker, Gates County graduate and longtime athletic supporter and administrator, emphasized the significance for students. “When young athletes see the banners and names in the Hall of Fame, they will know what is possible. It connects the past to the present in a powerful way.”
The inaugural class will be officially enshrined on September 5, 2025, during halftime of the Gates County–KIPP Pride football game. Community members, alumni, and fans are invited to join in what promises to be one of the most memorable nights in Red Baron history.
“We are thrilled to launch this Hall of Fame and honor these trailblazers. Their stories are now part of the fabric of our school forever,” said Jonathan Hayes, Principal, Gates County High School.