Gates County Community Partnership

Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.

Today’s spotlight is on Kailyn Wilson, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s “3 Sisters A.R.E. Achievers” Scholarship! This scholarship was sponsored by Dr. Crystal Harden of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.

1. What major or area of study did you choose?

My major is Biology.

2. What are you up to now?

I am currently a senior honors student at North Carolina Central University. I am actively applying to Master’s Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs to not only further my knowledge about the specific field that I’m interested in (medicine) but also to make me a better applicant for medical school and give me time to study for and take the MCAT.

3. How did the "3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship" help ease your transition into college?

Receiving the “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” helped my transition to college in several ways. The first one is financial freedom; this scholarship allowed me to focus solely on my academic endeavors without financial stress. This scholarship is also one of the reasons that I will be graduating debt-free. Lastly, this scholarship was a reminder that the people who chose me for this scholarship have so much faith in my future and the impact I WILL have on the world that they were willing to put money into it, and I refuse to let them down.

4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?

I was very intentional about my transition from high school to college and setting myself up for success in my first year in college. I knew that going from a small town (Gates County) where everyone knows everyone to THE “Bull City” would be an adjustment. I intentionally picked clubs and organizations I enjoyed in high school when I went to college. Last year at Central, I was a part of the D.R.E.A.M Volleyball Club, 11:11 Durham, and Women in Pre-Med; these clubs were where I met friends and mentors and traveled to different schools. Lastly, I didn’t forget about my support system back home. Although I am pretty independent, I made sure to stay in contact, of course, with my family, as well as with mentors, coaches, and teachers.

5. What have been some of the most rewarding experiences during college?

The most rewarding experience during college is being motivated every day to bring my best self because I’m surrounded by Excellence at my illustrious HBCU. I have been able to network with amazing peers both on and off of North Carolina Central University's campus through clubs such as Circle K International, Science African American Majors Evolving, 11:11 Durham Organization, and Women in Pre-Med.

6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?

My passion for community service started at Gates County High School through clubs like Beta, 4-H, and HOSA, but it flourished at NCCU. I attend a school where “Truth & Service” is our motto. I’ve volunteered at blood, coat, and hygiene drives, local churches in Durham, Eagle Preview, and so much more. My most meaningful community service work has been through the work I’ve done with Duke and NCCU through the Durham University Assisted Community Schools Research Collective. I’m a part of the curriculum sub-team, and this semester, I’ve assisted my team with finalizing the final touches and changes to the curriculum so that it can be utilized by college students in the spring of 2025. The purpose of the curriculum is to prepare college students with the knowledge needed to effectively understand and engage with vulnerable and minority populations before volunteering in public school settings.

7. What are your life goals/aspirations?

I aim to be a physician who can change our community's mistrust of healthcare and research.

8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?

My best advice to a future college student would be to give yourself grace.

9. Are there any significant accomplishments or experiences you would like to share?

I was recently accepted into the UNC Shadowing Program and will begin shadowing physicians in January.

I recently became a Bubble Skincare campus ambassador, where I create content about Bubble Skincare products and share it on my social media accounts. I also complete different challenges around my campus to promote the brand, so I can’t wait to come up with new and creative content ideas in 2025.

I’m a student researcher for the Durham University Assisted Community Schools Research Collective (Duke & NCCU). In October, I traveled to Baltimore, MD, where I learned about the history of community schools in the Baltimore area and toured and saw schools such as Henderson-Hopkins School and Booker T. Washington Middle School.

In the Summer of 2024, I participated in two summer programs, the first one being the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) Experience at the University of Houston, where I networked and had the opportunity to do research with professionals in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The second one is the VCU Allied Health Career Exploration (ACHE) program; I had the opportunity to spend two weeks on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus learning, exploring, and connecting with current students and faculty members as a part of nine allied health career programs that VCU offers.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Gates County community?

Although Gates County is small, and resources may be limited, we are just as capable of greatness as our peers.

Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.

Today’s spotlight is on Sydney Moore, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a current student at Elizabeth City State University. She was a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s "NC Promise Tuition Scholarship." This scholarship funds a full year of tuition at one of the four North Carolina Promise institutions: Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and Western Carolina University.

1. What major or area of study did you choose?

I chose to major in Psychology to better connect with the world around me. Gaining a better understanding of the world we live in opened my eyes to see way more than what I had been exposed to in my hometown.

2. What are you up to now?

Currently, I am gearing up for a week of fun and fashion in Baltimore, Maryland in late February for the CIAA Basketball Tournament as a D’Lyte for the illustrious ECSU. Also, I will be performing in the CIAA step show with my devastating divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as we won first place during our homecoming step show in October.

I will be graduating at 20 in May 2025. Afterwards, I will enlist in the Air Force as an officer and pursue my masters and PsyD. What happens after that will only be of God, for God, and with God!

3. How did the "GCCP NC Promise Tuition Scholarship" help ease your transition into college?

The GCCP NC Promise Tuition Scholarship eased my transition into college by handing my grace in a package! This scholarship has allowed me to be on my way across the stage with no debt or out of pocket expense. I am incredibly grateful for my journey and this scholarship has eased the burdens of financial stability. Not having to worry about anything other than making sure that my mind is clear and focused to receive all that is given during this period has been nothing short of a blessing.

4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?

The transition from high school to college was relatively easy. I was ready to leave high school. Leaving home and being on my own was an opportunity to explore who I was and to be great. I found the true meaning of faith my senior year of high school and God showed me the world through my dreams. So moving to college, I made sure that I knew I was in control of my future. My parents definitely picked the school that I attend, but it was the best decision and I was not ready to make it myself. I made sure that I had all the information needed to move forward and did everything I could to get to where I needed to be.

5. What have been some of the most rewarding experiences during college?

My most rewarding experiences so far in college are:

-Making the Cheer Team - I was scared because I was in the process of an identity crisis and thought cheerleading was all that I was. Then, I realized that cheerleading isn’t who I am, but it’s what I do.

-Becoming a Delta - I am blessed to say that I am a part of the devastating Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The sisterhood has taught me to be confident and to not hide anything about myself, to stand up straight, put your shoulders back with reason, and know what you know and be humble enough to seek more.

-Passing Every Semester with As and Bs - This shows my willpower. If I want it I will have it, no matter what.

6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?

In high school, community service wasn’t a priority, but it was definitely a part of the deal. Now it is a priority! I have completed a significant amount of community service hours through both my sorority and my cheerleading team. As a result, I have learned the term “networking” and how being a good person draws people who make you better. I have participated in parades, food banks, sister givings, and other service initiatives.

7. What are your life goals/aspirations?

To be righteous and be graced with eternal life.

8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?

In a world ruled by evil, choose good.

9. Are there any significant accomplishments or experiences you would like to share?

Friendships are even better than expected.

To pray and believe that there is more to life and that you want to experience it with other people that understand you and have nothing but the best intentions for you. To have nothing but true honesty and support from people you would have never expected to love so deeply. To experience life in such a pure and soul quenching way. To have a truly fulfilled prayer of spending my life with other people who have the same views of life as well as having an unwavering understanding of differences.

I am proud to say these are my experiences and I will cherish them until the Lord calls me home.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Gates County community?

Speak the truth in love. There is more out in the world than your phone, beyond the media, beyond your parents, beyond what you can see. Expand and live a life that you and God would be proud of. There is more than just Gates County. Don’t stand still when you can run.

Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.

Today’s spotlight is on Amaria Hathaway, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s “3 Sisters A.R.E. Achievers” Scholarship! This scholarship was sponsored by Dr. Crystal Harden of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.

1. What major or area of study did you choose?

My current major is Biology with a minor in Sustainability.

2. What are you up to now?

I am working and a junior in college. I am no longer attending North Carolina Central University. I decided to transfer during the Fall 2024 semester to Elizabeth City State University.

3. How did the "3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship" help ease your transition into college?

First, I would like to thank you for allowing me to be one of the recipients of the "3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship" in 2023. It was truly an honor.

The "3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship" helped make my transition into college a wonderful experience. The scholarship helped make sure that all my books and other school needs were taken care of.

4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?

My transition from high school to college was definitely one for the books; it was a big adjustment for me. I was eager for the change and the new independence I would take on, but as I was spending time with friends and family before I left, I became emotional. It was finally sinking in that in a few months I would be starting a new journey that only God and I could control. However, my anxiety subsided after I started college, and I realized that I would not have been there if it was not meant for me. I learned a lot from my transition. It improved me as a person and opened my eyes to more perspectives than I could have ever dreamed of.

5. What have been some of your most rewarding experiences during college?

Meeting a lot of new individuals from a variety of backgrounds has been one of the most fulfilling experiences. Meeting new individuals helped me acclimate to living on a huge campus by making me feel at home. I have gained more networking skills and discovered some new hobbies, as a result.

6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?

Since high school, I have actively engaged with my community by giving back. I have been donating clothes and shoes that I no longer need to Goodwill and to families in need. My goal is to do even more in 2025, reengaging with food banks and helping many others.

7. What are your life goals/aspirations?

My life goals/aspirations are to become a successful forensic biologist and lawyer, become a millionaire by 25, travel the world, start a business in 2025, and start back my fitness journey. I also want to be consistent in giving back to my community at least three times a month in any way that I can.

8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?

Actively participate in campus life, explore various viewpoints through coursework and extracurricular activities, look for volunteer opportunities that fit your interests, develop deep connections with peers and professors, and think about how your abilities can meet local needs through advocacy or direct service. Finally, to prosper in college, I found it best to balance academic pursuits with a healthy social life and seek help when needed. Just know that it's okay to seek assistance or ask questions. Never hesitate to ask.

Sunbury, North Carolina – Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP), a nonprofit dedicated to the educational and social development of local youth, has been awarded a grant from Roanoke Economic Development's Sustainable Forest Land Retention Youth Program. With this funding, GCCP aims to enrich the learning experiences of area high school students.

The Sustainable Forest Land Retention Youth Program's mission is to educate and increase awareness among students, particularly those who are socially disadvantaged, about the vital fields of science, technology, engineering, agriculture/forestry, and mathematics, as they connect to the environmental sciences and related professions.

With the grant, Gates County Community Partnership aims to inspire young minds to tackle environmental challenges and promote positive social change through stewardship that fosters sustainability both locally and globally. Programming will also seek to prepare participants to lead lives as environmentally literate citizens, fully embracing sustainability as a core value.

Among the key activities facilitated by the grant will be curriculum instruction tailored to environmental science, supplemented by an exemplary visit to a university with strong environmental science and environmental studies programs. The visit will take place outside of the region to expand the educational and cultural horizons of participating students.

Sandra Jordan Branch, Director of the Gates County Community Partnership, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the initiative, stating, "We are thrilled and deeply thankful to Roanoke Economic Development for this generous grant. It provides an invaluable opportunity to inspire our young people to engage with the pressing environmental issues of our time, empowering them with the knowledge and passion needed to make a real difference in the world."

Gatesville, North Carolina - The Gates County Community Center, an essential hub for local citizens, has successfully concluded a vital technology upgrade. Championed by Gates County Community Partnership, in collaboration with Gates County Schools and the Gates County Government, this initiative significantly enhances the community center's capabilities, ensuring all community members have access to modern technological amenities.

The center's upgrade includes broadband internet, Voice over Internet Protocol technology for phones, and the installation of two 85-inch televisions/displays. This development marks a significant improvement in the facility's ability to support community activities.

Previously reliant on an inadequate wireless signal from the adjacent high school, the community center was hampered by limited internet access. Now, with broadband universally available in Gates County, the community center offers robust connectivity to all its visitors. The expansion of broadband in Gates County was facilitated by the American Rescue Plan Act and the determined efforts of the Gates County Board of Commissioners, spearheaded by Board Chair Dr. Althea Riddick.

"Having broadband access has been transformative for us," stated Norris Raby, Director of the Gates County Community Center. "For too long, we struggled to deliver effective programming due to poor internet connectivity. These upgrades mean a great deal, and our citizens truly deserve this level of service."

The renovation holds special significance for the senior citizens of Gates County. Previously, their gathering place was equipped with a modest 32-inch TV, lacking cable and smart capabilities. The new smart televisions enable internet-based programming, enhance group activities, and support interactive workshops that benefit the community. This technology is not just a luxury; it opens doors to enriched educational and recreational experiences, fostering greater engagement and learning opportunities.

Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools, reflected on the project's genesis. "It was Gates County Community Partnership that initiated critical discussions in 2023 about our need for better internet access. Thanks to their insight and vision, our team, led by John Smith, Director of Technology, began vital planning before transitioning responsibilities to the county government."

Once management of the center shifted to the county government, the project reached its full potential. Scott Sauer, County Manager of Gates County, praised his staff's efforts. "We are grateful to Warren Perry, our Human Resources Director, IT staff members Scott Pearce and Warren Curry, and other county employees who played a part in bringing this project to fruition. The installation of broadband, Voice over IP technology, and large flat panel displays marks a new chapter for our community. We appreciate Gates County Community Partnership for their steadfast dedication and financial support."

Benjamin Saunders, Jr., Founder of Gates County Community Partnership, emphasized the project's broad impact. "A priority was to enhance the lives of our senior population. But with these upgrades, the community center can better serve as a beacon for all of Gates County. We owe our gratitude to county staff, Gates County Schools, and our current county commissioners, whose determination ensured broadband access for all of Gates County."

Dr. Althea Riddick, Chair of the Gates County Board of Commissioners added: “Gates County citizens and visitors to the community center now have free Wi-Fi connectivity and multimedia access in various locations throughout the building! This was truly a team effort between Gates County Community Partnership, Gates County Schools, and the County. The community center now better serves all our citizens, including our vital senior population! This is an utmost priority of the Board of Commissioners.”

This project doesn't just modernize the Gates County Community Center; it revolutionizes it. With reliable broadband, Voice over Internet Protocol technology, and new, high-tech displays, the center can now host a variety of programming, workshops, and activities that were previously untenable, ensuring it continues to serve as a focal point for the Gates County community for years to come.

Gates County, NC – In a momentous transition that echoes the vibrancy of community spirit and progress, Chante Jordan has been elected as the new President of the Gates County Community Partnership, succeeding Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. This pivotal change in leadership marks a new chapter for the organization dedicated to fostering community engagement for the educational and social development of youth in Gates County.

Chante Jordan, a proud native of Gates County, brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for education and community service. With over 20 years in the public school education sector, she currently serves as the Human Resources Director and Exceptional Children’s Program Director for Gates County Schools. Her impressive academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a Master of Arts in Education - Special Education, a Master of School Administration, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, all earned from East Carolina University. Jordan is also a doctoral candidate at the same university, cementing her commitment to lifelong learning and community betterment.

In her inaugural statement, Chante Jordan expressed her deep gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the organization. "Being elected as President of Gates County Community Partnership is both a profound honor and a thrilling opportunity," she stated. "I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to building upon the outstanding foundation laid by Benjamin Saunders. Our mission to inspire community engagement and support the growth of our youth is more vital than ever. As Michelle Obama once said, ‘Success is not about how much money you make, but about the difference you make in people’s lives,’ and I am fully committed to making a meaningful difference in Gates County."

Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., who has led the organization with distinction, welcomed Chante’s appointment with heartfelt confidence. "We are honored to have Chante. She has been with us for three years and has been more than amazing! It is her time, and I know she will lead us to greater heights in service of our community," Saunders remarked, underscoring the organization's enthusiastic support for Jordan’s leadership.

As Gates County Community Partnership looks to the future with Chante Jordan at the helm, there is a palpable sense of excitement and optimism. Her vision and dedication promise to extend the organization’s reach and impact, engaging more citizens and fostering an environment where the youth of Gates County can thrive.