Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Updates on the Saunders Science Scholars Program
On Monday, May 8, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center provided their annual update on the Saunders Science Scholars, a science enrichment and mentorship initiative named in honor of the late educator, Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., during the monthly scheduled Gates County Board of Education meeting. The Saunders Science Scholars program provides regularly scheduled science activities, college tours, summer camps, and volunteer opportunities to twenty-eight 9th and 10th graders at Gates County High School.
“We feel like it is an obligation to present the remarkable achievements of the Saunders Science Scholars on a regular basis. We are exceedingly proud as they are doing great things,” emphasized Dr. Crystal Harden of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. “Our journey with the Saunders Science Scholars will go on through college and we will continue to provide science programming to the entire Gates County community.”
Over the past year, participants took part in numerous extracurricular activities. Examples include summer camps at Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and the Salk Institute of Biological Studies. Scholars presented “Saturdays of Science,” a monthly science expo targeted to elementary school students, at Buckland Elementary School, Gatesville Elementary School, and T. S. Cooper Elementary School. Saunders Science Scholars also achieved academically, as the Fall 2022 average GPAs of the 9th and 10th grade cohorts were 3.85 and 3.68, respectfully.
“Kudos to our Scholars for recognizing their responsibility of being their best! We will remain supportive as they pursue their purpose and passions,” stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. of Gates County Community Partnership.
There will be some changes in the program for the 2023-2024 school year. “Saturdays of Science” will be done in a “pop-up” fashion, where Scholars will “pop-up” at community events like football games, open houses, family nights, and parent teacher nights. Participants will also take part in monthly meetings involving guests delivering talks on education/college, social development, and careers.
This summer, all Saunders Science Scholars are required to participate in two weeklong events: Opening “GATES”, a college readiness initiative that includes ACT Prep, youth development, and college visits, and a college tour of UNC-Greensboro, NC A&T State University, Wake Forest University, and Winston Salem State University.
Saunders mentioned he is grateful Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is keeping his father’s legacy alive with such an amazing program, as it exemplifies all his father was about. "Nothing mattered to him more than the betterment of his community, and prioritizing education is the way."
The Saunders Science Scholars was modeled after Morehead’s family science enrichment program, which encourages young people and their families to get more involved with science. The program is part of outreach initiatives that address gaps in STEM education across North Carolina, specifically in rural communities. This experience is provided at no cost to Gates County and its participants.
Gates County Community Partnership Offers Free College Readiness Workshop to Local Students
Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) is presenting “Opening GATES!”, a free college readiness initiative funded by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, from June 26 – June 30, 2023. The workshop will take place at Gates County High School in Gatesville, North Carolina.
Rising 11th and 12th graders are encouraged to apply for this one-week summer enrichment program combining ACT Prep, youth development, and an overnight college tour of Fayetteville State University and UNC-Pembroke. All expenses will be covered (e.g., supplies, activities, meals, travel and lodging for the college tour, official ACT testing on July 15).
“We are excited to bring this program back for a second year. Last year was amazing and we desire to expose even more youth to this opportunity,” stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership. “We want to emphasize this is not just a Gates County initiative! Local public school students from northeastern North Carolina are welcome.”
The focus of the program is to influence and direct students towards a four-year degree from an accredited university. The goal of the program is to increase the number of students who obtain a postsecondary certification.
“Gates County Community Partnership truly lives up to its name by providing quality, innovative programs for students. "Opening GATES" is an investment in the students and their future goals and aspirations,” stated Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools.
Registration forms are located at https://gatescountycp.org/event/opening-gates-2023/. Please return to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Saturday, June 3, 2023. Space is limited.
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth. More information about the organization can be found at www.gatescountycp.org.
GCCP Delivers the Gates County High School Alumni Charity Basketball Expo
On Saturday, April 8, Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) hosted the Gates County High School Alumni Charity Basketball Expo at Gates County High School. “The event was a huge success. Everyone was having fun. All proceeds will be donated to Gates County Schools,” said Gates County Community Partnership member Benjamin Saunders, Jr.The Expo included two alumni basketball games, a 3-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk contest, and “Rep Your Class” spirit competition. There were also raffles and giveaways.Central Middle School’s cheerleaders and the Lady Canes provided entertainment with their spirited cheers, DJ Alvin “Smoove” Hobbs mixed the music, and the Saunders Science Scholars presented enlightening science activities to children in attendance. The MC of the event was Cindy Smith Barber. 
“We would like to recognize game MVPs Cassius Gary, Khalil Leary, and Jordan Parker, as well as the 3-Point Shootout Champion LB Wolfrey. Cassius Gary also won the Slam Dunk competition,” said Gates County Community Partnership member Sherley Jones, Jr. “The Class of 1982 won the “Rep Your Class” spirit competition. They came deep with matching red and white t-shirts!”Gates County Community Partnership appreciates all who attended, participated, and volunteered. Special thanks to Jonathan Hayes, Krystal Brooks, Susan Casper, Lee Moe Brooks, Hope Melton, Crystal Harden, Shalland Beamon, Myriah Wolfrey, and LaWanda Daughtery.GCCP also mentioned the Gates County Sheriff's Department, Gates County Rescue and EMS, Ed Geis, referees Courtni Williams and Timothy Daughtery, Photographer David Spruill, and Carolina Trophy. All played a key role in the success of the alumni basketball game.“The Alumni Basketball Expo was about the community. We again wanted to show our love for Gates County by providing an avenue for good, clean family fun over the holiday weekend,” said Gates County Community Partnership member Brian Rountree. “Our very own Chante Lassiter-Jordan did a magnificent job managing the event and Cindy Smith Barber was an awesome MC. They both possess a combination of vibrance and wisdom that make them remarkable!”Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Gates County Community Partnership Presenting Scholarship Programs to High School Seniors
Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) will give scholarships from two different initiatives to 2023 graduates of Gates County High School. The programs are the annual GCCP North Carolina Promise Tuition Scholarship and the privately endowed “3 Sisters” A.R.E. Achievers Scholarship.
“GCCP is excited to deliver two scholarships opportunities to our seniors this year. We are more than grateful for the opportunity,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President, Gates County Community Partnership. “We would like to thank our donors, who make this possible, and encourage all who qualify to apply.”
The purpose of the GCCP North Carolina Promise Tuition Scholarship is to fund the first year of tuition for 2023 Gates County High School graduates using the North Carolina (NC) Promise Tuition Plan at Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Western Carolina University, or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This scholarship may have multiple awardees.
The North Carolina Promise Tuition Plan is an initiative of the State of North Carolina established to increase access to a quality university education through the University of North Carolina system. Students who qualify receive reduced rate tuition, with the remainder supplemented by the state.
The privately endowed “3 Sisters” A.R.E. Achievers Scholarship will provide $1,000 to a 2023 Gates County High School graduate attending North Carolina A&T State University, Winston Salem State University, or North Carolina Central University. This scholarship honors “three sisters” from rural North Carolina who value education and understand the correlation between a college degree and a successful future.
Additional information and the applications are available at the following link:
https://gatescountycp.org/event/
Applications for both scholarships must be returned to [email protected] by Friday, May 5, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Recipients will be notified by Friday, May 12, 2023.
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)3 public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Gates County High School to Start Youth Development Program for Student Athletes
For the 2023 - 2024 school year, Gates County High School will further support the educational and social advancement of its student athletes by instituting an official academic and youth development component to its sports programs.
With this initiative, Gates County High School will dedicate time weekly to promote the honorable achievement of all its student athletes. Planned sessions will be tailored to the individual needs of each participant. An objective is to maintain or improve scholastic performance of student athletes while “in-season.”
In addition, Gates County High School will bring in community members and others to speak on the importance of virtue, education, and service. The goal is to better prepare student athletes for life after high school.
"Our hope is this project inspires our student athletes to pursue their passion and purpose after high school," stated Sherley Jones, Jr., Director, Gates County Community Partnership. "For us, it is about closing the gap between what you are capable of and what you are doing. We want our students to be the very best version of themselves!"
As part of the plan, Gates County Community Partnership worked with Gates County High School to acquire a VertiMax V8 EX to supplement their athletic training and performance program. VertiMax equipment is trusted by professional, Olympic, collegiate, and youth sports athletes, trainers, and coaches around the world. The technology enables athletes to realize increased power, agility, speed, and vertical jump performance.
"We are always thankful for the opportunity to work with Gates County Community Partnership when it comes to our students. We are both dedicated to not only improving the success of our athletes on the field but in the classroom and providing them with the opportunity to grow into outstanding members of society. We are excited for our athletic enrichment program to begin next fall," said Jacob Harrell, Athletic Director, Gates County High School.
Gates County Community Partnership Provides Sponsorship for Regional Cheer Competition
The 2023 Coastal Athletic Conference Middle School Cheer Competition was held on Saturday, January 14 at Central Middle School in Gatesville, NC. During the competition, cheerleaders were able to show off their technical and crowd leading skills.
“They did an outstanding job and are to be commended for their confidence and ability to work as a team in synchronized formations while throwing bodies through the air, catching them, twirling, tumbling, conducting motions and chants while remaining on beat,” stated Reba Green-Holley, Head Cheerleading Coach, Central Middle School.
The following exhibition cheer teams also participated in the event: D’Lyte Cheer Squad, Elizabeth City State University (Sylvia Carver, Head Coach); Gates County High School Red Barons (Renee Nicholson, Head Coach, Monique Gatling, Asst. Coach); Kings Fork High School Varsity Gold (Marcasia Smith, Head Coach, Aleshia Ballard, JV Coach). Alvin “DJ Smooth” Hobbs provided the music and Next Level Photos delivered photography services.
“Congratulations to Central Middle School on their success in the conference cheer competition! This is a remarkable achievement, as this is the first school cheer competition for those on the team,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President, Gates County Community Partnership. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support and are looking forward to next year’s event.”
Other sponsors were S&T Storage and Jack Owens.
2023 Coastal Athletic Conference Cheer Competition Results
Central Middle School, Reba Green-Holley, Head Coach
Gold – 1st Place
Build Team Routine
Individual Routine
Stunt-Off
Spirit – Most Energetic and Spirited Cheerleader
2nd Place
Jump-Off
Hertford County Middle School, Dawnesha Faison, Head Coach
Gold – 1st Place
Jump – Off
Tumble -Off
2nd Place
Build Team Routine
Individual Routine
Spirit – Most Energetic and Spirited Cheerleader
Gates County Community Partnership Director Wins Seat on County’s Board of Commissioners
Gates County Community Partnership’s Brian Keith Rountree, Board Member and Vice President, recently won the general election to serve on the Gates County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Rountree has been part of Gates County Community Partnership since its inception. He has proven himself as a man of integrity who courageously fights for the enrichment of those he serves. The elected office of county commissioner will broaden his impact.
Commissioner Elect Rountree will be sworn into office on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 5:30 pm in the old Gates County Courthouse.
DISCLAIMER: As an organization that serves all of Gates County, Gates County Community Partnership does not involve itself in partisan politics.
"Saturdays of Science - Gateway to Exploration" Begins for 2022 - 2023 School Year
The Saunders Science Scholars are pleased to invite county residents to "Saturdays of Science!" This year's theme is "Outer Space & More." The program is free and open to the public, with a target audience of elementary school students and their families. Events are fun-filled, with experiments, crafts, virtual reality, giveaways, and more!
"This is our second year delivering this program to Gates County. We are about 'expanding possibilities' and want to engage local students in STEM at an early age to encourage a love of science," said Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. "'Saturdays of Science' also gives our Saunders Science Scholars the opportunity to sow back into their community. This is something that we advocate and require for our Scholars."
The Saunders Science Scholars program began in 2018 with a cohort 6th graders. There are now two cohorts of 9th and 10th graders. The model of the program was recently adapted to allow Scholars to lead science enrichment activities for their community. An objective is to continue the cycle of educational uplift.
This year's first "Saturday of Science" took place on October 15, 2022 at Buckland Elementary School. The remaining events are November 12, 2022 at Gatesville Elementary School, December 10, 2022 at T. S. Cooper Elementary School, February 11, 2023 at Buckland Elementary School, March 11, 2023 at Gatesville Elementary School, and April 8, 2023 at T. S. Cooper Elementary School. On November 12th, PBS North Carolina will be on location.
"Exposure and mentorship matters! With this, the Saunders Science Scholars are reaching new heights," stated Brian Rountree, Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership. "We will continue to support this program because we value what it brings to our schools and citizens. It has been a catalyst for things that make Gates County better."
The Saunders Science Scholars program was named in honor of Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., who was an esteemed educator with Gates County Schools. The program was made possible by a gift from Morehead Advisory Council member, Stephen Butts, and his wife Addie Butts. The goal is to increase students’ science self-efficacy and confidence with STEM disciplines in school and to provide mentoring that encourages students to explore careers in STEM.
Gates County High School Students Participate in NASA Student Ambassador Program
The 10th grade cohort of the Saunders Science Scholars was recently selected to participate in the pilot of the NASA Student Ambassador Program at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Hampton City Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Newport News Public Schools were also chosen to take part in this new initiative.
"We are excited about the NASA Student Ambassador Program and are grateful that we were chosen to engage. Expectations are high for our Saunders Science Scholars and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments thus far," stated Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
The goals of the NASA Student Ambassador Program are to spark, inspire and sustain student interest in STEM by sharing NASA's mission in exploration and discovery; connect students with NASA scientists, engineers, educators, and resources that expose students to STEM content and experiences; encourage growth, learning, collaboration, and communication with peers; and immerse students in the current research and technology at NASA. The program also aims to broaden students desire to choose a STEM career field and boost the future STEM workforce at NASA and other organizations.
Sessions are monthly from October 2022 through April 2023. Requirements for program completion include the mentorship of a 5th grade student, completion of a digital badge, and participation in a culmination project/engineering design challenge.
"We are proud of the scholars for stepping up to the challenge and participating in this remarkable program. NASA is truly committed to broadening exposure to STEM activities and further developing students’ knowledge in these competences,” stated Sherley Jones, Jr., Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, NASA Employee, and Gates County Community Partnership Director. "We believe in developing leaders and the Student Ambassador Program emboldens, encourages, and stimulates achievement."
The Saunders Science Scholars program was named in honor of Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., who was an esteemed educator with Gates County Schools. The program was made possible by a gift from Morehead Advisory Council member, Stephen Butts, and his wife Addie Butts. The goal is to increase students’ science self-efficacy and confidence with STEM disciplines in school and to provide mentoring that encourages students to explore careers in STEM.