Attends Conference

Hannah Phillips, a sixth-grader at New Century Middle School, was selected to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

This conference, which Phillips attended over spring break, was sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. The Council's mission is "to foster and inspire young people to achieve their full leadership potential." The Jr. NYLC accepts sixth- and seventh-grade students who demonstrate maturity, academic excellence and leadership potential.

While at the conference, Phillips visited Philadelphia, Pa., and followed in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin as she learned about the principles of democracy. In Harper's Ferry, W.Va., she was able to learn about the Civil War and participated in activities that simulated the issues soldiers faced on a daily basis. Phillips and her team needed to problem solve and work together to complete their mission.

Finally, back in Washington, D.C., Phillips was able to visit the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and many other historic sites as she continued to learn about courage, sacrifice and the characteristics of strong leaders. Throughout the conference, Phillips attended group meetings and participated in leadership activities.

"We learned the traits of leadership and played games to help us improve our memory," said Phillips.

She enjoyed the many locations they visited and met many other students from throughout the country.

"It was really fun," she said.

Society Chartered

Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors, has established a chapter at Lenoir-Rhyne College. During the chartering ceremony, 12 members of the 2007-2008 charter class were initiated, as well as 12 members of the 2008-2009 class.

Members of the 2008-2009 class include Malorie Potts of Pinehurst.

The Lenoir-Rhyne chapter selected the name "Arktos," which is Greek for "bear," the college's mascot. To have the privilege of obtaining a Mortar Board charter, an institution must be accredited, grant baccalaureate degrees, have support of the university administration, host official visits by a national representative of Mortar Board, and be voted upon by the organization's board of directors, the National Council. Additionally, the group should serve as an active honor society that continues to make significant contributions to college and community life.

Jon Cook, Mortar Board executive director, presided over the installation ceremony. Lenoir-Rhyne is the 226th chapter of the honor society, which was founded in 1918. The society recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service.

Graduates

Glenisha Danyelle McLellan graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in elementary education Saturday, May 3, from North Carolina Central University.

McLellan is the daughter of Velma Hines McLellan and the late Phillip Glen McLellan. She is also the granddaughter of Willie Mae McLellan and Helen Hines, all of Southern Pines.

Parnell Chosen

Beginning in the fall of this year, Brevard College will launch the Institute for Women in Leadership (IWIL) and announces that Moore County resident Katherine Parnell as been selected as a member of the inaugural year.

IWIL is specifically designed to foster growth academically, socially and personally with specific programs and opportunities tailored to women who want to make a difference in their communities and around the world. While taking curricular courses exploring leadership, identity development and personal growth, the women will additionally focus their energies on giving back to the campus and community through targeted service projects, including mentoring of local middle school and high school girls.

Student Award

Central Carolina Community College honored its outstanding students at its 13th Annual Academic Excellence Awards Banquet May 7.

The event, held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, recognized the high achievement of 69 students in all curriculums who graduated in the 2008 spring semester or will graduate in the summer semester.

Among those receiving awards was James B. Godbee, of Cameron, who received an Academic Excellence Award in motorcycle mechanics. Students who received an Academic Excellence Award achieved at least a 3.75 grade point average.

McCaskill Honored

J. F. Webb High School in Oxford has named Clint McCaskill "Teacher of the Year" for 2008.

McCaskill received both bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Appalachian State University. While attending Appalachian, he was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society for his outstanding grades and achievement.

Each year, McCaskill has students who audition and participate in the All-District Band Clinic, N.C. All-State Band Clinic, and UNC-Greensboro Honor Bands. He also hosts the Tri-County Honor Band Clinic at Webb High School every March.

Under his direction, the Symphonic Band has earned Superior and Excellent ratings at the North Carolina Band Festival for the past three years, and the Marching Band can be found at competitions across the state, from as far west as Appalachian State University to East Carolina University in Greenville. He also works weekly with the special needs class at the high school, designing specially made percussion instruments related to their disabilities.

He teaches a full band program that includes two jazz bands, a symphonic band, marching band, percussion ensemble, pep band, and drumline. McCaskill lives in Creedmoor with his wife, Jessica.

He is the son of Jim and Shirley McCaskill of Rockingham, formerly of Carthage, and his grandparents are Susie Dupree of Carthage, and the late Ed Dupree, and the late Clint and Audrey McCaskill, formerly of Carthage.

O'Neal Speakers

Bill Graham briefed The O'Neal School's Upper School students on the current state of Iraq. Having 33 years of law enforcement experience in South Carolina, Graham was asked to spend one year training Iraqis in the Commission on Public Integrity (CPI), their version of the FBI.

Graham taught basic and advanced courses, covering such topics as interrogation, improvised explosive device recognition, witness interviews and fingerprinting. He helped the CPI develop policies and procedures and he taught individual Iraqis to handle weapons.

For his service in Iraq, Graham received a joint commendation from the U.S. Departments of Justice and State. Upon his return to the United States, he received the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recent speakers included Chief John Letteney and Lt. Charles Campbell of the Southern Pines Police Department, who talked with Upper School students about personal safety. Students were given tips to protect themselves in and around their cars as well as at home.