Serenity Barnes, an 11th-grade Halifax County Early College student, was recognized for completing the North Carolina House Program.
Barnes participated in the house page program from February 27 through March 2.
The program allows young men and women to learn about and participate in the state’s legislative process.
It is a four-day experience that allows high school students in grades 10 through 12 to observe firsthand how laws are made and provides them the privilege of working in the house chamber in the midst of legislative action.
House pages assist members and staff during the legislative session.
They participate in daily sessions and committee meetings and perform other duties including, but not limited to, delivering messages and materials within the legislative complex, completing mailings for members, and passing out documents or running errands in the house chamber during daily sessions.
Barnes was sponsored by the Eastern NC Chapter of Jack & Jill, in Greenville.
“It is important to try new things and meet new people,” she said. “It helps you grow as a person while finding your own path in life. I know that I can achieve great things as long as I have an open mind and be true to myself.”
Superintendent Eric Cunningham said, “We are so proud of Serenity. Serenity is our first North Carolina house page representative. She has set the bar, and I cannot wait to see other students follow her lead.”
Employee of the month
Janice Jones was recognized as March employee of the month.
Jones serves as a lab facilitator at the HCS Empowerment Zone.
Coordinator Sharon Arrington said, “Zestful and committed — these two words only scratch the surface when describing what Ms. Jones contributes to the Empowerment Zone community. Ms. Jones has worked with the Empowerment Zone since it opened in 2017. She ensures that the students are safe when entering the building, consistently enforcing the school’s policies and procedures while ensuring they are prepared to leave the school building in a purposeful and well-organized manner.”
The school system said Jones demonstrates the model of a punctual employee. “Ms. Arrington and the rest of the staff know that the students will be greeted caringly, and the classrooms and building will be monitored to ensure a safe learning environment. The staff does not have to ask for her help with tasks because Ms. Jones is always willing to help her teammates and the coordinator.”
Jones said, “Being a lab facilitator for the HCS Empowerment Zone has been a pleasure. I enjoy being a part of the great success stories that have happened here. I look forward to many more opportunities to work with such an outstanding staff and group of students.”
Cunningham congratulated Jones on the honor. “The work she has done at the Empowerment Zone has not gone unnoticed. We are thankful for her contributions to the program’s success at the Empowerment Zone.”
Student of the month
Da’Quavion Garrett has been selected as HCS March student of the month.
He is a ninth-grade student and attends HCS Empowerment Zone.
His favorite subject is math because he likes to play with numbers and someday would like to own a business.
His hobby is playing football, and his advice for other students is to “Work hard, respect others, and do what you are told. It made me feel great about deciding to turn my behavior around and do the right thing.”
He was chosen as the student of the month because he came this semester willing and ready to learn by completing all assignments by the deadline. Also, completing assignments with his face-to-face teachers, improving his grades in all academic areas, attendance, and behavior were key to this selection.
“I am proud of Da’Quavion for the growth he has shown throughout this school year,” Cunningham said.