Inside High Point - Sept 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025 INSIDE HIGH POINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3-4

HIGH POINT 101: BUILDING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMEN

5

EVERGREEN CLASS & COMPENSATION STUDY

6-8

ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

9-10

HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DAY

11

LEDISI OPENS HIGH POINT THEATRE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

12-14

CITY OF HIGH POINT AND UNITED WAY TEAM UP FOR ANNUAL CANPAIGN FOOD DRIVE

15-16

HP LIBRARY EVENT UPDATES

17-21

PARKS & REC UPDATES

22-24

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CITY COUNCIL

CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR

BRITT MOORE

AMANDA COOK MEMBER AT LARGE

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE, MAYOR PRO TEM Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

VICKIE MCKIVER

TYRONE JOHNSON

MONICA PETERS

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

PATRICK HARMAN

TIM ANDREW

MICHAEL HOLMES

Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov

Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

WARD 1

WARD 4

WARD 2

WARD 5

Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov

WARD 3

WARD 6

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HIGH POINT 101: BUILDING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

High Point 101 officially welcomed its first 2025 cohort on September 18, launching an eight-week program designed to strengthen ties between residents and their local government. Through interactive learning and networking opportunities, participants are gaining firsthand insight into how the City operates.

So far, the group has explored an introduction to City government and planning, toured the Kersey Valley Landfill while learning about Public Services, and engaged with the Customer Service and Electric Services departments.

Participants receive the opportunity to learn how High Point operates, equipping them with valuable knowledge to serve as stronger community leaders and potential candidates for local boards and commissions. Graduates will also be recognized for their efforts and involvement at a City Council meeting.

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HIGH POINT 101: BUILDING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT To complete the program, participants must attend at least seven of the eight sessions, with the first session mandatory for all. They are also required to attend at least one City Council meeting during the program. I

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EVERGREEN CLASS & COMPENSATION STUDY: ENSURING EQUITY, TRANSPARENCY AND LONG-TERM WORKFORCE SUCCESS

In 2024, the City of High Point partnered with Evergreen Solutions for our Classification & Compensation Study. Evergreen employs a Hybrid Model that evaluates both employees’ time in their current role and their overall tenure with the city, along with relevant market data. This model reduces compression and allows employees to advance through the pay grade.

Evergreen’s model transitioned the City from a three-phase model to a two-phase model.

Phase I was completed in fiscal year 2024-25 • Evergreen evaluated 398 full-time city employees across 138 unique job titles, with the study results effective June 29, 2025.

Phase II launched on September 12, 2025 • Evergreen is evaluating 956 full-time city employees across 256 unique job titles.

• September 12-16: Evergreen hosted 17 focus group sessions, offering employees at all levels the chance to provide input.

• September 18: Evergreen distributed 956 surveys to employees.

These surveys are a critical part of gathering comprehensive feedback and are due by Oct. 3.

• More updates to come as the study progresses.

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ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Devin Fennelly and Alan King Recognized for Completing the PSAP Executive-Level Training Program.

High Point 911 is proud to recognize Telecommunications Manager Devin Fennelly and Telecommunicator Alan King for their successful completion of the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Executive-Level Training Program through Richmond Community College. This program represents one of the highest levels of professional development available for 911 professionals in North Carolina, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to manage and lead in today’s complex emergency communications environment.

Designed as an intensive online continuing education curriculum, the program spans five in-depth courses, each lasting five weeks. The coursework addresses the multifaceted responsibilities of a PSAP leader, including: 6

ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS • History and Legislation of 911 – tracing the origins and evolution of the 911 system, understanding the legislative process, and examining current and emerging issues that directly impact public safety communications in North Carolina.

• PSAP Operations – delving into critical operational areas such as budgeting, finance, procurement, grants management, contracts, human resources, recruitment, and retention strategies.

• Technology in 911 – exploring the systems that power modern emergency communications, including CAD, RMS, GIS mapping, radio interoperability, and recording solutions, as well as preparing for the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911).

Graduates of the program emerge with not only a broadened understanding of the operational and legislative landscape of 911, but also with enhanced leadership and decision-making capabilities that directly strengthen the agencies they represent.

In recognition of their accomplishment, Devin and Alan were formally presented their certificates during the August 2025 meeting of the North Carolina 911 Board in Raleigh. Being honored at this statewide level highlights both the individual commitment of our staff and the growing reputation of High Point 911 as a leader in professional development and operational excellence.

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ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

By completing this program, Devin and Alan have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and their dedication to the future of High Point 911. Their training not only strengthens their individual leadership skills but also enhances our agency’s ability to serve the community with efficiency, innovation, and care.

Please join us in congratulating Devin and Alan on this accomplishment.

Their success reflects the spirit of continuous learning that keeps High Point 911 at the forefront of emergency communications.

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HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DAY More than 350 people joined the High Point Police Department for its annual Community Day at Morehead Recreation Center.

The free event featured carnival games, an inflatable obstacle course, a dance contest and lunch. Several of the department's specialty units set up displays with equipment including the SWAT Team, Drone Team and animal control officers.

More than a dozen community partners also participated in the event, showcasing resources and opportunities available for individuals and families. The City of High Point's Parks & Recreation Department, Fire Department and Museum, and High Point 911 were among the community partners.

HPPD's Community Day is a way for officers and staff to express their gratitude to community members for their ongoing support throughout the year.

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BATTLE OF THE BADGES

Firefighters from the High Point Fire Department defended their Battle of the Badges title for the third year in a row.

More than 900 people attended the charity softball game at Truist Point. Firefighters and officers with the High Point Police Department compete in the annual event for bragging rights and to raise money for two nonprofit organizations - HPPD's Angels in Blue and the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Dozens more people supported these causes by purchasing shirts and hats, and several local businesses and organizations helped sponsor the game.

Assistant City Manager Damon Dequenne threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches.

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LEDISI OPENS HIGH POINT THEATRE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON High Point Theatre launched its 50th Anniversary 2025–2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 18, with an unforgettable performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi. The acclaimed singer, known for her rich vocals and dynamic stage presence, delivered a powerful set that blended R&B, soul and jazz influences.

As the season’s headlining opener, Ledisi’s concert marked a significant milestone in the Theatre’s history, bringing the community together to celebrate five decades of arts and culture in High Point. Audience members were treated not only to her chart-topping hits but also to heartfelt stories and reflections that underscored the importance of live performance.

The evening set the stage for a yearlong celebration featuring an eclectic lineup of performances, highlighting the Theatre’s commitment to presenting world-class entertainment while honoring its role as a cultural cornerstone of the Triad.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT AND UNITED WAY TEAM UP FOR SUCCESSFUL 16TH ANNUAL CANPAIGN FOOD DRIVE The City of High Point partnered with United Way for the 16th Annual CANpaign food drive in September to help restock our local food pantries.

This canned food drive helps hundreds of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

This year’s CANpaign was once again a success with many filled donation boxes thanks to the generosity of staff across all City Departments.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT AND UNITED WAY TEAM UP FOR SUCCESSFUL 16TH ANNUAL CANPAIGN FOOD DRIVE

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CITY OF HIGH POINT AND UNITED WAY TEAM UP FOR SUCCESSFUL 16TH ANNUAL CANPAIGN FOOD DRIVE

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LIBRARY KICKS OFF LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH WITH 100TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE The High Point Public Library started Library Card Sign Up Month on Saturday, September 6 with an Open House describing plans for its 100th anniversary next year. Library Anniversary Planning Committee members were there from Noon 1:30 p.m. speaking to library visitors about how they could be a part of the celebration.

The library is interested in capturing library memories and stories from the High Point community for its “100 Voices for 100 Years” project.

For more information about the anniversary, visit: https://www.highpointnc.gov/3196/High-Point-Public-Library-at-100-Years-1.

For questions, contact Julie Raynor at julie.raynor@highpointnc.gov.

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HIGH POINT FARMERS MARKET HOSTS APPLE JUBILEE RECIPE CONTEST On Saturday, September 20, the Farmers Market hosted its apple recipe contest, Apple Jubilee 2025.

There were four entries, and the winners were: First Place Apple Cider Vinegar Turnovers with spiced caramel sauce, prepared by Rose Kline Second Place Crumble Apple Pie Cheesecake, prepared by Paula Nestlerode Third Place "Airbnb" Apple Pie, presented by Mercy Smith Honorable Mention Apple Nachos, presented by Lucas Harris A colossal thank you to our fabulous judges: Rebekah Dobbins from the Greater High Point Food Alliance, Lauren Mitchell from #Business High PointChamber, and Carrie Rader, Miss High Point’s Teen 2025!

Mark your calendars for October 11! Come cheer on High Point Fire and High Point Police in the thrilling Pepper Blast Chili Contest Rematch! Market attendees will vote for the People's Choice winner!

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HIGH POINT LAKERS MAKE HISTORY AS FIRST 7TH SEED TO WIN SUMMER ADULT 30+ BASKETBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Summer Adult 30+ Basketball League champions: The High Point Lakers! This team is the first 7th seed team to win the championship in league history, eventually overcoming nine teams total and several higher-seed teams this season. This is their second championship overall.

The High Point Lakers were led this season by head coach Robert Houston.

Robert is the only person in league history to win multiple championships as both a player and a head coach. Special thanks to team captain Lazarus Gittern, former Adult League MVP Tamir Glenn and Jeff Mosley. It's been an exciting, amazing season all the way around and we appreciate everyone who played and contributed to the overall league success!

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MIRACLE LEAGUE OF HIGH POINT OPENS FALL 2025 SEASON

It was a beautiful night for baseball as the Miracle League of High Point kicked off its fall 2025 season at the High Point Athletic Complex! Tyler Dixon, Navy veteran, director of The Heroes Center, and an active community partner with our department, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Thank you, Tyler! We also celebrated two new teams joining our Miracle League this season: welcome to the Yankees and the Braves! This year's program features an impressive 150 players on 10 teams.

The Miracle League provides youth, teens and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. For more information on the Miracle League of High Point, including how you can join the fun as a volunteer, please call 336.883.3477.

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RUN THE GREENWAY 2025 DRAWS RETURNING RUNNERS, NEW PARTICIPANTS AND A 23-MINUTE FINISH Run the Greenway 2025 was a great success! Even though this event is not timed, we do track the first participant to cross the finish line and this year, runner #52 finished in 23 minutes. We had a few runners return from last year, and a group from the Culler Senior Center joined in as well!

Run the Greenway focuses on the importance of wellness in every part of our lives. Big thanks to ARB Wellness Studio and Club Pilates High Point for joining us this year. We also thank everyone who registered and took part in this event; we hope you were able to discover some new ways that High Point Parks & Recreation and other local organizations can support your wellness journey.

And hey - Run the Greenway will return next year on August 29, 2026; mark those calendars! Stay tuned for the new hashtag and more information. As always, to learn more about programs and events offered by High Point Parks & Recreation, please visit our webpage at www.highpointnc.gov/pr.

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HIGH POINT YOUTH COUNCIL KICKS OFF 2025–2026 WITH 35 STUDENT LEADERS READY TO SERVE AND LEAD

High Point Youth Council is back for the 2025–2026 school year! This year’s group boasts an impressive 35 members from schools throughout the Triad, including Andrews High School, Kearns Academy, The Point College Prep & Leadership Academy, Wesleyan Christian Academy, The NC Leadership Academy and Southwest Guilford.

HPYC is already planning a busy year full of service projects, conferences with other youth councils and fun team-building and social events. We can’t wait to share all the great things these young leaders will accomplish this year!

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HIGH POINT STALLIONS MAKE HISTORY AS FIRST GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM, COMPETING AGAINST THOMASVILLE AND LEXINGTON

Big congratulations to the players on the High Point Stallions, our first girls’ Flag Football team (ages 10 – 13)! These young women trained hard and played harder, engaging in a series of games against teams from Thomasville and Lexington. Here’s what one parent had to say at the season’s end: “I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for making the inaugural season of girls’ flag football possible here in High Point.”

Even though the girls didn’t bring home the championship, they gained so much —skills, confidence, and a strong sense of sportsmanship. It was such a joy to watch this team come together for the very first time! Thank you again for making this opportunity possible.” Great season, High Point Stallions!

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Promotions MALIK R. BEATTY Marina Operator to Rec Center Supervisor, Assistant Alia T. Leasiolagi Recreation Attendant to Program Activity Leader Tristin N. Pritchard Motor Equipment Operator I to Stormwater Camera Technician Sally G. Zanzarella Stormwater Specialist III to Stormwater Operations Analyst

New Hires HOSEA CORBETT Motor Equipment Operator I PAYTON E. EGAN Marina Operator TIMOTHY FRAZIER Transit Operator I JACK C. GRUBBS Tennis Professional

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STEVEN HALL Landfill Equipment Operator

BLAINE NETTERMAN Police Officer Trainee

TONY L. HARRIS Risk Manager

GIANNA L. NOVARA Crime Scene Technician I

SUSANNA S. HUDSON Community Outreach Coordinator

JACOB A. PARKS Power Line Technician I

AUSTIN L. JONES Police Officer Trainee

KAITLYN J. PENDELL Administrative Specialist I

LANDON MACFARLAND Police Officer Trainee

DOMINIQUE R. POE W/S Technician I

TAMECCA M. MCALLISTER Transit Operator I

EVELYN D. RENE Civilian Specialist

TAYLOR O. MEYER Marina Operator

MAX D. SHOAF Motor Equipment Operator II

KELSEY MOORE Librarian I

WHITNEY M. SHOAF Police Officer Trainee

DANIEL MYERS Code Enforcement Officer III

LADONNA N. SMITH Payroll Technician

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SAMUEL STRIMPLE Police Officer Trainee JOSHUA TEAL Motor Equipment Operator I GARRETT L. TIMMONS Wastewater Operator I DAVIE L. WADE Motor Equipment Operator I KATELYNN M. YATES MRF Worker I

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INSIDE HIGH POINT BROUGHT TO YOU BY: CITY OF HIGH POINT COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

HAVE A SUBMISSION FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE? EMAIL THEM TO PIO@HIGHPOINTNC.GOV.