South Johnston
North Johnston Princeton
SmithfieldSelma West Johnston
AN ACT OF KINDNESS goes a long way
Things were different in 1993. I was still a few months away from using the Internet for the first time, and on the night when I embarked on my first reporting assignment, I did so with two pens and a regular notebook.
Randy Capps randy@johnstonnow.com
I was a senior, covering my high school football team for a paper that no longer exists. I haven’t read that story in years, since it would take a trip to the Marion Public Library to do so, but I’m sure it’s awful.
That night wasn’t about award-winning prose. I was years away from making any of that. It was about building confidence, and deciding that a pen, some paper and a working knowledge of sports might be enough to make a career for me.
An unlikely figure helped speed that
process up a bit. Bob Rankin was already a coaching legend at that point. He would go on to win 313 games in a Hall of Fame career, and to say that he was intimidating would be an understatement.
I was expecting the worst as I walked on the field at the end of the game. Marion won, so at least my first-ever interview would be with a winning coach, rather than a losing one. He never taught me, but he recognized my face.
“Are you a reporter now,” he asked, with an often-imitated, but never quite duplicated, drawl. “Yes sir,” is what I said in reply, with all the self confidence I could summon.
“OK then,” he said, and answered my questions like I had 30 years of experience.
Coach Rankin and I had many more interviews. While I was still at Marion High, and then after, when I was the sports editor of that same paper after college.
He’d often call me back to mention one more kid who had worked hard, just trying to get his name in the paper.
I often wonder if my own name would have appeared in them as often, if a football coach hadn’t been so accepting of a clueless
A Matter of Principle: SELF-DISCIPLINE — YOUR SUPERPOWER
By Qarol Price
“Self-discipline starts with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do.” — Napoleon Hill
You just can’t live with a comic book nerd for 40 years and not learn a thing or two about superheroes. My husband’s study and two other rooms in the house are filled with shelves and shelves of action figures posed in various acts of valor. You might say that it is too much of a good thing, but on the other hand, I swear he draws vital energy from these guys, inspiring him to achieve ever greater scholarly heights at his antique desk while the heroic gallery cheers him on.
commitment to their cause and their relentless pursuit of excellence makes them iconic figures of self-discipline. Like the mythic characters in narratives of old, comic book heroes help individuals build and reinforce their moral character.
To say that virtue and superheroes go hand in hand is to recognize the difficulty of achieving said virtues. Superheroes are superheroes precisely because they possess hard-won noble attributes to an extreme degree. Self-discipline may get you there, but how do you become self-disciplined?
This is where exercising your imagination comes in. The better you visualize the results you want, the clearer the way to your goal will appear. The better you visualize your wish, your dream, your goal, the more you will feel the passion for what you want. The more that passion is felt by the heart and realized in the mind, the stronger the will becomes to make it happen.
thought. The will is most certainly one of them. When you endeavor to “know thyself,” a large part of that is understanding what motivates you and how that in turn can inform how to harness your willpower. The power of the mind and of its imagination is not to be underestimated.
The DC Comics superhero, Green Lantern, wears a ring which is powered by strength of will, limited only by the wearer's imagination. Green Lantern's power and the concept of willpower emphasize the importance of inner strength, determination and the ability to overcome fear and adversity to achieve greatness.
So, what is it that I have learned about superheroes? And what does it have to do with August’s character trait of the month, self-discipline? These epic crusaders were not born with super abilities — they had to develop them. The likes of Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Daredevil and countless others have honed their body and mind to peak human condition through rigorous training and constant self-improvement. These superheroes exemplify self-discipline in various ways, from physical training and mental fortitude to adhering to moral principles and making personal sacrifices. Their
Imagine the thrill of having complete mastery over the constant temptations to consume fatal snacks, sleep instead of exercise, bingewatch vacuous TV shows, doom-scroll social media and act impulsively through unchecked emotions.
Some things can only be strengthened by focus of
Regardless of the dusting nightmare posed by the scores of figures occupying our shelves, I am happy to have my husband’s household heroes assembled like a plastic Justice League combining their powers to inspire and energize him! Maybe their influence can even rub off on me.
Qarol Price is a writer and educator. She has taught philosophy to children in Johnston County Public Schools and in Harlem. She is a resident of Selma.
2024 JoCo Sports Prep Football Broadcast Schedule
8/23 South Johnston at Princeton
8/30 Holly Springs at Clayton
9/6 West Johnston at Cleveland
9/13 Princeton at Rosewood
9/20 Smithfield-Selma at South Johnston
9/27 Garner at Clayton
10/4 CB Aycock at South Johnston
10/11 Fuquay-Varina at Corinth Holders
10/18 Southeast Raleigh at Cleveland
10/25 Eastern Wayne at North Johnston
11/1 North Johnston at Princeton
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MAKING THE JUMP TO NCHSAA
By Randy Capps
The 2023 football season was already in the books for American Leadership Academy when its fortunes for 2024 and beyond changed dramatically.
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) approved the charter school’s membership application, allowing it to join Johnston County’s other public schools.
The downside for the Patriots is, until the NCHSAA realigns for the 2025-2026 school year, they are without a conference.
The result is a patchwork schedule of public and private schools — and nine road games
for ALA’s foray into varsity football this fall.
“(We) hope to build off of two consecutive undefeated JV seasons,” head coach Nate Blackburn. “We will have a very young varsity team with no seniors and only nine or so juniors, but we feel like we have built a strong foundation to have continued success going into our first year as a part of the NCHSAA.”
Blackburn will look to a few key returners to lead the way on offense, like junior offensive lineman and captain Josh Crenshaw, junior running back Anthony Bonilla, who rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first two JV seasons and sophomore running back Cam Thaxton,
who recorded 700 yards and 10 scores last season in his first time ever playing football.
Sophomore linebacker Elijah Fulton tallied 100 tackles last season, and leads “a very strong linebacker group.”
Another sophomore, Ian
Wands, a transfer from Green Hope, will get the first crack at the starting quarterback job. With good health, the entire core of this team should be more experienced and ready for its entry into a conference for the 2025 campaign.
▸ American Leadership Academy’s Anthony Bonilla fights off a couple of would-be tacklers in a contest last season. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
CLEVELAND LOOKS TO KEEP ITS STRONG RUN GOING
By Randy Capps
CLAYTON — It’s hard to find a football program in North Carolina with a period of sustained success that matches Cleveland.
The Rams haven’t lost a regular season game since Sept. 2019 (Cardinal Gibbons) or a conference matchup since Nov. 2018 (FuquayVarina) and have tallied a 45-4 record over the past four seasons.
“I think we will be competitive again this season,” Cleveland head coach Scott Riley said.
That seems like a safe bet.
Senior quarterback Jackson Byrd will headline an offense that put up 45 points per game last fall. He recently committed to East Tennessee State and is coming off a season in which he earned all-state honors by passing for 3,624 yards and 37 touchdowns while rushing for 417 yards and 11 more scores.
Another senior, Jamarious Pegues, is a returning allconference player on the offensive line who Riley describes as, “the leader of the most important unit on the field.”
Porter Bennett (435 rushing yards, 6 TD) and DJ Crooms (31 catches, 464 yards, 2 TD) will look to take on larger roles to offset the graduation losses on offense.
Sawyer Lowe, a senior linebacker and all-state selection is “a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and has great production,” according to his head coach. He had 145 tackles, including 33 for loss, five sacks and a pair of interceptions as a junior.
Senior Ronalon Renwick is “a difference maker in the secondary with length and speed” who has recently committed to the Air Force Academy.
The Rams will look to junior linebacker Jaylin King, junior safety Josh Bootha and senior linebacker Aiden Stephenson (48 tackles) to bolster a defense that graduated a ton of production. Cleveland’s 2023 playoff run ended at home at the hands of Hoggard, 51-35, and those two teams will open the season together at John Jacobs Stadium on August 23.
▸ Cleveland quarterback Jackson Byrd fakes a handoff to Nathan Imarah during a game last season. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
CORINTH HOLDERS LOOKS TO CHANGE COURSE WITH NEW HEAD COACH
By Randy Capps
The laundry list of things for a head football coach to do in July is more extensive than one might think. It includes things like 7-on-7 schedules, jamboree planning, roster planning and conditioning plans.
The new head coach at Corinth Holders, Carl Smith Jr., took the job last month and has a more basic set of tasks — like getting to know players, parents, teachers, coaches and community members.
Of course, bouncing back from last season’s 2-8 record and snapping a streak of eight consecutive losing seasons for the Pirate football program is on that list, too.
“I’m going to rely on my coaching staff, especially the ones that've been here for a while,” he said. “Lean on the community support that I know I'm going to get. Show up and do the work like I always do. We're going to hit the ground running. I have a great wife that’s going to support me. She might be upset, but at the end of the day, she's going to stand (for it) when I come home at three or four in the morning.”
Smith knows all about rebuilding programs. He comes to Wendell from Person County High School, where he led the Rockets to a 5-6 mark and a playoff appearance last season. Previously, he served as Beddingfield’s head coach, where he led the Bruins to a 13-7 overall record. His overall record as a head coach is 25-26.
He has no illusions on the challenges he’s facing, including the conference he’s stepping into.
“We're not looking at them,” he said of his Greater Neuse 4A competition. “And that's not bulletin board (material) or anything like that. The only thing we’re worried about is right here in Corinth holders. We worried about our four walls and getting things going the right way. And then once it's time to play them, it'll be time.”
He’s still putting names with faces, but he’s aware enough of his roster to know who the leaders might be.
“Zion Ware? I believe in that kid,” Smith said. “I love his intensity. I love what I see on film. Jaylon Holder is another kid I think could do great things.”
Ware, a senior linebacker, had 55 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks last while Holder rushed for 590 yards and four touchdowns in his junior campaign.
While Corinth Holders is one of the 20 largest high schools in the state, Smith
knows that success is more than just enrollment.
“Numbers aren't everything,” he said. “I've been at teams where they will have 40 kids varsity from freshmen to seniors, and they'll beat just about anybody. It has nothing to do with how many kids you’ve got or how many kids you don't have. It has nothing to do with how full your coaching staff is or how much you don't
“The kids can buy into it and believe in themselves and be confident in what they're doing. You can give them guidance and instruction. They go out there and play free and smart and physical. (If that happens) you’ve got a chance to beat anybody. So that's what we're trying to get
▸ Corinth Holders’ Jaylon Holder fights for yardage in a 21-7 win over Willow Spring last September. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ]
▸ Clayton’s Noah Smith heads downfield in last year’s clash with Cleveland. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
NEW FACES WILL NEED TO CARRY THE LOAD FOR CLAYTON
By Randy Capps
High school football is, by its nature, a cyclical sport. So, when Clayton had seven returning starters on its offense for the 2023 season, the bill for that experience would come due at some point when those players moved on.
It turns out that 2024 is the invoice date for the Comets, who will have to replace every starter from that side of the ball from a team that finished 10-3 last fall, with those losses coming by a combined total of eight points.
“We have to develop depth,” head coach Scott Chadwick said. “Right now, I am concerned that a couple of key injuries could be devastating for us.”
Last season, Johnathan Montague transferred in to play quarterback for the Comets and had an electrifying senior season, racking up nearly 4,200 yards
of total offense and accounting for 54 touchdowns on his way to earning a scholarship from Boston College.
Junior Aiden Smalls, who caught 76 passes for 941 yards and 12 scores for Cardinal Gibbons in 2023 — while completing 10 of his 11 passes for 220 yards and four scores — will try to replicate Montague’s success at the position.
Damarius McKoy, a transfer from Apex Friendship, caught 47 passes for 600 yards and five scores as a junior will provide some experience to that unit.
Tight end River Fiore has an offer from Appalachian State and Noah Smith rushed for more than 1,500 yards on the JV squad last season, and both could fill the void left by last season’s departures.
“We have the potential to be very good, but our season success will largely depend on how well our young offensive
line develops and our ability to remain healthy,” Chadwick said.
Defensively, Keyshawn Stancil (39 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks) and threeyear starters Codie Witmer (48 tackles), Tyrell Jeune (44 tackles) and Malachi Adkins (38 tackles) bring talent and varsity reps to that side of the ball.
“We have experience on defense, especially in the secondary and our DL should be a major strength,” Chadwick said. “We lack size in some of our defensive skill positions but we should hopefully make up for it with our athleticism.”
The Comets improved from six wins in Chadwick’s first year to 10 last fall, with the experienced offense carrying a larger part of the load early on. This year, if the defense can return the favor, another step forward could be in the cards.
SOUTH JOHNSTON LOOKS TO RELOAD ON OFFENSE IN 2024
By Randy Capps
BENSON — Lee Webb’s third season at the helm of his alma mater ended with South Johnston on the wrong end of a narrow 28-21 decision at Currituck County last fall.
That put a bow on a 6-5 record, which included a 25-7 win over West Johnston in the regular season finale in what turned out to be a playoff elimination game.
This time around, the Trojans are aiming higher with a “conference championship and deep playoff run” being listed as Webb’s goals for this year’s squad.
To get there, however, some work must be done.
Between quarterback Riley Adams, running back Aiden Williams and receivers Kalib Brown and Connor Lee, South Johnston graduated 2,048 passing yards, 1,395 rushing yards, 115 receptions, 1,822
receiving yards and 43 total touchdowns.
Junior Holt Langston was Williams’ backup last season, and is the leading returner rusher after tallying 297 yards and two scores last fall.
Noah Boykin and Jamarion Ward figure to provide senior leadership and stability on the offensive line for whichever new skill players emerge.
Kaleb Williams (79 tackles), Mason Weaver (63 tackles) and Ryan Blackmon (46 tackles, 3 INT) are the returning leaders on a defense that might have to carry the load a bit while the new offensive pieces gell.
Reinforcements are also coming from last year’s JV squad, which posted an 8-2 mark.
South Johnston is seeking its first league title since 2009, and the new season gets underway on Aug. 23 on the road against Princeton.
[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ]
NORTH JOHNSTON TURNS TO NEW COACH WITH WINNING PEDIGREE
Sports
By Randy Capps
KENLY
— Sometimes a coach’s family needs can intersect with a good career move. Kyle Schenk and North Johnston are hoping that’s the case.
Schenk won a 1A state title at St. Mary’s in Kansas, and when his wife accepted a job in the Triangle, he found himself on the job market.
“We started looking kind of close to that area and then worked our way out,” he said. “We started seeing how big the schools were … and we kind of like the slower country life.
“(We found the) North Johnson area and kind of did some research on it… we took a chance and applied. And we're lucky enough to have the opportunity to lead the program here.”
North Johnston competes on the 2A level, with an enrollment far greater than his previous school, which will have about 170 students this fall.
He’s been in the area since May,
and he’s been getting to know his coaching staff and his players.
“Coach (Michael) Parrish was the defensive coordinator here last year,” he said. “I sat down and watched film and I said, ‘hey, you know I think they're doing a good job.’ I'm going to let Coach Parrish lead the defense. So defensively, I think we'll be pretty similar to what we were last year. And then offensively, we’ve got to adapt and we want to be efficient. We want to play fast, and we want to be physical in that process.”
While the defense, which allowed just over 20 points per game while posting three shutouts, may look similar, the offense could look a little different.
“We’ve got two or three guys competing for the quarterback) position,” Schenk said. “I think that, offensively, our identity has to take the role of our quarterback. That might be somebody who lends himself to running the football more. It might be somebody who's better at
throwing. In some situations, it could be a guy who is really good at communicating and being efficient.
“We’ve just got a long way to go to see who's really kind of going to be the leader at quarterback. We're just open to what our personnel is right now.”
Kaleb Pone completed 30 of his 59 attempts for 313 yards and two touchdowns last season, and is also the leading returning rusher with 299 yards and a score.
David Estrada and Christian Garcia will bolster the offensive line for a unit looking to build on a 23.6 points-per-game scoring average.
Schenk has certainly hit the ground running, and he’s already enjoying life in “friendly Kenly.”
“What a great community North Johnston has,” he said. “It’s great support. The parents are awesome, and the booster club is part of that. I'm pretty lucky. It’s an awesome community here.”
▸ North Johnston’s Kaleb Pone tries to turn the corner against Eastern Wayne last fall. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great
PRINCETON LOOKS TO PARLAY OFFENSIVE EXPERIENCE INTO GREATER SUCCESS IN 2024
By Randy Capps
PRINCETON — Last season could have gone either way for Princeton. A three-game skid left it at 3-3 overall as the calendar flipped to October, but the Bulldogs bounced back to win six of their last seven before bowing out in the third round of the playoffs.
“We went through a threegame slide last year,” head coach Travis Gaster said. “I think you had to go back seven years to find, combined, three regular season losses for us. So for a whole program, that was getting punched right in the mouth.
“Normally, panic can set in and people want to change. They just took it upon themselves to practice harder and to believe in the system and, and keep moving forward. So that was good for them. But hopefully this group has been through that, so hopefully we don't have
to go through it again.”
Any conversation about Princeton starts with its offense, particularly the running backs. When starter Kadyn Haire went down with an injury early in the season, Austin Lewallen was thrust from third string into a starting role.
All he did was rush for 2,643 yards and 29 touchdowns, surpassing all expectations — even his coach’s.
“He was a JV player for us going into the year,” Gaster said. “We lose Kadyn on the second play of the second game and we lose his backup two plays later. … Austin had played an entire JV game the night before. And we had to call on him to play four more quarters of football in the heat of the second week of the football season.
From then on, he just stepped up to the challenge and was ready to go and
kind of proved me wrong in his readiness. … He was an unbelievable force for us last year, breaking some tackles when we didn't block everything perfectly.”
Haire is recovering from his knee injury, and at press time, was hoping to be in the mix by the start of the season. He rushed for 487 yards and seven scores in 2022, and his availability might affect the lineup choices at the team’s “Fred,” or quarterback, position.
No matter how the Bulldogs line up, Treyson Holloman will be clearing the way as what can be best described as a blocking back, and his coach calls him, “a force to be reckoned with.”
Of course, the offensive line, led by Aydan Daughtry, who’s “poised to have a great year,” sets the tone for an offense that threw the
football a grand total of 18 times last season.
“We definitely don't set up the run by throwing it,” Gaster said. “So we know going into every ball game we're going to have to block. There's not many tricks.”
The staff is on the hunt for a center, which with every snap being from the shotgun, is a critical piece of the puzzle.
New faces will need to emerge on defense, particularly at linebacker, and on special teams. Not that anyone on the schedule will be concerned with the Bulldogs’ growth areas.
“The P on the side of your helmet doesn't mean that when you go out there, people are going to roll over for you,” Gaster said. “You know that you are the target and that's that. That just comes along with being successful.”
▸ Princeton’s Ethan Teasley celebrates a touchdown for the Bulldogs last fall. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ]
SMITHFIELDSELMA TURNS
TO ONE OF ITS OWN TO LEAD FOOTBALL PROGRAM
By Randy Capps
SMITHFIELD — To say that the last couple of years have been tumultuous for the SmithfieldSelma football program would be a bit of an understatement.
When Deron Donald left after the 2022 season to take the head coaching job at Garner, the Spartans were coming off a 9-2 record and one of the best seasons in recent memory.
Hancel Phipps stepped into the position and the Spartans finished 0-10 last season. He left, and George Coltharp was hired to replace him — only for him to decide to leave the post in May, just two months after being hired.
His legacy may turn out to be the defensive coordinator he hired to brought in.
Stanley Williams, a SmithfieldSelma graduate and former head coach at West Bladen, was promoted when Coltharp stepped down.
“I'm excited every day,” he said. “This is my dream job, and I love the fact that I get to help mold young men from the community that made me the man I am today.”
Considering his background as a defensive coordinator, and his own playing days as a defensive end, his philosophy isn’t surprising.
“Our team goal is to get two percent better every day,” he said. “(We want to play) 100 miles per hour and (get) all 11 hats to the ball”.
Williams is counting on a few key returners to reverse the Spartans’ recent fortunes.
Jamie Groves, a junior receiver and defensive back, is “very explosive with big play abilities,” while senior Danyaeul McCray “can take it to the house at anytime.”
Senior Julian Dobbins brings experience and “4.5 speed” to the backfield, while Bryson Hinton will be “the key to success on the offensive and defensive lines.”
Smithfield-Selma will look to get the Williams era off to a fast start when South Garner visits on Aug. 23.
▸ Smithfield-Selma’s defense rallies to the football in a game last season against West Johnston. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sport
[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ]
WEST JOHNSTON LOOKING TO TURN THE CORNER IN QUAD COUNTY 3A
By Randy Capps
In this space last fall, West Johnston coach Jermaine Harper talked about the need for the Wildcats to take the next step as a program.
The same is true one year later after West Johnston finished 5-5 and just on the wrong side of the 3A playoff bubble.
“As a program, we're still trying to get over that hump,” he said. “So our goal this year is to win at least six or more games, and position ourselves towards the top of our conference. The last few years we've been 5-5 or 4-5. So we're trying to take that next step to … becoming a playoff football team.”
The Wildcats relied on their defense last season, but with heavy graduation losses, new leaders will need to emerge there.
“We did lose our top seven tacklers,” Harper said. “We do
have a little bit of experience coming back in the secondary, so we’re going to lean on the secondary heavily. Defensive line-wise, we have a solid returner there in Nick Avery. We're just looking to get out theree and play physical. Be fast, play fast. Play a little bit of sound defense out there.”
Josiah Wells, in addition to being a starter at corner, will handle the quarterback duties. He saw limited action at the position last season, but was the team’s fourth-leading rusher with 199 yards and a score.
Eighty of the team’s 84 receptions were recorded by seniors last season, so junior varsity reinforcements will need to contribute in that area.
“We do have some younger guys transitioning up from our JV team to fill those other roles,” Harper said. “We had a good offseason, and we've been
2024 WEST JOHNSTON
FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE
8/23 ......... Harnett Central .............. 7 p.m.
8/30 ......... at Western Harnett ........ 7 p.m.
9/6 ............ at Cleveland .............. 7:30 p.m.
9/13 ....................................................... OPEN
*9/20 ....... at Fike ................................ 7 p.m.
*9/27 ....... Southern Wayne ............... 7 p.m.
*10/4 ....... at East Wake ..................... 7 p.m.
*10/11 ..... Smithfield-Selma ........... 7 p.m.
*10/18 ..... at C.B. Aycock ................... 7 p.m.
*10/25 ..... at Hunt .............................. 7 p.m.
*11/1 ....... South Johnston .............. 7 p.am.
* — QUAD COUNTY 3A CONFERENCE GAME
having a good summer. We look to continue to improve, get better and go out there and compete a little bit.”
A few players have taken on leadership roles, which always makes a coach’s job easier in terms of building a culture.
“This offseason we had quite a few guys step up,” Harper said. “We started a new leadership council to help kind of develop those guys and transition them into leaders. Michael Gaetani (39 tackles) has done a good job for us. … Jaden Hines, he's a returning offensive/defensive line guy for us. They’ve kind of stepped up in that leadership role for us pretty well this offseason.”
“We are relatively younger than we have been in the past, but with that youth comes energy. So we're bringing a little bit different energy for us and I'm excited to see what this group of guys are going to do.”
▸ West Johnston’s Tyion Washington looks for running room in last season’s game against Smithfield-Selma. Photo credit: Kai Jones/We Journal Great Sports
JCPS Principals complete Distinguished Leadership in Practice Program
Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools
SMITHFIELD — JCPS principals Lyndsey Dunn (McGee's Crossroads Elementary), Dr. Ryan Ewell (Cleveland Elementary) and LaShunda Faison (Smithfield Middle) recently completed the Distinguished Leadership in Practice Program (DLP).
The program is a year-long leadership development program for practicing school principals from all regions of the state. DLP is designed and provided by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principal’s Association and sponsored by the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development.
The DLP uses a nontraditional professional development model that is aligned to the performance evaluation standards adopted by the State Board
improve their schools. We are proud to include them in the ranks of successful DLP completers,” said Dr. Shirley Prince, NCPAPA Executive Director.
NCPAPA, in existence since 1976, is the preeminent organization and state voice for principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders. NCPAPA represents 5,000+ members from across the state, and serves as the state’s principal affiliate of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP.)
of Education for North Carolina’s school leaders. This unique cohort-based program is designed to limit principals’ time away from their schools by allowing them to attend face-to-face sessions once every other month while accessing online assignments, materials and coaching in between faceto-face sessions. Principals engage in a series of authentic activities throughout the year-long experience that are designed to build the capacity of their schools and their own capacity as “Distinguished” school leaders.
“The leadership of the school principal is by far one of the most important factors in school quality. By completing this very rigorous program, our DLP graduates have demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement by working to improve their leadership skills as they simultaneously
▸ (From left:) Smithfield Middle Principal LaShunda Faison, McGee’s Crossroads Elementary Principal Lyndsey Dunn and Cleveland Elementary Principal Dr. Ryan Ewell proudly stand with their plaques.
Clayton Chamber of Commerce, NOVO NORDISK host sustainability event
Submitted by Clayton Chamber of Commerce
CLAYTON — The Clayton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Novo Nordisk, hosted an event recently focused on scaling sustainability, growing business and doing more with less. The event featured presentations from Novo leaders and a small business approach, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability.
The event took place on the heels of Novo Nordisk's recent announcement of a $4.1 billion expansion, which will bring 1,000 new jobs to Clayton and Johnston County. This marks the largest life science investment in the history of North Carolina.
The event kicked off with a welcome from Dana Wooten, President CEO of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, followed by an introduction from Shaylah Nunn Jones, Director of Novo Nordisk North Carolina Public Affairs and Communications.
Novo Nordisk's commitment to sustainability was showcased through several key presentations:
Circular for Zero by Jeremy Keltner, EHS Sr. Manager, Novo Nordisk North Carolina API Symbiosis by Lisbeth Randers, Head of the Secretariat in Kalundborg Symbiosis Sustainability in Design – Considerations for Construction by Joy Forbes, Manager, EHS & Security, Novo Nordisk North Carolina FFEX and Julia Janaro, Director of Sustainable Design, Hanbury.
A local small business contributions to sustainability were also
highlighted, with Paul Auclair, Brewmaster at Deep River Brewing, discussing their sustainable brewing practices.
The event concluded with an exclusive tour of the Novo Nordisk API facility, led by Amy Bryson, Manager of Strategic Communications at Novo Nordisk North Carolina API.
“This event was a remarkable opportunity for our community to learn about the innovative sustainability efforts being undertaken by both large corporations like Novo Nordisk and local businesses,” said Wooten. “We are proud to support and promote such important initiatives that benefit both our environment and our community.”
For more information, please contact the Clayton Chamber of Commerce at 919-553-6352 or visit www.claytonchamber.com.
Department secretary named Ambassador of Month
Submitted by UNC Health Johnston
SMITHFIELD — UNC
Health Johnston has recognized Ginny Price, a secretary and monitor tech on the second floor of the Clayton hospital, as its Ambassador of the Month.
During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Price knows how to make things happen. “She is professional, positive, polite and engaging. During rounds, she listens to patients and families and tries to anticipate needs,” he said.
Price orders supplies for her floor, stays up to date on platforms and technology and is helpful with solving problems, he adds.
Before coming aboard five years ago, Price worked with a wholesale nursery for 18 years. When she began looking for a less physical job, a friend at the hospital recommended she consider being a monitor tech.
So Price took her advice, enrolled in a class at Johnston Community College and liked it. A short while after joining the department, she took on the additional role of secretary. “I love the variety of my work,” she said. “No two days are the same. And there’s always something to learn.”
Price says she enjoys patients, teammates, volunteers and physicians. “Our hospital is full of wonderful people who work here and come for treatment,” she said.
Price grew up on Cleveland School Road in rural
▸ Cutline: At center, CEO Tom Williams congratulates Ginny Price on being named UNC Health Johnston’s Ambassador of the Month. From left are: Ruth Marler, chief operating officer; Casey Nunnery, patient services manager at Clayton and Amy Hamby, vice president of patient care services. In addition to a parking sign and designated parking spot, Price will receive eight hours of paid time off.
Johnston County. She now lives at McGee’s Crossroads with her son, Mason, a recent high school graduate. In her spare time, she enjoys watching him compete in rodeos as a bull rider.
Through the ambassador program, UNC Health Johnston recognizes teammates who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer excellent service.
In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Price will receive eight hours of paid time off.
Mon.-Sat. 10-5 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m
Red Cross recommends steps to stay safe and cool as TEMPERATURES SOAR
Submitted by American Red Cross
RALEIGH — As extreme heat blankets many parts of the state, the American Red Cross is asking residents to take three steps to stay safe: slow down, stay hydrated and spend time indoors.
Heat is more than uncomfortable, it can be deadly, especially for older adults, the very young and those with chronic medical conditions.
Last year, some 2,300 heatrelated deaths occurred. To help stay safe, the Red Cross recommends that people take three steps:
Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day by scheduling tasks earlier or later. Hot cars can be deadly — never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.
Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or a public cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and do not have air conditioning to make sure they are safe.
Unusually hot days and heat waves are both a natural part of weather patterns, however,
since the 1960s, heat waves have become more frequent and intense and are lasting longer in the U.S. As the climate crisis worsens, 2023 was the hottest year on record, scientists warn that 2024 could break records for a second year in a row.
As heat waves become more common and last longer, heat-related deaths are also on the rise. Heat illness can be prevented, and the Red Cross recommends learning the warning signs and how to help so you can act fast.
Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and include heavy sweating with muscle pains or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water or a sports drink. Get medical help if symptoms last longer than an hour or if the person has heart problems.
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition signaled by heavy sweating; cool, pale and clammy skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; or a headache, dizziness or passing out. To help, move the person to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing, encourage them to sip water slowly. Use wet cloths,
misting or fanning to help cool them off. Get medical help right away if symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour, or if they begin vomiting or acting confused.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast or strong pulse; a headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion and passing out. Call 911 right away if you think someone may have heat stroke. After calling 911, move the person to a cool place, and use wet cloths, misting or fanning to help cool them off. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Heat can make anyone ill, but older adults, the very young, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions are more at risk. People who work outdoors, have limited personal resources and live in places that lack green spaces are also at higher risk.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-tofind language selector. Find both apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
Take the pledge, learn how to secure alcohol in your home, and request a free cabinet lock today!
johnstonsup.org/
Set clear guidelines about the expectations in your home. It’s never too early to start the conversation.
Talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking including the negative impact on the developing teenage brain.
When there is alcohol in the home, secure and monitor it.
Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home.
Make sure alcohol is not easily accessible by putting it in locked spaces.
The Johnston County Substance Use Prevention Coalition is a proud partner of the Poe Center for Health Education. www.poehealth.org “Funded in whole or in part by the SAMHSA Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant awarded to the NC DHHS DMH/DD/SAS # H79SP080986.
YOUNG AND UNDERRATED: HIGH SCHOOLERS' TALENT SHOULDN'T BE OVERLOOKED
By Jamie Strickland
While the focus of this issue of the magazine is on the skillful athletes on football fields across Johnston County, I’d like to take a moment to call your attention to another batch of extremely talented students, too. Our local performing arts programs are packed full of brilliant and capable kids.
Having a daughter who was a freshman in high school afforded me the opportunity to attend some of their plays and concerts over the past school year.
I admit, at first I moaned and groaned a bit about attending performances that she was not involved in. Everyone loves to see their own kid in a play or musical ensemble, but the idea of attending those school events to watch other kids was a bit less exciting.
That was, until I sat through two or three of them and was absolutely blown away by the level of talent exhibited.
When we heard that West Johnston High School was doing a full production musical of “Beauty and the Beast” and some of our neighborhood kids were in it, we reserved tickets right away. My daughter wanted to see her friends perform, and being her chauffeur, I figured I might as well stay for the show. My love for that particular Disney movie may have influenced my decision as well.
To say I was impressed would be a major understatement. I expected some cute song and dance with some local kids who were trying their best. I received a broadway caliber show with a full orchestra, amazing vocal talent, a beautiful set and costumes that looked expertly designed. Maybe I’m easily impressed, but I’m telling you, this
show was as good as some that I’ve seen at professional venues, and paid a whole lot more for tickets to see.
My middle school-aged son even enjoyed it, and if you’re familiar with pre-teen boys, you know that’s really saying something. Then, there was the Smithfield-Selma High School production of “Clue.”
Watching these teens deliver minuteslong monologues without stumbling over a single word was beyond impressive. The student actors were truly exceptional, wrapping the audience up in the nuance and humor of the classic play.
With a true love of singing and all things musical, my daughter joined both the chorus and the gospel choir at SmithfieldSelma last year. They hosted a talent show at the end of the school year to raise funds for the program, and had everything from instrumentals to vocals to dance to martial arts to monologues and more performed by students and a few teachers too.
Did you know that SSS has a jazz band and a drum line? And they’re good! Really good! My daughter stepped out of her comfort zone and sang a duet with another girl, which they also choreographed beautifully. It was a proud mom moment, for sure. By the end of the talent show when the gospel choir took the stage to wrap up the night, I am not exaggerating when I tell you those kids had some audience members in tears. They took us to church, plain and simple. There was power in their voices and in their message, and it resonated with all of us.
If hearing the words “high school play” brings to mind images of awkward teens, stuttering and trying not to forget their lines, let me assure you, that’s not what you’re going to find on a stage in Johnston County. Our schools are producing some outstanding performers, as well as athletes and artists and scholars who will one day proudly tell the world that they grew up in JoCo.
Grab some tickets to your local high school’s plays, concerts, exhibits or sporting events this fall. They’re inexpensive and the money will go to support these programs, giving even more students the chance to shine. Lets fill those seats and show these kids some extra support. Let them know their community is proud of them. I know I am.
▸ Photo Courtesy Johnston County Public Schools
The Clayton High School Chorus performs during the annual JCPS Showcase of Stars
Clayton High graduate receives Sam Narron Baseball Award
Clayton High, where he has become well-known for his skills and abilities in baseball. He will attend Guildford College in the fall, where he will continue his educational journey, majoring in psychology and playing baseball.
The award is named in honor of Sam Narron who was raised in the Emit community near Corinth Holders. In 1934, Narron, using most of the money he had, purchased a ticket to Hot Springs Arkansas to attend the first-ever baseball school.
Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools
SMITHFIELD — 2024 Clayton High graduate Dominic Pegues was awarded the prestigious Sam Narron Baseball Award recently. The award celebrates a Johnston County high school senior baseball player who demonstrated a love for the game through determination, dedication and sacrifice.
Pegues is the 28th recipient of the award, receiving a $500 scholarship and a recognition plaque. Additionally, his name will be placed on a plaque with past recipients, which hangs in the Evander S. Simpson Building in Smithfield.
Pegues is a standout student-athlete who excels academically and athletically. As a student, he was an active member of the National Honor Society, a Student
of the Month honoree, and an Outstanding Senior Award recipient to name a few. Athletically, Pegues is a star baseball player at
The award’s namesake played and coached professional baseball for the Saint Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was part of two World Series Championship teams in a career that spanned from 1936 to 1964.
Narron is a member of the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame.
Through a year long program you will learn healthy habits such as increasing physical activity, eating healthier, and reducing stress.
▸ 2024 Sam Narron Baseball Award recipient Dominic Pegues humbly the award from Richard “Rooster” Narron during the recognition event.
▸ From left: Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Auxiliary Services Dr. David Pearce, Director of Athletics & Driver Education Josh Plisko, Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy, Clayton High class of 2024 graduate Dominic Pegues, JCPS Hall of Fame inductee Sam Narron, Clayton High baseball coach Adam Morrison and Area Superintendent of High School Roderic Brewington gather for a photo at the presentation of the Sam Narron Award to Pegues.
CALENDAR of events
Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at www.JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com. For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit www.JohnstonNow.com
Friday, Aug. 2, 8 a.m.
⋆ Good Morning Clayton
→ Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Main St., Clayton
Start your morning off in Clayton by networking, sharing your business news, giving your 30-second pitch to a packed room and leaving with new contacts and deeper relationships with peers in the Clayton community. Hosted by Next Level Electric.
Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m.
⋆ Webinar: Managing Your Google My Business Profile Whether your business is online or offline, it is important to make sure your customers can find you online and learn more information about your business. In this webinar with JNOW Media’s Shanna Capps, you will learn how to set up, verify and manage your Business Profile on Google. To register, visit www.ncsbc.net/reg. aspx?mode=event&event= 280440029.
Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m
⋆ Bad Decisions Band in concert
→ Hinnant Family Vineyards
Visit www.facebook.com/ events/744361411103437 for more details on this event.
Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 a.m.
⋆ River Rat Regatta
→ Neuse River Boat Ramp Interested in participating in this cardboard boat race down the Neuse River? You can find the rules at www. smithfield-nc.com or at the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatic Center or by calling 919-934-2148.
Thursday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m.
⋆ Downtown Clayton Concert Series: Carolina Pine & Amy Jae
The third show of the 2024 Downtown Clayton Concert Series, feature’s Clayton’s own Kennedy Fitzsimmons in her duo, Carolina Pine. Benson’s Amy Jae is the opening act. Plan to spend this evening in Downtown Clayton with the shopping and dining.
Thursday, Aug. 15, 5 p.m.
⋆ KS Bank Business After Hours
KS Bank will be hosting a Business After Hours event at its Clayton branch.
Thursday, Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Rockin’ On Raiford Concert Series
Check out The Main Event Band, as the
latest act in the Rockin’ On Raiford Concert Series. Need more information? Call Jeff Hamilton at 919-795-1568.
Saturday, Aug 17, 9 a.m.
⋆ Flower Block Quilting Class
→ Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly
Mollie Renfrow will be providing a flower block quilting class once monthly, guiding attendees each class through a quilt block featuring a heritage flower based off of a historic original. At the end of class the blocks will be joined to make the completed quilt! Pre-registration is required. Please visit www. tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org for a complete schedule and to find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.
⋆ Henry Cho: From Here to There Tour
→ The Clayton Center Stand-up comedian Henry Cho is notable for being one of the only Asian acts to appear regularly on the Grand Ole Opry. Ticket information is available at: theclaytoncenter.com/ calendar.aspx?EID=1656.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.
⋆ Colonial Faire
→ Camp Flintlock, Four Oaks Come out and celebrate American history and heritage. The event is open to the public. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations, including learning to write with a feather quill, making an authentic Native American
style necklace, throwing a tomahawk, dressing in colonial clothing and enlisting in the militia. For more information, visit www. campflintlock.com.
August 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
⋆ 2024 Southern Outdoor Classic
→ The Farm at 95, Selma Check out the 2024 Southern Outdoor Classic presented by Springhill Outfitters and East Coast Waterfowl. There will be vendors, both indoors and outdoors, showcasing all of the latest outdoor equipment and gear. Other fun stuff includes food trucks, shotgun demos, retriever demos and more. For more, visit www.facebook.com/ events/420800407289248.
Friday, Aug. 30, 6 p.m.
⋆ Last Friday in Clayton Louie & Co’s ice cream food truck will be serving up free ice cream. There will also be jewelry popups, market bag deals and more!.Learn more at www.facebook.com/ events/1255748972053879.
RECURRING EVENTS
Wilson's Mills Farmers Market
Homegrown vegetables, handmade crafts and household items, fresh baked goods, and more! This event
occurs every first and third Saturday now through the end of October!
Contact: www.wilsonsmillsnc. org/parks-events
NAMI Support Groups and Classes
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County. Contact: www.namijcnc.net, email namijcnc@gmail.com or call 919-980-5277.
Every Wednesday,6 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield-Selma Running Club
→ The Vault by Hatchet Brewing, Selma
Contact: smithfieldrunningclub@ gmail.com.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.
⋆ Cleveland School Rotary Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Garner
Contact: www. clevelandschoolrotary.org
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.
⋆ Smithfield Ukelele Group.
→ First Presbyterian Church, 215 S. 3rd St., 2nd Floor
Come join the fun in this ukulele/guitar/dulcimer group. Contact: 919-634-4800
Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield
Contact: www. facebook.com/ KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC
Every Wednesday, 9 a.m.
⋆ Activate Selma
The meeting location rotates around different locations in Selma each week. Follow on Facebook to see this week's location. Contact: www. activateselmanc.com.
Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.
⋆ Trivia Party
→ Clayton Center for Active Aging
Contact: 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919-553-4350.
First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Lions Club
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield Contact: Karen Brown, 919934-2555.
First and third Thursdays, 6:45 p.m.
⋆ Clayton Civitan Club meeting
→ Clayton Civitan Building, McCullers St., Clayton Contact: 919-550-0694
First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting
→ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Contact: Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com.
First Tuesday, Noon
⋆ Clayton Visual Arts meeting
→ The Clayton Center Contact: www. claytonvisualarts.org or email CVA president Bronwen Fullington at bronwen.fullington@gmail. com.
Second Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ PACT meeting
→ Virtual Meeting via Google Meet
Contact: Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.
Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.
⋆ Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield Contact: jimnow42@gmail.com.
Second Wednesday, noon
⋆ The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting
→ TWCC building, Church St., Clayton Contact: twccnc.org or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.
Second Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Triangle East Writers Contact: Cindy Brookshire at jocowriters@gmail.com.
Every other Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Kiwanis Club of Clayton Virtual meeting Contact: www. facebook.com/ ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.
Third Monday, 7 p.m.
⋆ Vietnam Veterans of America
→ Smithfield American Legion Post 132
The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting
→ Johnston County Ag Center Contact: www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@ jocobee.org.
Third Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.
⋆ Widowed Persons Fellowship Group
→ Parkside Cafe, Pine Level Contact: 919-965-3865
Third Tuesday
⋆ Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting
→ 1302 W. Market St., Smithfield
Contact: AACJCDP.chair@ gmail.com or call 954-696-7833.
Third Thursday
⋆ Johnston County Republican Women Contact: jcrwrocks@gmail. com.
Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m .
⋆ Disa bled American Veterans meeting
→ Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road
Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
⋆ Clayton R otary Morning Club
→ Rainbow Lan es Contact: www. claytonrotaryclub.org.
Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.
⋆ Clayton Area Toastmasters meeti ngs
→ JCC Wor kforce Development Center Contact: www.claytontm.com.
First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Four Oaks American Legion meeting
→ American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Fou r Oaks
All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Caring He arts Civitan Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Shotwell Roa d, Clayton Contact: grahamhound1966@ gmail.com.
