Local volunteers were recognized for their important role in the fight against hunger
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Last week, the Feed Our Hungry Children Backpack Ministry held a special ceremony at Wallace Methodist Church to celebrate a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that children from food-insecure homes in Duplin County don’t go hungry.
Connie Perkins, co-director of the backpack ministry, spoke about the collaborative effort that goes behind the scenes and recognized the various teams involved. Volunteers handle the logistics including shopping, packing and delivering the backpacks, while school social workers let them know how many backpacks are needed at the schools and discreetly distribute them to protect student privacy.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the state. In Duplin County, nearly one in four children live in food-insecure households.
“Over the years, I have seen the need from children that come to school without adequate food,” the retired schoolteacher told Duplin Journal. She explained that those who work closely with vulnerable populations—especially in schools—witness the effects of food insecurity daily.
“In Duplin County, 23% of the children under the age of 18 live in food-insecure homes,” said Perkins, explaining that school children from these households struggle to learn, concentrate and stay healthy. Additionally, these children are often absent from school more frequently, which adversely impacts their learning ability.
Feed Our Hungry Children transitioned to a backpack ministry in 2009. Initially, the organization helped pay for school meals for children who didn’t qualify for free or reduced lunches but still faced hunger during the nine months of the school year. Recognizing a growing need over the week-
“In Duplin County, 23% of the children under the age of 18 live in food-insecure homes.”
Connie Perkins, Feed Our Hungry Children Backpack Ministry co-director
ends, they began distributing backpacks filled with food on Fridays to help children who might otherwise go hungry.
The program has grown significantly—from distributing 25 backpacks weekly across five elementary and middle schools to now providing 266 bags per week, along with 15 additional backpacks for Wallace Rose Hill High School once a month. Their reach extends into the summer, with 900 backpacks distributed last
summer alone. In total, last year, between school months and the summer, the backpack ministry distributed 7,086 backpacks in Duplin County.
Perkins also highlighted the ministry’s partnerships with churches and civic groups, noting that the program’s effectiveness relies on a dedicated network of supporters and volunteers.
“They are everything to the ministry. They’re the ones that make the ministry a success,”
Perkins told Duplin Journal, expressing deep gratitude for the volunteers and crediting them as the backbone of the operation. She also stressed the importance of continued support from donors, grants and community partners who give back to the community and help provide for the students who need nutritional assistance. “We have donations from supporting churches and businesses, social groups, civic organizations, individuals, and then we do apply for grants, and we have been very fortunate that we have received substantial grant funding,” said Perkins. “The program is a little bit fluid in that if a school needs to add more students during the course of the year,
we make a way to do that. We have some very generous individuals, particularly our churches in the area.”
Ultimately, Perkins shared that they also hoped to increase awareness among community leaders, pastors and local organizations about the impact of the program and its ongoing need for support.
Perkins shared that while volunteers do not interact directly with students because of confidentiality, feedback from social workers and school staff highlights the program’s profound impact.
“We do hear how important it is and what a blessing it is to the students that we serve. They are very appreciative of what is done for their students,” she said.
East Duplin senior named Morehead-Cain Scholar
The Beulaville student will pursue biomedical engineering and physics
Duplin Journal staff
ROBERT DANIEL JONES, a senior at East Duplin High School in Beulaville, is one of the 75 scholars selected by the Morehead-Cain Foundation for the Class of 2029, who will begin their undergraduate journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.
“These scholars were selected for their intellect and moral force of character, and we recognize their potential to lead
lives of purpose and impact.
In joining Morehead-Cain, they embrace a lifelong commitment to strengthening our University, state, nation and world,” said Chris Bradford, president of the Morehead-Cain Foundation, noting that the program is not just a scholarship but a call to action aimed at empowering students.
Students from 22 North Carolina counties, 19 U.S. states and territories and six countries made it through a rigorous six-month selection process that included applications, interviews, and evaluations by alumni and staff.
Established 80 years ago,
the Morehead-Cain Program is the oldest merit scholarship in the United States. Scholars are selected based on their intellect, leadership, character and commitment to service.
Jones is the son of Erica and Robert Jones of Pink Hill. Distinguished by academic excellence and leadership, Jones serves as president of the Technology Student Association, ambassador for the Health Sciences Academy and secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His involvement also extends to several honor societies and student organizations, including HOSA–Future Health Professionals, Student Government Association, Na-
tional Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. He is also a highly accomplished competitor in the BETA Club at both state and national levels.
Demonstrating a spirit of entrepreneurship, Jones founded “Daniel Jones Swimming,” through which he taught hundreds of children water safety. He also pioneered free summer camps for children with autism and other special needs. He is also a multisport varsity athlete and participates in soccer, basketball, golf and tennis.
The accomplished senior plans to pursue biomedical engineering and biological physics at UNC–Chapel Hill.
Robert Daniel Jones
K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
The Feed Our Hungry Children Backpack Ministry held a special ceremony at Wallace Methodist Church on April 30 to honor a dedicated group of volunteers who dedicate their time year after year to help fight food insecurity among Duplin children.
These volunteers, from left to right on the front row, are Susan Walters, Steph Curry, Sherry Hudson, Pam Resseguie, Margaret Newkirk, Nelda Croom and Dan Sellers. On the back row, from left to right, are Tom Perkins, Jim Perry, Chuck Curry, Paul Izzo and Pen Croom are on the back row.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Inside the wildest battle for the White House
THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL race had no shortage of surprises. But the most remarkable part might be what author Jonathan Allen called “the most epic comeback in American political history.”
Allen and his co-author Amie Parnes joined me recently on my podcast, Newt’s World, to talk about their new book, “FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House.” It’s an amazing, behind-the-scenes account of how a race that started as a rematch between two political veterans turned into one of the most dramatic elections in American history.
As Allen told me, the moment everything changed was the first debate. Incumbent President Joe Biden visibly struggled to stay coherent, and it became painfully clear to the American people that something was wrong.
“You just couldn’t unsee it,” he said. From that moment on, the campaign spiraled in a completely new direction. What stunned me — and I think will surprise a lot of readers — is that Biden only did 45 minutes of debate prep. He held no serious rehearsals or mock debates.
His team thought an early debate would help reset the race. Instead, it ended his campaign.
Behind the scenes, Democratic leaders such as Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama began quietly working to get Biden to step aside without tearing the party apart. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris and her team were scrambling to lock in support before anyone else could jump in the race. Within days, Harris was suddenly the nominee.
But as Parnes explained, Harris walked into a political trap. She was publicly tied to Biden by his insistence that there was “no daylight” between them. So, she was unable to be the change candidate voters clearly wanted.
While Democrats were managing internal chaos, Donald Trump was doing what he does best. He was grabbing attention and connecting with everyday Americans. Whether it was passing out McDonald’s french fries or showing up at an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight, he showed voters he was still in touch with real life. This time, there was more discipline. He stuck to his message, took advice from his team and avoided many of
What does Russia want?
RUSSIA’S WAR to conquer Ukraine has been raging since February 2022.
At first, the Russian offensive seemed fated for success: Russian troops came within a few kilometers of Kyiv, and Western powers offered President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exit from the country. Zelenskyy refused; Ukrainian forces proceeded to hold off and reverse the Russian offensive. Within a few weeks, the battle lines solidified, with Russia continuing to hold much of the territory in the East and Crimea they had held since 2014. The only potential solution was the obvious solution: an armistice essentially freezing the lines of conflict and security guarantees to Ukraine sufficient to deter another Russian attack.
But no solution could be found. Russia demonstrated little interest, after mid-2022, in any negotiated end to the war.
President Donald Trump came into office pledging to end the war — a war that has cost Ukrainians at least 50,000 dead and the Russians as many as 200,000 dead.
To that end, he pressured Zelenskyy to come to the table. Zelenskyy eventually did, offering an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thus far refused any such ceasefire — presumably because he hopes that the Trump administration will pull its support from Ukraine, thereby leaving the country vulnerable to a final Russian offensive.
And herein lies the problem for Trump. He knows — as everyone knows — that the only off-ramp for the war lies in a
Korean War-style armistice. But Russia still refuses to come to the table, no matter the pleading and cajoling of special envoy Steve Witkoff, whose negotiating style seems to be warmly embracing various anti-American dictators, speaking kindly about them in public and then hoping they will give him what he seeks.
In order to reach an end to the war, therefore, the Trump administration ought to fully consider just what Russia wants at this point. And the answer happens to be surprisingly simple: Russia wants either Ukraine conquered or a puppet government in place or a clear pathway to conquering Ukraine in the future.
We know this because Russia repeatedly says it.
Alexander Dugin, a philosopher and geopolitics expert known colloquially as “Putin’s brain,” spelled all of this out in his magnum opus, “Foundations of Geopolitics” (1997) — a book that was apparently used as a textbook at the General Staff Academy. For Dugin, the Russian spirit can only be animated by imperial dreams; regional power alone would be “tantamount to suicide for the Russian nation.”
The antithesis of the Russian spirit is “‘the West’ as a whole.” And Ukraine — an independent country that should be suffused with that “Russian spirit” but that wants to orient toward the West — represents a stinging rebuke to the Russian identity as a whole. Thus, Dugin argues, Ukraine must rejoin Russia or forever be condemned to a “puppet existence and geopolitical service” to the West.
the mistakes that were made in 2020.
As Allen mentioned on the podcast, Trump’s comeback wasn’t just surprising — it was historic. After two impeachments, criminal trials, and even an assassination attempt, Trump didn’t just survive — he won. He defeated Biden and then Harris. In doing so, he reshaped the political landscape for a second time in his relatively short political career.
Parnes also shared something that stuck with me. She recalled a moment when one of Trump’s closest aides broke down and said, “If they can’t stop him legally, someone might try to kill him.” That tells you just how tense and emotionally charged this election really was behind the scenes. Allen and Parnes know the full story of a once-in-a-lifetime election that upended the political world and remade American history. Their book, “FIGHT,” is packed with insight, detail, and scenes that will stick with you.
If you haven’t already, it is well worth reading.
Newt Gingrich was Republican speaker of the House.
Ukraine’s continued existence as a sovereign state, Dugin argues, “is tantamount to a monstrous blow to Russia’s geopolitical security, tantamount to an invasion of its territory.” Now, during the war, Dugin writes, “We must win the war in Ukraine, liberate the entire territory of this former country from the Nazi regime. Regardless of Trump’s victory or anything else, this imperative remains unchanged. Just as the ancient Roman consul Cato the Elder used to say, ‘Carthage must be destroyed,’ in our case, ‘Kiev must be taken.’”
So if the true Russian goal is the destruction or subjugation of Ukraine, how could Russia be brought to the table? Only through the “peace through strength” policy Trump pursued during his first term. Only a Russia that believes that the West will refuse to surrender Ukraine will be pressured into an armistice.
Trump seems ready to consider that possibility; he’s now acknowledging publicly that Putin seems to be slow-playing him. But the answer won’t be more sanctions. It will be a recognition that Ukraine’s sovereignty can only be guaranteed by force of arms — and that an off-ramp can only be achieved by a guarantee of that sovereignty.
Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.
COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH
Biden only did 45 minutes of debate prep.
Russia wants either Ukraine conquered or a puppet government in place.
Duplin County celebrates Older Americans Month with Senior Fun Day
The event featured games, prizes and music, as well as health and education
By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Duplin County Senior Services kicked off Older Americans Month (OAM) last Thursday with a Senior Fun Day celebration at the Events Center in Kenansville. Over 200 seniors were present to take part in the day’s various activities included cake walks, door prizes, a shred-a-thon and more in addition to invaluable health and education resources.
“This is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of our older adults, those who have shaped our history, our communities and our lives,” said David Rosado, director of the EasternCarolinaCouncil Area Agency on Aging, encouraging those seniors present to stay active and engaged as they age and seize the opportunities for purpose, exploration and connection that come with getting older.
Rosado explained that OAM’s 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on shifting societal perceptions associated with aging while challenging stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions.
Wild Hearts DJ & Karaoke transformed the Duplin County Events Center auditorium into a dance floor for Senior Fun Day with high-energy jams and shag-worthy beach songs that set the stage for the Duplin Sparklers to shine. Lunch was provided by Diamond Food Enterprises Catering, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and featured pulled pork BBQ, roasted red potatoes, coleslaw, buttered rolls, pecan pie and a variety of beverage options for celebrants to select from.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC also provided vouchers for Ripe for Revival’s Mobile Market, a Rocky Mount-based nonprofit that provides fresh local food on a pay-what-you-can basis to communities throughout the state.
“It’s essentially like a mobile grocery store. They’ve got eggs, produce, meats, all kinds of things — and most of it is grown right here in eastern North Carolina,” explained Logan Smith Albertson, senior regional liaison for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. “It’s fully paywhat-you-can, but today Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Car-
them,” said Barwick. “Among other requirements to attain this insurance coverage, the North Carolina Department of Insurance requires fire departments to maintain a minimum of 15 members per primary fire station and an additional four members for each substation established.”
County Manager Brian Miller told Duplin Journal that after meeting with Barwick to discuss solutions they decided to host a community event to get the public involved.
“What those folks really
“Older Americans need to be celebrated for their unbound wisdom and knowledge.”
David Rosado
olina, to combat food insecurity, sponsored $10 vouchers for 200 seniors. That way, they can take fresh produce home with them”
Resource representatives and partner organizations from across the county were present to provide Duplin’s seniors with valuable information and services, including health screening and senior education. Among those in attendance were the Duplin County Health Department, ECU Health Duplin, James Sprunt Community College, Trillium Health Resources/One Community, Duplin County Social Services, Duplin County Public Transportation, HearingLife and Pro Shred Security. Regina Johnson with North Carolina Department of Justice was also present to provide valuable insight as to how seniors could protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams and frauds targeting older Americans.
A.J. Connors, Duplin Coun-
need is more volunteers. Without the volunteers, it’s hard for them to provide the service,” said Miller.
Most fire departments in Duplin effectively function through volunteer service. Barwick shared that this reliance on volunteers helps keep costs down for taxpayers. Still, volunteers receive the same state-recognized certifications as paid firefighters.
“Not only does this better train you as a volunteer firefighter, but it can also prepare you and likely help you be a step ahead of others seeking a career at a public safety organization,”
ty’s Senior Tarheel Delegate and Mayor of Warsaw, expressed the importance of OAM events and celebrations to the continued health and happiness of the county’s older population.
Melisa Brown, director of Duplin County Senior Serivces, thanked senior celebrants for the survey feedback that informed this year’s event. She also shared her excitement for Duplin County’s new Senior Services building and encouraged those present to attend its open house on May 21. “Last year we were dreaming about it — now we are in it!”
“It was a great event. I love hearing the laughter and the sweet compliments that reflect on the entire team. Special thanks to everyone — together, we make a positive difference in Duplin County,” said Brown.
OAM was started in 1963 as “Senior Citizens Month” by President John F. Kennedy at a time when few programs fo-
Barwick explained. “Many employers of all types recognize the time and dedication it takes to be a volunteer firefighter and know that their work ethic, integrity and teamwork attitude will undoubtedly spill into any profession they choose.”
For Barwick, the most meaningful part of serving is the opportunity to make a difference during critical moments.
“When someone calls for our services, they are likely having one of the worst days of their life, and in our small communities, it is likely a neighbor, friend, or family member. To be able to positively impact
cused on the 17 million Americans over 65 — and when 30% of those seniors lived in poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year estimates, Americans over 65 now number nearly 56 million. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates poverty rates for those 65 and older at 10.2%. Without benefits like Social Security, the percentage rises to 38.7%.
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) oversees many programs funded through the Older Americans Act, including Meals on Wheels, adult day, area agencies on aging, respite care, and falls and elder abuse prevention, and has led the nation in observance of Older American’s Month each May since its establishment in 2012. Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14210, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a large-scale reorganization on March 27, 2025 that will dissolve the ACL and integrate its programs into other agencies within the department. According to the HHS press release, the reorganization is not expected to impact Medicaid or Medicare services.
that situation and help a fellow person and their family in a time of need, to limit their suffering, is why we should all consider answering the call.”
Persons interested in volunteering may contact their local fire department. To learn more about opportunities to serve your community, visit the Duplin Events Center on May 31 at noon. EMS Community Day will not only have available opportunities but also will feature first aid instruction, touch-a-truck exhibits, hands - on activities for children, vendors, and entertainment for the whole family.
JSCC Small Business Center Seminars offered for May
Kenansville
James Sprunt Community College has released the May seminar calendar for its Small Business Center, which will include sixteen separate opportunities for prospective entrepreneurs to brush up on their business acumen over the course of the month. May’s calendar includes seminars on the use of AI images for marketing purposes, best practices for event marketing, how to start a small business on a limited budget, start-up loans, mobile food businesses and advanced courses on market longevity. Online registration carries no cost. For more information, contact Joy Wynne at 910 - 659-6008 or jwynne@ jamessprunt.edu
Goshen Medical Center to host Health Event in June Beulaville
Goshen Medical Center will be hosting a Health event titled ‘Know your Number?’ at the Kingdom Partnership Christian Center in Beulaville on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature Goshen’s mobile medical unit, which provides accessible medical services for individuals and families who may not regularly visit a provider. Health services provided include: Primary Care and preventative health services, insurance visits (Medicare and Medicaid), diabetes, men’s health services, women’s health services (Pap smear), vaccinations (flu, COVID-19), injury triage and acute care (minor injuries), weight loss and health education and community wellness. The event aims to reduce barriers to care and support healthier communities through accessible and affordable health care solutions. To preregister or request more information, call 910-935-1404 or email mowens@goshenmed.com
Register of Deeds shares April assumed business names
Duplin County Seven assumed business names were recorded in the Duplin County Register of Deeds office for the month ending April 30. The new recorded assumed business names are as follows: Superior Property Management LLC, Drew Henderson/Ethan Davis; Tortilleria Antojitos y mas, Norma Iris Bueso Torres/ Norma Bueso; Hounds & Halos, Holly Eubanks; LT Photography, Amber Thigpen; JNL Remodeling, Danys Nahun Lopez Lopez; ABA Trucking, Carlos Maldonado; Pro Metel Roofing LLC, Sergio Zuniga Gonzalez.
K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
The Ripe for Revival Mobile Market provided fresh local produce to seniors at Thursday’s Older Americans celebration courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC.
Carolina Strawberry Festival
LAST WEEKEND, The Carolina Strawberry Festival brought excitement and a little drama to downtown Wallace, drawing large crowds for two days of fun and entertainment. Friday night featured carnival rides, food vendors and performances by Carl Newton’s Review and the Band of Oz. Saturday offered attractions like Ed’s Dinosaurs and the strawberry pageant,
among many others, wrapping up with dancing to Chocolate Chip & Company and The Embers. A minor altercation involving some young attendees caused Saturday night’s concert to end earlier than planned. There were rumors someone might have had a gun, but according to Police Chief Jimmy Crayton, no threats or evidence were found, and no charges were filed.
East Duplin has gone 49-8 the previous two seasons with Cave as its leader. Longtime Panther coach has gone through the worst drought of his tenure two seasons (14-32) before she arrived on campus.
She was the difference this winter when East Duplin ousted Southwest Onlow from the stop of the ECC. The Panthers finished second to the Stallions the previous three seasons. ED captured four straight league titles (2018-2021).
Adjusting to the loss of teammates
Yet Cave’s biggest accomplishment this fall was running the team after the Panthers lost its best pure shooter, junior guard Zakoya Farrior, and a good swing player, sophomore Ava Noble, to ACL surgery. Cave continued to play the game with the same zeal, perhaps more, picking up other areas of her play.
She averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals as the Panthers went 25-3 overall and were 12-0 in league play.
Cave shot 38% (104 of 271) from 2-point range, 71% (6592) from the free-throw line and 25% beyond the 3-point arc.
She kept new starter Carrie Carr on track and worked with defensive whiz Makya Kornegay and Ja’Myah Pickett, the Panthers’ first option in the low post area. And for that matter Cave helped players such as Zoe Cavanaugh, Andraia Scarborough and Cierra Pickett become contributing players.
ED has top player for seventh time in 11 years
The Panthers have dominated the honor, taking it home seven times since 2015 when Jonisha Jones nabbed the crown. Cave, who also plays softball and volleyball, beat out teammate Pickett and North Duplin
post Tateyawna Faison and Rebel point guard Addy Higginbotham for the award.
No player has won it three times. Cave can be the first four-time winner if she stays the course in Beulaville and have an honor no player in Duplin can ever top.
Simply put, Cave did what was needed on a nightly basis — score, rebound, set up teammates — to send the Panthers to a 25-3 mark.
She averaged nearly 16 points in her final eight games.
She had 11 games of at least nine points and nine times had four or more assists.
Cave’s 17 markers, eight boards and four assists were vital in the Panthers’ 56=45 triumph over Kinston, which went 21-1. She dropped 11 points and had three boards and three assists when ED whipped 3A Jacksonville (18 -7) in the second game of the season. The win gave the Panthers confidence en route to their second-straight trip to the fourth round of the 2A playoffs.
outscoring them by an average score of 50-29.
Lane (310-124) led the Panthers (25-3) to their ninth 20-w in season and sixth conference title since taking over in 2009.
It was the second-most wins (20019 team was 26-2) and could have been a record-setter if weather did not cancel the ECC Tournament.
Lane faced adversity when he lost shooting guard Zakoya Farrior and swing player Ava Noble to ACL injuries before starting the league slate.
The Panthers lost their opener to 3A CB Aycock but won nine straight, including wins over 3A Jacksonville and two romps over 1A power ND, which went 24-5 and existed in the fourth round. They also whacked 26-win East Bladen, which went to the 1A finals.
East Duplin was clearly not the same team without the many things Farrior and Noble did for the Panthers.
While showing some signs of struggle, Lane reorganized the Panther lineup, moving 6-foot Carrie Carr from sixth-man role to starter and the senior responded with productive points, rebounds and energy.
Lane encouraged senior guard Mayka Kornegay to become a defensive monster and gave underclassmen Andraia Scarborough, Zoe Cavanaugh and Anamarie Rodriguez extended court time, while also maximizing the work of seniors Cierra Pickett and Ra’ziaha Hall.
The Panthers lost to 4A New Hanover on Dec. 30 and then won 16 in a row.
The first two rounds of the playoff had a familiar tone as ED whipped SWO and WRH for the third time. The triple thump against the Stallions was the opposite of last season. ED lost 53-32 to Seaforth in the fourth round. Next winter, 4As ED, SWO and Clinton will join 3As Trask, Pender and South Lenoir in the new ECC as the NCHSAA morphs from four to eight classifications and conferences are in the first year of a new realignment. It’s a league the Panthers will
no doubt dominate, even though no one knows who will and will not be on the court in Beulaville amid serious injuries and other factors.
ED had a impressive season by any measure, including the ones posted for the previous 16 seasons. While the late Jerry Hunter (508 wins and the school’s first state title) is getting inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame on Aug. 16 in Cary, the Panthers’ hoop fortunes have been carried on by Lane for the better part of two decades.
Jordan Hall
East Duplin, track and field
Jordan Hall had a great football career at East Duplin and put a crowning achievement on his ledger last week after being named Men’s Athlete of the Year at the ECC Track and Field championships at Kinston High School.
The Panther senior won the triple jump with a 43‑foot, 1 inch leap, and was second in the long jump (19 9).
The NCHSAA East Region championships are Friday in Kinston. The class championships are the following weekend.
LANE from page B1
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL East Duplin’s Mark Lane has a 310-124 record in 17 seasons.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Kinsey Cave has led East Duplin to a 49-8 mark the past two seasons.
Terrific Kids recognized at Harrells Christian Academy
Harrells Christian Academy celebrated its fourth nine-week period “Terrific Kids” on April 24. Teachers nominated students who consistently demonstrated responsibility, respect and caring behavior. While all of the HCA Lower School students are full of curiosity, energy and determination in the classroom, these 12 students particularly stood out to their teachers: (Back Row) Macy Evans, Emrick Henderson, Greyson Sholar, Tessa Hodge, Kate Hall and Cates Sutton. (Front Row) Ella Barefoot, Brian Robinson, Katie Jo Capps, Miller Cumbo, Ezra Davis and Wyatt Coombs.
Duplin insurance agent honored as one of NC’s Top 75
Doug Ladd, with North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance, recently presented Adam Parker, a Duplin County agent, with a special recognition at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Chosen from nearly 900 agents statewide, Parker was honored as one of the Top 75 Agents for 2024.
PHOTO COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE
