Pictured l-r-Ann Cobb Warren, vice president of the ECC Foundation Board; Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director; Anna Kate White, donor and community engagement coordinator; Tyler Wooten, president of Wooten Foods; and Dr. Greg McLeod, president of 91ӣ����Ƶ

A partnership between the 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation and Jersey Mike’s in Tarboro raised $3,400 to support students.

The fundraiser, held May 5–7, featured ECC coupons that allowed customers to purchase a regular sub for just $5. Jersey Mike’s donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the ECC Foundation.

“We are grateful to Jersey Mike’s and to the faculty, staff, students and community members who purchased coupons,” Kenan-Norman said. “Their support allows the Foundation to direct all proceeds toward scholarships, internships, mission trips, emergency assistance and other programs and initiatives that benefit our students.”

For more information on how you can support students at 91ӣ����Ƶ, visit edgecombe.edu/give.

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Pictured are siblings Trishonda Roberson (center), Hanks M. Roberson (back) and Latasha Roberson Manley (right)

Trishonda Roberson remembers her father, the late Hanks Roberson, as a man who never hesitated to help others. A self-taught and highly respected mechanic, he built a reputation not only for his skill but for his generosity.

“We saw our dad work hard,” Trishonda recalls. “He worked on cars for people who couldn’t afford to pay him. He was always about helping, about community, and about making sure people learned the trade.”

That care inspired Trishonda, her mother Gladys and her siblings to establish the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship at 91ӣ����Ƶ. Their $500 gift will support a full-time student in the Automotive Systems Technology program. (The family plans to increase this amount at a later date). Applicants will submit a one-page essay describing their passion for automotive work, why they chose the field, and how the scholarship will shape their future.

“My dad always wanted to teach others the trades,” Trishonda says. “This scholarship is a way to support someone who shares that same interest.”

The family chose ECC not only because of its strong automotive program, but also because of Trishonda’s personal connection to the college. A Rocky Mount native, she completed several health sciences programs at ECC, including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse and registered nursing.

“I wanted this scholarship at the school that shaped so much of my career,” she explains. “It was an easy decision.”

Today, Trishonda serves as a staff pastor at Word Tabernacle overseeing the Center of Community Transformation and Outreach. She also leads SHE Empowers, a nonprofit focused on the spiritual and emotional development of women and supporting women entrepreneurs. Reflecting her passion for women’s empowerment, she hopes the scholarship will encourage more women to enter the automotive field.

“A lot of my work centers on empowering women,” she says. “We see many men in auto mechanics, but not nearly as many women.”

For more information about the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships, or call (252) 618-6526. Males are encouraged to apply as well.

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The Rocky Mount Rotary Club is gearing up for the annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, May 16, 2026 — and we need YOUR help to make one of the biggest community events in Eastern North Carolina happen!

It takes nearly 200 volunteers to pull off this incredible Rocky Mount community fundraiser that helps provide scholarships for students attending Nash Community College, 91ӣ����Ƶ and NC Wesleyan University. Race day would NOT happen without our amazing volunteers!

We are currently looking for help with:

1. Course Marshals
2. Registration & Check-In
3. Water Stations
4. Obstacle Assistance
5. Event Set-Up & Breakdown Crews

It’s all happening at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Whether you’re a student needing volunteer hours, a local business wanting to give back, a civic group, church group, sports team or just someone who loves supporting the Rocky Mount community — we would LOVE to have you join us!

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(l-r) Laura Brown Evans, Araminta Burns, Tameka Kenan-Norman

Laura Brown Evans, Small Business Center director; Araminta Burns, administrative assistant II; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement, joined more than 200 professionals at the Women’s Leadership Conference in Rocky Mount, organized by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Held March 19 at the Rocky Mount Event Center, the conference featured keynote speaker Jess Ekstrom.

The theme at this year’s conference was “Get’cha Head in the Game.” The event also included a leadership panel and breakout sessions. Attendees heard messages that emphasized empowerment, community connection, professional growth, balancing work and home priorities and more. Many panelists also shared insights from their leadership journeys.

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Students who wish to apply for the Universal Leaf Foundation grant should complete the ECC Foundation Scholarship Application at edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

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Tameka Kenan-Norman presents the Small Department Champion Award to Kate Brittain

The 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation’s 2025-2026 Campus Campaign ended with a celebration. The 76 employees who generously supported the annual initiative lived up to the theme, “The Power of Us,” each helping the Foundation meet and exceed the goal of raising $12,500. The campaign amassed a total of $13,870 to support student success, and on Thursday, Feb. 19, all ECC employee donors were recognized.

Encouraged to support various programs and initiatives, participants pledged $6,410 in unrestricted funds, which are directed to the area of greatest need. Endowments followed with $3,780 in contributions, and the Eagle Fund, used for emergency assistance, received $1,510. Other programs and initiatives receiving contributions included: $698 for general scholarships, $480 for mission trips, $427 for SkillsUSA, $300 for the High-Altitude Balloon Team and $265 for Phi Theta Kappa.

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Greg McLeod, Laura Brown Evans, Paige Ashman, Latasha Sledge, Selwyn Spence, Tamilla Knight, Linda Mann, and Jennifer Norville

This year, the Foundation incorporated three new components to the campaign, including Small and Large Department Champion awards, honoring departments with the highest percentage of giving. Technical and Continuing Education nabbed the Large Department Champion award, while the Library was the recipient of the Small Department Champion award. Both departments received trophies and bragging rights.

Two Campus Campaign Ambassadors took the time to encourage employees to give. Ami Denton and Zakya Parker received gift certificates to the Campus Store for their dedication. Seven employees also shared on-camera messages about why they consistently support ECC. Messages from Jessica Balazsi, Ami Denton, Viola Harris, Dr. Bruce Panneton, Dr. LaShawnda Washington, Rhonda Wells and Gloria Whitaker were shared and resonated with the on-campus community.

“Thank you for leading by example,” said Foundation Board President Jean Bailey. “Thank you for proving once again that the Power of Us is truly extraordinary.”

Thanks to all of the ECC employees who donated and to the following businesses that incentivized giving:

• ������������’s
• Burger King
• Bustin’ a Gut Maryland Style Seafood Restaurant
• ECC Automotive Systems Technology
• ECC Barbering
• ECC Campus Store
• ECC Cosmetology
• Lowe’s of Rocky Mount
• Pizza Inn
• Power 95.5
• Ribeyes
• Stacey Patterson-provided a Starbucks gift card
• Tidal Wave Car Wash

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(Pictured l-r) Tameka Kenan-Norman, ECC executive director; Julia Brown; ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod; Alexus Rayana Battle, daughter of Gregory T. Horne; Lieutenant Tocorya Cohen, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office; Curmilus Butch Dancy II; Captain Oliver Washington, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office; Teresa Everett Horne and Ann Warren, Vice President for the ECC Foundation Board. Not pictured: Gregory Thomas Horne Jr.

Humility, dedication, reliability and tenacity are just a few words used to describe the late Gregory Thomas Horne Sr.

“Wherever he saw a need, he didn’t ask questions, he just fulfilled that need,” said his widow, Teresa Everett Horne. Gregory Horne’s generosity and his love for 91ӣ����Ƶ led EndTime Harvest Outreach Ministries, family, friends and Teresa Everett Horne to establish an endowed scholarship in his honor at his alma mater.

“I knew how much he loved ECC,” said Teresa Everett Horne. “He even spent times at ECC on his days off from the Sheriff’s Office. He helped out with whatever they needed him to do.”

ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod remembers him the same way. “Gregory Horne was a wonderful student at the college,” McLeod said. “Wonderful for his sense of involvement in helping his fellow classmates.”

Gregory Horne received two associate degrees from ECC. During his time at the college, he assisted with the ECC Foundation Golf Tournament, served as a student ambassador, and was president of the ECC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. In partnership with his church, EndTime Harvest Outreach Ministries, Gregory Horne also collaborated with the chapter to provide back-to-school supplies for foster care children through the Edgecombe County Department of Human Services.

In addition to his educational and outreach efforts, Gregory Horne participated in community events connected to his career in law enforcement. He attended and assisted with the National Night Out events, the S.H.I.N.E. Citizen’s Academy offered by the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, and he welcomed students back to school at the beginning of each new school year.

While completing his studies, the Pinetops native was employed with the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office as a detention corporal. Gregory Horne also served as an apostolic pastor at EndTime Harvest Outreach Ministries. Additionally, he was active in local politics through the Edgecombe County Democratic party, serving as Precinct 1-4 chair and treasurer/secretary of the county executive committee for six years.

Teresa, family, friends and the church where she now serves as pastor/prophet, are preserving his legacy through the Gregory Thomas Horne Sr. Memorial Endowment. The scholarship will support Edgecombe County residents enrolled in ECC’s criminal justice program.

“I believe he would have wanted us to make this endowment,” Teresa Horne said.

She continues to reflect on her husband’s dedication to community service. Teresa Horne recently released a book, “Here Today And Gone Today: The Life Of A Widow,” a faith-based memoir available on Amazon that chronicles her journey after her husband’s passing. She also held a grand opening on Feb. 6, 2026, for the Kingdom Impact Resource Center Inc., located in Riverside Plaza at 1600 W. Howard Ave., Suite 20, in Tarboro. The center offers seminars, trainings, support gatherings, and a pantry with food, hygiene items, clothing, and other supplies as available.

Just as Gregory Horne supported ECC and the community, Teresa Horne is carrying forward that mission through her philanthropic work and the center’s commitment to: “Providing Hope, Transforming Lives And Impacting The Kingdom Of God One Soul At A Time.”

For more information or to apply for the Gregory Thomas Horne Sr. Memorial Endowment, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships and complete the ECC Foundation Scholarship Application.

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Pictured l-r (Johnica Ellis-Kiser, ECC department chair for business and accounting; Richard Davenport, president of Calvin Davenport, Inc.; Mary Myrick; Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president; Gaile Taylor; Melissa Mabie, ECC agribusiness technology instructor; Jean Bailey, ECC Foundation Board president; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement)

Current and prospective 91ӣ����Ƶ students interested in entering a career in the skilled trades, will now have a new source of support. The 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation has established a scholarship fund, with donations from Roger and Gaile Taylor.

The Calvin Davenport Skills and Trades Scholarship, named in memory of Gaile’s father, will provide $30,000 to support students pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate in programs such as welding, small engine repair, construction academy, automotive, collision repair, cosmetology, plumbing, HVAC-air conditioning and agribusiness. Successful scholars may also receive a set of tools tailored to their trade upon completion of their program.

Davenport, who passed away in 2020, founded Calvin Davenport, Inc. The general contractor was known for his benevolence and diligent work ethic.

“He served in World War II,” recalled Taylor. “When he came home, he finished high school, and then he did commercial jobs. He came back in 1964 and started Calvin Davenport, Inc.”

According to Richard Davenport, Calvin’s son and current president of the company, the business’ initial focus was residential construction.

“My dad was a housebuilder,” said Richard. “We morphed into a commercial/industrial contracting company, but he built a lot of houses in Edgecombe County.” Today, the Calvin Davenport name is well recognized across Edgecombe and Nash counties.

Nell and Calvin Davenport

Calvin’s path to becoming a community pillar was far from easy. As a child, he and his siblings were placed in foster care during the Great Depression

“He was one of seven or eight children,” said Taylor. “They were put in foster care by their parents during the depression because they couldn’t feed them.”

After deceiving others about his age, Davenport joined the Navy and served in World War II. He later completed high school and eventually returned to Rocky Mount to start the business.

Skill building and attaining an education is something Davenport’s youngest child, Mary Myrick, said was valued by her father.

“He thought education was important,” stated Myrick. “He made sure all of us had the opportunity to go to school. It’s nice to see that this is an opportunity for others to go to school as well.”

To qualify for the Calvin Davenport Skills and Trades Scholarship, applicants must be current ECC students or Edgecombe County Public School students on track to graduate in May or June of the current year. More information and applications are available at .

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Shown from left are RM Rotary and ECC representatives Trey Lewis, Jordan McLeod, Sherlock McDougald, Lyn Brown, Kristen Brabble, Dr. Greg McLeod, student Mia Velez, Samanthia Phillips, Tameka Kenan-Norman and Daryle Coppedge

The Rocky Mount Rotary Club presented a check for $40,000 to 91ӣ����Ƶ during the club’s annual Tackle the Tar Celebration.

“The Rocky Mount Rotary Club is not only giving us the financial support to provide scholarships to students,” said Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president. “What you all are doing is also giving us more encouragement to be all we can be.”

During the Oct. 28 event, Rotary leaders awarded $120,000 to support local students attending 91ӣ����Ƶ, Nash Community College and NC Wesleyan University. The funds were raised through the Rocky Mount Rotary Club sponsored event, Tackle the Tar, an annual 5K obstacle course race.

Mia Velez, a first-year student at ECC and a Tackle the Tar scholarship recipient, praised the club for their support.

“This scholarship means more than financial assistance,” stated Velez. “It represents belief, opportunity and hope. Your generosity reminds students like me that we have a community standing behind us, cheering for our success.”

A first-generation college student and the daughter of a single mother, Velez dreams of becoming a radiologist.

Since the Tackle the Tar event started in 2016, the Rocky Mount Rotary Club has awarded more than $720,000 in college scholarships to local students.

The next Tackle the Tar will be held May 16, 2026. For more information, visit .

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The first-place winner in the first flight of the ECC Foundation Golf Tournament was the team, Edmondson Insurance, with team members (l-r) Curtis Edmondson, Charlie Harrell, Lee Edmondson and Johnny Edmondson.

The 39th annual golf tournament hosted by the 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation, raised $36,472 to support student scholarships and Foundation operations. The tournament was held Sept. 25 at Maccripine Country Club in Pinetops. Thirty-seven teams participated, and 148 players were featured in the tournament.

Edmonson Insurance took first place in the first flight, with team members Curtis Edmondson, Charlie Harrell, Lee Edmondson and Johnny Edmondson.

Kendall Strickland’s team placed second in the first flight, with team members Kendall Strickland, Cole Jeffreys, Jarin Abrams and Jerry Abrams.

The team, DeLoatch & Hinton, PLLC placed third in the first flight. Team members were Blake Hinton, Chad Hinton, Edwin Crute and Jonathon Cobb.

The first-place winner in the second flight of the ECC Foundation Golf Tournament was Astemo, with team members (l-r) Christopher Layton, Jeremy Joyner, Tim Bunn and David Harrelson.

In the second flight, Astemo placed first, with team members Christopher Layton, Jeremy Joyner, Tim Bunn and David Harrelson.

Placing second in the second flight was LS Cable Team 1, with team members Ed Scott, Taewon Son, Brian Jo and Inkuyng (Ryan) Park.

Edgecombe County came in third place in the second flight, with team members Ray Wilson, Timmy Whitehurst, George Whitehurst and Michael Peters.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of players, companies, volunteers and other community members, the ECC Foundation raised funds that will impact the lives of many students,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement at ECC. “It is undeniable that when our community comes together for a significant cause, it results in extraordinary success.”

Thanks to the following sponsors. Astemo and LS Cable were corporate sponsors for the ECC Foundation’s 39th annual golf tournament. Silver sponsors included First Carolina Bank of Rocky Mount, DeLoatch & Hinton, PLLC, Barnhill Contracting, ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, Hartcom, UNC Health Nash Hospital, Town of Tarboro, Infinity Link and Piedmont Natural Gas. Fairway sponsors were Fountain, Roberson, Anderson Insurance (Deanna Mayo Anderson). Kanban Logistics and EP Mart were also fairway sponsors. Tee Sponsors were Providence Bank of Rocky Mount, Jinesh S. Patel DMD PA, In Memory of JV Cobb, Allegra, True Local Realty (Jay Cutler), Small Town Landscaping, Vitalink, Multipostal Solutions, Red Shark Digital, Doug Henry Chevrolet of Tarboro, Henderson Lumber Company, Max Avent of Century 21 Sterling Combs, CES Mail and Dry Cleaning by Wayne.

Additionally, thanks to the many individuals, organizations and companies who contributed prizes and gift cards.

To see team photos from the tournament, visit edgecombe.edu/golf. Next year’s tournament will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 at Maccripine Country Club.

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