Ricky Smith

Two Edgecombe County high school graduates will attend 91ӣ����Ƶ tuition-free after being selected as recipients of the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship.

Gabrielle Allen of Edgecombe Early College High School and Ricky Smith of SouthWest Edgecombe High School received the scholarship, which covers the full in-state cost of an associate degree, including tuition, books and a laptop computer.

Named for former 91ӣ����Ƶ President Dr. Hartwell Fuller, who led the college from 1994 to 2004, the scholarship is awarded annually to two graduating seniors from Edgecombe County public high schools who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

“I feel amazing,” Smith said after learning he had been selected. “This scholarship lifts a burden financially, and it truly blesses me.”

At SouthWest Edgecombe High School, Smith was active in academics, athletics, leadership and community service. He was a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, served as a group leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered as a youth leader and social media coordinator at his church.

Smith also earned certifications in CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid and first aid for opioid overdose response.

His honors include the Animal Science Award, Public Safety Achievement Trophy, Edgecombe County Schools Golden Key Award, Rocky Mount Optimist Youth Appreciation Award, Mitch Mason Influence Award in football, Honor the Game Award in basketball, Sportsmanship Award in football and the 360ENC Internship and Volunteer Award for completing more than 115 hours of service.

“I can see myself working in a hospital or radiography facility,” Smith said.

The scholarship will help him pursue that goal as he begins his studies at ECC.

Gabrielle Allen

For Allen, the scholarship removes financial concern as she works toward a career in nursing.

Allen, a Pinetops resident, said her desire to work in healthcare grew through both personal experience and hands-on training.

“My grandma’s cancer had progressed and she was put in hospice care,” Allen said. “In her final days, I became her primary caregiver. The night she passed, I thought about how fortunate I was to take care of my grandmother when she needed it most.”

Allen has already earned certification as a nursing assistant. She said caring for her grandmother reinforced her commitment to a career dedicated to helping others.

“Helping people is a passion of mine,” Allen said. “I knew that I wanted to go into nursing, and I didn’t want to stress about getting through nursing school and how I was going to pay for it.”

After ECC, Allen plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hopes to work as a pediatric nurse.

Her record of service and achievement includes induction into the National Honor Society during her junior year and participation in the Scholar Teacher Program. Through the program, she assisted a first-grade teacher at Martin Millennium Academy each week.

She also volunteered through ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital’s VolunTEEN Program, completed an internship at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital and currently works as a certified nursing assistant at The Barclay House of Tarboro.

Applicants for the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship must maintain a weighted grade-point average of at least 3.5 throughout high school, demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular activities and maintain at least a B average while enrolled at ECC.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact their high school guidance counselor. Applications are reviewed by the ECC Scholarship Committee, and finalists participate in an on-campus interview.

Additional scholarship opportunities are available through 91ӣ����Ƶ. Information and applications can be found at edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

The post Leadership, Service Earn Full Scholarships for Two Incoming 91ӣ����Ƶ Students appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod; Jean Bailey, ECC Foundation Board president; Eddie Stocks, vice president of member and industrial development at Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement

Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation has donated $1,000 to the 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation to continue its annual scholarship. Two ECC students enrolled in the Engineering or Electrical Systems Technology programs will receive $500 each.

“Engineering and Electrical Systems Technology are high-demand fields, and scholarships like this help our students gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement. “We are grateful to Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation for consistently supporting ECC and recognizing the importance of preparing students for careers.”

Eddie Stocks, vice president of member and industrial development at Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation agreed, stating, “As a member-owned electric cooperative, we believe in investing back into the communities we serve. Supporting 91ӣ����Ƶ helps strengthen local workforce development and ensures students have access to the training and opportunities needed for high-demand careers right here at home.”

Students interested in applying for the Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation Scholarship can visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships and complete the ECC Foundation Scholarship Application.

The post Local Electric Membership Corporation Funds Scholarships for ECC Students appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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 .

The post Jersey Mike’s Partners with ECC Foundation to Change Lives appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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 , or call (252) 618-6526. Males are encouraged to apply as well.

The post A Family’s Tribute: Roberson Scholarship Honors a Father’s Legacy of Service and Skill appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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!

The post Volunteers Needed for Tackle the Tar appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

(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.

The post ECC Employees Attend Chamber’s Leadership Conference appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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

The post Universal Leaf Donates to the ECC Foundation appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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

The post Campus Campaign Culminates with Celebration and Employee Awards appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

(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 and complete the ECC Foundation Scholarship Application.

The post Endowment Honors ECC Alumnus, Supports Criminal Justice Students appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.

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 .

The post $30,000 Scholarship to Open Doors for ECC Students Pursuing Skilled Trades appeared first on 91ӣ����Ƶ.