From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson

East Duplin High School Band Gift

The band at East Duplin High School couldn't afford instrument upgrades, was using uniforms that were 24 years old, and is in an area where many families are still recovering from Hurricane Florence, according to WCTI. So the band made a video explaining its situation and submitted it to a nationwide contest put on by the Manilow Music Project, according to the high school. High school bands from across the country submitted videos explaining why they were in need of money for new instruments and uniforms, according to the project.

Community involvement, need and online votes were all influencing factors, but Barry Manilow, the founder of the project, decided who won, the project's website said. On Wednesday he announced the five winners in Las Vegas. East Duplin took home first place and $100,000 for new instruments and uniforms.

Four Oaks Grant

A $1 million grant will support the extension of public water and sewer infrastructure to an industrial site to meet sewer and fire protection needs for Broad River Retail, LLC, an Ashley HomeStore licensee. The company will locate a distribution center, retail store and corporate learning center at the site. The project is set to result in the initial construction of a 182,300-square-foot facility, the creation of 102 jobs and an investment of $16 million by the company. Overall, the new location is projected to create 161 jobs.

Local Communities to Receive Generators

FEMA and the state of North Carolina have approved funding of more than $1.4 million for 24 generators, which will help North Carolina communities become more resilient in the face of future storms and disasters. Locally, water plants in Roseboro and Salemburg will benefit.

Through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), 24 generators will be purchased and installed where they are needed to support critical public infrastructure. In two locations, transfer switches will be installed, and one generator will be relocated.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program program provides grants for state and local governments to elevate, buy out or reconstruct homes and to strengthen public infrastructure to make communities better able to withstand future storms and disasters.

Hazard Mitigation is a cost-sharing program. FEMA provides at least 75 percent of costs, and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. FEMA’s share for these projects is more than $1.07 million and the state share is nearly $359,000. The federal share is paid directly to the state, which disburses funds to local governments.

Included in the 24 grants are water treatment plants in Roseboro and Salemburg, which will each receive 80kW generators to provide backup power supply and uninterrupted power. Salemburg will also receive an automatic transfer switch.

After each disaster event, an amount equal to 20 percent of the combined total provided in FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance is set aside for Hazard Mitigation projects. The projects can be anywhere in the state.

2019-20 Principal, Assistant Principals of the Year Named

Leigh White, principal of Riverwood Elementary School, was selected as the 2019-2020 Principal of the Year for Johnston County Public Schools. Darrick McNeill, assistant principal of West View Elementary School, was selected as the 2019-2020 Assistant Principal of the Year for Johnston County Public Schools.

White and McNeill were honored at a special ceremony held by the Johnston County Principal/Assistant Principals Association (JCPAPA) on Tuesday, June 18 at West Johnston High during the 2019 JCPS Leadership Academy.

The Johnston County Education Foundation presented White with an award check in the amount of $1,000 ($500 for personal use and $500 for her school) and McNeill with an award check in the amount of $500.

Both White and McNeill were nominated by their colleagues to receive the award.

They were surprised by their families who were in attendance at the ceremony after they were named the Amy Renfrow Leadership Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year.

The Amy Renfrow Leadership Principal of the Year Award is named after former Corinth-Holders Elementary principal Amy Renfrow.

White was described as someone who makes others feel important, as well as someone who is approachable, impactful, and ignited. She is known for having a steady determination and putting students first in all decisions.

Colleagues said that White takes the time to build relationships with everyone in her school, and she makes a point to greet each student by name every day.

Those who nominated White described her as someone who understands leadership and who is constantly seeking to improve.

McNeill is described as someone who has a contagious smile and calm demeanor. He is known for being an exceptional communicator and a gifted leader who strives to bring out the best in others.

McNeill is known among his peers for being involved in the lives of his students and for valuing teachers’ voices. He provides encouraging words while also setting boundaries of expectations for academic and behavioral achievements.

White and McNeill will represent Johnston County Public Schools during the 2019-2020 school year as the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.

Both White and McNeill said they hope to continue being a servant leader for their school and community over the next school year.