^ PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY ^
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VOLUME 7, NUMBER 32 PEMBROKE, N.C. THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 1979 ROBESON COUNTY 20 CENTS PER COPY *
Public Hearings Indicate
Unenthusiastic Support
of Consolidated
High School
Contoining Mart on, Prospect, Pembroke High Schools
by Bruce barton
A majority (with a significant number in
opposition) seemed to say "if it is good
for our children O.K. but we utilf do not
wish to lose our community schools."
Public hearings were held Monday
night at Pembroke Senior High School
and Tuesday night at Prospect School
concerning a proposed West Robeson
High School that will involve the
consolidation of the present Pembroke
Senior High School, Prospect High
School and Max ton High School.
An additional hearing will be held at
Maxton's Townsend Middle School
Cafeteria on August 6 at 8 p.m.
Present at each hearing has been
Lacy Presnell, who heads the division of
school planning with the North Carolina
Department of Instruction. Presnell has
supported the concept of consolidation
emphatically. County School
Superintendent Pumell Swett and his
staff conducted the meetings, along
with County School Board Chairman
Ralph Hunt.
Presnell was part of a committee
asked by the local Robeson County
Board of Education to prepare a
feasibility study concerning merger Of
the county and Maxton systems. The
committee recommended merger
The committee states that merger (and
consolidation of the three schools) will
offer additional course offerings, more
diversified personnel, financial
advantages and better facility usage.
Presnell noted that the county board
was not bound by the committee or its
recommendations noting They have
the option to do what they want to with
our findings "
Presnell attempted to allay some
expressed fears of "a big school" by
saying that grade 9 to a high school
offered them better courses and better
peer acceptance by the 10th, 11 th and
12th graders. "
Presnell noted that "1200-1800 was
considered to be a good school size."
Presnell also down played possible
bussing by quoting an old mountain lady
who was purported to say in a similar
situation that "I am more concerned
about what my daughter will get when
she gets there than I am with her getting
there." The. consolidated school is
expected to have between 1800-2000
students
If officially approved by the county
school board, the school if expected to
be operational in the fall of 1961 or 1982
at an estimated cost of three and one
half million dollars. Presnell termed the
proposed new school "a giant step for
progress "
But not everyone agreed with
school officials end Presnell.
Some 85 concerned parents attended
the hearing at Pembroke Monday night.
Milton Hunt, a Pembroke Town
Councilman, stated three reasons why
he opposes the consolidation of the
three schools. Hunt said, "I oppose the
consolidation because I hate to see any
community lose their school; too, the
proposed school size is too big; and we
were never told about the proposed
consolidation when the school bond
issue was being talked about and
passed...."
Hunt noted too that only 13.4% of the
registered voters voted on the
successful school bond issue..
But a number of citizens spoke in favor
of the consolidation because of
increased course offerings, a better
comprehensive school program, and
ItkA wmwrfi IMU?< l/? snfl 1 ? ?t> ? > , .i
uw opponuniry io a no mm atxxji
different kinds of people. Including
Indian. Black and white students
One larrtna note was Introduced bv
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members fsom Wt stlendsncs rone'
AAIUMI hn??it MAAtAiAae I
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W9fS Ptirn#M
I
t>wen sato, iwo 01 mem nave
legitimate excuses, one I do not know
about."
Milton Hunt also reminded Swett and
the board members present that the
county board of commissioners had
refused to approve the merger of the
Maxtor and county school boards until
consolidation was taken out of the
merger plan. But Swett (and Herman
Dial, chairman of the board of
commissioners concurred) said the
commissioners asked that
consolidation be taken out because it
was the rightful province of the school
board, and was not the charged
responsibility of the commissioners.
If the consolidation plan is approved
after the community input via the
hearings, the consolidated high school
is expected to house all students from
the ninth to the 12th grades in the
respective attendance zones.
What is now Pembroke Senior High
School would become a middle school for
7 and 8th graders. Prospect would be
for kindergarten through the 8th grade;
R.B. Dean School would be K-4 and
Townsend would be 5-8.
The other fdpder schools probably
would .continue .as. is, with slight
modifications
Approximately eu citizens attenaea
the hearing at Prospect School on
Tuesday night. Some expressed
concern about Prospect School and its
role with the community.
James Flannagan noted. "Only one
school is going to lose its identity-and
that's Prospect. We're a community;
Pembroke and Maxton are towns."
Others noted the successs of the
athletic program at Prospect; and the
large number of doctors that have
recently come from Prospect School.
Ben Jacobs asked. "Is it true that
minorities have high drop out rates at
schools this large?" Although no figures
were cited, Presnell said that he did not
think so.
Harbert Moore, a former member of
the school board from Prospect said,
"Bigness is not the answer; what about
the administration of a school this
large?"
Another citizen, Tracy Britt, bored in
repeatedly with the question, "Where is
the money going to come from?" Swett
responded, "From the school bond
monies "
Moore also expressed concern about
the lack of Prospect representation on
the school board.
More Living on Campus
PEMBROKE-More students will be
living on campus at Pembroke state
University this fall than ever before,
reports the University's housing office.
"Last year we had 632 living on
campus, and we've already reached
that number-with a month to go before
the fall semester begins, " says Alec
Price, assistant dean of student affairs
who is responsible tor housing.
Pembroke State University this fall can
accommodate 834 students on campus
whereas its total enrollment is over
? a
2.000.
"Indications are that fewer students
will be commuting this year because of
gas going up to a dollar," said Price.
"PSU students are encouraged to get in
their applications for rooms as soon as
possible. In this way, their applications
can be processed, and we can get them
a room."
Students who have previously had
rooms are given priority, so any new
students who wish to live on campus
need to act quickly, says Price.
Ulaude Sampson Honored
?
i Deep Branch-Friends and family of?
Claude A. Sampson swelled the audi
ence at Deep Branch Baptist Church to
over flowing proportions last Sunday as
the church took a few moments to honor
him on the eve of his 78th birthday and
on the occastion of his 58th year as a
Christian.
Mr. Sampson, moved to tears by the
love expressed by his church, received
many gifts, including a suit from the
membership, a pair of shoes from the
adult men's class he has taught for
many years, and other gifts from
individual members of the church.
One gift in particular seemed to
please him-a fishing rod from the Deep
Branch Volunteer Fire Department. He
is also a life time fisherman.
Ambrose Chavia, the asaiatant teacher
of the Adult Men's Class taught by
"Mr. Claude," presented the gifts to
him in behalf of the church. Luther
Dimery, long time Sunday School
Superintendent of Deep Branch Baptist
Church, who delivered the tribute to the
honoree, is shown in rear of the photo
below.
The pastor of Deep Branch Baptist
Church is Rev. Chesley McNeil.
A covered dish was served following
church services at the Deep Branch
Volunteer Fire Department where Rev.
T.M. Swett, a long time pastor of Deep
Branch, and now pastor of Bear Swamp
Baptist Church, gave a few remarks in
honor of Mr. Claude A. Sampson.
Said Mr. Claude, when queried as to
how long he had attended Deep Branch
Baptist Church, "as long as I can
remember,..
jftmts Mo* arm
la^tf by Mr. Hull, h *??? |i?a*|
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Fjembroke Community
|Workshop Lauded
JH
The eew qamtt-r* of Km Pembroke <
Com inanity Wninlop dedkotod Mon
lay, Jaty 30. '
Dr. Albert Wi >n, Moderator of the
Presbyterian Church, U.S. was the
dedicatory speak r Monday (July 30) as
the new facilities of the Pembroke
Community War*.shop were dedicated.
Winn said "(fee is always found on the
side of oppreaaet people." He expres
sed three reasons for being excited
about the Pemhr >ke Community Work
shop. Winn said "The project is for
Native Americans, it faces the problem
of unemploynftm and it is helping
people to heir* >ana?Wes."
Winn called the Workshop truly
"unselfishndas of service", noting that
the church does not receive any receipts
from the non-profit business.
The Pembroke Community Workshop
is the brainchild of Rev. John Robinson,
a young dynamo Presbyterian minister
called to head the Pembroke Area
Presbyterian Ministry, the sponsor of
the project. Robinson calls the Work
shop "a response to a felt need in the
community. What we are trying to do is
provide a semi-sheltered work environ
ment for people who need to learn the
basic industrial skills such as prompt
ness. positive mental attitude, work
adjustment, communication skills, etc.
We have been very fortunate in finding
enough service contracts to keep our
workers busy."
The workshop moved into its new
facilities in June because of the need for
more space. The workshop is now
located in the spacious quarters of the
former Pembroke Implement building
on Main Street in Pembroke. The
workshop is also,providing space to the
Pembroke Alcohol Counseling Program,
and is planning to open a special work
program for clients in the alcohol
program.
Winn lauded the work ethic praising
"plain old honeet work." Winn noted
that "handouts have a tendency to be a
putdown."
Winn is the highest ranking member of
the Presbyterian Church, and is the
second moderator to visit Pembroke.
Mrs. Sarah Mosley visited last year.
The workshop employs 20 full time
workers and 24 summer youth workers.
The workshop assembles brushes in *
Black and Decker handtools. Black and
Decker's plant in Fayetteville provides
the bulk of the workshop's work.
I . '? * - .a,
On hand was' Rack a ltd Decker's
representative Luther Suber who ex
pressed satisfaction with the workshops
performance. Said Suber, "The name of
the game has been to keep Black and
Decker running and the workshop
working."
On hand too was Rev. Russell Parks,
chairman of the Pembroke Area Pres
byterain Ministry. Parks, pastor of Iona,
Ashpole and Rowland Presbyterian
churches in the area recounted the
growth of the ministry which followed
the closing of the Pembroke Pres
byterian Church in 1975 due to a lack of
members.
The initial outreach of the ministry was
the Pembroke Youth Center, which was
developed by MacLegerton. Robinson's
predecessor. Legerton is now in semi
nary in New York.
Robinson arrived in Pembroke in 1977.
Park said, "He is blessed with rare
gifts, a wonderful combination of
imagination and practical knowhow."
Mayor Reggie Strickland said. "John
Robinson was sent to Pembroke by God.
He has been a blessing to us."
A turn a way crowd attended the
dedicating service and the buffet
following.
Carnell Locklear is
'Boss Strong'
During the latter part of the I9th
century, the Lumbee Indiana of Robe
son County were very proud of the
native son, outlaw Henry Berry Lowrie.
Their pride centered around Lowries
own pride in hie heritage.
If he could return today. Lowrie and
his people would be very proud of the
much acclaimed outdoor drama, "Strike
At The Wind!"
The product ion is now in its fourth
season at the I sbeside Amphitheater at
the Riverside Country Club near
Pembroke, N.C. Most people see the
drama as strictly entertainment. But to
those deeply involved, the drama ia
icting. its businesses involving adverti
sing. fund raising, and more.
This summer will mark the fourth
season la which Carnell Lockiear of
Pembroke has played one of the major
supporting roles as "Boss Strong".
The affable aster said. "The most
difficult thing I lavs aacoaateiad Is the
pertrayal of the verted I emetioes re
asked la Mm Mmsautnlsatlua of Baas
Strong.
Apparently ha has Mil la
sraanag Mtejhasiater. CaraaM Is ana af
show. Critics who have reviewed the
show found him to be "vibrant" and
stated thaf he "carried that necessary
thread of humor" through the show.
Carnell describes Boss Strong as
"versatile, fun-loving but, at the same
time, serious and hardworking." Most
people would say the director might
have been type casting.
In reviewing the progress of the show,
Carnell said. "Strike At The Wind" has
improved over the post lour years. We
have better communication between the
performers and the director-more open
ness and. consequently, mote willing
ness to sacrifice."
Despite a busy schedule, the amiable
actor finds time far fishing, singing,
dancina. cookiaa. '"helping people .
and sharing It ail with Ms wife and live
children
Whoa asked abbot the future of
??Strike At The Windl" sad his
association with it. Cornell said. "M
still be here if the board al directors will I
stand behind the staff and perfarmeia.
We aaa't do it all alone.' The heard
laTenwr" m*eanlmvs V 'lat' el ingot
B9JRW|WRW
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YOUTH REVIVAL
Island Grove Baptist Church ot
Pembroke, N.C will host a Youth
Revival beginning August 8th through
August 12th. The services will be held
each evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Rev.
Christopher Hunt will be guest speaker
Everyone is welcome.
FOUNOERS' DAY OBSERVED AT
ISLAND GROVE CHURCH
Island Grove 8aptist Church will
observe Founders' Day on Sunday,
August 5th. Rev. Isiah Locklear ot Red
Springs was the first pastor. There will be
a special program honoring this day.
Lunch will be served immediately
following the program.
Everyone is invited to attend.
STATE WIDE YOUTH
EVENGELISM NIGHT
The Baptist State Convention is
sponsoring its 9th Statewide Youth
Evangelism Night, Friday evening.
August 17, at the Greensboro
Coliseum Speaker is Rev. Steve Davis
of Tulsa, Oklahoma and soloist, Cynthia
Clawson. from Nashville, Tenn. The
service begins at 7n-5 p.m. K
The Burnt Swamp Associations! Youth
Organization invites interested youth to
join them in attending this conference.
For more information, contact the
Baptist BOilding, 521-9850 or Miss
Helen Jacobs, 422-8571.
?LOWRY RECEIVES PHARMACY
LICENSE
Jason B. Lowry, Jr., a 1978 graduate of
the University of South Carolina School
of Pharmacy, recently received his
Pharmacy License and will be
employed with Eckerds at South Park
Shopping Center in Florence. S.C.
He is married to the former Jo Ann
Hunt Lowry. daughter of Mr. Luther Hunt
and the late Mrs. Lucille Barnes Hunt.
PEMBROKE JAYCEES TO HOLD
LABOR DAY DANCE
The Pembroke Jaycees Labor Day
Dance will be held Friday night. August
31, from 8:30 p.m. until. Free
refreshments. Admission is $3.00 per
person Place . Jaycee Hut (Pembroke).
r ni.lnM.in
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WILMINGTON STAB
SEEKS JOURNALISTS
WILMINGTON-The Wlliib^lis Star
newspaper is seeking minorities ietar
ested in a career Hi jwrsalim,
especially Indian joernaliaH
Those interested should contact C.
William Smith. Managing editor c/o
Wilmington Star, Post Office Bon MO,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 or
call 1-(919) 343-2208.
PSU CHANCELLOB TO SPEAK TO
LAUBINBUKG KIWAN1SCUTB
LAURINBUBG-Dr. Paul K. Given*,
new chancellor of Pembroke State
University, will be the speaker at the 7
p.m. dinner meeting of the Laarinburg
Kiwanis Club this evening. The dab
meets at the Scotland Inn.
He is the guest of Balph Parker, vice
president of the Laarinburg Kiwanis
Club.
Dr. Givens, continuing to meet people
throughout the aree served by Pem
broke State University, was invited to
Ft. Bragg ?MPlt~l fw
r-*artn?tn
commanding generm.TmMfrTBMHnir
Tacks berry.
Dr. and Mrs. Givens also saw a
parachute jump during the ceremonies.
SANDRA LUCAS WORKING AS
STATE GOVERNMENT INTERN
Sandra Lucas of Pembroke is one of
about 125 students working this
summer as a state government intemfn
Raleigh.
apondtng a summer working in state
government gives these young people
an opportunity to examine firsthand
possible careers in public service," said
Governor Jim Hunt. "At the same time,
they perform valuable services for the
people of the state and bring fresh
young viewpoints to many of our
programs." he added.
Lucas, a student last year at Brigham
Young University, is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. James Lucas and is working in
the Department of Administration.
The interns earn a stipend and may
earn academic credit while participating
in the 10-week program which includes
seminars and discussion groups as we<
as on-the-job experience
The North Carolina Internship
Program is coordinated by the
Department of Administration's Youth
Involvement Office and is open to
postsecondary students who are
residents of North Carolina or attend
school in the state. The program also
coordinates non-stipend internships tor
the faM and spring semesters.
UtDA NAMES OFFICttS
Lumber Regional Development Ae>
aociatkm. lac. coodsctsd Ms aaaaal
board electfoas during the period el
July 10 through July M. 1979. Poor (4)
separate election, ware held. Three (J) i
new board member, and one (1) j
incumbent were elected. The three aaw
r ^ nmtm m m n t ? A . f nl 1 n^i? - hMImMU^^n
represent Are u roiiowe. pit. Jinn i
me Iiiii ashlps; idrs. Emms Incldwa. j
.hip.; aad Mr. ^ Ward Clerit. Jr..
These m.mhew wan lastsBsi at tiJ|
July JO. 1979 UOA Band mesttog.