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THE CAROLINA i.^iAN VOICE
Published each Thursday by First American Publicattons^embroke, NC
VOLUME 26 NUMBER 19 . THURSDAY. MAY 13, i""" ^ | | qj| 1 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
Mrs. Fannie Hammonds Blanks
Celebrates 104th Birthday!
Mrs. Fannie Hammonds Blanks of Ivanhoc, N.C. was born in l.umbcrton
in Robeson County. May 5,1895. She was the wife of the late Hecktor Blanks
of l.umberton. The daughter of the late Willie Hammonds of l.umberton,
who lived to be 103. Mrs. Blanks is the mother of four children who are
living: Mrs. Naomie Wade of l.umherton; Mrs. Tommie (lean Brewer of
Ivanhoc, Aand Mrs. Evader Burden of l.umherton; Mrs. Mabel Brewer
of l.umberton. She has 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 7
great-great children.
The Honoree lives with her daughter, Mrs. Tommie (lean Brewer, I
believe Mrs. Blanks is one of the oldest persons in Robeson Co. The
following is what the bible says about long life; Children obey your parents
in the lord; For this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise; that it may be with thee, and thou mayest live
long on the earth. Ephestians Chapter 6:1,2A3.
I belie ve that Mrs. Blanks obeyed her parents. She was true and faithful
to her church. She was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church.
Photo and Text by T/SCT. Wm. P. Revels.
I? ? I
Celebrates 98th Birthday
Eunice Sum/mm celebrated her 98th birthday with a dinner party at
Linda's Restaurant on April 29th , 1999, The party was attended by her
children, James Sampson and his wife l.inda, Sarah S. Hell and husband
Buddy, her grandchildren, Gregory Hell and wife Hon it a. Dr. Joey and wife
Vicki, and Kristy Sampson, her great-grandchildren, Jamie, Ashleigh, Tori
and Issue Hell, her brother Ancil Sanderson and Yvonne, and her nephew
Leslie Sanderson. Not able to attend were her sister Elizabeth McGirt and
grandson Ronny Hell and his family.
Miss' Eunice Sampson, Happy 98th Birthday.
I t
Baptist to get New Leader
A Lunibee Indian will be Icdllic baptist Stale Convention vvficn i lie current
presidents, the Rev Mae Brunson of High Point. resigns lobceoiiic pastor of
First Baptist Church in Dallas. Texas The Rev Mike Cumniings of Pembroke.
the convention's first vice president, will finish Brunson'sterin. which
expires in November Brunson will resign at the convention's general board
meeting next Tucsdav Under convention bvlaws. the first vice president fills
the unexpired term (John Railev. Winston-Salem Journal. 5/11) Cumniings
is director of missions for the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association in Pembroke,
a group of Baptist churches of various American Indian tribes, niainlv in
southeastern North Carolina He is a graduate of Campbell Uuivcrsiiv and
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminars in Wake Forest Cumniings. 4').
is a conservative, as is Brunson He said lie has not decided whether to run for
a full term as convention president (Reprtintcd from the Uinston-Snlem
J on runt- May II, 1111)
Robeson County Student
competes at State Science Fair
Davis S. Smiling, a 6th grader at Union Elementary School attended the
North Carolina State Science Fair at North Carolina A&T State University
in Greensboro on April 30, 1999. His project entitled "Unraveling the
Mysteries of the Devil's Tramping Ground" received Honorable Mention.
Davis won 2nd place in Junior Earth Science at the South Central Regional
Science Fair held at UNC-Pembroke on March 24,1999. He also won 1st
place in Earth Science with his project at Union Elementary School on
March 10. 1999. Davis said he enjoyed camping at the site and doing the
testing. He also said he appreciated all the help he received from Mr.
Everette Davis, at the Robeson County Extension Agency. Although he has
competed at the Regional level for the past three years, this was thefirst time
he has competed at the state level. Davis said he hopes to compete at the state
level again next year. Davis is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael l.ocklear.
Davis Smiling (Left) shown with his project entitled "Unraveling the
Mysteries of The Devil's Tramping Ground" at the State Science Fair in
Greensboro. He received Honorable Mention and a medal. Chase Weeks
and Geoff Taylor of Hendersonville Middle School also received Honorable
Mention and medals for their project entitled "Resting Mortars."
Senator pledges continued
progress on important issues
Raleigh - Norlh Carolina has made
good progress on a variety of key
issues this legislative session, but
there's still more work to do. Sen.
David Wcinstcin said Tuesday.
"We've helped tobacco farmers,
fought domestic violence, worked to
keep guns out of schools a nd to protect
seniors who live in long-term care
homes - and that's just our short list,"
said Wcinstcin. D-Robeson "1 think
we've laid a good foundation for a,
great session."
Wcinstcin made his comments after
one of the General Assembly's
most important legislative deadlines.
Last week was "crossov er" in the General
Assembly when most bills must
"cross over" from one chamber to the
other or die The crossover deadline
usually marks the mid-point of the
General Asscmblv's "long session"
held in odd-numbered years Issues
addressed by the Senate since the session
started in late January include:
* The Safe F amilies Act to fight
domestic violence in Tamil icsand communities;
* Help for Tobticco-dcpcndcnt communities
to provide a blueprint for
allocating morcthan ^4 6 bill ion from
North Carolina's share of the national
tobacco settlement.. .
* Long Term Care Reform to make
sure the 70.001) seniors now liv ing in
long-term care homes get safe, proper
care;
* Lose Control, Lose your License
to seize driver's license from teenagers
who bring drugs or weapons to
school or who assault a teacher,
* Ending social promotions to increase
school standards and ensure
that teachers have resources they need
to keep all students on track and making
progress to graduations
* School Safety to reduce the risk
of violence by tightening North
Carolina's prohibition against weapons
at schools and school sponsored
events;
* Campaign finance reform to reduce
the influence of big monc> in
elections by banning big corporate
donations to political campaigns.
A new budget for North Carolina is
now the top priority on the General
Assembly's agenda. Weinstcin said
"My priorities for the budget arc
clear Stay on track to raise teacher
pay to (he national average by 2000.
maintain strong accountability for our
schools, help Smart Start grow statcwide
and finish reforms for our juvenile
justice system." Weinstcin said
"If we complete those goals - and I
believe we will - North Carolina will
Ire ina strong position as we head into
the new century "
Brayboy is Superintendent
N.C. educator is unanimous choice of County School Board
by Gray Bostick
The Marlboro County School
Board has announced their
selection for the position of
Superintendent- it will be filled by
Dr. L. Ray Brayboy
The announcement came
following a unanimous vole at the
May 3 School Board meeting .
It is expected that Brayboy will
assume his new responsibilities
July I.
Superintendent contracts usually
run from July I to June 30 and
initial contracts arc historically for
two years with yearly contract
extensions made upon annual
performance reviews.
Dr. Brayboy has been employed
in an educational capacity for 30
years and is currently serving as
Associate Professor and Director of
University Services at the
University of North Carolina at
Pembroke.
A graduate of Pembroke. NC
High School, Brayboy received a
Bachelor of Science degree from
the University of North Carolina at
Pembroke, He also holds a Master
of Public Health degree from the
University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill and a Doctor of
Education , degree from
Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Brayboy began his career in
education serving as a high school
health and physical education
teacher in Robeson County. Nt_.
He also served as varsity baseball
coach.
Since that time, he has advanced
through the ranks serving as a
university instructor and both
assistant principal and principal in
Robeson and Scotland. NC county
schools.
From 1983 through 1997,
Brayboy was employed as
Assistant Superintendent in the
Scotland and Moore County, NC
school systems and as
Superintendent in Bladen and
Wayne County. NC.
Dr. Brayboy has been the
subject of several magazine and
newspapers profiles and was
awarded (he "Lifetime
Achievement Award" by the North
Carolina Association for the Gifted
and Tilented in 1995.
On a personal note, Brayboy
was selected as an Honorable
Mention All-Amcrican in baseball
in 1967 and 1969 and has been
inducted into the University of
North Carolina at Pembroke
Athletic Hall of Fame. He also
played professionally in the
Minnesota Twins organization.
Brayboy currently resides in
Laurinburg, NC with his wife,
Beatrice, who will teach Spanish at
Marlboro County High School this
fall.
Reprinted from the May (>, 1999 Marlboro Herald-Advocate (Ih'nnettsville, SC)
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Dropout Rate Declines in the PSRC
A just released report from Raleigh indicates that the dropout rale for
students in the Public Schools of Robeson Counts has dropped from 5 71% in
1*796-97 to4 .18% for 1997-98. the latest year for which complete figures arc
available The decline of 1 13% represents 148 fewer students leaving school
before graduation in 1997-98. when 450 dropped out compared to 598 in
1996-97. I hat indicates a decline of approximate!} 24% in the number of
dropouts Our 1.13% rate decrease was about 12 times belter than the state's
reported rate of 10% Seventeen school s\ stents had a greater dropout rate
than the PSRC
These numbers, as reported for grades 7-12. arc based on the calculation
method required by 'the National Center for Education Statistics A student is
considered a dropout if he/she leaves school for nay reason other than death,
before graduation or completion of a program ol'stiidies w ithout transferring
to another elementary or sccond.'iry school or post-secondary institution
including community college This method counts a student twice if he/she
drops out more than once
Dropout prevention fiinds appropriated bv the state are used bv local school
systems to increase the number and range of services to at-risk students to
reduce the number ordropouts These efforts include addressing substance
abuse, involving parents, integrating counseling into the school curriculum,
scheduling classes that meet the needs of working students, referring students
to appropriate community agencies for assistance and offering health clinics
Major reasons that students dropout include attendance-related reasons
such as family responsibilities and work choice of work over school, and
academic difficulties
Current initiatives in PSRC to decrease dropouts include extended media,
extended instructional day. SfTPuiday academics, student services management
teams, dropout at-risk teams, in school suspension programs, and
comprehensive guidance and counseling plans. Additionallv. we have youth
dev clopmcnt specialists and school social workers at our schools who pfov ide
intensive monitoring for students at-risk of dropping out We also work in
collaboration w ith the Judicial sy stem to ensure that we all understand laws
dealing with attendance and dropouts The school system has developed a
detailed dropout plan that is being implemented in our schools
UNCP Commen cemen t is
Saturday, May 15
Pembroke, N.C. ? Chancellor Joseph B. Oxendine will preside over his
10th and last UNC Pembroke Commencement Saturday, May 15
The ceremonies will be 10 a.m. In the Main Gym of the English Jones
Health and Physical Education Building
Featured Speaker will be 7th District U.S. Representative Mike Mclntyre
of Lumbcrton. Congressman Mclntyre was first elected in 19996 and reelected
in 1998 w ith 91 percent of the vote.
Eli/abcthlown native, astronaut ancEUnited State Air Force Lt Col Curtis
Brown and Pembroke native James G. Jones, M.D.. will receive honorary
Doctor of Science degrees
Lt. Col Brown is a test pilot and veteran of fiv e space shuttle flights and
is preparing for a sixth Dr.Joncs is a family medicine practitioner and
professor of family medicine at UNC-Chapcl Hill.
Approximately 519 (the exact number is pending outcome of final grades)
graduates w ill receive diplomas Saturday. including .1.1 Bachelor of Science.
1.11 Bachelor of Arts. 48 Bachelor of Science in Social Work, seven Bachelor
of Music. 15 Masters of Arts. 26 Masters of Arts in Education, six Master of
Business Administration and nine Master of Science
Trustccs Meet
On Thursday at 1 p.m.. the UNCP Board of Trustees w ill hold its regular
quarterly meeting in the board room of Lumbcc Hall
P urn ell Swett High News
Art students participated in the also attcnclcd Brook Green Garden
N.C Indian Unity Conference and Purncll Swett High School would
Art Contest in thcUNC-P Art Affair, like to announce the Marshalls for the
Participants included: Crystal Bullard. 1999/2000 school year
Erica Revels. Kenan Collins. Ben- Thomas Brevvington. Chamainc
jaminB. Matthew Blue, Jessica Clark Brooks, Dcanna Bullard. DeKota
with Crystal Bullard's drawing and Chavis-Lcgcrlon. Carmen Dccsc.
Benjamin Brevvington'spaintingwere Arnold Corey Locklcar. Cassandra
rated best in the show. The Art Club Locklcar. Jadclyn Locklcar Ryan
participated in Special Oly mpics and Locklcar. Craig Elliot Low ry. Lemuel
Face Painting at UNC-P The club Stanley. Shelly Strickland
Remembering Pembroke High School:
A Millennium Event for Classes 1960-69
To anyone who genuinely liked his or her school days, high school was
likely a very special time, and to the students of Pembroke High School many
years ago. our memories arc especially rich because PUS bonded us to the very
essence oC'Lumbceism." From sneaking into Pembroke State Col lege campus
whenever possible to those 1 o'clock gatherings at the College Esso. much of
the socialization of Indian youth in the fifties and sixties in and around
Pembroke took place along a mile stretch through the heart of town.
And what an era it was - the fifties and sixties that is. Best of all was the
music Beginning with the sounds of the Platter's. Elvis Presley and Chuck
Berry to Otis Redding and the Suprcmcs. w c strolled, twisted, and slow danced
the nights away at places like Dicey Ann'sand parlies at the VFW on the Union
Chapel Road By the end of the sixties, the music was loud. hard, and dancing
was not quite the same The popular groups had long hair and called
themselves the Beatles. Rolling Stones. Doors. Jimmy Hendrix. and even the
Monkeys On the fashion scene, the boy s went ftom dungarees to leisure suits
in one decade Sack dresses. 50-yard slips, madras jumpers, camel hair coats
with raccoon collars were the rage among the best dressed girls on campus
The academic and extracurricular programs were serious matters at
Pembroke High School When it came to sports, the other three Indian high
schools ( Magnolia. Prospect, and Fairgrove) loved toliatc Pembroke, but this
riv alry altitude simply hardened the team's determination to win The PHS
marching band under the direction of Ira Pale Lov\ ry did exactly what bands
arc suppose to do. deepen school pride and spirit The faculty and administration
expected each of us. regardless of economic circumstances, to "make
something" out of lives. We were taught to carry ourselves with dignity: not
in a conceited manner, but with confidence and self-assurance We somehow
sensed that our teachers were among the best and brightest in their general ion
Reflecting on them as role models, we were right
Pembroke High School as we remember it in 50 sand 60'scamC to an end
in 1969. and since that time, the place V;c called PHS has undergone several
reforms and name changes As we end this century a special tribute to PHS
will take place on July .1. 1999 at the Jayccc Building in Pembroke Promoted
as the "Decade of Class" Reunion, a committee representing I960 through
1969 is planning the details to make this an evening to remember Most of all
we want your presence along with old pictures, yearbooks, and other memorabilia
from your days at PHS The cost is $ 15.00 per person to be paid before
June 15. 1999. Make your check payable to A Decade of Class Reunion, and
mail it to Dcssic Lowry at First Union Bank in Pembroke.
Not intended to replace indiv idual rive-year reunions, this isa special ev ent
to commemorate the endof a special era for PHS alumni between 1960-69. The
Carolina Indian Voice will continue publishing the reunion announcement
through June. In addition you may call one of the following local committee
members for details Charity Revels. Monnic Sanderson. Cecelia McElmorc
(Charlotte). Sam Kerns. Ery tic B. Snuth. Alice Hunt. Lee Sampson. Maurinc
Dial. Furnic Barton. Diane Locklcar, Fclccia Turner. Jerry Chavis. Rudy
Locklcar. Clca Barton. Elaine Brayboy Haraway (Pinchurst), Olivia Holmes
Oxendine (Southern Pines). Doris O Cunimings. and Dcssic Lowry .