^ f\iblishcd each Thursday m Pembroke, N.C.I~
Car^ iMTnixanVoke
VOLUME 32 SUMBER SO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23. 2004 "K " * ;'/j5 25c
Chamber recognizes PSRC Junior
Students of Excellence
Juniors from the six high schools in the Public Schools of Robeson
County were recognized at thejneeting of the PSRC of Education on
December 6. 2004 Amber Bullard. a senior at P Swett High, was also
recognized Students were highlighted based on their leadership and
service activities in their schools and their communities Nancy
McBryde, Coordinator for Gifted for PSRC. presented chamber representatives
-and students The Students of Excellence initiative is a
collaborative effort with the local chambers and the public schools
Each chamber selects a student from among applications submitted
from the high school in their area, students who apply must have at
least a 3 0 grade point average Each chamber honors their student
with a plaque and other rewards for their meritorious service and
achievement
Amber Bullard. a senior at P Swett High who was at a national FFA
Conference in Kentucky and who was not available to be recognized
at the meeting for Senior Students of Excellence, was introduced by
Heather Chavis representing the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce
Bullard is number one in her senior class ranking and is active in many
activities at her school She has completed in the Regional Math Competition
in the area of Gemometry and is a member of the Literary
Society, the Quiz Bowl Team, the Beta Club, and the National Honor
Society. Bullard is the President of the Purnell Swett High Student
Body A participant in sports in basketball, track and field, and volleyball.
Bullard is very active in the Future Farmers of America Awards
- and recognitions she has received in FFA include the following serv ing
as Chapter Secretary. Vice President, and President, participating
in the Envirothon in 10th and 1 Ith grades, and serving as Lumber
River Federation President Bullard is currently the Southeast Region
FFA Vice President Bullard has also participated in several enrichment
studies programs such as Duke TIP Summer Studies Program,
the Science House Envirotech Progractat NCSU; and regional, state,
and national conventions for FFA Bullard plans to pursue a degree in
Agricultural Law She feels that life's true value is in serving others
One of her favorite quotes from Albert Einstein who said: "Try not to
become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value "
Also recognized by Heather Chavis from the Pembroke Chamber
was Hannah E.Woriax from Purnell Swett High Woriax plans attend
Duke University and to pursue a career as a Physician As a high
school student, she has received many awards including Top Student
in Biology in 2004 and certification in the "Reading for Success' program
through the Church and Community Center Woriax attended the
25th Annual NC Indian Youth UNITY Conference at UN'C-P in June.
2004 Her second Year Study project entitled "Herbal Combinations as
a Moore Effective Antibiotic" was recognized with 1st place at UNCP's
South Central Region IV Biological Science Fair, and this same
study was recognized with 2nd place at the National American Indian
Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque. New Mexico, and at the
NC State 2004 Senior Division Science Fair where she received the
Eastman Kodak Award Her community activities include being a tutor
for CIS at Prospect School, being a laboratory assistance for UNC-P
YO1 Summer Science Camp during the summer 2004. and working with
fundraising for Relay for Life in 2004 Woriax believes success is "based
on our happiness and how we feel about where in life we have traveled."
Crystal Ciera Love was recognized by Fran Ray of the Red Springs
Chamber Love is striving to be valedictorian of her class of2006 at Red
Springs High She is interested in a medical career after completing her
education at either UNC-Chapel Hill or East Carolina University At
school Love is active as a Varsity Cheerleader and as a member of the
Red Springs High Marching Band, the Jazz Band and the Concert Band. She
is a member of the Beta Club, the USAAH Club, the HQS A Club,
and the Spanish Club She was recently a nominee from her school for
the North Carolina Governor's School 2005 In her community Love
sings in her church choir and volunteers at Peterson Elementary School
Love cites her mother as her greatest role model because she feels
blessed to have a mother who cares for her physically, emotionally,
and mentally" "
Ann Chaney of the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce presented the
award to Harrison Masters of Lumberton High School where he is
currently ranked number one in his class Masters is active in his youth
group at First Presbyterian Church and also serves on the Associate
Pastor Nominating Committee He is currently pursuing his Eagle Scout
rank Engineering is his career goal but also plans to also prepare for
his future through studying Spanisli and business He defines success
as "performing at the highest level without sacrificing integrity"
Masters is a member of the cross-country team and the golf team at
l.umberton High where he is also a member of the Beta Club
Raymond Johnson of the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce presented
the award to I ansa Janav Baker from Fainnont High School Baker isa
member of the Afro-American Club and the Beta Club at her school
She is an active member of her church where she is a member of the
Hearlds of Joy Choir and Youth Praise Team She is a member of the
ROSE Club (Respect. Order. Service, and Education) which is sponsored
bv Alphs Keppa Alpha Sorority Her most admired person is her
mother whom she describes as "strong, bold, hard-working, independent.
loyal caring, and understanding"- characteristics which Baker
hopes to emulate in the future
Jessica C Stmts was recognized as senior Student of Excellence
front South Robeson High by Dessie Low ery of Rowland representing
the Chamber of Commerce Currently ranked as number one in her
graduating class of 2006. Stutts is Vice President of her Junior Class,
Nice President of the Beta Club. Co-C'aptain of the Quiz Bowl Team,
and Assistant Editor of the Yearbook In her church Stutts is a member
of the Youth Choir and President of her Youth Group She has participated
in several mission trips to help others outside her community.
Stutts sees her older sister Stephanie as a prime role model because
she has taught her "to believe in what is right and fight for the good
things of life" She hopes to become a teacher Recognized
from St Pauls High School was Chris Watson, whose
award was presented by Doris McLean of the St'Pauls Chamber
Watson is very active in his school in Honors Band, serving in the
Concert Band and the Marching Band He has also participated in the
AH-Countv Rand Watson w as named Cadet of the Year and Superior
Cadets for ROTC for the 200J-2004 year He is a member of the National
Honor Society. Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the Student
Government Association
All students of Excellence recipients are recognized at their individuals
schools, at their area Chamber of Commerce meetings, and
officially at the Board of Education presentations
Report to the Tribal
Membership
Since the Tribal Council elections held in November, there has
been much controversy surrounding the results of that election, as
well as controversy regarding action taken by the Lumbee Tribal
Elections Board and the Lumbee Supreme Court Decisions by both
the Elections Board and the Supreme Court have raised serious
questions as to the actual authority of each entity Further, the
Lumbee Tribal Council recently involved itself in the matter. The
problems stemmed from election results in District 12 and District 13
Incumbent A1 Locklear was challenged by Ricky Burnette and
incumbent Montford Dial was challenged by Danita Locklear
Allegations of voter fraud and problems at both polls immediately
surfaced the day of the election. Both A1 Locklear and Montford Dial
petitioned the Court with allegations against the Elections Board.
Danita Locklear and Ricky Burnette filed complaints with the Tribal
Elections Board who is responsible for the conduct of all elections as
prescribed in the tribe's governing document, the Lumbee Tribal
Constitution In response to complaints from Danita Locklear and
Ricky Burnette. the Elections Board called for a new election in both
districts However, on December 4. the Lumbee Supreme Court ruled
the Elections Board did not have the authority to call for new
elections and further ordered the Tribal Council to remove themembers
of the Elections Board In addition, they too ordered a new
election to be held in those districts The Lumbee Tribal Council
voted in a closed session to demand the Elections Board to certify
election results in both Districts 12 and 13 However, the Elections
Board immediately stated they would not certify results in either
district. This activity has caused much confusion among the tribal
membership on who has the authority to do what
First, if A1 Locklear and Montford Dial had problems with the
Elections Board, they should have petitioned the Elections Board
who has the authority under the Constitution to address such issues
not the Supreme Court The Lumbee Supreme Court should have
denied the petitions filed by both and advised them to file any
grievances concerning the elections with the Elections Board, the
appropriate entity There was no issue then to be addressed by the
Court Further, the Court has no authority to remove anyone from
the Elections Board. Their sole responsibility according to the
Constitution is to address issues arising from the Constitution and
any ordinances passed by the Tribal Council They have no
authority to remove any member of the Elections Board
The Tribal Elections Board is an organ of the Lumbee Tribal
government, an independent entity established by the Constitution,
and cannot be removed by either the Court or any other organ of the
government The only provision in our tribal governing document
that allows members of the government to be removed is through the
Recall process, and this provision only applies to Lumbee Tribal
Chairman Jimmy Goins and members of the Lumbee Tribal Council
This is one of reserved powers of the tribal membership and only the
tribal membership can remove an elected person from office through
Recall The Lumbee Tribal membership did not give the government
any authority to remove members of the Court or members of the
Elections Board In order for members of either entity to be removed,
the Lumbee Constitution would have to be amended to include a
provision outlining a ptocess for impeachment This would require a
vote by the tribal membership, and could not be done through an
ordinance as some Council members believe
The Elections Board was absolutely correct in not certifying the
results in district 12 and 13 If the results of those elections were
certified, the Elections Board would have been saying that all
allegations were resolved and that Montford Dial and A1 Locklear
were the winners They would have been wrong to certify election
results in the midst of all of the allegations concerning the election
The Elections Board wanted to maintain the integrity of the tribal
elections and felt the only way to do that was to call for a new
election It is important to understand that the Tribai Council has not
enacted any ordinances regarding elections In addition, the Board
has the authority to call for new elections, The original intent of the
Elections Board was for the entity to be independent from all
branches of government and to ensure that any and all elections
were held in a fair and impartial manner This concept was supported
by the tribal membership to ensure that the integrity of the tribal
elections process was protected
Students of Excellence
In December, a special called meeting wa\ held by the Lumbee
Tribal Council- It was at that meeting the Council voted in closed
session to demand the Elections Board to certify the election results
in districts 12 and 13 However, the Council had no authority to
mingle in the Board's business As stated, they are an independent
body. Further, Council members A1 Locklear and Montford Dial
voted on the matter even though both took an oath saying they
would not participate in activity that directly affected them This was
a blatant violation of a tribal ordinance enacted by the Council Both
shouldjiave not participated in that vote because it concerned the
election results in the districts they represent The Council did not
address the issue of removing the Board at that time However, the
tribal membership needs to be weary of the Cduncft concerning this
issue More than once they have openly and blatantly violated'the
Lumbee Tribal Constitution
l.astly, on Monday, December 20,2004, the Tribal Council voted to
not allow members of the media to attend Council meetings It is not
clear whether this action was presented as an ordinance or whether
the Council passed a motion concerning the action If it was done by
an ordinance, the Council must post the ordinance for thirty days
before it is enacted, and allow the tribal membership the opportunity
to voice any concerns we may have with the ordinance
Nevertheless, no matter how the decision was derived, it is one that
the tribal membership should take issue with If there is to be no
media coverage of the meetings, how will the tribal membership be
kept informed of Tribal Council action9 Further, this action by the
Tribal Council is a violation of the 'rights of the entire tribal
membership because the Constitution specifically states that any
and all proceedings of the Council must be held in a public forum It
will be interesting to sec if the tribal membership will respond to this
blatant violation of our rights as tribal members Every member of the
Lumbee tribe has the inherent right to attend meetings and repoti
whatever they deem necessary There is no provision in our tribal
governing document to ban a tribal member from any meeting for any
cause
Once again we ask the Tribal Council to get their act together and
start conducting business as prescribed in the Lumbee Tribal
Constitution Such action as banning media should have been done
through an ordinance and not in the form of a motion If the Council
continues as they have in the past to address every issue through a
motion as opposed to an ordinance, they have once again taken away
the tribal membership's rights to repeal any action they take that the
tribal membership disagrees with These are legitimate reasons for
the tribal membership to recall each and every eligible elected tribal
official
by Cynthia L. Hunt, Enrolled Member
Tribal News Correspondent
Carolina Indian Voice
910-521-0992
PSRC announce nominations
for Governor's School
The Governor's School of North Carolina is the oldest statewide
summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted
high school studejpts in the nation The program, which is open to
rising seniors, only, with exception made tor rising juniors in the performing/visual
arts area, is located on two campuses Governor's
School West began in 1063 and is located on the Salem College campus
in Winston-Salem, Governor's School East began 1978 and was
located on the St Andrews College campus in Laurinburg, but now is
located on the Meredith College campus in Raleigh The program is
tuition-free and is funded annually by the General Assembly of North
Carolina A Board of Governors appointed by the State Board of Education.
acts as an advisory body
The program offers a non-credit, non-graded curriculum for 800
students in three areas Area I is the special interested area of the
students and the basis on which on which he or she is' chosen to
attend the Governor's School Academic disciplines are English, Spanish
and French, mathematics, and natural and social sciences The -?
performing/visual arts disciplines include art, choral and instrumental
' music, dance and drama The emphasis in all disciplines is on contemporary
texts, compositions, artistic expressions, issues, and ideas and
the theories that flow from them Area II classes allow students and
teachers to explore connections between and among the disciplines
These classes encourage students to construct an understanding of
contemporary ways of thinking and of the culture that arises from
them In, Area III classes, students attempt to ground what they are
learning in Area I and Area If in their own personal experience and
then-apply that understanding to their social worlds, coming to a
better understanding of their place and function as a part of society.
For the Governor's School summer program of 2005, the Public
School of Robeson have nominated 12 students in the Academics
areas and 13 students in the Performing Arts areas Nominated in the
academics areas are Luke Britt, Chastity Caulder, John Masters. Ashley
Miller. Cody Pate, Mary Jane Richardson, and Grey Sweeney from
Lumberton High. Brandon Hall and Kelly Fields from St Pauls High.
George Locklearand Janna Bass from P Swett High, and David Campbell
from Red Springs High Nominated in Performing Arts areas are Jennifer
Cain and Keri Naylor from St Pauls High", Tiffany Brown from Red
Springs High. Samantha Epps from P Swett High. Tiffany Newsome
from S Robeson High, and Ashley Allen. Ben Bell. Kristin Brady,
Marissa ( lewis, and Jonathan Frederick from Lumberton High Academic
nominees will compete for selection through a committee at the
state level. Performing Arts nominees will audition for their areas at
Meredith College in February
The timeline for applications for the Governor's School is early fallmid-September
through mid-November Applications are reviewed by
a PSRC central committee, recommendations for nominees as
Superintendent s Choices
Students who have attended the Governor's School unanimously
agree that the program provides a life-changing experience
PSH Students nominated for
(iovernor's School