Community briefs

Senior site menus
Here are lunch menus for Brunswick County’s seven Senior Nutrition Sites for next week.
Monday, April 30
Salisbury steak/gravy, stewed potatoes, carrots, fruit cocktail, grape juice, whole-wheat bread, beverage.
Tuesday, May 1
Baked ziti/meat sauce, vegetable blend, applesauce, baked apple, Italian bread/margarine, beverage.
Wednesday, May 2
Turkey tetrazzini, field peas/snaps, baby carrots, Mandarin oranges, whole-wheat bread, beverage.
Thursday, May 3
Sloppy Joe, corn casserole, green beans, fruit cocktail, hamburger bun/whole-wheat bun, beverage.
Friday, May 4
Grilled barbecue chicken, new potatoes, spinach, pineapple tidbits, whole-wheat bread, beverage.
The seven sites and their hours are as follows:
Shallotte Senior Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Leland Senior Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Southport Senior Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oak Island Senior Site, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Calabash Senior Site, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Boiling Spring Lakes Senior Site, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Supply Senior Site, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
All sites serve lunch at noon. Contributions are entirely voluntarily; however, no one is turned away for failure to contribute. Menus are subject to change.

Film premiere set for April 28 in Southport
A special premiere showing of the new comedy film, “Whistling Pines,” will take place on April 28 at Playhouse 211 in Southport. This event is to salute Southport native Sean McGee, who has a starring role in the movie filmed in North Carolina. McGee and other cast members will attend the showing.
“Sean was a natural fit for this role,” the film’s writer/director, Mark Grady, said. “His unique voice became a hit with everyone who saw the film at the recent world premiere.” Grady, a Wilmington native, became friends with McGee during frequent visits to a restaurant he manages in the Raleigh area. They began talking about his unique delivery and how it could be used in cartoon voiceover work and films.
In “Whistling Pines,” McGee plays the part of Bob, a guy who hates squirrels to the point of trying to get the town council to pass an ordinance declaring all squirrels as fugitives, meaning they can be shot on site. Bob is just one of many characters in “Whistling Pines” who have gained the town a reputation of everybody there being crazy.
When famous national news anchor Matt Carson gets word of Bob, Jack the conspiracy theorist, and the other crazy people of Whistling Pines, he decides to personally do a story on the town to make fun of it for big ratings. At first, the town is excited about Matt being in town, thinking he’s there to pay a big tribute to Whistling Pines. When they get wind of the real reason he’s there, they decide to change the roles to give them the last laugh.
The special Southport showing will be at 8 p.m. April 28 at Playhouse 211, in St. James Plaza. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.whistlingpinesmovie.com or at the door. There is limited seating, so advance tickets are recommended. The film is not yet rated, but is expected to receive a PG rating for mild language.
“Whistling Pines” is the second feature film produced by Webster Falls Films, a production company located in Clayton. The company’s first film, Blaire’s Bridge, a family drama, was released in 2008.

Wine Fest April 28 benefits museums
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation is celebrating 20 years of natural science and environmental education by hosting a Wine Fest from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 28 at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach.
Proceeds from the Wine Fest will be used to refurbish the Museum of Coastal Carolina, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and Ingram Planetarium, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The Wine Fest features 16 wines provided by the Yadkin Valley Wine Growers Association. Located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, the Yadkin Valley is rapidly gaining a reputation for its high-quality grapes and award-winning wines. In addition to an interesting variety of wines, treats will be provided by Sharky’s, Sunset Beach Deli and Causeway Gourmet. There will be live and silent auctions.
The live auction, with auctioneer Ernie Perry of Perry’s Emporium Charlotte, has items to bid on, including: a signed, framed sea turtle giclée print by artist Guy Harvey; a weeklong stay in a Grand Cayman condo; an authentic Civil War musket; a private French and Low Country cooking class for 10-20 guests with Chef Eric Masson from The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro and more.
Tickets cost $50 per person and are on sale now at the following locations: the Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ingram Planetarium, Victoria’s Ragpatch (Ocean Isle location only), Brunswick Business Center and Sunset River Marketplace. Individual and corporate sponsorships ranging from $125 to $5,000 are available.
For more information about the event or becoming a sponsor, contact Deb Boyce at 579-1016 or visit www.museumplanetarium.org.

Pet Fair set for April 28 in Shallotte
Rescue Animals Community Effort (RACE) will have its annual Pet Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Shallotte District Park, 5550 Main St.
Highlights will include all-day demonstrations by Canine Angels, a raffle and silent-auction table and yard sale.
There will be lots of vendors, hot dogs and vendors and Sunset Slush.
It’s a day to find a special companion pet. Many local dog and cat rescue groups as well as breed-specific rescue groups will take part.
For more information, go to www.raceshelter.org or on Facebook to R.A.C.E. Inc.
Event sponsors include PetSmart, Wags and Whiskers, Green Up Inc., East Carolina Bank and McLane Building.
A rain date for the event is May 5.
For more information, call RACE at 547-2839.

‘Wizard of Oz’ auditions set for May 3
Brunswick Little Theatre will conduct auditions for “The Wizard of Oz” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, for adult’s ages 16 and older and at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, for children ages 15 and younger, at Building F on the campus of Brunswick Community College.
Everyone must audition to be considered for a role in this production, even if only to be cast in the ensemble. If unable to attend auditions on one of these dates, contact director Jen Iapalucci at jiapalucci@ec.rr.com or call 269-1518 to make alternate arrangements. There will be approximately 40 people cast in this production.
All those auditioning will be taught the chorus of one song from the show and will be required to sing and participate in a simple movement sequence as part of their audition. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. Anyone who wishes to be considered for a major role should prepare a song that showcases their vocal ability and character. It does not have to be a song from this show. Bring sheet music, a recorded accompaniment track, or be prepared to sing a capella.
In addition, come prepared to provide information about any potential conflicts with the rehearsal schedule, i.e. travel dates, work/school obligations, summer plans.
This will be an all-ages production. The following roles are being cast:
Dorothy will be played by a girl in the 12-16-year-old range (or at least by a girl who appears believable in this age range). All other major roles (Glinda, Wicked Witch, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, Oz, etc.) will be played by adults or older teens older than 16. Adult or older teens will be featured as crows, trees, citizens of the Emerald City, and Winkie Guards. The children’s ensemble will be featured as Munchkins, poppies, citizens of the Emerald City, and flying monkeys.
“The Wizard of Oz” will be performed July 27-29 and Aug. 3-5 at Odell Williamson Auditorium in Supply.

Fair housing, lending seminar is April 25
Brunswick Housing Opportunities is sponsoring a Fair Housing/Fair Lending & Foreclosure Scam Prevention Seminar from 1-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Brunswick Community College, Leland Campus.
This seminar is designed for housing professionals, lenders, local government units, housing counselors, nonprofits and the public. It will provide attendees with tools to help understand the rights and responsibilities under Fair Lending and Fair Housing Laws. Special emphasis will be given to the Fair Lending Laws and how to detect Foreclosure Rescue Scams and file complaints.
Trainers for this seminar are Peter Skillern of Reinvestment Partners, a national speaker, expert and advocate for consumer protections. Joining him will be Mal Maynard of the Financial Protection Law Center of Wilmington, a prominent local attorney who successfully litigated a class action suit against Advance America, a payday lender.

Chamber to host business expo April 26
The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Business Expo Thursday, April 26, at 101 Stone Chimney Place in Supply. The Expo will begin at 4 p.m. with the Business After Hours event following from 5:30-7 p.m. This event is open to the public.
Come and meet local businesses, including: Holden Brothers Produce, Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, Grapefull Sisters Vineyard, Greenwood Pet Camp, The Printing Shoppe, Inc., Coastal Printing and Graphics, Mary Kay by Tricia Bowen, Brunswick Family Assistance Agency, Inc., K&M Speed Networking, TBS Blinds & Shutters, Wilmington SCORE Chapter, Beach Butler, Al Fulford Heating & Air, Brunswick Community College, International Floor Coverings, Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning, Solar Star Energy and more.
There will be lots of door prizes, including a random drawing winner who will receive a full-page ad in the Brunswick Bulletin Newsletter, valued at $200. For additional information, call Jessica Walker at 754-6644.

Local kayaks to Ride the Tide May 5
Join Oak Island Parks & Recreation and The Adventure Kayak Company as they “Ride the Tide” on the Davis Canal beginning at 9 a.m. May 5.
There will be a kayak float and race from the recreation center to Blue Water Marina on an outgoing tide. There will also be various age group awards, a costume contest and a poker run. Kayak rentals are available.
Entry fee is $20 and the first 75 paddlers get a T-shirt. Volunteers also needed. To volunteer or register, call the recreation center at 278-5518 or visit www.oakislandnc.com/recreation.

Poker run to benefit Semper Fi Fund
A charity motorcycle poker ride to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, from Shallotte.
Registration is 9 a.m.-noon at Beach House Harley-Davidson on U.S. 17. The ride will begin at noon. The cost is a $20-per-hand donation.
Organizer Mike Graham says the event is part of a larger fundraiser, Operation Awakening. Former Recon Marine Tim Tuomey is riding a bicycle from the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., to Camp Lejeune to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to wounded Marines and their families while they recover.
Tuomey is scheduled to start riding on April 20, according to the website www.opawakening.com.
“We’re holding this to help him along with this greater goal,” Graham said.
Graham said organizers are working with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and are shooting for a 100-mile run that will proceed on the beach route to Sunset and Holden beaches, then to N.C. 211 and the new bridge at Oak Island.
Congressional candidate and former Marine Corps officer Ilario Pantano is supposed to speak at the April 28 event, Graham said. There will also be a raffle for an M4 rifle at the Beach House site, he said.
For more information about the upcoming event, call Graham at (910) 393-9333.

Memorial bridge to close at night
Motorists traveling across the Cape Fear River between New Hanover and Brunswick counties can expect delays and detours while crews carry out painting work on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
The N.C. Department of Transportation began daily lane closings on the bridge beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 19. One lane in each direction will remain open while work is underway between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through the end of May.
Full bridge closures will be in effect each night, with the exception of Friday evenings, for the duration of the project. The full closures will take place Sundays through Thursdays between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Saturdays from 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Sundays.
Crews will apply a much-needed coat of protective paint to the 43-year-old bridge, which has become a landmark for residents and visitors to Wilmington. Electrical and mechanical repairs have recently been completed by NCDOT.
Inbound traffic to Wilmington may follow signed detours along U.S. 17/421 to U.S. 74 and cross the Isabel Holmes Bridge into downtown. Outbound travelers will take Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, and then cross the Isabel Holmes Bridge to reach U.S. 17/421.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website available through your smartphone browser at “m.ncdot.gov.”

New shows set at Ingram Planetarium
Ingram Planetarium will feature two new shows in its 2012 summer schedule: Dynamic Earth and Tales of the Maya Skies. The summer schedule begins on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. During that period, Ingram Planetarium will be open Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
In Dynamic Earth, viewers will experience exciting rides along swirling ocean and wind currents, jump into the heart of a hurricane, and come face to face with sharks and whales as they dive to the ocean floor. Dynamic Earth will be shown at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In Tales of the Maya Skies, viewers will discover the art, legends, and astronomy of the Mayans, including the Maya’s long calendar that ends in 2012. Tales of the Maya Skies will be shown at 2 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 4 p.m. show this summer is Oasis in Space, which takes viewers on an exciting search for water and life in the universe.
Visit Ingram Planetarium at 7625 High Market St. in Sunset Beach. Admission is free for planetarium members. Non-member admission is per show and is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 3-4, and free for ages 2 and younger.

Thrift stores support Providence Home
Providence Home in Southport is a short-term shelter for youth who, due to an emergency, high-risk or crisis situation, cannot remain with their families. It is now in its 15th year of operation as the only emergency shelter for youth in Brunswick County.
The years have gone by quickly, but not uneventfully. Sixteen years ago, the board of directors of the Family Emergency Teen Shelter, motivated by a desire to assist youth in crisis, prepared a safe and loving place for all who needed to come. They named it Providence Home. More than a decade later, that home continues to fulfill its mission to protect and provide for children and youth in need of out-of-home placement.
Since opening its doors on Nov. 19, 1997, Providence Home has provided, shelter, food and clothing, while attending to the medical, educational, recreational and spiritual needs of more than 400 Brunswick County boys and girls at no charge.
Providence Home operates three thrift stores, called “Sheltered Treasures,” and all the stores welcome donations. The stores are in Southport at 4807 Southport-Supply Road (call 457-1078); Ocean Isle Beach at 6885 Beach Drive SW (call 575-3506); and Calabash at 10045 Beach Drive (call 575-7332). Pick-up of large item donations may be arranged by calling any of the stores.
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.providencehomenc.com or call 457-0440.

Springfest set for May 5
Southport Christian School will have its annual Springfest from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Franklin Square Park in Southport. Admission is free and this event is open to public. Enjoy crafts, hair and face-painting, cakewalks, food and games. Call 457-5060 for more information.

Virginia Williamson students honored
Virginia Williamson Elementary School has announced its nine-weeks awards to the following students:
First grade
Principal’s Award: Jerry Barajas, Kadence Curry, Dylan Grant, Elijah Honeycutt, Tanner Horne, Hunter Lanier, Amanda McCoy, Eli Pruitt, Emma Pruitt, Hannah Spencer, Seth Swain, Shelby Whitwam.
Citizenship Award: Ella Anderson, Riley Boyd, Sterling Carson, Alona Carter, Catherine Emanuel, Alexus Gilbert, Xavier Gore, Travis Hair, Zackary Hall, Jayden Kennedy, Logan Powell, Maddie Waldron.
Terrific Kids: Caleb Bernard, Luis Espinoza, Elena Gonzalez, Kimberly Hall, Jayden Herr, Mason Hewett, Sam Lancaster, Lauren LaRue, Elizabeth Long, Logan Long, Olivia Mehalick, Caley Suggs.
Perfect Attendance: Ronald Carter, Lindsay Hall, Kyle Hargrove, Leslie Lopez-Cruz, Sydney Rhodes, Devin Sneed, Jacky Zheng, Jason Zheng.
Academic Excellence: Hillori Adams, Ella Anderson, Jerry Barajas, Abrianna Bates, Brianna Bines, Riley Boyd, Madeline Brantley, Jerrah Couch, Alexander Cupernall, Rose Green, Carah Hewett, Elijah Honeycutt, Tanner Horne, Shyanne Kelly, Savannah Kissam, Sam Lancaster, Hunter Lanier, Lauren LaRue, Elizabeth Long, Logan Long, Olivia Mehalick, Bailey Moore, Emma Pruitt, Eli Pruitt, Dow Pender, Juan Sanchez-Luna, Devin Sneed, Hannah Spencer, Zoe Strattman, Caley Suggs, Emalee Taylor, Nicholas Tindal-Jenkins, Ryan Todd, Julie Vazquez-Duran, Maddie Waldron, Shelby Whitwam, Brycen Wilson, Bella Winston, Jason Zheng.
Second grade
Principal’s Award: Darrean Benbow, Brian Dixon, Alejandra Padilla, Andre Page, Jose Perfecto, Cristian Potter, Aidan Robinson, Michael Tweedy, Olivia Varnam, Quay Whitley.
Citizenship Award: William Bailey, Sage Clemmons, Andrew Gause, Raygaina Jones, Kody Klass, Emily McLeod, Erin McLeod, Brandon Powell, Justis Ranson, Kellen Wise.
Terrific Kids: Payton Bordeaux, Mariana Boswell, Emma Carter, Alexis Cupernall, Nichelle Furr, Angel Gore, Janessa Kennedy, Meredith Manley, Savion Metters, Camden Phelps.
Perfect Attendance: Rebecca Chestnut, Michael Corletto, Katelyn Emerson, Jamarian Fullwood, Samuel Fullwood, Sarina Gardner, Peyton Galloway, Corryn Hardee, Brayden Parish.
A Honor Roll: Aidan Bailey, Kassie Callaghan, Sage Clemmons, Jacob Closs, Mason DiBenedetto, TeCora Galloway, Meredith Manley, Carly Mohr, Camden Phelps, Kelly Taylor, Jackson Turturici.
A/B Honor Roll: Darrean Benbow, Mariana Boswell, Emma Carter, Matthew Carter, Samantha Christy, Brian Dixon, Jason Dodge, Morgan Donner, J’Kayla Edwards, Katelynn Emerson, BriannaRose Emmino, Adrian Faircloth, Jamarian Fullwood, Sarina Gardner, Garland Gonzalez, Chloey Hardee, Corryn Hardee, Nate Harris, Jacob Huffman, Janessa Kennedy, Zackery Klamerus, Shania Lance, Kassidy Lewis, MaKayla Mai, Carlie Metts, Emily McLeod, Erin McLeod, Meagan Michalk, Brayden Murray, Brayden Parrish, Crisitian Potter, Brandon Powell, Brianna Rhodes, Sean Shreves, Corbin Sink, Journey Sisung, Colby Willetts, Kellen Wise, Quay Whitley, Chelsea Varnam, Olivia Varnum.
Third grade
Principal’s Award: Brigid Colhurst, Courtney Corleto, Aubrie Davis, Destiny Gregory, Bethany Hewett, J’Kira Marlow-Hill, Meghan King, William Lopez, Brian Springs, Skyler Stocks, Daylah Therrien, Candyce Woody.
Citizenship Award: Katelyn Abner, Jorge Barragon, Baily Evans, Johnathan Fowler, Reese Hiatt, Jordan Jenrette, Dayle Ladson, Michael Nixon, Gabriel Owens, Brian Springs, Jennifer Uribe, Kaitlyn Wilson.
Terrific Kid: Mia Aranda, Adamari Cifuentes, Caitlyn Cordell, Heather Frink, Mani Galloway, Miller Lancaster, Hailey Mabe, Anjanae McNeil, Hunter Pender, Dakota Tedder, Fhillip Velesquez, Candyce Woody.
Perfect Attendance: Ethan Dickerson, Cymya Gardner, Ryan Gould, Bethany Hewett, Mary Kirby, Danielle Marlow, Todd Robbins, Emma Roussin, Meredith Stone, Christopher Taylor, Athena Wells.
A Honor Roll: Aubrie Davis, John DeStefano, Emily LaRue, Justin Ouelette, Hunter Pender, Simon Lagas-Rivera, Emma Roussin, Meredith Stone, Mikayla Watts.
A/B Honor Roll: Micah Anderson, Mason Benoy, Kaleigh Chestnut, Brandon Colby, Brigid Colhurst, LaJuan Daniels, Sydni Elliot, Johnathan Fowler, Cymya Gardner, Ryan Gould, Bethany Hewett, J’Kara Marlowe-Hill, Sha’Kira Johnson, Mary Jane Karas, Meghan King, Kayle Ladson, Miller Lancaster, Bobby Langley, Prestyn McFadden, Ethan McNeil, Gabriel Owens, Eli Padgett, Siera Porter, Todd Robbins, Brian Springs, Bryer Stutts, Easton Swain, Dakota Tedder, Alyssa Warwick, Athena Wells, David Williams, Kaitlyn Wilson, Candyce Woody.
Fourth grade
Principal’s Award: Roberto Contreras Sanchez, Kameelah Daniels, Lauren Finch, Lloyd Fullwood, Juan Garcia, Alexia Grissett, Matthew Hylton, Shelby Paczesny, Jon Roussin, Hailey Wilson.
Citizenship Award: Lauren Baley, Katelyn Bryant, Morrea Holden, Cole Justice, Nathan Osbahr, Hana Reaves, Alison Smith, Layton Swain, Cameron Therrien, Jeepie Wilson.
Terrific Kid: Jamie Baley, Autumn Bland, Haley Dickerson, Anna Fields, Preston Lancaster, Jonathan Mintz, Jayden Orton, Brian Sullivan, Tyler Varnum, Myli Williams.
Perfect Attendance: Xzasha Grissett, Crystal Hodge, Aerial Inman, Preston Lancaster, Hana Reaves, Alexis Turturici, Taryn Wilson, Dawson Wise.
A Honor Roll: Alexis Turturici, Dawson Wise.
A/B Honor Roll: Adrian Aldridge, Emma Babson, Jamie Baley, Aaliyah Baxley, Katelyn Bryant, Hayley Bullard, Kameelah Daniels, Avery Dail, Cheyenne Espinoza, Anna Fields, Lloyd Fullwood, Alexia Grissett, Jordan Gore, Haleigh Hardee, Crystal Hodge, Morrea Holden, Matthew Hylton, Preston Lancaster, McKenzie Lee, Nathan Osbhar, Tayveon Parker, Christopher Price, Ashley Robinson, Jon Roussin, Christen Schiel, Zion Smith, Morgan Strahley, Cameron Therrien, Kaitlyn Tolliver, Wesley Vance, Tyler Varnum, Myli Williams, Hailey Wilson.
Fifth grade
Principal’s Award: Alexia Bailey, Atlanta Crumbley, Dylan Dickerson, Nick Dudley, J.J. Cox, Zechariah Emmanuel, Colton Lowry, Susana Mata, Logan Robinson, Andromeda Windon.
Citizenship Award: Juliana Barfield, Aimee Canaday, Matthew Figley, Drew Hewett, Dylan Holsclaw, Kaliyah Matthews, Tasha Poindexter, Leigh Rudofsky, Ashley Trapp, Alexis Wescott.
Terrific Kid: Hailey Anderson, Donnella Ball, Sadie Benoy, Cole Curry, Dayshon Lee, David Mondragon, Daniel Owens, Alexandra Pridgen, Abby Roussin, Dillon Walston.
Perfect Attendance: Amber Colby, Dylan Dickerson, Logan Galloway, D. Germain, Tyler Hug, Dayshon Lee, Tracia Marlow, Ashley Slaven, Alexis Wescott, Austin Wescott.
A Honor Roll: Alexia Bailey, Amber Colby, Cole Curry, Dylan Dickerson, Jordyn Huffman, Alyssa Robinson, Abby Roussin, R.J. Thomas, Ashley Trapp.
A/B Honor Roll: Toby Agee, Diane Bailey, Juliana Barfield, Sadie Benoy, Marianne Boswell, Jake Brown, Trey Burgess, Kate Carson, Blair Clemmons, Ashley Cohan, Zechariah Emmanuel, Hailey Figley, Logan Galloway, Kadja Gause, Kimberley German, Logan Girard, Courtney Gore, Raven Hankins, Timothy Harrington, Dylan Holsclaw, Tyler Hug, Matthew Kye, Jacob Little, Colton Lowry, Susana Mata, Kaliyah Matthews, Zackary Mayo, Madison McFadden, Kaylei McKeighan, Jose Perfecto, Chelsie Prentice, Leigh Rudofsky, Ashley Slaven, Destinee Stevenson, Hannah Stutts, Fisnik Tosca, Danielle Varnam, Andromeda Windon.

Irizarry named principal for new academy
The Roger Bacon Academy’s deputy headmaster for Charter Day School’s middle school, Eric Irizarry, has been hired as the principal for the newly reconfigured D. C. Virgo Preparatory Academy for the New Hanover County Public Schools, according to founder Baker Mitchell.
“We congratulate Superintendent Markley for his good judgment in picking an outstanding young administrator to lead Virgo,” Mitchell said. “Eric has been with us since he interned here at the Leland campus back in 2008 and while we are sorry to see him go, we think that with the proper support, he can do a great job for the Virgo students.”
“We have great administrators and teachers at The Roger Bacon Academy charter schools and upward career opportunity is a factor that always attracts top people,” Mitchell said. “What often gets overlooked with public charter schools are the additional jobs they create in the education sector.” The vacant deputy headmaster position will be opened up to both internal and external applicants.
“It is bittersweet, as I have enjoyed making a difference in students’ lives here at Charter Day School, but I am looking forward to the new challenges at Virgo,” Irizarry said. “My experience here at one of the top-rated charter schools in North Carolina will bring a fresh new approach to education at the new middle school.”
Irizarry finished his master’s degree in school administration from UNCW in 2009 and has held titles at Charter Day School as director of operations, dean of instruction and most recently, deputy headmaster.
Since 2008, he has also been the co-founder and curriculum director for the Hillcrest Reading Program, an after school reading program for economically disadvantaged inner-city youths that utilizes the instructional methods taught at The Roger Bacon Academy.
Public charter schools were created with a mission to help the entire education system share new and innovative methods of educating students in North Carolina. In 1996, charter schools were ratified in North Carolina to increase learning opportunities for all students and provide different and innovative teaching methods.
In October 2011, The Roger Bacon Academy was asked to present a plan to the New Hanover County School Board to become the management company to operate Virgo as a charter school. Despite the fact the school will not be a charter school, the changes at Virgo show that co-operation between charter schools and traditional public schools are a step in the right direction toward accomplishing that mission, officials said.