Education

Brunswick Community College and community colleges across the state will increase student activity fees for the first time in 20 years.

For a student taking seven or more credit hours, the fee will increase from $19 to $32.50 a semester—an increase of $13 per semester.

Stephen Greiner, BCC president, said the decision to raise student activity fees was made by the Community College System. Individual schools cannot decide to make those changes.

Mayberry came to Brunswick County last Tuesday as Union Elementary School fourth grade presented the ninth annual production of “An Evening in Mayberry” at Odell Williamson Auditorium.

Former Union teacher Ellen Gordon wrote the play, which is based on the fictional town and characters of Mayberry. The plot revolves around a North Carolina state history school project. In turn, it showcases the actual fourth-grade curriculum taught in North Carolina public schools.

After the Brunswick County Board of Education committee meetings last month, board members discussed naming the district’s new middle school David R. Sandifer Middle School, after the late county commissioner.

While all seemed in favor of the name, opinions changed at Tuesday’s monthly board meeting.

Board member Ray Gilbert said he had received “numerous” calls from members of the Cedar Grove community who think the school should be named after the community. Gilbert said the board should hear more from the community before voting on a name.

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at Brunswick Community College offers short-term programs and classes for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, and academic achievement geared towards adults seeking intellectual stimulation, community involvement and social interaction, according to Karen Ladley, public information officer at the school.