Halifax County Schools recognized its April and May employees of the month and students of the month for the same period.
April
Michael Robinson was named the April employee of the month.
Robinson serves as a custodian at Scotland Neck Elementary Leadership Academy, ensuring the school is open and ready for teachers and students.
Additionally, he is responsible for ensuring the school and grounds are presentable.
https://www.rrspin.com/news/7604-hcs-names-april-may-employees-students-of-the-month.html#sigProId38fc3d7144
Athlea-Jones Fobbs said, “Mr. Robinson is a very dependable person. He arrives early every morning to unlock the school and classrooms for staff. He takes pride in making sure his hallways are clean and presentable. He’s always helping others out and doesn’t complain. Mr. Robinson also has a good rapport with staff and students.”
Said Robinson: “I try to set a good example for kids and ensure things are nice and presentable around the building. I see myself as a team player and work hard to do my part in helping to make the school successful.”
Superintendent Eric Cunningham said, “It is with great pride that we recognize Mr. Robinson for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to his work. He is a valuable school community member, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him for this well-deserved recognition.”
May
William Battle was named the May employee of the month.
Battle instructs students and staff as the certified safety and traffic education specialist with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
His primary responsibility is to teach students and staff highway and traffic safety to yield high-end results on and off the road.
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Students gain their very first credential in the driver’s education program as they gain their graduated learner’s permit and then their license.
Battle is a licensed CDL driver who retired from the city of Rocky Mount and repurposed his expertise to assist students in driver’s education.
He is known for his statements “Let’s talk about the drive” and “Strive for five.”
Battle has also earned his bus license to assist the district in multiple ways.
Battle is the father of Zaniya and Zamiya Battle and the spouse of Dr. Tyrana Battle.
"Mr. Battle is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” Cunningham said. “We are proud to have him as a valuable team member."
April student of the month
Nizzir Stephens was selected as the HCS April student of the month.
He is a senior at the HCS Empowerment Zone.
His favorite subject is social studies because he likes learning about the past and seeing how far people have come. His hobbies are playing games and spending time with my family and friends.
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“Keep your head up and strong and never give up on yourself,” he said.
In reaction to his selection, Stephens said, “It’s a lot, but I kept pushing myself, and it was very unexpected.”
Stephens was selected because he worked to be a part of the graduating class of 2023 when he doubted himself.
He has progressed in all areas, including academics, behavior, and attendance. He finally bought into the idea and was convinced that he could become a graduate if he followed the plan created for him when he enrolled at the Empowerment Zone.
He and his grandmother were asked to allow the staff to provide support and guidance along with their buy-in.
Once he started to tap into his potential, his confidence grew. He has grown tremendously socially, behaviorally, and academically.
Sharon Arrington, coordinator of the Empowerment Zone, said she and the staff were proud to select Stephens. "It is always inspiring to see a student like Nizzir Stephens rise to the occasion and exceed expectations. His hard work and dedication to his education are truly admirable. I am proud of the progress he has made and the positive impact he has had on his school community.”
May student of the month
The May student of the month is Selena Richardson, a rising first-grader who attends Hollister Elementary Leadership Academy.
Her favorite subject is writing because she likes writing sentences. Her hobbies are dancing, cooking, and singing.
https://www.rrspin.com/news/7604-hcs-names-april-may-employees-students-of-the-month.html#sigProId9d3101a6a2
She advises other students to always strive to be better. “School is fun, and I am happy to be a student of the month.”
Said Cunningham: "Selena sets an example of what a leader is, and she never gives up no matter what she's faced with. I am proud to have her represent our district as the May student of the month.”
