News
James Cook Leadership Breakfast INSPIRES FUTURE LEADERS
The Wilkes County Hall of Fame held the seventh annual James Cook Leadership Breakfast on November 13 at the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts, bringing together middle and high school students for a morning of mentorship, learning, and inspiration. Hosted by Eric Rowles from Leading to Change, the event featured 12 Wilkes County Hall of Fame inductees, each of whom shared insights into a core leadership characteristic that aligns with the N.C. Portrait of a Graduate framework.
Sponsored by Mark Cook and the Cook family, the breakfast provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with local leaders who have made a significant impact on the community. Through small group discussions, students explored key leadership traits such as adaptability, collaboration, communication, learner’s mindset, critical thinking, personal responsibility and empathy. Hall of Fame inductees shared valuable stories and experiences, encouraging students to develop these essential skills as they move toward future success. As a conclusion to the event, students were invited on stage to share their biggest takeaways from the day. Many spoke about the inspiration they found in the inductees’ stories and the importance of cultivating these leadership characteristics. Their reflections highlighted how the event motivated them to strive for personal growth and make a positive impact. Hall of Fame President Shana Williams challenged students to embrace the role of a good leader and consider the importance of leaving a legacy. “Great leadership is not only about success in the moment, it’s about the lasting impact you make in the lives of others and the legacy you leave behind,” Williams said.
The James Cook Leadership Breakfast has become a beloved tradition, celebrated by students, educators, and community leaders alike. By connecting students with accomplished individuals from their community, the event fosters leadership development and personal growth, inspiring youth to strive for excellence in life’s endeavors.
The Wilkes County Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for the class of 2025 through November 29, 2024. Nomination applications are available on the website (wilkescountyhalloffame.org). The Wilkes County Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a mission of inspiring others by promoting and honoring the excellence of the people of Wilkes. The 11th annual Wilkes County Hall of Fame Gala will be on May 22, 2025 in the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts.
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Wilkes County Hall of Fame Grants Largest Amount to Date to Wilkes Schools
The Wilkes County Hall of Fame Governing Board (WCHOF) recently announced $24,303.80 in grant monies to be spend in the areas of art, music, drama, band, physical education, and athletics in the Wilkes County Schools. This makes the largest amount the WCHOF has given in grants to Wilkes County Schools. The WCHOF board presented checks to fund 32 projects at the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The check presentations were made by Shana Williams, President of the WCHOF and Stacey Neece, Grants Committee Chairman of the WCHOF. Before checks were presented to each grantee, Williams thanked all of those who applied for a grant and encouraged them to apply again next year. She also shared how funding for grants is made possible by local businesses and community members who support the Hall of Fame’s annual Induction Gala, which serves as a fundraiser to their grant fund. The following grantees were chosen from funds received from the ninth annual Wilkes County Hall of Fame Gala:
Elizabeth Jordan, Millers Creek Elementary, received $500 to purchase various supplies for painting projects.
Carol Huffman, Millers Creek Elementary, received $1,000 to purchase acoustic guitars for music classes.
Jessica Ferguson & Andy Kinder, Mulberry Elementary, received $1,000 to purchase Drums Alive program for music and physical education classes.
Lauren Oravsky, North Wilkesboro Elementary, received $490.47 to purchase supplies for an art class project.
Shelia Lester, Ronda-Clingman Elementary, received $846.54 to purchase physical education equipment.
Jessie Parker, Ronda-Clingman Elementary, received $864.54 to purchase aluminum artist easels.
William Pearson, Roaring River Elementary, received $420 to purchase scooters and storage for scooters for physical education classes.
Carly Clonch, Central Wilkes Middle, received $975.22 to purchase in ground basketball goals and installation.
Nancy Wood & Jennifer Spencer, North Wilkes Middle, received $850 to purchase supplies for a dinner theatre.
Zach Smith & Jordyn Halvorsen, North Wilkes Middle, received $350 to purchase track and field equipment and first aid kits.
Vickie Lyck, West Wilkes Middle, received $500 to purchase supplies for a weaving project.
Joanne Schwab, West Wilkes Middle, received $1,000 to purchase theater performance royalty, costumes, set design, and cast shirts.
Matt Campbell, East Wilkes High, received $500 to purchase new golf balls.
Beth Poplin, East Wilkes High, received $836 to purchase sheet music, customs and props.
Bradley Hayes, East Wilkes High, received $1,000 to purchase basketballs for men’s basketball program.
Aaron Simmons, East Wilkes High, received $950 to purchase new tennis nets.
Carrie Vestal, East Wilkes High, received $400 to purchase sets of headgear.
Justin Call, East Wilkes High, received $800 to purchase screens and padding for batting cage.
Colin Whiteley, East Wilkes High, received $873 to purchase Pearl Mallet Station for band program.
Kaylin Blankenship, North Wilkes High, received $500 to purchase dust for warning track for women’s softball program.
David Wojtecki, North Wilkes High, received $600 to purchase weight lifting belts.
Sarah Privette, North Wilkes High, received $1,000 to purchase supplies for a dinner theatre.
Brian Holloway, North Wilkes High, received $740 to purchase basketballs for men’s basketball program.
Britteny Weisensel & Logan Call, North Wilkes High, received $1,000 to purchase AED with all supplies needed.
Brandon Milam, North Wilkes High, received $300 to purchase various items for tennis program.
Noah Johnson, North Wilkes High, received $600 to purchase golf bags and golf balls.
Crystal Carlton, North Wilkes High, received $740 to purchase supplies for track and field program.
Jacob Wood, West Wilkes High, received $1,000 to purchase football helmets.
Misty Hartzog, West Wilkes High, received $917 to purchase art supplies.
Chuck Cannon, Wilkes Central High, received $1,000 to purchase sets of shoulder pads for football program.
Anthony Byers, Wilkes Early College High, received $751.03 to purchase art supplies..
The Wilkes County Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non- profit. The Mission of the Wilkes County Hall of Fame (WCHOF) is to promote and honor the excellence of the people of Wilkes County in order to encourage and inspire the youth and citizens of Wilkes. The 10th Annual WCHOF will be Thursday, May 16, 2024 in the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts. For more details visit: www.wilkecountyhalloffame.org. For additional information contact Morgan Mathis, 336-667-1121 or email: mathismo@wilkes.k12.nc.us
The Wilkes County Hall of Fame’s goal is to recognize the human capital of Wilkes County and remind the citizens of the stories and excellence of the individuals’ lives, inspiring students to pursue their goals by being encouraged by the accomplishments of those before them.
Oct 8, 2018
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