First Methodist wins Shining Moment Award


Shining Moment Award 2009
Principal Michael Putney of Dabney Elementary School, left, with Dr. Beverly Joseph principal of Pinkston Street Elementary School standing beside him, handing the Shining Moment in Education Award to Virginia Paynter and Jack Richardson of First United Methodist Church.

Vance County Schools is pleased to announce that First United Methodist Church of Henderson has been selected as the recipient of the 2008-2009 Shining Moment in Education Award, which recognizes the school system’s most outstanding business partner for the school year.

The award was presented to Virginia Paynter and Jack Richardson, who represented First United Methodist Church, at last night’s Annual Banquet for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College.

Dr. Beverly Joseph, principal of Pinkston Street Elementary School, and Michael Putney, principal of Dabney Elementary School, presented the award to the church for its members’ tremendous volunteer work at the two schools.

Dr. Joseph told the approximately 460 people in attendance that First United Methodist Church has supported her school for several years in a variety of ways. Church members volunteer regularly in the school to tutor and mentor students; serve as Lunch Buddies; donate school supplies for needy students; help families with the purchase of school uniforms; help with the school’s chess club; and offer prayers of support for students, parents and school staff members.

Mr. Putney added that the church’s Hand-in-Hand program provides volunteers at his school to tutor and mentor students; serve as Lunch Buddies; provide clothing for needy children; donate school supplies for the needy; adopt families during the holidays; and offer prayers and words of encouragement for students and staff members.

With their efforts, the members of First United Methodist Church of Henderson truly represent a “Shining Moment” in our educational process.

The Shining Moment in Education Award is a beautiful crystal vase, with the Vance County Schools’ seal engraved on it. The award sits on a lighted, wooden base which features a brass plate with the engraving of “2008-2009 Shining Moment Award — First United Methodist Church.”