August 4, 2023

Davie’s Kinder Camps Prepare Students for Kindergarten

Squealing with excitement, the sixteen rising kindergarteners at Cornatzer Elementary’s Kinder Camp pass a ball around in a circle. Having fun, they have no idea that they are also practicing motor skills, following directions, cooperating, and getting used to what it will be like in kindergarten. “Kinder Camp really gives students a sneak peek of what to expect in kindergarten,” said Cornatzer Principal Raymonda Shelton. “It’s a chance for students to see what it is all about, which has been wonderful.”  Funded by a $25,000 grant from the Mebane Foundation, Kinder Camp is offered at all six Davie County Elementary […]
July 31, 2023

IGNITE DAVIE Helps Students Find Careers in Davie County 

Emma James Finds a Career Close to Home Emma James has found a career close to home, thanks in part to IGNITE DAVIE College Promise.  Born and raised in Davie County, she graduated from Davie High in 2021, Davidson-Davie Community College through IGNITE DAVIE in Spring 2022, and immediately went to work as a Dental Assistant 2 at Hillsdale Dental in Advance.  IGNITE DAVIE is a place-based last-dollar scholarship, meaning students must live in and attend school in Davie County. All eligible high school graduates, regardless of financial need or academic ability, can continue their education and training to open […]
June 16, 2023

Proud Community Welcomes All-America County Team Home

After winning All-America County status, Davie County’s tired but elated delegation returned home from Denver, Colorado, to a warm welcome from family, friends, and the community. Davie County is one of only ten communities across the country to receive this prestigious award from the National Civic League this year.  Touched by the turnout, the team expressed its appreciation for the welcome and the support. “It was heartwarming to see the surprise welcome as we approached the government center,” said Ken Gamble, Mocksville town manager. “I’ll never forget the looks of joy on the faces of our youth and adult team […]
April 18, 2023

IGNITE DAVIE is Meeting the Needs of Both Students and Employers

IGNITE DAVIE is proving to be a win-win for students and local employers alike.  Thanks to Davie’s college promise program, Robby Bostic started a career as an HVAC installer without educational debt, and Webb Heating & Air Conditioning gained a valuable new employee.  IGNITE DAVIE is a place-based last-dollar scholarship, meaning students must live in and attend school in Davie County. All eligible high school graduates, regardless of financial need or academic ability, can continue their education and training to open the door to better career opportunities and increased earning potential. Beginning with the Class of 2020, IGNITE DAVIE pays […]
January 26, 2023

IGNITE DAVIE Adds Short-term Training Programs for Fall 2023

Beginning in Fall 2023, the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise program will include four short-term training programs at Davidson-Davie Community College.  Previously, IGNITE DAVIE paid for tuition and fees with a stipend for books for graduates to attend DDCC full-time in a certificate, diploma, or associate/transfer program at either campus.  Now IGNITE DAVIE students will have the option to enroll in a 16-week program for Electrical, HVAC, Nursing Assistant 1, or Phlebotomy, which will allow them to quickly start a career in an in-demand field or complete the first step of a certification program.    “This is a new, expanding opportunity that […]
January 10, 2023

IGNITE DAVIE is Helping Davie County Students Achieve Their Dreams

Merritt Killian decided early on that he wanted a career helping people, and IGNITE DAVIE has helped him take the first step toward making that dream a reality.  Growing up, his dad was often on deployment with the Air Force, so he and his siblings sometimes went to work with their mother who was a nursing supervisor at a nursing home. He remembers spending time talking with the residents who became like second grandmas and grandpas. “It was really my first experience being surrounded by people who needed care, and it planted the seed that I wanted to help people […]
November 18, 2022
Davie county students in orange safety vests pose outside the Ashley Furniture building on their visit to the facility on Manufacturing day.

Manufacturing Day Teaches 7th Graders About Career Opportunities in Davie County

Davie County’s 7th-grade students recently got a jump start on career exploration with unique behind-the-scenes tours of several local businesses and manufacturers as part of Manufacturing Day 2022.  Students from Ellis, North Davie, and South Davie Middle Schools each toured two different locations, including Dex Heavy Duty Parts, Fuller Welding & Fabricators, Gildan, Pro Refrigeration, Rise Indoor Sports, and a Davie Construction project at the old high school. Other students from all three schools spent their tour time experiencing many different facets of Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.  Hosted annually, Manufacturing Day is a national event executed at the local level […]
October 4, 2022
(L to R) - Board of Education Member Dub Potts, Board of Education Chairman Clint Junker, Davie County Schools Superintendent Jeff Wallace, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Davie County Manager Brian Barnett, and Special Advisor for Teacher Engagement Julie Pittman tour Davie County High School.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt Visits Davie County High School

Davie County Schools welcomed State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt to Davie County High School last week to talk with students and teachers, observe the exciting Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and experience firsthand all that the school has to offer. Truitt, who took office in January 2021, has toured dozens of schools across the state as she focuses on improving the state’s public schools, expanding innovation, and creating new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and successfully transition into the post-secondary plans of their choice. When Wallace invited her to visit Davie County, she jumped at the […]
August 20, 2022
Teachers tour Avgol's facilities L to R) Lisa Doss, Melanie White, Amy Hardister, Anthony Davis, Hannah Beck, Joey Anderson, Will Miner, Alyse Wooldridge, Diane Ireland, Chelsea Dvorak

Externships Connecting Teachers with Industry for Workforce Development

The more you know, the more you can teach. Nine Davie County Schools educators recently became students as they toured area companies to gain a deeper understanding of the skills needed by employers that will help their students find meaningful careers and help the local industry to grow. During a three-day externship, the educators toured Ashley Furniture, Avgol, Brakebush, Gildan, Hayward Industries, Pro Refrigeration, Inc., and Sportsfield Specialties to learn about all facets of their business.  The week began with a tour of the soon-to-open Veteran’s View Intake Center where participants discovered the scope of the programs that will be […]