Local News

FTCC's Early Childhood/Birth-Kindergarten program

At Fayetteville Technical Community College, we believe strong teachers are the cornerstone of strong communities. From the robust Early Childhood/Birth–Kindergarten program to Teacher Preparation degrees and the innovative Residency Licensure Certificate, FTCC is shaping the future of education—one teacher at a time.
20FTCC’s Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education is the department’s largest program, preparing graduates to work with children from birth through early elementary years. This degree equips students to serve in diverse learning environments, including preschools, childcare centers, and Head Start programs.
The program also offers stackable certificates that allow professionals to enhance their skills and credentials quickly, such as the:
• Special Needs Certificate – prepares students to work with children with exceptionalities.
• Infant–Toddler Care Certificate (C55290) – focuses on the care and development of children from birth to age three.
These certificates are ideal for individuals seeking career advancement, immediate workforce entry, or a stepping stone toward completing the full associate degree. Many graduates also qualify for the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and pursue TEACH Early Childhood® scholarships or apprenticeships.
Teacher Preparation Degrees:
A Pathway to Teaching
For students planning to transfer to a four-year university, FTCC offers two Associate degree options in Teacher Preparation:
• Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation
• Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation
These programs require 60 semester hours and are designed for seamless transfer to UNC system and private universities. Students build strong academic foundations while gaining early exposure to education concepts that prepare them for upper-level coursework.
Residency Licensure Certificate: A Career Changer’s Fast Track
Launched in 2024, FTCC’s Residency Licensure Certificate Program in Elementary Education offers a flexible and supported path to teacher licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. This program is especially valuable for career-changers, military spouses, and veterans who want to transition into teaching while maintaining work or family commitments.
Key program features include:
• Six fully online courses (18 credit hours) completed in 36 months
• Coursework covering pedagogy, classroom management, literacy, assessment, and content instruction
• Hands-on experience through a practicum and residency year in local schools
• Preparation for state-required licensure tests
“Participating in the FTCC Residency Licensure Program was one of the most impactful steps in my journey to becoming a more effective and confident educator. The structure of the program, along with the dedicated support from my professors, played a critical role in my professional growth and directly contributed to my success,” said FTCC Graduate Shenita Perry.
Whether you’re preparing to transfer to a university teaching program, entering the classroom through alternative licensure, or advancing your early childhood credentials, FTCC is here to help you make a better life for you and for the next generation.
Call 910-678 8205 or email education@faytechcc.edu to connect with an advisor.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson visits FSU

Fayetteville has played host to some big names in the past, including Presidents. On Thursday, Sept. 4, the city hosted the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was appointed in 2022.
Her presence brought excitement among her fans and supporters. Held at J. W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University, this intimate event was hosted by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. Justice Jackson wasn’t here on a political visit; she was here to discuss her book Lovely One.
Her book is a memoir of her incredible life and the choices that led her to be sworn in as an Associate Justice, and she discussed the content with the CEO of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, Brandon Price. This free event was an effort by the organization to further promote their “commitment to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. A safe, decent place to live is the cornerstone of a strong community." Emphasizing, “Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Inspiring and deeply resonant, Lovely One is a testament to the power of dreaming big.”
Attendees were required to register for the event a month prior to allow for proper security vetting. The day of the event, FSU’s campus was abuzz. While the day-to-day activities continued, the small corner of campus that houses the auditorium was packed with cars, people and Secret Service.
Drones flew over the courtyard, black SUVs and suited members of the secret service fanned the way for the VIP guests. Distinguished guests were met with the enthusiastic smiling faces of FSU staff, students and alumni.
Lanyards were passed out at check-in and campus security ensured everyone made it to the right seating area.
Inside, balloons, centerpieces and standing cocktail tables were meticulously placed for the book signing scheduled right after the one-on-one. Attendees had the option at registration to purchase a book for the book signing.
The two-story, intimate theater space was dimly lit with more emphasis on the stage where Justice Jackson and Mr. Price sat and discussed her journey to the Supreme Court.
After prayer and the National Anthem, Judge Toni King had the honor of introducing the phenomenal Ketanji Brown Jackson. A roar of applause filled the auditorium, and many stood to their feet.
She approached the podium and read an excerpt from her book, Lovely One, her voice, gentle but commanding.
And command she did. Every word commanded the attention of the audience. Her journey takes the reader from her birthplace of DC to Florida, where she would finish high school, then on to Harvard to complete her law degree. She eventually made it back to DC, not as a little girl, but as a mighty force and voice for justice.
Her book is a self-titled memoir. A point of contention for some and a point of pride for most, Ketanji, one of the names her aunt sent her mother while she was serving with the Peace Corps in West Africa, has always been something to be proud of, a continuation of culture, for Justice Jackson.
When the one-on-one ended, those who had purchased a book received their signed copies and enjoyed a small reception in honor of her visit.
Ketanji Brown Jackson left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. To purchase her book, visit https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737094/lovely-one-by-ketanji-brown-jackson/

Health & Wellness: Harnett surgeons handle more than operations

When you talk to Marla West, it’s easy to forget that she’s 86 years old. With a sharp memory and a youthful sense of humor, the Lillington resident loves hunting for antique treasures in shops and keeping her garden in bloom.
7But for most of her life, there’s been one thing that has sometimes slowed her down.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had problems with constipation,” she said. “I would go a few days with nothing happening, but then I’d take a laxative, and it would be fine.”
This continued into adulthood, with patience and laxatives usually taking care of the problem. But in recent years, West found that medication sometimes made things even worse.
“I have a very bad hip,” she said, “and the medication I took for that pain made me so constipated. I think that’s where it really became a problem.”
The problem started with some minor belly pain one night.
“I just had a little stomachache,” she said. “And I thought, oh, it was probably something I ate. I’ll be fine.”
But by midnight, it hadn’t gone away. When her daughter, Robin, said they should probably go to the hospital, West was still sure it was nothing.
“But we went anyway,” she said, “and I’m so glad we did.”
At Central Harnett Hospital, she quickly learned that her discomfort was something much more serious. She’d been so constipated, for so long, that her colon had perforated. West remembers hearing someone say how dangerous it was, especially at her age, and that she’d need an emergency colostomy. She was quickly transferred to Betsy Johnson Hospital for the surgery.
“And then Dr. Hall came in and talked to me,” she said, “and I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is.”
Rachel Hall, DO, is a board-certified general surgeon at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn. The practice offers what they call “a family-type environment,” where patient and provider get to know each other before surgery. But in West’s emergency, the introductions were swift with no time to spare.
“Everything happened very quickly,” said West. “But I knew she was a very skilled surgeon, and more than that, she was just a very nice person. After we talked about what was going to happen, I just knew I was going to be OK.”
After a three-hour surgery, West woke up feeling groggy but relieved. She spent 10 days recovering. Visits from Dr. Hall helped keep her spirits up.
“She said they were still keeping an eye on me, and I wasn’t out of the woods yet,” said West, “but I was never really afraid because she was just so positive.”
Seven months later, West is back to antiquing and gardening with her daughter. She has even made peace with her colostomy bag, something she’d feared would be very hard to get used to.
“It just takes a little extra time every day,” she said. “I'm used to just undressing and jumping in the shower, but you have to remove and clean everything. I just get started before everybody else does if we're going somewhere.”
While she wouldn’t wish a scary night like that on anyone, West said she’s glad she followed her daughter’s advice to go to the hospital. And she’s grateful Dr. Hall was there.
“I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is,” said West. “I mean, my gosh, she saved my life.”
Sanford W. Hawkins-Rivers, MD, works with Dr. Hall at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn and was recently awarded the Physician of the Year award from the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Caduceus Society. For another patient, one of his best skills was knowing when you don’t need to operate.
Sandra Mahiquez, who lives in Benson, struggled for months with a worsening pain in her wrist and thumb. Friends and family recommended Dr. Hawkins-Rivers. At her first appointment, she braced for a conversation about surgery. But she was pleasantly surprised.
“He said what I needed was just a steroid shot,” she said. “So, I got that, and that alone made it 80 percent better.”
She received another shot in a follow-up visit, and by her third visit, she was back to 100 percent.
“I don’t even think about it anymore,” she said. “All that pain, just gone.”
Now Mahiquez happily recommends Dr. Hawkins-Rivers to anyone who asks, and not just because he helped her avoid surgery.
“He’s very confident,” she said, “but he’s pleasant too. He jokes around and makes you feel really comfortable. I hope I never do need surgery, but if I do, that’s where I’m going.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear General Surgery)

Fayetteville stair climb pays tribute to Sept. 11 victims

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and left an indelible mark on the United States. Among the hardest-hit were the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, which were struck by hijacked planes and subsequently collapsed.
The sheer scale of the devastation and the loss of life profoundly shocked the nation and the world. The attacks targeted not just the physical structures but the very spirit of America, aiming to instill fear and chaos.
18Among the many heroes of that fateful day were the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department who sacrificed their lives. These brave individuals, ranging from probationary firefighters to high-ranking officials, rushed into the burning towers to save civilians, climbing numerous flights of stairs with heavy gear to reach those trapped on the upper floors.
Their actions were instrumental in the largest civilian rescue operation in U.S. history, helping to evacuate tens of thousands of people. The selfless courage and unwavering commitment to public service displayed by these firefighters continue to inspire and resonate.
The legacy of the 9/11 first responders extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the attacks. In the years since, hundreds more FDNY members have died from illnesses related to their exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero. These deaths are also recognized as line-of-duty deaths, adding to the tragic legacy of 9/11.
Memorializing these heroes serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy, and it underscores the human cost of the attacks. It's a way of keeping the promise to 'never forget.'
One event dedicated to honoring the fallen firefighters is the 2025 Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Walk. This event will take place at Segra Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, with onsite registration starting at 5 p.m., followed by an Opening Ceremony and the climb commencing at 7 p.m.
Participants in the Stair Climb & Walk will pay tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This symbolic act not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother but also completes their heroic journey to save others.
The Role of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, established by the U.S. Congress, leads a nationwide effort in remembering America's fallen firefighters. Since its inception in 1992, this tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been dedicated to honoring fallen fire heroes and providing support to their families and coworkers.
Through various programs and initiatives, the NFFF works tirelessly to create and maintain support systems for Fire Hero Families and firefighters. The funding for these programs often comes from private donations, and events like the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb play a crucial role in sustaining their mission.
How the Fayetteville Stair Climb Supports the Cause
The Fayetteville Stair Climb, organized through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is a local event that contributes to the national cause. By hosting the 2025 Fayetteville Stair Climb & Walk, the community of Fayetteville plays an active role in supporting the mission of the NFFF.
Participants in the Fayetteville Stair Climb help raise funds and awareness for the programs that assist the families and coworkers of fallen firefighters. It's a local effort with a national impact, demonstrating how communities across the country can come together to honor and support our fire service heroes.
“We hope that participants feel a sense of reflection, but also a bit of community; to do this as a group and not alone. We specifically start the climb with the radio traffic from 9/11/01 to set the tone, but we also stop before the last lap and bring all flags to the front so that we finish as a group as well. Also, Fayetteville Fire Department’s Chief Richtmeyer provides a bell that participants ring as they finish the climb, as well,” said Brittany Tschida Odom, Fayetteville Stair Climb.
Community participation is crucial in ensuring that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.
“Participants wear the badge of a firefighter, police officer, or EMS responder and can take that home with them. A video is also played on the videoboard of all the badges,” Odom said.
Typically, participants are firefighters, first responders, and military personnel from the Fayetteville area and beyond, but the event is open to the whole community.
“Before I became a trainer, I served as an EMT, so honoring first responders holds a very close place in my heart. When I started Gracefully Fit, I wanted to use the business not only to build strength and community, but also to carry forward the memory of the fallen and ensure that we never forget,” said Grace Bex, owner of Gracefully Fit.
Gracefully Fit will have their own team participating in this year's 9/11 Stair Climb & Walk event.
“For the past eight years, we’ve hosted our own 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and this year — now that we’ve officially opened as a gym — it felt important to show up in force with our community at Segra Stadium. It’s our way of honoring the heroes of 9/11 while bringing people together through purpose and strength,” Bex said.
Bex encourages everyone who can to participate in this event that raises awareness and support for firefighters and their families.
“It’s everything. I’ve seen how service impacts not just the responder but their entire family. Raising awareness ensures that their sacrifices are honored, remembered, and supported in real, tangible ways. The funds raised go directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which helps families who’ve lost so much — that’s a cause worth climbing for.”
If you are interested in starting your own team or joining one that is already established, register online at https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fayetteville25/pledge/registration/start. You can also register as an individual stair climber. Registration fees are $35, and online registration closes on Sept. 7 at midnight. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt.
In 2024, the NFFF started a fundraising and awareness initiative with the goal of expanding the number of states that hold a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to all 50 states by the year 2025.
“The program averages 40+ stair climbs a year across the country. The 50 x 25 campaign started last year, so we expect an increase next year on the 25th anniversary,” says Regina Livingston, the Development Program Manager of the NFFF.
Fayetteville Stair Climb is also looking to expand who the event helps locally in the future.
“Since the beginning, this event has been through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which offers a variety of resources for individuals or full departments. We are exploring options to have this event benefit our local first responders and military personnel,” says Odom.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb Facebook Page)

Lee County to open new athletic park

Lee County will celebrate a milestone this weekend when it opens the gates to the new Lee County Athletic Park, a multipurpose recreation facility years in the making. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at 1304 Broadway Road in Sanford and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrations, and activities for the public.
The park has been described by county officials as both a community gathering space and an economic asset. With fields designed for multiple sports, trails for walking and jogging, and facilities built with accessibility in mind, the Athletic Park is expected to expand opportunities for recreation across the county while positioning Sanford to host regional events.
The idea for the Athletic Park first surfaced during county planning sessions aimed at addressing the growing demand for modern sports facilities.
Youth leagues and families had long voiced the need for more fields, while civic leaders sought spaces that could support community health and attract outside visitors. Those conversations evolved into the blueprint for the new park, which now stands ready to welcome its first guests. At its heart, the park features multipurpose athletic fields that can be used for soccer, baseball, softball, and football. Trails weave through landscaped green areas, providing space for walkers and joggers.
Shaded seating and ADA-compliant restrooms reflect the county’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring the park is accessible to residents of all abilities.
The design is intended to accommodate both casual recreation and competitive play. By meeting the standards needed to host tournaments, the park could draw teams from across the region, boosting traffic at local restaurants, hotels, and shops. Saturday’s event will give residents a chance to experience the park firsthand.
Tours and demonstrations, with Parks and Recreation staff guiding guests through the facilities will follow the ribbon-cutting. Food vendors, music, and activity stations will add a festive atmosphere, while families are encouraged to explore the grounds and join in the activities.
The event is free and open to the public, underscoring the county’s emphasis on making recreation accessible. Parking will be available on-site. The project has been framed as a quality-of-life improvement, ensuring that residents have access to safe, well-maintained recreational spaces close to home.
The Athletic Park is the product of a cooperative effort among the county, the state, and community partners. Funding was provided by county allocations, state recreation grants, and contributions from local sponsors.
Leaders have described the park’s completion as a model of how resources can be combined to achieve projects that benefit the public long-term. Once the opening ceremony is over, Lee County Parks and Recreation will begin the work of managing programming, maintenance, and scheduling. Seasonal leagues, school partnerships, and community events are expected to fill the calendar in the months ahead.
Officials have emphasized that the park will not remain static but will adapt to the needs of the community as it grows. Accessibility is expected to remain central to those plans, with the park designed to serve not only athletes but also walkers, families, and residents seeking social connection. From pickup games to tournaments, the facility is envisioned as a versatile hub that reflects the diversity of its users.
For Lee County, Sept. 13's ribbon-cutting is more than a ceremonial event. It represents the completion of a long-discussed project and the opening of a new space for recreation, connection, and opportunity. The county is inviting all residents to attend and see firsthand what years of planning and investment have built.
The celebration will be a moment of pride, not only for county officials but also for the families and organizations that advocated for expanded recreation. In the years ahead, the park will likely become a backdrop for countless games, gatherings, and memories.
As the ribbon falls, the Lee County Athletic Park will open as both a community space and a symbol of progress, a new facility that reflects the county’s commitment to health, vitality, and shared experience.

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