GOLDSBORO, N.C. — As Week Five of high school football arrives, anticipation builds for what promises to be a pivotal matchup between two teams desperately seeking their breakthrough moment. The Goldsboro Cougars will host the Rosewood Eagles Friday night in a contest where both squads remain winless and hungry for their inaugural victory of the 2025 season.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as these Eastern North Carolina rivals prepare to clash under the Friday night lights. Each team enters the contest carrying the weight of four consecutive losses, making this encounter a potential season-defining moment for both programs.
Prime Time Coverage
WGBR FM 98.3 will provide comprehensive coverage of this critical matchup, designated as the Pittman Agner Law High School Football Game of the Week. The broadcast team of Barry Stallings and Harlon Neal will guide listeners through the evening’s action, beginning with the UNC Health Wayne Pre-Game Show at 6:30 p.m., leading up to the 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
Fans unable to attend the game in person can follow every play through the radio broadcast or tune in to the live stream available at GoldsboroDailyNews.com, ensuring no supporter misses the crucial moments of this highly anticipated contest.
Community Support
This week’s Game of the Week showcases the strong community backing that makes high school football a cornerstone of local culture. The broadcast is made possible through the generous sponsorship of several area businesses and organizations, including Pittman Agner Law, Keen Plumbing, Wayne Community College, Mt. Olive Pickles, UNC Health Wayne, Pennington Automotive, Rosewood Outdoor Power Equipment, and the U.S. Air Force Recruitment.
The Battle Ahead
Both the Cougars and Eagles enter Friday night’s matchup knowing that a victory could serve as the catalyst to turn their seasons around. With conference standings and playoff positioning at stake, this game represents more than just a pursuit of that elusive first win—it’s about establishing momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
As kickoff approaches, the question remains: which team will find the formula for success and claim their first victory of 2025? Friday night under the lights will provide the answer as Goldsboro and Rosewood battle for supremacy in what promises to be an unforgettable Week 5 showdown.
To listen to or look at the upcoming schedule of the games:
Event Aims to Strengthen Police-Community Relations in Goldsboro
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – In an effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, local DJ and educator Bryan Rashawn Lewis has partnered with Goldsboro Police Officer Hunter Whitaker to organize a Family Fun Night scheduled for September 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the W.A. Foster Center.
The free community event will feature live DJ entertainment by Bryan Lewis, basketball, back-to-school raffles, and complimentary food, all designed to create positive interactions between police officers and residents.
A Partnership Born from Mutual Respect
The collaboration began when Officer Whitaker, who previously worked alongside Lewis at a local Zaxby’s restaurant for several years, reached out through social media with the idea. Lewis, 34, is a well-known figure in the Goldsboro community, serving as a DJ, artist, producer, coach, and teacher at Rosewood High School.
“Hunter is very passionate about trying to change the narrative of police and police relations within the community,” Lewis explained. “He goes through different neighborhoods, different projects, and he’s not afraid to put himself in certain situations to try and restore faith between the police and people, mainly minorities.”
The two men’s professional relationship at Zaxby’s, where Whitaker worked under Lewis’s management, laid the foundation for mutual trust and respect that extends to their current collaboration.
Addressing Community Challenges
Lewis acknowledged the complex relationship between law enforcement and minority communities, emphasizing that while there are problematic officers, many police officers genuinely want to serve their communities effectively.
“There are some corrupt cops everywhere, but there are some – I believe there are more great cops that genuinely want to serve the community than there are bad cops,” Lewis stated. “But if you don’t give them an opportunity, if you’re just biased off history without even getting to know them, that’s judging a book by its cover.”
The event organizers hope to create opportunities for community members to interact with police officers in a positive, non-enforcement setting, allowing both sides to see each other as individuals rather than adversaries.
Overcoming Community Skepticism
Lewis has faced challenges in organizing community events, including his previous sneaker showcase, where he encountered resistance from some community members who were hesitant to attend events in certain areas of the city. He emphasized that his choice of safe, family-friendly venues prioritizes the well-being of attendees, particularly children.
“Why would I want to have an event in an environment where people can’t feel safe?” Lewis asked. “There’s going to be kids there. I have to think about the kids that’s going to be there, the people that are bringing their valuable items.”
The Importance of Community Cooperation
Beyond police-community relations, Lewis addressed broader community issues, including the impact of “no snitching” policies on crime resolution. He argued that speaking up about criminal activity shouldn’t be viewed as betrayal but as community responsibility.
“If someone in your family gets killed, robbed, sexually assaulted, anything like that, and you know who it is, you want to stay silent all because you want to keep your reputation of not being a snitch?” Lewis questioned. “That doesn’t make sense to me.”
Looking Toward the Future
The organizers view this initial event as the beginning of an ongoing effort to improve police-community relations in Goldsboro. They plan to continue hosting similar events annually, with hopes of expanding them as community participation grows.
“Change does not happen overnight,” Lewis noted. “Sometimes it takes years, but you have to start small sometimes for that big change to happen.”
Event Details
What: Family Fun Night
When: September 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: W.A. Foster Center, 1012 South John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530
FreeActivities: Live DJ, free food, basketball, back-to-school raffles
The Goldsboro Police Department and event organizers encourage all community members to attend and participate in this initiative to build stronger, more trusting relationships between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
About the Organizers
Bryan Rashawn Lewis is a multifaceted community figure who serves as a DJ, artist, producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, podcaster, and educator at Rosewood High School. Despite facing personal challenges, including using a wheelchair, Lewis remains actively involved in community improvement initiatives.
Officer Hunter Whitaker represents the Goldsboro Police Department’s commitment to community engagement and building positive relationships with residents across all neighborhoods in the city.
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – The Foundation of Wayne Community College will present its biannual Arts and Humanities series this fall, featuring five diverse programs designed to engage the local community in educational and cultural experiences.
All events will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Moffatt Auditorium, located in the Wayne Learning Center on the college’s main campus. The series kicks off Monday, October 6, with a Faculty Spotlight Lecture titled “Twinless Twin: The Story of a Novel” presented by Dean Tuck.
The lineup continues with musical performances and scholarly presentations throughout October and November. On October 20, the series will feature “Chris and Taylor Malpass with David Weil.” Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice will present “Eavesdropping on Animals” on October 27.
November programming includes a Veterans Day tribute lecture, “A North Carolina Doughboy’s Story,” by Joby Warrick on November 3. The series concludes November 10 with the William S. Brettmann Lecture, “North America’s Ancient Cities and the Rise of a More Egalitarian Order,” presented by Dr. Kathleen DuVal.
“These programs represent our commitment to bringing quality educational and cultural programming to our community,” said a Foundation spokesperson. All events are free and open to the public.
The Foundation encourages participation from individuals with disabilities and will provide necessary accommodations. Those requiring assistance should contact the Foundation at 919-739-7006 or[email protected] with sufficient advance notice.
The Foundation of Wayne Community College is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding community support for educational opportunities at the college. The organization funds program and facility improvements, provides employee recognition, offers cultural programming, and awards scholarships to students.
15,000-Square-Foot Facility Reopens with Enhanced Offerings for Goldsboro Families
GOLDSBORO, NC – What was once known simply as “Playdates” is undergoing a major transformation, evolving from a basic drop-in childcare center into a comprehensive family entertainment destination. Play Dates Academy, under new ownership since December, is set to celebrate its grand reopening on Saturday, September 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Expanded Facility Designed with Children in Mind
The nearly 15,000-square-foot, three-story building at 402 North Spence Avenue has been completely redesigned with children’s needs at the forefront. According to Lindsay, the facility’s Early Childhood Operations Manager, “We have intentionally designed every inch and square foot of this building for children.”
The facility now features multiple specialized play areas across its three floors:
Upper Level Attractions:
Partnership space with Simmons Early Intervention, offering occupational therapy, developmental therapy, kindergarten readiness, and speech services
Dedicated hangout area for ages 10-12 with projectors and gaming
Drop-in play areas with interactive entertainment
Main Level Highlights:
Village area featuring miniature versions of community buildings including post office, police station, and fire department
Soft play area with ball pits designed for infants and toddlers (ages 0-2)
“Berkeley Mini Market” for ages 2-4, complete with pretend play versions of Target, Starbucks, and Lowe’s
Active playground for ages 5-12 featuring trampolines, rock wall, ball walls, and a spinning rocket ship game
Specialized quiet area designed for children with special needs, featuring wall-to-wall projectors and interactive sensory elements
Mystery “media room” with advanced projection technology
New Services and Pricing Structure
The transformed facility will operate as both a drop-in childcare center and an indoor family playground. Families can now enjoy two-hour play sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for $15 per hour, with various discounts and promotions planned.
“I think it’s well worth it,” Lindsay noted, emphasizing that the facility offers something unique to the Goldsboro area. “Parents have to drive two hours away [for similar facilities], so we brought it closer.”
Comprehensive Safety and Cleanliness Protocols
Play Dates Academy has implemented rigorous safety and sanitation measures, including cleaning and disinfecting between each play session with 15-minute closure periods dedicated to cleaning. Staff continuously maintain cleanliness throughout operations, and “yucky buckets” are provided for items that need immediate sanitization.
All 12-14 staff members undergo extensive screening including background checks through the Department of Social Services, fingerprinting, drug testing, and TB testing. Staff also complete training through ProSolutions and receive CPR certification.
Operating Hours and Additional Services
The facility maintains extensive operating hours to accommodate various family schedules:
Monday-Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beyond open play, the academy offers party room rentals suitable for birthday celebrations, homeschool groups, and youth organizations, featuring interactive projectors that can be customized for specific events.
Community Impact and Vision
Lindsay, who joined the team in March and brings five to six years of childcare experience, sees the facility addressing a significant gap in local family entertainment options. “I feel like Goldsboro really needed this,” she explained, drawing comparisons to similar facilities common in larger cities like Charleston.
“I want families to come out and enjoy it and play together,” Lindsay emphasized, highlighting the facility’s role as a safe space where parents and children can engage in active play as a family unit.
Grand Reopening Celebration
The September 20th grand reopening will feature:
Food trucks and local vendors
Face painting by Shiloh’s Palette
Carolina Snow serving Icees
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m.
First discounted play session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The facility continues to welcome employment applications, with Lindsay conducting on-the-spot interviews for qualified candidates with childcare experience.
WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is set to return for its 77th year, promising 10 days of entertainment, competitions, and family-friendly activities from September 25 through October 5, 2025. The fair, owned and operated by the Wayne County Livestock Development Association (WCLDA), continues its tradition as one of North Carolina’s premier agricultural celebrations.
New Attractions and Entertainment Lineup
This year’s fair features an exciting mix of returning favorites and fresh entertainment options. The Ninja Experience returns to the center stage after a successful run several years ago, now with a revamped show format. Under the pavilion, different entertainers will perform nightly, creating a central gathering place for families to enjoy food and live performances.
Two unique strolling acts will move throughout the fairgrounds: a traveling piano performer who takes requests and plays a variety of musical selections, and Dangerous Feats of Comedy, featuring escape artists and balancing acts in the style of Houdini.
Powers Great American Midways, a North Carolina-based company from Whiteville, returns with 48 spectacular rides ranging from gentle kiddie attractions to thrilling adult rides. The midway also features games and carnival food options.
Special Deals and Admission Information
General admission is $10 for ages 7 and up, with children 6 and under admitted free. Several special promotions are available:
Opening Night Special: Thursday, September 25 – Southern Bank Car Load Special allows six people admission plus wristbands for $90 (a $180 value)
School Nights: Monday and Tuesday offer free admission for grades K-12 with school tickets, plus $3 off ride wristbands
Military Appreciation Day: Thursday, October 2 – $5 admission and $10 off ride wristbands with military ID
Senior Day: Tuesday, October 1 – Free admission for visitors 60 and older
Advance tickets are available online at waynefair.com or at an on-site kiosk.
Facility Improvements and Infrastructure
The fairgrounds have undergone significant improvements this year. A new, larger restroom facility has replaced the old central restroom, featuring family facilities and worker showers. The project was completed by Daniels & Daniels Construction Company with financing assistance from Southern Bank.
The livestock arena received major upgrades, expanding to 96 feet wide by 100 feet deep with a new concrete floor, lean-to shelters, and ceiling fans for improved ventilation.
Competitions and Contests
The fair hosts numerous competitions across multiple categories:
Youth Contests
LEGO Building Contest (ages 5-18, with Best of Show prizes)
“On the Spot” LEGO Contest (Monday, September 29, 6:00 PM)
Fair Craft Contest themed around the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
Talent contests by grade level
Cheerleading competition (Wednesday, October 1, 5:00 PM)
Agricultural Competitions
Livestock shows throughout the week
Livestock Skillathon Contest (Tuesday, September 30, 4:30 PM)
Horticulture and crop competitions
Flower shows
Special Events
Queen of the Fair Contest (Thursday, September 25, 7:00 PM)
Demolition Derby (Saturday, October 4, 12:00 PM)
Pie Baking Contest
Various educational competitions
Educational and Community Impact
The Wayne County Livestock Development Association, established in 1948, uses fair proceeds to award scholarships to Wayne County high school seniors pursuing agriculture-related careers. The organization also provides Animal Science Education Grants to area high schools and supports various community initiatives including Wayne County Relay for Life.
The fair showcases extensive partnerships with Wayne County Cooperative Extension Service and Wayne County Public Schools, featuring educational booths and career and technical education displays from local high school departments.
Daily Schedule Highlights
The fair operates with varying hours throughout its 10-day run:
Weekdays: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Special programming includes kindergarten and preschool visits Monday through Friday mornings, and various contest finals throughout the week.
Community Partnership and Safety
Fair organizers work closely with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and Highway Patrol to ensure visitor safety and manage traffic flow. An emergency response plan addresses weather-related concerns and other potential safety issues.
The fair features numerous community food booths operated by local churches and organizations, with proceeds supporting community programs.
Looking Ahead
Under the leadership of General Manager Eddie Pitzer, the fair continues to evolve based on a 10-year master plan developed by an architectural firm. Recent improvements represent the first phase of planned enhancements to serve the community better year-round.
The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is located at 2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC 28333. For more information, contact the fair office at 919-735-7277, visit waynefair.com, or follow #waynefairnc on social media.
Exhibit registration begins Saturday, September 20, with various categories accepting entries through September 25. All exhibits must be removed by October 5-6, with premium checks distributed during pickup times.
For more information on the daily schedule, tickets, wrist bands, and entertainment, visit:
This week’s WGBR Pet of the Week powered by Jackson & Sons, features Mirabella — a beautiful 4-year-old female domestic shorthair mix who is ready to find her forever family.
Mirabella has a striking brown and black striped coat with the sweetest little white paws. She has been at the shelter since May, patiently waiting for the perfect match. Gentle, affectionate, and calm, Mirabella would make a wonderful companion for someone looking to add love and warmth to their home.
If you’re looking for a loyal feline friend, Mirabella could be the one. Stop by the shelter to meet her and see why she’s captured so many hearts. With her loving personality, all she needs now is a family to call her own.
Visit the Wayne County Animal Shelter to meet Mirabella today!
Wayne County Animal Shelter 1600 Clingman Street, Goldsboro, NC Phone: 919-731-1439
Hours of Operation Weekdays: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturdays: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Community leaders and businesses invited to recognize outstanding contributions by October 31 deadline
WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has announced that nominations are now open for its 2026 Annual Dinner awards, inviting the community to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the region.
The Annual Dinner has established itself as the county’s premier community gala, serving as both a celebration of achievements and a platform for outlining future initiatives. The event traditionally highlights the accomplishments of the outgoing chairperson and the Chamber’s yearly successes while formally transitioning leadership to the incoming chair.
The prestigious event brings together top community leaders and businesses to celebrate the individuals who make Wayne County a better place to live, work, and play.
The evening’s program will feature the ceremonial passing of the gavel to the new chairperson, who will present the organization’s action plan for the coming year. The highlight of the event will be the awards presentation, recognizing both community stars and outstanding Chamber members.
Community members and business leaders are encouraged to submit nominations for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, or contributions to Wayne County’s growth and development. Multiple award categories are available for nomination, though specific categories were not detailed in the initial announcement.
The Chamber has set a deadline of Friday, October 31st for all nominations. Those interested in participating can access nomination information and submit their recommendations through the Chamber’s designated process.
The 2026 Annual Dinner continues the Chamber’s tradition of bringing together the county’s most influential leaders and successful businesses for an evening of recognition and forward-looking planning. The event serves as both a networking opportunity and a chance to publicly acknowledge those whose efforts have strengthened the local business community and enhanced quality of life for Wayne County residents.
For more information about nomination categories and submission requirements, interested parties are encouraged to visit:
Inner Bloom Beauty Celebrates Growth with New Location on East Walnut Street
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – What started as a passion project in 2020 has blossomed into a thriving full-service salon and spa, as local entrepreneur Lindsey Simmons prepares to celebrate the grand reopening of Inner Bloom Beauty at its expanded location.
Simmons, a Goldsboro native who grew up in Fremont, has transformed her initial interest in lash extensions into a comprehensive beauty destination that now employs eight professionals and offers everything from facials to permanent jewelry.
From Lashes to Licensed Professional
The journey began during the pandemic when Simmons started offering lash services, only to discover that North Carolina law required proper licensing for such work. Rather than abandon her entrepreneurial dreams, she enrolled at Lenoir Community College to obtain her aesthetics license.
“I was really just going so that I could do lashes legally,” Simmons explained. “But then I really fell in love with doing facials. Growing up, I always wanted a job where I could get out blackheads or anything like that, and I didn’t really know what that job was.”
The six-month program opened new doors for Simmons, who discovered a passion for the holistic nature of skincare services. “I kind of fell in love with the flow of the massage and the way that touch makes people feel, and just the gratification of making someone feel good mentally, emotionally, and physically all within one appointment,” she said.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
After spending three and a half years at a local salon, Simmons took the leap to open her own business in the former Emily’s Boutique location off Royal Street. The success was immediate and overwhelming.
“We quickly outgrew that building,” Simmons noted. When the property owners announced plans to sell the entire complex, she knew it was time to find a new home for her growing business.
The solution came in the form of a building on East Walnut Street, where Inner Bloom Beauty has expanded significantly. The team grew from three to eight professionals, requiring a complete renovation of the new space.
Community Effort and Family Support
The renovation process was a true community effort, with Simmons crediting her family’s support as essential to the project’s success. “My dad and my husband and my father-in-law – we were here every single evening, every single night and every single weekend. We remodeled it from top to bottom pretty much,” she said.
This hands-on approach allowed the business to transition quickly while maintaining service to existing clients, avoiding the financial strain of carrying two locations simultaneously.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Inner Bloom Beauty will host its grand reopening on September 26th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at 219 East Walnut Street. The celebration will feature multiple vendors, a hired bartender, a charcuterie wall, and various giveaways.
The event has already generated buzz in the community, with Simmons sharing that a stranger recently approached her expressing excitement about attending the grand opening.
Comprehensive Services and Inclusive Philosophy
Inner Bloom Beauty positions itself as a one-stop destination for beauty services, offering lashes, facials, brows, waxing, nails, permanent jewelry, hair extensions, full-service color, Brazilian blowouts, and teeth whitening.
“We are a one-stop shop that invites any and everybody – doesn’t matter color, size, personality, we want you,” Simmons emphasized. “We thrive on making everyone feel comfortable and glowing from the inside out.”
The business name reflects this philosophy. “Yes, we’re focusing on the outside, but that deep down from the inside, making you feel good from inside out is really what matters to us,” she explained.
Meeting Local Demand
Simmons identified a gap in the local market that her business now fills. “We’re able to offer services that people see on Instagram or TikTok and they’re like, ‘God, I want that done,’ and you look it up and you can’t find it anywhere local. So then you have to fight with your schedule and fight with time to be able to get up and go to Raleigh, but we offer it here.”
Future Plans and Current Capacity
While the business has reached capacity with its current eight-member team utilizing four upstairs stations and four downstairs rooms, Simmons remains open to future opportunities. The team is considering hosting educational classes, with one nail artist certified to teach continuing education courses for licensed professionals.
For now, Simmons plans to take a well-deserved break after the grand reopening, though she continues to receive weekly inquiries from professionals interested in joining the team.
Connect with Inner Bloom Beauty
Clients can book services through the business’s social media presence on Facebook (Inner Bloom Beauty) and Instagram (@inner_bloom_beauty), where a link tree provides access to individual booking sites for each professional. The salon accepts both appointments and walk-ins, with a daily receptionist available to assist clients.
As Inner Bloom Beauty settles into its new location, Simmons continues to focus on her core mission: building relationships with clients and making everyone feel beautiful from the inside out.
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – A Wayne Community College Spanish instructor recently brought her research on language education equity to an international stage, presenting at a prestigious conference in Manchester, England.
Hakima Harris, who teaches Spanish at WCC, delivered a presentation at the inaugural International Conference on Globalization in Languages, Education, Culture, and Communication. The conference drew researchers, educators, and policymakers from across the globe, representing diverse fields including foreign and second languages, cultural studies, translation, and communication.
Harris’s presentation, titled “Whose Spanish Counts? Dismantling Linguicism and Rethinking Pedagogy in Spanish Language Education,” addressed critical issues of language bias in educational settings. Her research focused on providing practical strategies for educators, administrators, and program developers to adopt teaching methods that recognize and value students’ diverse Spanish dialects.
“The presentation topic is part of Harris’s ongoing dissertation research,” according to the college. Harris is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree through North Carolina State University’s Teacher Education and Learning Sciences program.
The Manchester conference served as a platform for participants to share research outcomes, discuss findings, and identify emerging challenges and trends in global language education. The international gathering underscored the growing recognition of the need for more inclusive approaches to language instruction.
Harris’s participation in the conference reflects Wayne Community College’s commitment to faculty development and scholarly research that benefits both students and the broader educational community. Her work addressing linguicism – discrimination based on language use or accent – represents important contributions to the field of second language education.
The research presentation comes at a time when educational institutions are increasingly examining their practices to ensure equity and inclusion for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College officially opened its new Center for Industrial Technology and Engineering (CITE) on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by more than 100 community leaders, donors, employees, and students.
The 42,000-square-foot facility, now the second-largest building on WCC’s campus, represents a significant investment in technical education and workforce development for the region. CITE houses several programs from the college’s Applied Technologies division, including Computer-Integrated Machining, HVAC, Industrial Systems Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, and Operations Management.
“We know their futures are bright, and the training they receive in CITE is certain to have a direct impact on the success of our local industries, benefitting all of us,” said WCC President Patty Pfeiffer during the ceremony.
The modern facility features specialized classrooms, laboratory spaces, a machine shop, flexible-use areas, and faculty offices designed to serve both college-credit students and those enrolled in Workforce Continuing Education Services.
Major Donors Enable Project
The center, formally named the Jeffreys Family Center for Industrial Technology and Engineering, was made possible through donations from William and Ellen Bland and Robert Jeffreys. Scott Newton, chair of the Foundation of WCC Board of Directors, praised the Jeffreys family’s commitment to student success.
“Thanks to their support, every student who walks through these doors will be able to hone their skills in a place of progress and innovation,” Newton said.
Additional funding came from the Golden LEAF Foundation, whose President Scott Hamilton emphasized the facility’s role in expanding economic opportunities.
“Golden LEAF is proud to be a part of this project that’s going to provide students with quality careers in advanced manufacturing and related industries,” Hamilton said. “I’ve always said that a job equals hope, opportunity, and dignity, and this training facility is going to provide that for a number of students for years to come.”
Student Perspective on New Facility
WCC alumnus Caleb Demarest, currently a Mechanical Engineering Technology student, offered insights from someone who experienced classes in other campus buildings before moving into CITE.
“CITE feels like home to Applied Technologies students as it provides the space they need to succeed,” Demarest said. “That sense of ownership in this building transfers into elevated ownership in our projects.”
He noted that the facility’s modern technology has taken WCC’s programs to “a completely new level.”
Construction Timeline and Partners
The building project began with groundbreaking in May 2023, with full occupancy starting in January 2025. Boomerang Design served as the architecture firm, while T. A. Loving Company handled construction.
David Philyaw, president of T. A. Loving Company, highlighted the importance of WCC’s graduates to local businesses.
“WCC’s student success is essential to many local businesses that rely on their skillsets in the workforce,” Philyaw said. “We are proud supporters and investors in the continued growth and success of Wayne Community College.”
Economic Development Impact
Local government officials see CITE as a crucial component of regional economic development strategy. Assistant County Manager Ginger Moore read remarks from Wayne County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Barbara Aycock, who emphasized the facility’s role as a workforce pipeline.
“This facility is a direct pipeline from the classroom to the factory floor and from training labs to high-tech jobs,” Aycock stated.
Ven Faulk, chair of the WCC Board of Trustees, concluded the ceremony by recognizing all attendees and expressing optimism for the facility’s future impact.
“CITE is a place where education and industry meet, and I look forward to seeing how our future workforce and economy are shaped by the training that takes place inside these walls,” Faulk said.
