The Theta Phi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity hosted its 22nd annual Youth Leadership Forum for middle and high school students and their parents last Saturday morning. The event was free for attendees. This year’s forum focused on the theme, “From the High Chair to Higher Education and Technical Training.” à The keynote speaker was Ms. Shaquité Pegues, Managing Director of Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools. Ms. Pegues is also the Vice-Chair of the NETC Area Commission.

Fraternity members presented a Black history lesson, highlighting both national and local history makers such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Booker T. Washington, and Ronald McNair. The presentation, led by Jaheem McLaurin and Lee Ford, also featured Lemuel Crawford of Chesterfield, the first Black man to own a business on Main Street in the town. Additionally, the forum highlighted members of the Theta Phi Lambda chapter who have made a local impact, including Herbert Gould, the first Black principal of Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville and current chair of the Area Commission of Northeastern Technical College.

The next session focused on interacting safely with law enforcement and school resource officers. The Rev. Daniel Scott, a retired Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy, led the discussion. Gang investigator and newly hired McColl Police officer Shaquelle Wren spoke to students about the dangers of gang involvement and the importance of being mindful of peers and social media activity. Wren also advised parents to monitor their children’s online interactions to ensure their safety.

Attendees also received information on mental health, STEM, and financial aid options for college. Interim Erin Fann welcomed the students and their parents, encouraging them to explore the educational opportunities offered locally at the college.

This year, the forum also recognized several students with $500 Tuition Waivers:



• Zion Johnson – Cheraw
• Demarion Stephen – Darlington
• Brandon Samuel – Darlington
• Tre’cyone Lowery – Wilson High School, Florence

For students just beginning the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Northeastern Technical College, the simulation lab provides one of their first opportunities to step into the role of a nurse. ADN freshmen recently participated in simulation exercises designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of patient care in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Using a high-fidelity patient simulator, first-year nursing students practiced basic nursing skills such as taking vital signs, performing patient assessments, and communicating clearly with both patients and team members. These early simulations focus on helping students become comfortable in a clinical setting while learning how to approach patient care with confidence and attention to detail.

For many freshmen, this experience represents a transition from textbook learning to hands-on practice. The simulation lab allows them to see how the concepts they study in class apply to real-life situations. Instructors guide students through each step of the process, helping them understand not only what to do but why each action matters in patient care.

After the simulation scenarios, students participate in a debrief session with their instructors. This time allows them to reflect on what they experienced, ask questions, and receive feedback that will help them improve as they continue through the program.

These early experiences in the simulation lab help ADN freshmen begin developing the skills, confidence, and critical thinking they will build upon throughout their nursing education.

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), in partnership with the South Carolina Association of Counties, hosted an in-person stop of its “Your Stories, Your SCETV: Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions” on March 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at El-Sherif’s restaurant, located at 130 2nd Street in Cheraw.

Serving Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield counties, the free event brought together residents, students, and community leaders for an evening of discussion, learning, and connection focused on how local journalism can better serve rural South Carolina. The event was especially relevant to Northeastern Technical College (NETC), which serves students and families across these counties.

Representing NETC at the event were Erin Fann, Interim President; David Volpe, Vice President for Student Services; and Elisabeth McNiel, NETC Foundation Chair. Along with other community members and local leaders, they participated in discussions about the role of local journalism and how it can better reflect the needs and priorities of rural communities.

The program began with a light reception at 4 p.m., followed by a discussion with SCETV journalists on issues that matter most to the local community, including economic opportunity, education, local agriculture, healthcare, broadband, and jobs. During the discussion, attendees shared questions, feedback, and ideas for future coverage, ensuring that local concerns, such as higher education opportunities and career pathways at NETC, were part of the conversation.

SCETV officials said the Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions aim to amplify community voices, strengthen trust in local journalism, and elevate youth perspectives across South Carolina. Each stop in the statewide tour includes civic engagement opportunities and community forums designed to help shape future SCETV news coverage.

SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell said, “Public media exists to serve every community in our state, and that means listening first. Through the ‘Your Stories, Your SCETV: Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions,’ we build meaningful relationships in rural South Carolina and ensure our coverage reflects the real experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the people who call these communities home.”

SCETV Assistant General Manager and Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook added, “These listening sessions are about collaboration. By partnering with local leaders and organizations, we better understand what matters most in each region and work together to strengthen access to trusted, community-centered journalism.”

SCETV News Director Darryl Huger said, “Local journalism is strongest when it is shaped by the voices of the people it serves. We want to hear directly from residents about the issues impacting their daily lives, from economic opportunity and education to healthcare and agriculture, so our reporting truly reflects their priorities.”



South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences, and strengthens communities while working toward a stronger, more connected, and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag, and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.

As they approach graduation this May, seniors in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Northeastern Technical College are using the simulation lab to prepare for the realities of professional nursing.

Unlike the introductory experiences freshmen receive, senior-level simulations are designed to mirror the complexity and pace of real healthcare environments. During recent exercises, ADN seniors were responsible for managing patient care scenarios that required quick thinking, strong communication, and sound clinical judgment.

Using a high-fidelity patient simulator, students assessed changing patient conditions, monitored vital signs, administered appropriate responses, and worked together as a healthcare team to make critical decisions. These simulations challenge students to apply everything they have learned throughout the program while practicing the leadership and prioritization skills required of professional nurses.

The scenarios often unfold quickly, requiring students to remain calm under pressure and respond as they would in a real hospital setting. Following each simulation, instructors lead a detailed debrief discussion where students evaluate their decisions, reflect on their teamwork, and identify ways to strengthen their clinical reasoning.

For ADN seniors preparing to graduate this May, the simulation lab serves as a final step in bridging the gap between education and practice. These advanced training experiences help ensure that graduates leave NETC ready to enter the healthcare field with confidence and the skills needed to provide quality patient care.

The NETC golf team has just returned from participating in our second tournament of the spring season. The USC Union’s Bantams Invitational at Lakeside Country Club in Laurens, South Carolina. NETC joined eight other colleges for a 36-hole event over this layout that was opened in 1928. A golf course defined by tree lined fairways and small undulating greens.

The weather proved to be the most challenging factor with temperatures starting out in the 20’s both mornings. High winds added to the chill factor on day one along with raising the level of difficulty. Evan Cox led the NETC squad with a round of 86. Jack Delyra followed Evan with a round of 90. Cody Watkins battled the winds and succumbed to even 100 shots.

Tuesday brought about the same cold temps minus the windy conditions. This allowed the players a better opportunity for scoring. Evan took advantage of this opportunity and fired an 81. Jack struggled with the correct speed on the greens which caused him to shoot a couple shots higher with a 92. Cody experienced some of the same with his score shooting up an additional six shots.

Our next outing comes in mid-March at the Club at Longleaf in Pinehurst, NC.

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