For Ebony Brown, cooking isn’t just a skill, it’s a love language. From learning recipes alongside her father as a child to preparing meals that bring family and friends together, Ebony has always found joy and connection in the kitchen. That passion recently led her to Northeastern Technical College’s Culinary Arts program, where she transformed a lifelong hobby into professional skill and personal achievement. 

“I love to cook. I love to prepare meals. I love to create things for my family,” Ebony shared. “Cooking is my love language.” 

Choosing NETC’s Culinary Arts program was a natural fit. Its proximity to home allowed her to continue working while pursuing her studies, and the hands-on approach of the classes immediately captured her interest. “My favorite part of the program was the labs on Mondays and Wednesdays,” she said. “We created different types of food and presented it to the staff at NETC. It wasn’t just about the food, it was about the whole experience.” 

One standout project had Ebony and her classmates designing a complete restaurant setup, from a three-course menu to decor and printed menus. “It was fun for everyone, not just the staff. The whole experience was cool,” she said. 

As a hearing-impaired student, Ebony faced unique challenges, but she embraced the program’s accessible approach. “I relied on visual aids, step-by-step demonstrations, written recipes, and videos,” she explained. “The instructors were understanding and patient, and that made it easy to navigate the course.” 

Her time at NETC not only strengthened her culinary skills, it also boosted her confidence. Ebony now feels capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to. Professionally, she has gained expertise in creating recipes, preparing herbs and spices, and experimenting with different flavor profiles. 

Beyond her personal growth, Ebony is inspired by the example she sets for her daughter. “It was really personal for me,” she said. “I wanted to do something for myself, and also show my daughter that you can pursue your passions and accomplish your goals.” 

Looking ahead, Ebony hopes to launch a gourmet-to-go food truck or cater small to mid-size events. “I want something a little different than the norm, a gourmet experience that people can take home and enjoy with their family,” she said. 

For other students considering a skilled trade, Ebony’s advice is simple, “Display your interest, don’t let preconceived notions hold you back, and find out what accommodations and support you’ll need. You can do it.” 

With her certificate in hand and a clear vision for her culinary future, Ebony Brown proves that dedication, passion, and perseverance can turn a lifelong love of cooking into a path of success, both in the kitchen and in life. 

Community leaders, elected officials, and local partners came together for the annual Legislative Breakfast held at the Marlboro Golf and Recreation Complex Ballroom in Bennettsville. The event provided an opportunity for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and updates on issues impacting Marlboro County and the surrounding region.

Attendees included city and county council members, local mayors, administrators, and community stakeholders who engaged in productive discussions focused on leadership, growth, and service to the community. Several guest speakers shared updates and insights, offering valuable perspectives on current initiatives and future priorities.

The breakfast was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including Premier Sponsor Scotland Health Care System. Scotland Health CEO David Pope addressed attendees, sharing remarks that highlighted the importance of community partnerships and continued investment in local well-being.

The annual Legislative Breakfast once again demonstrated the strength of Marlboro County’s community and the impact of bringing people together with a shared commitment to progress.

Last week, McLeod Health Cheraw gave the community a first look at its upcoming state-of-the-art facility expansion. The event, held Friday, Jan. 30, highlighted what officials described as a generational investment in healthcare for Chesterfield County and the surrounding region.

“The many months of planning, collaboration, and commitment become what I term a generational investment,” said Bren Lowe, CEO of McLeod Health Cheraw. “It’s a generational investment in the healthcare of this region. McLeod Health has been here and is here to serve the patients in the care of whom we have the privilege of taking care of. What began as a vision years ago is now becoming action, a generational investment in the health care of this region.”

During the event, a rendering of the new facility was unveiled, giving attendees a glimpse of the hospital’s future. In attendance were NETC Interim President Erin Fann, Andy Ingram, and several members of the NETC Foundation Board, reflecting the strong community partnerships supporting the project.

The expansion marks a significant step forward for McLeod Health Cheraw as it continues to enhance services and meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.

The NETC golf team kicked off an impactful week of competition and professional development with a trip to the PGA Show, followed by play in the Lake Hawk Invitational at Green Valley Country Club.

Departing the NETC Cheraw campus early Thursday morning, the team arrived in Orlando in time to spend Thursday afternoon and all day Friday exploring the PGA Show at the Orange County Convention Center. The experience proved to be an eye opener for the players, who were introduced to the scope and scale of the golf industry beyond the course.

With more than 2,000 vendors on display, the PGA Show featured aisle after aisle of golf related merchandise, technology, and services. Major brands such as Titleist and Izzo Golf filled the convention center, giving players firsthand exposure to the many industries that intersect within the world of golf. Team members also gained a clearer understanding of the relationship between the USGA Rules of Golf and the United States Golf Association.

Several players reflected positively on the experience.

“I had a blast at the PGA Show,” said Rodney Atkinson. “It was a very different experience getting to see all kinds of new products and clubs, and getting to do it as a team was a lot of fun.”

Cody Watkins added, “I feel like the PGA Show was a good experience. I enjoyed seeing everything they had to offer.”

Following the PGA Show, the team competed in the Lake Hawk Invitational at Green Valley Country Club, a championship level course known for its tight fairways and numerous water hazards. Challenging weather conditions defined the two day tournament, with high winds affecting play on Day 1 and extreme cold temperatures setting in on Day 2. Players battled winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour on Monday and played much of Tuesday’s round in temperatures that hovered in the mid thirties.

Evan Cox led NETC with consistent rounds of 88 on both days, finishing in 37th place. Drake Morris posted rounds of 87 and 104 to place 43rd. Rodney Atkinson finished tied for 44th with rounds of 97 and 95, while Cody Watkins rounded out the field in 46th place with matching rounds of 101.

Reflecting on the experience, Coach Roger Mack emphasized the importance of continued growth and competition.

“There is golf, and there is tournament golf,” he said. “They are two very different games. Our players are still working to get comfortable in tournament settings, and the answer lies in consistent practice and more tournament play.”

The week provided valuable learning opportunities both on and off the course, as the NETC golf team continues to build experience and confidence moving forward.

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