On Friday, November 21, 2025, a team from South Granville High School took home the top prize of $10,000 during Altec’s second-ever Innovation Challenge at the Granville County Expo Center. The competition combines science, technology, and engineering through a student-driven, project-based approach. Participating student teams were asked to present their solution addressing real-world problems using an innovative approach to benefit their school or community. Students from the winning team have earned $10,000 for their school to implement their project idea - slated to begin in the spring of 2026.

Upon extending an invitation for all county high schools to participate, a total of three teams from within the county competed in this year’s competition, including J.F. Webb, South Granville, and Oxford Prep. 

The Altec Innovation Challenge began earlier this fall, with individual students coming together to create teams. Each team had a faculty sponsor from their school and was also paired with engineers from Altec to help mentor and guide them in developing their plan.

The event concluded with final presentations to a panel of judges comprised of local business, education, and community leaders. After much deliberation, the students from South Granville High School emerged as the winners!

Winning the top prize, Nicholas Dietrich, Alondra Serafin, Jayden Ewing, and Payton Daniel impressed the judges with their ambitious proposal to install small, wall-mounted, vending machines that dispense FREE male and female hygiene products for those in need at their school. This creative idea will provide basic hygiene products for those who struggle to afford them, self-esteem boosts for students, and convenience in case of an emergency. The money awarded from Altec will fund the purchase of these vending machines, bringing the team's vision to life and to South Granville students for years to come.

Oxford, NC, November 10, 2025 — Granville Health System (GHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Renita Timberlake as Director of Volunteer Services, effective November 3, 2025.

Timberlake has been a valued member of the GHS team for more than 25 years, consistently demonstrating her dedication to the organization’s commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the community. Throughout her tenure, she has served in several key leadership roles, including Director of Physician Practices, where she played an integral role in supporting clinic operations, enhancing processes, and ensuring quality service for both patients and providers across GHS’s network of primary care practices. Prior to that, she served as Director of Patient Access, overseeing Registration and Admissions for the hospital.

In her new role, Timberlake will lead GHS’s Volunteer and Chaplain Services, working to strengthen volunteer engagement and create meaningful opportunities that enhance the overall experience for patients, families, and staff.

“I’m truly honored to continue serving Granville Health System in this new capacity,” said Renita Timberlake, Director of Volunteer Services. “Our volunteers and chaplains make a real difference every day through their kindness and commitment. As we look to grow our program, I invite community members to join us, whether you’re looking to give back, share your skills, or simply lend a helping hand. Together, we can create new opportunities that enrich the lives of our patients and support the incredible staff who care for them.””

GHS extends sincere appreciation to Timberlake for her many years of dedicated service and congratulates her on this new leadership role.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Granville Health System, please visit ghshospital.org/patients-visitors/volunteering/.

About Granville Health System:

For over a century, Granville Health System has been at the forefront of quality healthcare. To cater to the evolving needs of its community, Granville Health System has extended its services throughout Granville County, ensuring convenient medical care access for its residents. The Granville Health System main campus can be found at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more details, visit GHS online at www.ghshospital.org.