OXFORD, NC, May 6, 2026 – Granville Health System has announced its first quarter winner of the DAISY award. Brittany Pernell, RN was awarded The DAISY Award® on April 30, 2026. Brittany, a nurse in our Emergency Department, was nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient’s family member.

“My mother came to Granville Medical with stomach pain after many days of feeling poorly. Brittany was extremely attentive and took so much time to comfort her and us on her condition.” The patient’s family member went on to say, “She showed immense compassion, stoicism for us while still being extremely compassionate, and asserted what was right for her patient the way I hope every nurse does for someone in our situation. We have a long road ahead but because of Brittany, we are going to be able to treat a scary situation. The only reason I was able to stay calm was due to Brittany and she went so far as to remind me to be calm before driving where she was transferred.”

The Award is part of The DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize nurses for the extraordinary, compassionate care they provide patients and families every day. Granville Health System is among many healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program.

“I’m honored to recognize Brittany as a recipient of this well-deserved DAISY Award,” said Kelly Harmon, Chief Nursing Officer at Granville Health System. “Her compassion, genuine kindness, and commitment to excellence are evident in every patient interaction. We are deeply appreciative of the exceptional care she delivers and the meaningful impact she has on our patients and their families each day.”

Nurses are nominated by patients, families, and colleagues from Granville Health System. To submit an online nomination form, visit https://ghshospital.org/daisyaward or visit the GHS website at www.ghshospital.org.

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.

HENDERSON, NC (May 6, 2026) — On behalf of its faculty, staff, and 2026 graduating class, Vance-Granville Community College announces its 57th annual commencement exercises, honoring 511 graduates who completed degrees or diplomas during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Marking a change from previous years, the College’s 2026 commencement will be split into two evening ceremonies at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson. Depending upon their program of study, graduates will cross the stage to receive their diplomas on either Thursday, May 14, or Friday, May 15.

In addition to remarks from Vance-Granville Community College’s president and trustees, guests will hear addresses from Lina Perez, current president of the VGCC Student Government Association, and Ann Sheteiwy, recipient of the College’s 2026 Academic Excellence Award. Both Perez and Sheteiwy will graduate with Associate in Science degrees this May.

Due to venue constraints, guests must have a ticket to attend this year’s commencement. Those who cannot attend the ceremony in person are invited to watch a livestream of each evening’s event at VGCC’s official YouTube channel.

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Caption for photo “VGCC.Graduation 39_Export”: Vance-Granville Community College’s 2025 commencement ceremony. Photo by Briant Davis.

About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

GRANVILLE COUNTY VETERANS’ SERVICES: The Granville County Veterans Services Department recently welcomed new leadership with Melissa Purick taking on the role as Veterans Services Director, with outgoing director Albert “A.J.” Spiess set to retire on April 30. Purick will lead the Veterans Services Department’s mission
to assist local Veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access programs and resources at the state and federal levels.

Purick is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served as a member of the Security Forces, protecting government personnel, facilities, and assets. Following her honorable discharge from the Air Force, Purick served the United States Department of Homeland Security. She worked as an Inspector, enforcing federal regulations and conducting investigations related to the safety of federal facilities. In 2009, she entered the private sector as an Operations/Ramp Agent and Customer Service Manager with Southwest Airlines, primarily at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

“I am committed to serving all Granville County Veterans and their families,” said Purick. “The Veterans Services staff is honored to serve those who have given so much to our nation. Our office will work tirelessly to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to all benefits and services that they have earned for their service.”

Purick is a member of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers and is actively pursuing her accreditation in veteran services. She and her husband, Michael, have been together for fifteen years. She is the mother of two daughters, Amber and Autumn, and stepmother to three children. In her free time, she enjoys
spending time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family.

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. To learn more about the services and programs offered, visit the Granville County website (www.granvillecounty.org/233/Veterans-Services) or call 919-693-1484.