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13 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY MAY 2026 Selena J. Bennett Executive Director CSS of Wayne It is hard to believe that the 2025-2026 school year is winding down and parents will be look- ing for summer activities for their children. One of the most important things that children can do during the summer is to be in an environ- ment that is academically stimulating and filled with new learning experiences. "Summer slide" is a well-documented phenomenon where students experience a regression in academic proficiency during the summer. Summer will bring new opportunities for families who want their children to be actively engaged through Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County. Through community partnerships and collaboration, exciting things are in the works for our youth to learn and grow this summer. Communities Supporting Schools is so excited to offer a new program this summer at the CSS 111 S. Center Street location! "Kids First Sum- mer Enrichment" will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a full list of activities includ- ing reading, art, STEM and more! Grades K-4 will meet from 9 am to 12 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Grades 5 – 8 will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Certified instructors will be managing the program. Space is limited for this program. Registration information can be found at the CSS website at www.waynecss.org. There will be a $25 supply fee per student for the summer. Be sure to visit the website for more information or call the CSS office at 919-735-1432 for more information. "Kids First" Summer Enrich- ment Program Grades K-8 June 16-July 29 The 71st Annual Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. Homecoming returns May 21–24, 2026, bringing the community together for a powerful weekend of legacy, celebration, and impact. Under the theme "Home Again: Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Excellence," this four-day experience welcomes alumni, families, and the public to one of Goldsboro's most anticipated traditions. From the downtown parade to fellowship events, live entertainment, and community gatherings, there's something for everyone. At the heart of it all is Scholarship & Awards Night on Thursday, May 21—a signature event that reflects the mission of DGAF. Open to the public, this evening is more than a ceremony—it's a call to action. Through our Roll Call of Donors, attendees can stand, be recognized, and make a direct contribution to the DGAF scholarship fund. Every gift helps create life-changing opportunities for deserving students. Learn more at www.dgafinc.org. Every dollar fuels scholarships that open doors and change lives. Join us. Show up. Give back. Be part of the legacy. T h e 7 1 s t A n n u a l D i l l a rd / G o l d s b o ro A l u m n i & F r i e n d s , I n c . H o m e co m i n g Re t u r n s First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro, will host a community blood drive with the Amer- ican Red Cross on May 5, 2026 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event will be held in the church's Activity Center at 1101 E. Ash St. in Goldsboro. All blood types are needed plus there will be spots for "Power Red" (red cell only) donations. To schedule an appointment during this drive, visit the Red Cross Blood Services website (redcrossblood.org) and enter "First Pres," call 1-800-REDCROSS, or stop by the church's Welcome Center during regular busi- ness hours. Donors will receive a $20 Amazon eGift card. First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro has served its community since 1855. It is a wel- coming and inclusive church that strives to create a warm and friendly environment while offering worship and service opportunities for all. For more information contact: Tara Humphries, Blood Drive Leader taral.humphries@gmail.com, 919-920-1515 First Presbyterian Church To Host Blood Drive This month, we pause to honor the life of Thomas Murray, a member of our learning community whose presence will be greatly missed. Thomas often felt overlooked dur ing his early school years, and he started to feel that learning was out of reach for him. That belief began to change when he was matched with a committed, caring tutor at Liter- acy Connections. One day he shared with his tutor that she was the first person, besides his sister, who believed he could learn, and our hearts melted. We also had the privilege of knowing his sister, and the bond they shared was truly special. She stood by Thomas with unconditional sisterly love while connecting him to resources like Literacy Connections. This gentle giant brought so much joy to all of us. He made us laugh, helped carry heavy things, and often arrived with sweet potatoes or Christmas cookies to share. Most importantly, he showed up—faithfully and with quiet deter- mination. Thomas was a very smart man. In his farming element, he was an expert, with a deep knowl- edge of crops and soil that reflected both experi- ence and pride in his work. As we gathered as a staff to honor him, we reflected on the progress he had made, and the stories began to flow. Mr. Murray was learning, and he was proud of his hard-earned accom- plishments. We could see it in the way he carried himself and in that big, beautiful smile. Thomas's experience with us reflects the heart of our mission. Together we are growing a literacy rich community. Remembering omas at Literacy Connections