🗞️ From basketball record to volleyball court: Savanna Royal's next chapter starts at GTCC

🗞️ Triad drivers may soon save time and money on annual emissions tests

🗞️ After 45 years in banking, Mike Hauser found a new calling giving back

🗞️ Give Your Child a Summer of Water Confidence at Kernersville YMCA

Savanna Royal, a standout volleyball player from Triad Baptist Christian Academy, signed her letter of intent to play for Guilford Technical Community College on Thursday afternoon. Royal is a straight-A student who will graduate on May 22.

She's already been dual-enrolled at TBCA and GTCC, completing seven classes at the community college. While she had the option to attend East Carolina University, she chose GTCC because she liked the campus, the major it offered, and the fact that it was closer to home.

Basketball has also been a big part of Royal's life. She's played for TBCA since fifth grade and holds the varsity girls' school record with more than 500 rebounds.

She started as a post player but began taking outside shots her junior year. Even though she sometimes misses basketball, she's thrilled to focus on volleyball at GTCC.

Royal fell in love with volleyball when the program was just starting out. She enjoys being at the net, blocking shots, and hearing the crowd cheer.

At TBCA, she has played outside hitter, middle hitter, and setter, but her favorite spot is the front row, especially in the middle. Interestingly, Royal will remain a Titan even after leaving TBCA, since GTCC's teams are also called the Titans.

She didn't realize that at first, but once she found out, she thought it was a fun coincidence. Royal caught the attention of GTCC head coach Sabrina Johnson and assistant coach Destiny Givens when she started attending open gym sessions on April 13.

Givens said she appreciates Royal's optimistic attitude and the positive energy she brings. That willingness to work hard and the drive to improve made Royal an attractive recruit.

Givens also noted Royal's versatility on the court. She's used to playing in the middle, but Givens can see her contributing all around.

With only two returning players on the GTCC roster, Royal will likely see playing time right away because she's already a strong player. Royal initially planned to become a nurse.

But an experience last summer changed her mind. She shadowed someone who performed ultrasounds, and she fell in love with the work.

Now she plans to major in obstetric sonography, a two-year program that she hopes to complete by 2029. Looking back at her time at TBCA, Royal says she's grateful for the teachers, who always worked to build connections with students.

She also liked the supportive coaches and teammates who helped her grow. She's ready to take the next step at GTCC, carrying that same Titan spirit with her.

Ready Full Story: HERE

The EPA has moved to approve North Carolina's request to end vehicle emissions testing in five Triad counties as part of a broader plan covering 18 counties statewide. Only Mecklenburg County would keep its testing program because of its proximity to federal ozone limits. The change, which could save drivers $20 million annually, will first go through a 30-day public comment period.

Read Full Story: https://journalnow.com/news/local/article_1060dd5e-e5cc-4afe-82aa-bf5bccfe6e7b.html

A familiar face in Kernersville is getting recognized for his volunteer work at Crisis Control Ministry. Mike Hauser, a lifelong local, spent 45 years climbing the ranks at Piedmont Federal Savings Bank before retiring as president and COO in 2020.

Hauser made it clear when he stepped down that he wanted to fill his free time with family, friends, and giving back. He looked at several nonprofits in the area, but Crisis Control Ministry’s solid reputation drew him in.

“After I retired, I wanted to get more involved where I live and find some purpose and I found it here,” Hauser said. The story of Crisis Control is rock solid and so is the staff, and volunteers, it’s really like a family and you really have an opportunity to see the impact you’re making in the community.

Over time, his role at the organization has expanded. Hauser works regularly in the food pantry and has gotten cross-trained to conduct client interviews.

He also sits on the Board of Directors, the Kernersville Advisory Committee, the Philanthropy Committee, and the Long-Range Planning Committee. The nonprofit says Hauser’s dedication shows how one volunteer can make a real difference.

Anyone who wants to follow his example can learn more about volunteer opportunities at crisiscontrol.org.

More information: HERE

The Kernersville Family YMCA will offer morning swim lessons starting June 1st, with two-week sessions for children ages 6 months to 12 years. Registration is open online and at the front desk. The program aims to help kids gain confidence and ability in the water over the summer.

More Information: HERE

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