ASL Christmas Concert

NECP’s American Sign Language program has a bi-annual celebration of all of the skills they have learned over the semester. During the first semester is their Christmas Concert, where they perform holiday classics using their skills they’ve learned and putting a new-age twist to make it entertaining. Mrs. Rogers 1st, 2nd and 4th period classes all put on a fantastic show on December 7th, and showed an amazing display of camaraderie and cheered each other on. Many Christmas classics were played such as: The First Noel, Someday At Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride. A full house of parents and teachers including a special appearance from former ASL Teacher, Ms. Cashion, who attended  to see her old students uphold the  tradition she started. We hope to see the ASL department again next semester during the Culture Festival and their spring concert. 

Tarboro Local Elections 

This past November, Tarboro had its municipal election for town council chairs of wards 2, 4, 6, and 8. The Husky Howler had the opportunity to interview the winner of the town council chair for District 2, Leo Taylor. Below are the questions the Husky Howler reporters asked and the replies given.

Why are you running for public office? Have you sought public office before?

After retiring in 2015  from being a Human Resources Representative for 34 years, Mr. Taylor was looking for something new. He wanted to find a way to serve the community, so he ran for public office.  He has run for council chair 3 times in 2015, 2019, and 2023. While also serving, as Mayor Pro Tem which is the person who conducts the meetings if the mayor is not present.  He has stated that this will be his last term and was glad to be a part of the beginning of improving Tarboro. 

How long have you lived in Tarboro?

He has lived in Tarboro for 29 years now. Due to work, he has also had to live in Charleston and Raleigh. 

Have you always wanted to engage in politics? Or was this a realization you found in adulthood?

It is important to note that town government is not based on politics, just public service. Mr. Taylor was not always interested in politics, he decided to run for council chair so he could be of service to the public. The closest position he had to leadership beforehand was when he was the Secretary-Treasurer for the Home Owners Association during his time in Charleston. Mr. Taylor stated that he decided to run for council chair because “Why not?”

What would you say is the most challenging part of campaigning?

Convincing people to vote. When it comes to local elections, a minority of people actually vote. How one responds, is also a major part of campaigning. 

Do you have any advice or statements you’d like to give to the youth of Edgecombe County?

The advice Mr. Taylor has for the youth of Edgecombe County is to simply get involved. Students should try to make themselves known by volunteering, talking to people, and making themselves visible. “You’re the Future” commented Mr. Taylor. One day young people will be responsible for making decisions and we need those willing to get the job done right to make them. 

The stray animal population is abundant in Tarboro, what are the town council's plans for attacking this problem?

When asked what the Town of Tarboro has planned to do to address the abundant stray animal population(dogs and cats), Mr. Taylor informed us that Edgecombe and the surrounding counties will be building a new animal shelter. The council is going to soon vote on the participation of Tarboro’s control, as well as the amount of funds they are willing to contribute to this new building. 

On December 11, 2023, the new ward council members were sworn in, and voting for the new Mayor Pro Tem also took place. The Town of Tarboro Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.