A NIGHT OF GNATS AT HICKS FIELD
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST GRADUATES OF THE NEW JAH
CONGRATULATION 2026 GRADUATES
John A. Holmes High School Class of 2026 Celebrates Commencement
It was an evening of high-praise and encouragement for Chowan County and Edenton’s 2026 John A. Holmes High School graduating class. Under clear skies and before a packed crowd of family, friends, teachers, and community supporters, the John A. Holmes High School Class of 2026 circled the athletic field track as those in the stands excitedly announced names, cheered and applauded the potential and future of eastern North Carolina before they crossed the stage Friday evening. The event marked the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement.
The gates to the event opened at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. start. While the two hours may have seemed early to attend a gathering, stands filled in quickly while many families, friends and supporters wore t-shirts of praise, honor and encouragement for a job well done over the past years.
The t-shirt consortiums lined the stands since signs were prohibited because they blocked the view of those behind the sign. The t-shirts did the trick. The artwork on many of the shirts was focused on congratulation for a job well done.
The ceremony was led by School Superintendent Tammir ward, Principal Sonya Rinehart, with Assistant Principals Beatrice Cherry and Kris Reis helping guide the evening's events. Graduates were welcomed by members of the Chowan County Board of Education, including Chair George Lewis, Vice Chair Sheila Evans, and board members Sheronne Battle, Ricky Browder, Lisa Perry, Paul Clifton, and Joan White.
The presentation of colors was conducted by Megan Chappell and the JROTC. The John A. Holmes Choir, directed by Jay Rouse, performed "May the Road Rise Up," adding a touching musical moment to the celebration.
Academic honors were highlighted throughout the evening. Hailey Elizabeth Robersonwas recognized as the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, while Ava Caroline Bunchearned the distinction of Valedictorian. The school's Teacher of the Year, Shaunte Chappell, offered welcoming remarks and congratulations to the graduating seniors.
Military recognition was presented by Chair Colonel (Ret.) George F. Lewis III, honoring graduates who have chosen to continue their service through military careers. Edenton-Chowan School Superintendent Tammi Ward presented the seniors and Principal Sonya Rinehart confirmed graduation
The commencement also recognized student leadership through the selection of marshals. Chief Marshal Carmen Toccowas joined by marshals Isabella Benfield, Claire Bennett, Jacob Bond, Kaylee Frank, Zahannia James, Sa'Myah Leathers, Minzy Preciado, Ryan Shook, and Grayson Smith.
Awarding of diplomas was led by Superintendent Tammi Ward, Chair Colonel George Lewis, Principal Sonya Rinehart, Asst. Principal Beatrice Cherry and Assistant Principal Kris Reis.
Senior Class President Chai Dillard lead the tassel turning ceremony bringing the ceremony, to an end, once the recessional ended.
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GNATS BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER,
WHILE MULLETS SWIPE AT GNATS
A beautiful summer evening at Historic Hicks Field provided the perfect backdrop for baseball and plenty of ballpark food as the Otter Banks Mullet Swingers defeated the Rocky Hock Gnats (Edenton Steamers) 9-2 on Wednesday night.
While the score favored the visitors, much of the attention centered on the volunteers who helped make the evening enjoyable for players and fans alike.
Edenton School Board Chair George Lewis explained the process behind the hot dog, hamburger, bratwurst brigade, making sure the grills were lit and the fryer was ready for a busy night.
Working behind the concession stand, Ted Warren, Kendra Rice, Kim Asack, and Kyle Shoup spent the evening grilling hot dogs, preparing hamburgers, serving fries, and dishing up chicken tenders for a steady stream of hungry baseball fans. Judging from the smiles and conversations throughout the evening, the volunteer crew appeared to be having as much fun as the spectators.
Warren manned the grill as hot dogs sizzled over the heat, while Shoup and Rice perfectly prepared the very popular French Fries and chicken tenders. Karen Foley and Kim Asack were the wrappers for the night, keeping the food flowing to the servers working the concession window, ensuring fans spent more time enjoying the game and less time waiting in line.
In the stands, families, friends, and longtime supporters enjoyed the action under clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Players from both teams soaked in the small-town baseball atmosphere that continues to make Hicks Field one of the most enjoyable venues in the Coastal Plain region.
Although the Steamers came up short on the scoreboard, the evening served as another reminder that summer baseball in Edenton is about more than wins and losses. It is about community members coming together, sharing a meal, supporting local baseball, and enjoying one of the town's favorite summer traditions.
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A DIGITAL PRINT EDENTON SOCIAL LIGHT EDITION IN YOUR EMAIL
WILLIAMS, FARM FEST, JAH OPEN HOUSE FEATURED
HERITAGE FARM FEST JUNE 6
Step back in time and celebrate rural heritage at the 2026 Heritage Farm Fest, taking place Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 131 Morristown Road in Edenton. Hosted by the Heritage Association, the family-friendly event will showcase the traditions, craftsmanship and agricultural roots that helped shape eastern North Carolina.
Visitors can enjoy antique tractors, horse and mule demonstrations, blacksmithing, cooking demos, face painting, wagon rides, pedal tractors, open-fire cooking, barrel train rides and much more throughout the day. Heritage demonstrations and hands-on activities will offer guests a glimpse into life on the farm from generations past.
The free event is designed for all ages and promises a day filled with history, education and old-fashioned fun in a welcoming country setting. Whether you enjoy farming history, artisan crafts or simply spending time with family outdoors, Heritage Farm Fest offers something for everyone.
WILLIAMS TO INTRODUCE NEW BOOK SERIES, OAKUM STREET OUTLAWS
Young readers, budding detectives and families looking for a summer adventure are invited to the historic Cupola House Gardens on Saturday, June 13, for a special book reading and author event featuring local author Jim Williams.
The free program will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cupola House Gardens, located at 408 S. Broad Street in Edenton. Children of all ages are welcome.
Williams, who grew up on Oakum Street in Edenton, will introduce young audiences to his new adventure series, Oakum Street Outlaws. During the event, he will read from the first book in the series, The Mystery of the Lady in the Cupola, a story inspired by local history and imagination that promises mystery, excitement and plenty of adventure.
The reading marks the official launch of the new series, which Williams has created for both young readers and listeners. Organizers say the books are designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to explore the joy of reading while connecting with stories rooted in familiar places and characters.
Following the reading, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the author, ask questions about the writing process and have books signed. The event offers a unique chance for children to interact directly with an author while discovering a new literary adventure set against the backdrop of one of Edenton’s most treasured historic sites.
Presented by the Cupola House Association, the program combines storytelling, history and imagination in a setting that has inspired generations of visitors.
Admission is free, and families are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the gardens before the program begins. For young adventurers looking for their next great mystery, June 13 promises to be the start of an exciting journey.
COMING TO THE RED BOXES ON BROAD
You Are Cordially Invited
John A. Holmes High School Principal Sonya Rinehart is inviting the community to get a first look at the future of education during a special Community Open House on Friday, July 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents, students, alumni and families will have the opportunity to tour the brand new school campus, meet staff members and celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations of students to come.
Organizers say the event is designed to showcase the school’s modern learning spaces while welcoming the community into a new chapter for John A. Holmes High School. Guests are encouraged to explore the campus, connect with educators and experience the vision for the future of education in Chowan County.
School officials say they look forward to welcoming the public for this exciting milestone event.
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
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NEED CASH? HE'S AVAILABLE
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
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JULY EVENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
FARMERS MARKET SUMMER FESTIVAL
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
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OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
ADACHI REVIEWS....THE BREADWINNER
I have not seen The Breadwinner. I was tempted to but decided to use friends as guinea pigs in determining whether the film was good enough to separate me from the $8.00+ screaming to be released from my pocket.
Do you remember seeing Mr Mom when it came out in the 1980’s? It starred a very young Michael Keaton who is fired from his job during the recession. His wife finds a job before he does, so they switch roles, where he is in the unfamiliar position of homemaker and caretaker to their three children. From there, the film depicts in humorous ways how men in general are totally inept when it comes to managing a household. This has been a recurring theme in films over the years.
The Breadwinner could have in fact been titled Mr Mom II, because it is essentially the same story, this time starring stand-up comedian Nate Bergatz in his first movie role. Bergatz is very much a successful PG-13 stand-up comedian, along the lines of Steve Martin and Ellen DeGeneres, that is, one that you could take your family to and not be appalled by what is deemed as comedy today.
We see Bergatz struggling with keeping up with his family’s demands. He serves the kids pizza for almost every meal. He forgets where the kids go to school. He resorts to bribing his kids when they become disrespectful or angry. The usual clueless daddy stuff. So, is The Breadwinner worth seeing, now that you know what it is all about? The film has gotten mixed reviews, and while my guinea pigs did not rave about the film, both described the film simply as “cute”.
And therein lies my conundrum. Should I see a film because it is “cute”? Would you? Should we demand more from the film industry than films that are just “cute”? There is nothing wrong with the genre, of course. We live in a world beset by political, environmental and economic issues. Would it be so bad to slip into the quiet confines of a darkened theater and enjoy a film that doesn’t challenge our sensibilities, even though it is not likely to garner any Best Picture nominations at the Oscars? You choose. For me, perhaps rewatching The Princess Bride streaming on Disney might prove to be a better escape. And I get to keep my eight bucks.
Editor's note: Darryl Adachi and ENZO, are longtime Edenton residents. Adachi blends sharp wit, cinematic insight, and hometown charm into movie reviews that are as entertaining as the films themselves.
Weather Update-June 5 - June 11
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, June 5 — Thursday, June 11, 2026
Friday
☀️ Mostly sunny and warm
High: ~84°F • Low: ~66°F
A beautiful start to the weekend with moderate humidity.
Saturday
🌤️ Partly sunny and warmer
High: ~87°F • Low: ~69°F
Summer warmth continues across the Albemarle.
Sunday
🌦️ Partly sunny with afternoon storm chances
High: ~88°F • Low: ~71°F
Hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms possible.
Monday
⛈️ Warm and humid with scattered thunderstorms
High: ~86°F • Low: ~70°F
Typical early-summer pattern with afternoon storms.
Tuesday
🌤️ Partly sunny and slightly less humid
High: ~84°F • Low: ~67°F
A weak front helps improve conditions.
Wednesday
☀️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: ~85°F • Low: ~66°F
Comfortable summer weather returns.
Thursday
☀️ Sunny and warm
High: ~87°F • Low: ~68°F
A beautiful finish to the period.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
Summer settles firmly into northeastern North Carolina this week as temperatures climb into the mid and upper 80s. Sunshine dominates much of the forecast, although increasing humidity Sunday and Monday could trigger scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
No widespread severe weather is expected, but brief downpours and lightning will remain possible during the warmest part of the day. By Tuesday, slightly drier air filters into the region, bringing a more comfortable stretch of weather through midweek.
Overall, expect classic June conditions with warm afternoons, mild nights, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Edenton's waterfront, parks, and outdoor events.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• ☀️ Summer warmth continues
• 🌡️ Highs near 90° Sunday
• ⛈️ Storm chances Sunday–Monday
• 🌤️ Drier air arrives Tuesday
• ☀️ Beautiful midweek weather