NYLA ALLEN NAMED TOP 10 PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — When Nyla Allen entered her final season playing basketball for Guilford Technical Community College, she did so with focus and drive. That summer, she worked out every day so that, in her words, she “could come out with a bang.” And she did.

This season, Allen racked up a number of accolades including NJCAA Region X Player of the Year and NJCAA Division II Player of the Week. And most recently, she capped off the season with the title 2014-2015 NJCAA Division II First Team All-American. In other words, she’s one of the top 10 players in the country. The distinguished title was not only a first for Allen, but also the college. 

 “I didn’t come here saying I want to be Player of the Year; it came to me,” said Allen, a forward from Greensboro. “I had intentions on doing everything right as a player — and as myself — and do whatever coach needed me to do. All of it came as a surprise, but I worked hard for it.”

It’s been an incredible season for the Titans as they claimed the NJCAA Region X Carolina-Virginia Regular Season Conference Championship and the NJCAA Division II Region X Tournament. They also made history when they advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament — a first for the team. The Titans finished the season with an overall record of 28-5.

“It’s been an amazing experience just to be a part of everything that we’ve been through -- and created even,” Allen said. “This has been a great two years at GTCC for me.”

Allen says she’s grown not only as a basketball player but also as a person. She credits Head Coach Bobby Alison for helping her progress, mature and make good decisions in her life – and on the court. Coming into her first season, she says she lacked control on the court, but with good coaching and structure, she says she learned to slow down and be effective. Allen was the leading scorer for the Titans, averaging 15.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

“I’ve let basketball come to me and let the game be more natural,” she said. “I just love basketball. I’ve learned from some things. It’s taught me to make better decisions.”

Allen is a native of East Orange., N.J. She attended Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro, where she also played basketball. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke on a full basketball scholarship and major in biology.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release 

COLLEGE STUDENTS BAKE THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS WITH BISCUITVILLE

Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN announces winners

of the 2015 Brand Your Biscuit Challenge 

1st Place Winners- GTCC students Dominique Alston,
Willie Smith, Dedria Cooke, Lasha Couser.

"GREENSBORO, NC (April 23, 2015) – Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN® (www.biscuitville.com), a local, family-owned restaurant known for its southern-style menu, is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Brand Your Biscuit Challenge, an annual competition where local area college students compete to create an innovative product for the company’s breakfast or lunch menu. A total of 23 teams from all seven local colleges competed in the Challenge this year, and three teams from Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) took first, second, and third place. One of the signature events of Greensboro Collegiate Biscuitville Week, the Brand Your Biscuit Challenge was held at co//ab on Saturday, April 18. 

 1st Place, Team Fresh Southern: GTCC students Dominique Alston, Willie Smith, Dedria Cooke and Lasha Couser won $1,000 and lunch with Biscuitville’s CEO Burney Jennings with their Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich - A biscuit-breaded chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with fried green tomatoes and lettuce, all sandwiched between a toasted buttered bun with ranch aioli. 

 2nd Place, The Pork Chop Kids: GTCC students Thomas McAlister and Krystal Page won $500 with their Southern Fried Pork Chop Sandwich – A delectable fried pork tenderloin topped with spicy mayonnaise, a fried green tomato, fried okra, and shredded lettuce served on a Brioche bun. 

 3rd Place, Southern Sticks: GTCC student Sarah Mayer won $250 with her Southern Sticks – Flour-breaded chicken skewers atop warm, homemade waffles, served with maple Dijon dipping sauce. 

Three student teams from GTCC won the Brand Your
Biscuit Challenge this year-a contest hosted by Biscuitville
FRESH SOUTHERN.

Kathie Niven, Biscuitville’s Chief Brand Officer and one of this year’s judges, noted “This year’s winners were selected for their creative recipes that incorporated fresh, Southern, local ingredients, as well as their unique marketing and promotional strategies. The competition provides students a great opportunity to hone their product innovation skills, and hopefully, will inspire a few of them to go on to become our next generation of entrepreneurs.” 

Greensboro Collegiate Biscuitville Week is a collaboration between Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN and Action Greensboro’s Opportunity Greensboro and synerG Young Professionals. Cecelia Thompson, Action Greensboro’s Executive Director, said “Our goal with this event is to engage our local area college students with interactive programs and activities that focus on entrepreneurship, and connect students with local businesses leaders. By exposing students to the diversity of business opportunities and quality of life Greensboro offers, we hope to inspire many to stay here after graduating and join our business community.” 

Along with the Brand Your Biscuit Challenge, there were three other free, entrepreneurial events held for the students at co//ab this year. The Biscuitville Week Finale event at the Greensboro Grasshoppers Stadium scheduled for April 19, was cancelled due to rain. A new date is being scheduled for later in August. 

To learn more about the Greensboro Collegiate Biscuitville Week, visit www.biscuitvilleweek.com. Photos of the winning teams accompany this release. College students create recipes for success with Biscuitville 

About Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN®: 

Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN is a family-owned company headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1966 when owner Maurice Jennings opened two restaurants in Burlington, North Carolina. After several years, the company added its signature, made-from-scratch biscuits to its menu that were so well-received, business boomed and the Biscuitville brand evolved. Today, Biscuitville employs nearly 900 people and operates 54 restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia. The company, which built its success on making guests a priority and serving fresh, authentic food with integrity, recently introduced its new FRESH SOUTHERN lunch menu that includes fresh-made sandwiches and sides. Biscuitville serves breakfast at all 54 restaurants all day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch at participating Triad restaurants from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.biscuitville.com. 

About Action Greensboro: 

Action Greensboro is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2001 in response to the changing economy in Greensboro and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Both Opportunity Greensboro and synerG Young Professionals are initiatives of Action Greensboro. Along with the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Entrepreneur Connection, Action Greensboro is a member of the Greensboro Partnership. The Partnership was created in 2006 to increase the amount of capital investment in Greensboro and Guilford County and to help leverage the creation of high-technology, high-wage jobs through traditional economic development, programs to encourage business success, and initiatives to create a vibrant community. For more information, visit www.actiongreensboro.org."

- A Press Release

GTCC TO PREMIERE PLAY IN NEW PERFORMANCE SPACE

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Guilford Technical Community College’s Theatre Program will present its first play in the new Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theatre on April 17.

Located on the High Point Campus (901 S. Main St.), the Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theatre will serve as an additional teaching lab and performance space for students enrolled in GTCC's Creative and Performing Arts programs, comprised of entertainment technology, theatre and music. The two-story 11,705 square-foot-facility features a modified black box stage and theater seating for 82.

“Greater Tuna” will be the first public performance to debut in the new space. Showtime is 8 p.m. The laugh-out-loud comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard is set in the fictional small town of Tuna, Texas. The bevy of eccentric characters, including two clueless radio disc jockeys, a zany animal rights advocate and a crooked judge, have made this fast-paced show popular with audiences throughout the world.

The play debuted in Austin, Texas in 1981 and moved to off-Broadway in 1982.  Subsequently, the show has toured nationally, and has been performed by theater companies throughout the world.  A “Greater Tuna” special aired on HBO in 1984. One of the most produced comedies in American theatre history, “Greater Tuna” continues to delight audiences with its fast-paced dialogue, eccentric characters and droll view of life in the fictional small town of Tuna, Texas.

Directing “Greater Tuna” is GTCC Theatre Instructor Wm. Perry Morgan. The cast includes GTCC students Jason McMasters, Linda Bui and Kristal L. Taylor; GTCC nursing instructor Linda McMillian, making her theatrical debut; and Michael Carter, who has acted in professional and community theatre productions throughout N.C. and Va., making his GTCC Theatre debut.

“Working on ‘Greater Tuna’ has been a marvelous acting experience for our students,” said June Guralnick, director of GTCC’s Theatre Program. “There are not many plays where actors get to play a multiplicity of roles, and ‘Greater Tuna’ certainly provides that opportunity.”

The Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theatre is the final piece in a longtime vision to create one centralized location for all of the Creative and Performing Arts programs and stimulate further collaboration between students on cross-departmental projects and performances.

In addition to the Creative and Performing Arts Theatre, the college also offers two performance venues: a major production studio with seating for an audience of 225; and an amphitheater accommodating more than 500.

Tickets for “Greater Tuna” are $15, general public; $10, GTCC staff and alumni; $5, GTCC students (plus tax). Tickets are available off-campus at the High Point Theatre box office (220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point), by calling (336) 887-3001 or visiting www.highpointtheatre.com. There is an additional ticket surcharge for patrons purchasing tickets online. For group sales, call (336) 334-4822 ext. 50299. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended.

For more information, contact June Guralnick at jmguralnick@gtcc.edu or call (336) 334-4822 ext. 50299.

- A Press Release

CLINE OBSERVATORY TO HOST NC SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Cline Observatory at Guilford Technical Community College will host a series of events in April as part of the 2015 North Carolina Science Festival, a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology across the state.

The following events are free and made possible by a $500 sponsorship grant from the North Carolina Science Festival. All events will take place on GTCC’s Jamestown Campus, 601 E. Main St., Jamestown.

April 10: Interactive Science Demonstrations: Meteorites and More

6-8:30 p.m.

Science Hall

This event is an interactive evening of demonstrations and short presentations centered on meteorites. Noted North Carolina meteorite dealer John Sinclair will exhibit a variety of specimens from his own collection, along with displays from the extensive meteorite holdings of the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Additional chemistry/physics/geology presentations and activities will be presented throughout the evening. The event is family-friendly. Cline Observatory will be open for telescope viewing, weather permitting.

April 17: Stellar Society Lecture – “Killer Death Rocks from Outer Space!”

7:30 p.m.

Joseph S. Koury Hospitality Careers Center

How close do asteroids and comets come to Earth? Just how common are planetary impacts, and what are the effects? Michael Solontoi, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Lynchburg College, will discuss the study of our neighbors in space.

The talk is presented by the Stellar Society — GTCC’s student astronomy club. Cline Observatory will be open after the talk for telescope viewing, weather permitting.

April 24: Statewide Star Party

8:30 p.m.

Cline Observatory

Across the state, astronomy clubs, state and local parks, planetariums and nature centers will host public skywatching sessions. Participants will have an opportunity to view a variety of celestial objects, both inside and outside of the solar system, through provided telescopes. The event is family-friendly.

For more information, visit http://www.gtcc.edu/observatory or contact Tom English, professor of astronomy at GTCC and director of Cline Observatory, at trenglish@gtcc.edu or 336-334-4822 ext. 50023.

As an official 2015 North Carolina Science Festival event, GTCC is among hundreds of community-based events showcasing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities for the citizens of North Carolina.

“The North Carolina Science Festival is about communities coming together to celebrate the wonders of science,” said Jonathan Frederick, Festival director. “Thanks to the talents of our event hosts across the state, there’s something for everyone.”

Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. GTCC’s Cline Observatory has participated in the festival since its inception. During a two-week celebration each spring, the festival brings hundreds of events (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses and other community organizations) together under one banner to recognize the economic, educational and cultural impact of science in North Carolina. The festival is presented by Biogen Idec Foundation and produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, visit www.ncsciencefestival.org.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GTCC TITANS CLAIM SPOT IN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT MARCH 17-21

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — The Guilford Technical Community College women’s basketball team made history on Saturday.

The No. 1 seed GTCC Titans won the NJCAA Division II Region X Tournament, defeating No. 2 seed Cape Fear Community College 82-65 on Saturday (March 7) at Brunswick Community College.

GTCC will advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship March 17-21 in Overland Park, Kansas, where they will compete against 15 other teams. This is the first time that the GTCC women’s basketball team will play in the national championship.  They’re also the first team in the history of GTCC’s athletics to compete in a national championship. This is Head Coach Bobby Allison’s sixth time in his career coaching a team to a national tournament.

“I am happy for this group of kids that they are going to get a chance to play on the national stage.  I have been there previously and it is something that you cannot explain until you are there.  We have a great group of kids who work hard and play not for themselves but, for each other. 

The seeding of the 16 teams will be announced on Tuesday. A link to the 16 competing teams can be found here:

This has been a strong year for the Titans, finishing the season with an overall record of 27-3 and a Region X record of 17-1.

Last week, the Titans also racked up accolades. Forward Nyla Allen of Greensboro was named NJCAA Region X Player of the Year and Head Coach Allison was named Coach of the Year. In addition, Allen and the Titans’ best low post scorer, Selena Lozada of Greensboro, made the 2015 All-Region X Team. Forward and Team Captain Priscilla Nobles of Jamestown also made the Region X All- Academic Team.

In Saturday’s championship game against Cape Fear, the Titans trailed early as Cape Fear raced out to an early 12-point lead. GTCC fought back to cut the halftime lead to five points (38-33). By the second half, the Titans’ depth and pressure wore down the Sea Devils. The Titans behind clutch free-throw shooting and a great defensive effort outscored Cape Fear 49-27 in the second half to secure the victory. 

Several Titans demonstrated key performances in Saturday’s championship game:

·      Leading the Titans in scoring was JaLisa Davis with 18 points, including four three-point shots. 

·      Nyla Allen, the Titans’ leading scorer for the year, scored 10 points but also dominated the glass, collecting 23 rebounds. 

·      Selena Lozada scored 8 points and 12 rebounds, while holding Cape Fear's leading scorer to just four points.

·      Kiana Davis had a huge performance in the first half, coming off the bench to score 10 points to keep the Titans close when they were struggling. 

·      Not to be lost was the ball-handling and free-throw shooting of the Titans’ two point guards: Letricia Smith and Anissa Linder. The two combined to play 40 minutes, gained eight assists and four steals. More impressive was the fact that in 40 minutes neither player committed a turnover against the Cape Fear pressure. Down the stretch they sealed the victory combining to shoot 19 for 20 from the free-throw line. 

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

LADY TITANS WIN TOP REGION X AWARDS

Forward Nyla Allen of Greensboro: 

Region X Player of the Year and

All-Region X Team

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — GTCC women’s basketball forward Nyla Allen has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region X Player of the Year. Allen of Greensboro has been a consistent leading scorer this season, earning her the honor of the NJCAA's Division II Player of the Week early on in the season.

Allen also has made the 2015 All-Region X Team, with teammate Selena Lozada, a forward from Greensboro who’s been a top performer and consistent steady force for the Titans. She’s also been the Titans’ best low post scorer.

In addition, forward Priscilla Nobles of Jamestown has made the Region X All- Academic Team. This year, Nobles has taken on several leadership roles at GTCC including Captain of the GTCC women’s basketball team, Student Government Association spirit representative, vice president of Phi Beta Lambda, and student ambassador, while maintaining a 3.75 GPA.  

Forward Selena

Lozada of Greensboro:

All-Region X Team

Bobby Allison, head women’s basketball coach, was named Region X Coach of The Year. This is Allison’s third time receiving the award since his first season coaching the Titans in 2009-2010.

“The time and effort that these young ladies put in to what we are trying to accomplish has been tremendous,” Allison said.  “I am proud that they are being recognized for their accomplishments. They have been a pleasure to coach, but even a bigger pleasure just to be around.”

Guilford Tech is the No. 1 seed going into the NJCAA Division II Region X tournament March 5, 6 and 7 at Brunswick Community College.  The Titans claimed their last conference championship in 2011.

Forward Priscilla Nobles of Jamestown:

Region X All- Academic Team.

The Lady Titans finished out the season with an overall record of 24-3 and a Region X record of 17-1. They’re currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II Top 10 National Poll.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release