Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
The Bible compares the kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed. It’s the smallest of seeds, yet when it grows, it becomes the largest of garden plants. That’s why a nonprofit in Guilford County chose the name Mustard Seed Community Health.
The Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet is a nonprofit that offers not only ballet but also jazz, hip-hop, tap and contemporary dance classes, and the school is also using dance to make life better with the help of a community foundation.
“When they come here, sometimes you have people who have self-esteem issues, they won’t make eye contact, or they don’t talk much, and then all of a sudden they just blossom.”
And it’s dancing that helps make that blossoming happen. For more than 15 years, Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet and its school of dance have created dance magic in the Piedmont Triad. Founder and Director Princess Johnson says dance intrigued her when she was a child, even though she says she wasn’t that good at it.
“I did well in all subjects, and I was gifted in many things, but I honestly was not that gifted in dance,” says Johnson. “But for some reason, dance was compelling and calling to me, probably because it was the most challenging thing I had ever faced.”
Johnson says dance challenged her to express herself and made her feel seen and heard. Years later, she worked to help other girls feel seen, too, with a dance production called “The Hair Journey.” She says hair is such an important part of how we identify and can impact how we navigate our lives.
“Some of us may choose to wear weaves or some of us may want to be natural, or we want to braid our hair, but those choices are always so significant. So, we try to tell that story of our hair through dance and movement and even hands-on classes and training,” she says. “We’ve done hair braiding classes, art classes that involve creating self-portraits of you and your hair. So, we really want people to learn to love themselves and feel confident in who they are and how they were born.”
A $14,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro helped make “The Hair Journey” happen, but Royal Expressions is about more than dance. It’s also about building healthier lifestyles. In the last year, it has implemented a community garden where students can learn about growing food and making better food choices so their bodies are properly fueled for dance.
“If you would like to start your dance journey with us, either through your child or yourself, we do have a school, and our school, we do train and dance, but our wrap-around services include building community, and also building healthier lifestyles,” says Johnson. “So, we are really heavy on focusing on making sure that people have physical, mental and emotional well-being through our program.”
Royal Expressions offers dance classes for children as young as two. There’s also an adult recreational program. It’s based in Greensboro but is working on plans to expand statewide.
Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout history.
A scholarship in memory of one of Greensboro’s most beloved educational leaders has created a pathway to success for generations of Guilford County teachers.
When John R. Kernodle, Jr., died suddenly in 1995, at the age of 50, the News & Record announced his passing, saying, “Greensboro lost part of its conscience and its soul.”
John was beloved and admired for the many ways he served this community, the most notable of which was his role as chairman of the Guilford County Board of Education. His commitment to developing an outstanding school system for the children of Guilford County is surely one of his most enduring legacies.
A year after John’s death, a group of Guilford County citizens, working through the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, established the John R. Kernodle, Jr. Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory and life’s work of this incredible man.
Each year, one exceptional graduate of Guilford County Schools is the lucky recipient of this scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 each year for four years to cover tuition and fees, on-campus room and meals, and books and supplies as he or she pursues a degree in education.
In return, upon graduation, Kernodle Scholars are required to serve at least three years as a full-time teacher in grades K-12 in North Carolina public schools, preferably in Guilford County.
Every recipient of the John R. Kernodle Memorial Scholarship is special, but they are especially so to Lynn Wright Kernodle, John’s widow. She keeps a small photo album containing each Scholar’s graduation picture, along with their name, high school, graduation year, and where they attended college.
She knows each of their stories and delights in the fact that Kernodle Scholars get together, year after year, welcoming the new Scholars and creating a living legacy of educators.
To learn how you can honor a loved one while also making an impact in our community for years to come, contact us today.
In Greensboro, Black history is a considerable part of the beauty of our city, from the courageous acts of civil rights pioneers to the vibrant cultural expressions that continue to shape our identity. Through these quotes, we celebrate the strength, creativity, and resilience of the Black community, inspiring us to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
“The footsteps of Black history have literally traveled right through the heart of Greensboro from the Underground Railroad stop on Guilford’s campus to the desegregation of hospitals/public schools, the Greensboro Four, and much more. I feel a strong sense of pride and responsibility to honor and celebrate those that have come before us and paved the way for the Black community here in Greensboro and across the nation”.
-Ericka Woodruff, AP Specialist & ETWI/GAP Program Assistant
“My daddy use to say…” You may have to fight a little more complicated . . . but you can be whatever you put your mind to.”
-Sadie Blue, Building Stronger Neighborhoods
“As a Black first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I’m proud to work in a county that holds 9000 people from the 54 African nations-approximately 250 of whom are Ethiopian. ”
-Cathy Knowles, Vice President of Development and Donor Engagement
“I embrace a reflective essence every Black History Month. Always remember the importance of learning from the past to build a bright and vibrant future.”
-Amber Smith, Administrative Assistant, Grants and Community Impact
“The Black community in Greensboro is unique because we have such a rich history. From the Civil War to civil rights, dozens of powerful people, voices, and movements started here in Greensboro. I feel lucky to be a part of an undeniably monumental community.”
-Kabrina Shamburger, Marketing Manager
“It’s so beautiful to be part of a culture with such poise, grace, richness, creativity, and resilience. I am proud of my heritage and make it a priority to show gratitude for those who paved the way.”
-Stephanie Surratt, Communications Specialist and Administrative Assistant, Guilford Nonprofit Consortium
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro awards $12,000
Southeastern Guilford High is this year’s winner of the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award. Superintendent Oakley presented the award on Tuesday during the annual State of Our Community event sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
The Humphrey Award is designed to “enhance a comprehensive school improvement plan that supports collaboration and leads toward improved student achievement.” A selection committee reviews certain academic metrics and considers how each school plans to engage the community, serve diverse student populations, and improve student outcomes.
Principal Christopher Scott took the helm of Southeast before the 2022-2023 school year. Throughout the year, he and the school’s new administrative team utilized input from stakeholders to honor the history of the school, address concerns from stakeholders, and implement research-based high-yield strategies to support staff and students. The strategies played a role in improving the graduation rate, lost instructional days, and teacher retention.
“I am proud of the Southeast Guilford High School team and the leadership of Principal Scott. Over the last year, they have implemented a robust set of strategies to improve academic performance while supporting the well-being of students,” Superintendent Oakley said.
The school will receive $12,000, which it will use to focus on student support. The school plans to update the space students use for E-therapy sessions and install sensory boxes for students in each administrator and counseling office. It also plans to use the money to support its attendance plan and improve the transition from middle to high school by hosting quarterly meetings for first-year students and their families.
Hubert B. “Hugh” Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the foundation. In November 2003, the trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award.
About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 70,000 PK-12 students at 126 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges, and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.
