Local News
Moore Teacher Write-Ups: Jackie Villanueva
Jackie Villanueva is in a good place. A graduate of Barry University in Miami, where she majored in elementary education, Jackie teaches fourth grade at McDeeds Creek Elementary.
There was a brief time when she considered working with animals in some capacity, but, from an early age, teaching was her first choice.
“When I was little, I would line up my stuffed animals,” Jackie said. “They were my students.”
In her ninth year as a teacher, she’s in her second year teaching fourth grade. Born in Peru, Jackie can’t think of another role that would be a better fit.
“I just don’t see myself out of the classroom,” she said. “This is who I am.”
After moving to the U.S., Jackie and her mom eventually settled in Miami, where she started her formal education. Her dad – an American citizen – died when Jackie, an only child, was 1.
“My mom had some friends in Miami,” Jackie, who also has a master’s in elementary education from Barry University, said. “That’s pretty much where I grew up. I went to school there all the way until college.”
A cousin, who was a few years older than Jackie, came from South America with the mother-daughter duo. To keep things running, Jackie’s mom worked multiple jobs. That effort was key in Jackie becoming the first in her family to graduate from college.
While Miami was her first home in America, Jackie was quick to come to Moore County when an opportunity emerged.
“I reached out to our principal (Dr. Molly Capps),” she said. “She was the first one to reach back. She’s the best principal I’ve ever had.”
At McDeeds Creek, Jackie focuses on reaching those she instructs. It’s one of her strong points.
“I connect with my students and build relationships,” she said. “They go beyond the classroom.”
The connections made seem to last.
“Former students come down to see me,” Jackie, who’s scheduled to get married in June, said.
Watching students advance – in academics, or beyond material covered – is a source of inspiration.
“I like seeing them grow,” Jackie said. “When you see how much the student has grown – that’s everything. There are things that are important for them to know, even the little things. They’re life skills.”
Appreciation for Jackie’s approach is shown by the many invitations she gets for everything from sporting events to birthday parties.
“It’s important for me to show up,” she said. “They just love it. They really want me to be there.”
Along with teaching at McDeeds Creek, Jackie was a founder of the cheerleading team at the school. It’s something she cherishes.
“I’m very proud of that as well,” she said. “We’re invited to many events.”
The cheerleading team, open to those in second grade and above, is in its fourth year.
As Jackie’s journey continues, her mom, not a surprise given the family’s history, remains a resource.
“She moved here,” Jackie said. “We got her an apartment only five minutes away.”
Feature photo: Jackie Villanueva/Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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Gov. Josh Stein recently announced an investment of $48 million in Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program projects to connect 14,514 households and businesses in Moore and 21 other counties to high-speed internet.
“Connecting all North Carolinians, especially in our rural areas, opens doors of opportunity,” said Gov. Josh Stein in a news advisory. “I am proud to continue to bring high-speed internet access to all corners of our state.”
“With reliable high-speed internet, North Carolinians can access online services necessary for remote work, virtual education, and telehealth, ensuring they can fully participate in the modern digital world,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “By creating a more connected state, we are investing in the future prosperity and resiliency of our communities.”
These projects will be funded by more than $33 million from the federal American Rescue Plan awarded by NCDIT and more than $14 million from selected broadband providers:
Alexander County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 125 homes and businesses (5.5% of the county’s 2,271 eligible locations after previous awards).
Bladen County: Star Telephone Membership Corp (Star Communications) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 88 homes and businesses (12.43% of the county’s 708 eligible locations).
Burke County: Foothills Broadband, LLC These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 113 homes and businesses (4.72% of the county’s 2,391 eligible locations after previous awards).
Chatham County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,006 homes and businesses (26.09% of the county’s 3,856 eligible locations).
Craven County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,790 homes and businesses (65.62% of the county’s 2,728 eligible locations).
Currituck County: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 162 homes and businesses (62.54% of the county’s 259 eligible locations after previous awards).
Guilford County: Spectrum Southeast, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 463 homes and businesses (21.43% of the county’s 2,161 eligible locations).
Halifax County: Roanoke Connect Holdings, LLC (Fybe) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 2,613 homes and businesses (93.42% of the county’s 2,797 eligible locations).
Harnett County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,019 homes and businesses (29.03% of the county’s 3,510 eligible locations after previous awards).
Hoke County: LREMC Technologies, LLC (RIVR Tech) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 716 homes and businesses (50.03% of the county’s 1,431 eligible locations).
Iredell County: Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation (Zirrus) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 517 homes and businesses (24.22% of the county’s 2,135 eligible locations).
Lee County: Windstream North Carolina, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 617 homes and businesses (28.38% of the county’s 2174 eligible locations).
Mitchell County: Zito West Holding, LLC (Zito Media) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 84 homes and businesses (20.94% of the county’s 401 eligible locations after previous awards).
Moore County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,573 homes and businesses (38.31% of the county’s 4,106 eligible locations).
Pender County: Atlantic Telephone Membership Cooperative (FOCUS Broadband) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 224 homes and businesses (34.09% of the county’s 657 eligible locations).
Rowan County: Spectrum Southeast, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 293 homes and businesses (14.15% of the county’s 2,389 eligible locations after previous awards).
Sampson County: Star Telephone Membership Corp (Star Communications) and StarVision Inc. (Star Communications) These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 114 homes and businesses (19.79% of the county’s 576 eligible locations after previous awards).
Stanly County: Windstream North Carolina, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 935 homes and businesses (26.62% of the county’s 3,513 eligible locations).
Stokes County: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,377 homes and businesses (62.56% of the county’s 2,201 eligible locations).
Surry County: Surry Telephone Membership Corporation (Surry Communications) These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 278 homes and businesses (34.11% of the county’s 815 eligible locations).
Wayne County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 404 homes and businesses (15.61% of the county’s 2,588 eligible locations after previous awards).
Wilkes County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to three homes and businesses (7.31% of the county’s 41 eligible locations after previous awards).
The CAB program’s procurement process creates a partnership between counties and NCDIT to identify areas that need access, solicit proposals from prequalified internet service providers, and quickly make awards. Awardees must agree to provide high-speed service that reliably meets or exceeds speeds of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload.
“Gov. Stein is committed to closing the digital divide. Today’s awards add to the $596 million in Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants and previous CAB projects that will connect more than 230,000 North Carolina households and businesses to high-speed internet,” said the advisory.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, visit ncbroadband.gov.
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Contributed article.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Dora Anne Maness, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family.
She was born on a Moore County farm to the late James Lynn and Vallie Phillips Fields. Her husband William preceded her in death in 1997. Her son William, Jr. followed in January 2025. Also preceding in death were siblings, Leonard Fields (Imogene), Walter Fields (Pauline), D.A. Fields (Louvene) and Helen Frye (Bud).
Here to cherish her memory are daughters, Sharon Whitfield (Frank), Denise Williams (Ronnie), daughter-in-law, Ann; bonus daughters: Pat Corbin, Pat Jackson, Priscilla Riley; grandchildren, Johnathan Maness (Alexa), Ashley Althof (Eric); three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two-step-grandchildren, five step-great grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine Williams, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mom was a woman of incredible strength and grace, our rock in good times and bad, known for her creative talent and desire to teach others. She lived a life filled with faith, love, and service. Her home was always open to all. She faced her final days with a serene acceptance, knowing her race was run, she had fought the good fight and finished well. It was time to go home. Mom has left a positive impact on her family, friends, and sweet Carthage community. She has been the source of our inspiration and our guide for how to live life well.
It has taken a village to care for mom on this journey of life. We are forever grateful for the loving care provided by our “new” family, Bonnie Brown, Joann Douglas, Teco Douglas-McLean, Linda Short and Lisa Volk. Much love and appreciation to mom’s hospice nurse, LaWanda Tanner, who gave her all, to help mom live her best life. We are all now sisters of the heart; family connected by our love for mom.
“The presence of her absence is everywhere.” Emily Dickinson. Good night, Mom, we’ll see you in the morning.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Carthage United Methodist Church with Pastor Rhonda Campbell officiating. Burial will follow the service at Cross Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foundation of FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or Carthage United Methodist Church 401 McReynolds St., Carthage, NC 28327.
Condolences may be left at PinesFunerals.com
The care of Dora Anne has been entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.
The Southern Pines Fire Department posthumously honored firefighter Carol Dowd with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on May 14 at Fire Station No. 82.
North Carolina’s highest honor celebrates individuals’ outstanding service and achievements benefiting the state and their communities. Its creation in 1964 led to over 21,000 people receiving the award. To be nominated, individuals must have a minimum of 30 years of service to the state.
The fire department nominated Dowd months ago and may update their protocol to nominate service members as soon as they are eligible.
Joining the department as a volunteer in 1976, Dowd was the first female firefighter to serve in Moore County. She passed away in March at the age of 69.
“Carol worked for the best interest of the fire department and was the first to greet and train newcomers,” Southern Pines Fire Chief Mike Cameron said at the ceremony.
Cameron read several of Dowd’s colleagues’ recommendations for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award and shared their most outstanding comments: “Decades as a pillar of strength…caring for the sick…unwavering support, embodies the full spirit of the fire department…inspiring leadership…commendable service.”
Assistant Chief Martin Dowd said his wife was a dedicated and inspirational leader, a steadfast member of the fire department, and a devoted person.
The couple attended high school together, and Martin said he didn’t know Carol then, but she said she knew him. They met again in 1978 when he joined the fire department.
Carol has one son, Bryon Smith, who is a retired North Carolina Highway patrolman.
Feature Photo: Martin Dowd accepts the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award on behalf of his late wife, Carol Dowd, at a ceremony at the Southern Pines Fire Station No. 82 on May 14.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Stephanie is also an English instructor at Central Carolina Community College. She is the author of When the Yellow Slugs Sing, Sky’s River Stone, GUTTERSNIPE: Shakespearean English Stage Play with Translation, Amagi, Amagi Study Guide, and EZ Essay Study Guide for Holocaust: A History.
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