Elisa Stancil

NOV. 3, 2011: Elisa Stancil, of the Josiah Branch, is a visionary, whose devotion, tenacity and hard work reaped results. She was instrumental in saving Jack London State Historical Park, from being closed by California in 2012.

Elisa is vice-president and on the Board of Directors of the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association that was established in 1977. This all volunteer, non-profit organization, funds special projects, educational exhibits, maps, and publications for Annadel, Sugarloaf Ridge, and Jack London State Historic Parks.

Elisa is currently working to restore Jack London Lake, in Sonoma County, California.

Elisa’s environmentally friendly home is next to the Jack London State Historical Park. She is the daughter of Joe Stancil. (Josiah/Harry)

Monica Mann

May 19, 2011: Monica Mann, daughter of Oliver and Allison Stancil Mann and granddaughter of Marcia and Jerry Stancil of the Samuel Branch, is the first runner-up in North Carolina for her first grade entry in PBS Kids Young Writers and Illustrators contest.

Her story will be animated online and on TV. She is invited to the awards ceremony later this summer and they are sending her prizes.

Sarah Leffler was named 2011's Miss EVHS.

March 12, 2011: Sarah Ashley Leffler, Henry Branch, was crowned Miss Eastern View High School 2011, Culpeper, Va. Sarah is the daughter of Michael and Karen and granddaughter of Dale and Marie Creech Leffler (Henry/Lillian/Joseph Manley). Sarah received a $2,000 scholarship and has narrowed her college choices to either the University of Virginia or James Madison University. She will pursue a major in musical theater.

Music is in Sarah's genes. Her grandmother, Marie, was a recognized singer. Marie sang in church and when she was just 15, she started singing with "Chuck Bland and the Chuck-a-lucks," a Norfolk, Va., band. Her uncle, Paul Douglas Creech, played piano in the band. The Chuck-A-Lucks' most famous records was the 1961 recording of "COTTON PICKIN LOVE" and "I'M HOSPITALIZED OVER YOU."

Allison and Monica Mann. By Georgeanne Schore

March 11, 2011: Members of the Samuel Branch appeared in Rocky Mount production of Gypsy. Allison Stancil Mann, daughter of Marcia and Jerry Stancil, is Tessie Tura, the Texas twirler. Monica Mann, daughter of Allison and Oliver Mann, is the balloon girl.

Brenda Hill Pollard

JAN. 18, 2011: Brenda Hill Pollard, Tempy Ann Branch, was appointed by North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue to the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences Advisory Commission. Brenda is excited about the 2012 opening of a new wing, the Nature Research Center. This state-of-the-art green facility will have a Nature Research Center’s Teen Advisory Board composed of teens in 9th and 10th grades.

This board will experience scientific research firsthand and make recommendations of how to connect teens with science. Brenda is looking forward to promoting the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and highlighting the many opportunity for learning. including online adventures.

Brenda attended North Johnston High School and received a legal secretary certificate from Peace College.

In 2006, Brenda was awarded the United States President's Volunteer Service Award. She is currently on the Elon University Board. She was previously on the boards of the North Carolina Banking Commission, N.C. State Capitol Foundation, N.C. Museum of History Associates and the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties.

Brenda, a native of Johnston County, is the wife of Larry, daughter of Dorothy and the late Vernon Hill, granddaughter of the late Zilphia and Millard Hill.

Jan. 18, 2011: Andrew, a member of the Henry Branch, is the 17-year-old son of Guy and Debbie Crabtree and the twin brother of Ashley. Andrew was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue tumor cancer, synovial sarcoma, on Jan. 18, 2011. Andrew is the nephew of Charlie Crabtree and Jane Crabtree O’Brien. Additional information about Andrew can be found on: www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewcrabtree.