<![CDATA[LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LOWER CAPE FEAR

<![CDATA[LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LOWER CAPE FEAR - Press Releases]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:07:16 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[LWVLCF Endorses School Bonds in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:49:40 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/lwvlcf-endorses-school-bonds-in-new-hanover-and-brunswick-countiesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilmington, NC, 9/23/26 – The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) supports the school bond referenda on the November 3, 2026 ballots in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, citing the need for safe, modern schools that can serve growing communities and support student success.

“Recent presentations by the county school superintendents illuminated for our League members that the school bonds are important no matter which county one lives in, or whether they have children or not,” said Kate Santhuff, League Director at-Large. “Voting for the school bonds means supporting a plan for long-term growth.”

New Hanover County Schools Bond Referendum
The proposed $320.5 million NHCS Bond Referendum represents a historic investment in the future of New Hanover County and the students, families, and communities we serve. If approved, the bond would address critical needs across all 45 schools, strengthen student safety and security, improve operational efficiency, and create modern, supportive learning environments designed to help every student succeed. For information about the estimated taxpayer cost and the projects proposed at each location across the district, visit the NHCS website at: www.nhcs.net/bond-referendum.

Brunswick County Schools Bond Referendum
Brunswick County's rapid growth has increased pressure on school capacity and existing facilities. The proposed $349 million Brunswick County Schools Bond Referendum seeks to fund a new elementary school and high school in northern Brunswick County, along with safety, access, traffic flow, and infrastructure improvements at existing schools. Overall, the bond is designed to add classroom capacity, improve safety, address needs at existing schools, and prepare Brunswick County Schools for continued growth.

More information about the projects, frequently asked questions, and upcoming community conversations is available at www.bcswan.net/school-board/2026bond.

Supporting Strong Communities Through Strong Schools
In keeping with its mission of empowering voters and defending democracy, the League is committed to providing information that helps residents make informed decisions at the ballot box. LWVLCF encourages voters to learn more about both bond referenda and participate in the November 3, 2026 election. For additional information on both bond referenda, visit the LWVLCF YouTube channel @leagueofwomenvoterslowerca2258.

About LWVLCF
The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF), a chapter of LWVUS, is a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties with its mission of voter education, outreach, and advocacy.

Media Contact
Robin Judd, Chapter President
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Robin@lwvlcf.org]]><![CDATA[League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear Joins Nationwide "Unite & Rise for Voting Rights" Day of Action on August 8]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:05:26 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/league-of-women-voters-of-lower-cape-fear-joins-nationwide-unite-rise-for-voting-rights-day-of-action-on-august-8

WILMINGTON, NC, August 2026 – The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) will join hundreds of League chapters and partner organizations across the nation on Saturday, August 8, for the nationwide "Unite & Rise for Voting Rights" Day of Action, a coordinated effort to mobilize voters and strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2026 elections.

The national initiative commemorates the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and calls on Americans to take meaningful action in support of the freedom to vote. Across the country, communities will participate in voter education, registration outreach, civic engagement activities, and public demonstrations of support for voting rights.

Locally, LWVLCF members will wear their signature purple League shirts, distribute nonpartisan voter information, and engage community members throughout Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties. Look for LWVLCF members carrying important League voter education materials such as dates and polling locations. They will be happy to discuss the importance of voting, registering to vote, and the importance of participating in our democracy.

As part of LWVLCF's local activities, families are invited to participate in a special Frog Coloring and Naming Contest, designed to introduce young people to civic engagement in a fun and creative way. The contest features the local League's newly-introduced frog mascots and encourages children and families to color the artwork, give the frogs names, and submit their creations for a chance to be featured on the League's website and social media channels. Entries will be accepted through October 30, 2026. Contest materials will be available for families during August 8th activities and beyond.

The League of Women Voters' national campaign emphasizes that taking action matters and that protecting voting rights requires ongoing civic participation. The Day of Action is also part of the League's broader effort to engage and mobilize voters across the United States. “Democracy works best when everyone participates. The Aug. 8th Day of Action reminds all citizens that they have the right to vote and participate in their government, ” said Robin Judd, LWVLCF President.
For more information about local activities, volunteer opportunities, or the Frog Coloring and Naming Contest, visit www.lwvlcf.org or contact communications@lwvlcf.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/6/26

Media Contact:
Robin Judd, President
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
communications@lwvlcf.org
www.lwvlcf.org

]]><![CDATA[lwv announces 2026 scholarship winners]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/lwv-of-lower-cape-fear-announces-2026-scholarship-awards

The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) is proud to announce that they have awarded a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior student graduating from a public high school in each of these three counties: Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender. The 2026 LWVLCF scholarship recipients chosen are Kelsey Lykins from West Brunswick High School; Valeria Colon from John T. Hoggard High School and Dayleen Maldonado Murillo from Pender Early College High School. Every graduating applicant displayed a strong record of leadership and effort both at school and in the general community across a variety of interests. Of the 15 who applied, all with substantial credentials, these three stood out.

Julia Hill-Nichols, LWVLCF President, said, “The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear deeply values the strength, wisdom and courage of young people and believes in taking action that reflects these convictions. The three students selected by our Scholarship Committee exemplify a level of character that is truly humbling. We are honored to support them in this way. The members of LWVLCF wish Kelsey, Valeria and Dayleen every happiness and success as they continue to achieve and make future contributions to our community.”

Kelsey Lykins is a graduate of West Brunswick High School who plans to attend Coastal Carolina University in Fall 2026. Kelsey’s involvement in community spans local town events, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, hospital volunteering and school athletics. She is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion and stepped in to lead a Special Olympics volleyball team when it was at risk of being canceled.

Valeria Colon is a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School and is planning to attend UNC–Chapel Hill. Valeria has a strong record of leadership and empowerment. She was involved in her school’s Dance Team and in Student Council, serving as Junior Class President. She helped to raise significant funds for her school community by growing club participation and using Instagram promotion to increase engagement and fundraising.

Dayleen Maldonado Murillo is a graduate of Pender Early College High School, and plans to attend the University of Southern California in Fall 2026. Dayleen has demonstrated her dedication to community service in Teen Court, where she advocates for
youth in minor-offense cases and helps create a process centered on accountability, fairness and empathy. She also serves as a translator/interpreter for her family and community.

The 2026 LWVLCF Scholarships were presented to each recipient at their own school service awards ceremonies conducted near the end of the school year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/8/26
June 8, 2026
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Contact: Communications@lwvlcf.org Claudia Tidwell 240-381-7668

League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF), a non-partisan, non-profit organization Serving the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender, NC PO Box 4503, Wilmington, NC 28406 - communications@lwvlcf.org

]]><![CDATA[League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear Announces 2026 Scholarships]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:49:50 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/league-of-women-voters-of-lower-cape-fear-announces-2026-scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2026
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Contact: Communications@lwvlcf.org   Julia Hill-Nichols (303) 601-9085

League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear Announces 2026 Scholarships

As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to supporting post-secondary education, the League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) is pleased to once again offer scholarships to three graduating high school seniors. The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to one senior graduating from each of the Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender County school districts. The scholarships are designed to supplement tuition and other college-related expenses for students who are actively engaged in serving their community (school, community organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) To be eligible, applicants must be committed to continuing their post-secondary education in the Fall 2026 semester.

A Qualified Candidate Will…

Be a graduating senior from a public high school in Brunswick, New Hanover, or Pender County.
Provide a completed online application and other required items by March 31, 2026 .
Provide proof of commitment to attend a post-secondary institution.
Request two non-family members to submit letters of recommendation by March 31st.

The link to the application, specific instructions and other important details can be found on the LWVLCF website at lwvlcf.org/scholarship/.

All required components must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Questions may be submitted to communications@lwvlcf.org. After the application, letters of recommendation and all other required uploads are submitted, they will be reviewed by the LWVLCF Scholarship Committee. The scholarships will be awarded to the winning applicants at their respective school service awards ceremonies.

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League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF), a non-partisan, non-profit organization
Serving the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender, NC
PO Box 4503, Wilmington, NC 28406 - communications@lwvlcf.org

]]><![CDATA[League Sponsors Local Candidate Forums in Brunswick County]]>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:48:47 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/league-sponsors-local-candidate-forums-in-brunswick-county

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2025
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Contact: Sue-Ann@lwvlcf.org
Municipal elections are coming November 4, 2025! Are you interested in knowing more about local candidates? What are their qualifications? What views and visions do they have? Municipal elections affect us all. Local officials make decisions about town taxes, local development, local utilities, parking fees, and much more.
The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWLCF) will be holding non-partisan, municipal election candidate forums for Brunswick County residents in the towns of Leland, Oak Island, Southport, and Holden Beach through October. Here are the forum dates, times and locations:
Leland - Monday, October 6th, 6:00-8:00 pm - Leland Cultural Arts Center,
1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland
Oak Island - Thursday, October 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm - Oak Island Town Offices
4601 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island
Southport - Tuesday, October 14mh, 6:00-8:00 pm - Southport Community Building,
223 E. Bay Street, Southport
Holden Beach - Friday, October 17th, 6:00-8:00 pm - Holden Beach Town Hall
110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach
Residents are encouraged to go to the League of Women Voters website, LWVLCF.org to submit their questions for candidates. Deadlines for questions for Leland and Oak Island are September 20th and for Southport and Holden Beach, September 27th.
Be sure to attend the forum for your town and be an informed voter because every election matters!
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League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF), a non-partisan, non-profit organization
PO Box 4503, Wilmington, NC 28406 - communications@lwvlcf.org

]]><![CDATA[League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear Announces Annual Scholarship Awards]]>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.lwvlcf.org/press-releases/league-of-women-voters-of-lower-cape-fear-announces-annual-scholarship-awards

The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) announced three North Carolina high school seniors who were the recipients of LWVLCF scholarship awards at their annual meeting on June 28th. The awardees were selected from each of the three county school districts of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender. Recipients were awarded with a $1,000 scholarship designed to provide tuition assistance to Spring 2025 graduating seniors from public high schools who were actively engaged in serving their community. The three scholarship awardees are:
Kendall Mills, who has graduated from Topsail High School in Pender County. Kendall served as a student vocal director and director for advanced theater on her high school Theater Leadership Team, as Vice President of the Health Occupations Students of America, and as Vice President of the National Honor Society. Kendall has also volunteered for Special Olympics for the past five years. Kendall will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill.
Emmy Russ, who graduated from Brunswick County Early College at Brunswick Community College in May 2025. Emmy was a pivotal member of Beta Club and held leadership positions in National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Government Association, was a scientific research intern at BCC, and represented Brunswick County at the Azalea Festival. Emma also served on the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council from 2023-2025. Emmy will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill.
Molly Mathis, who just graduated from John T. Hoggard High School in New Hanover County. As a high school student, Molly was engaged in service-learning opportunities, representing other young people in the community. She served on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) advocating for peers, as well as collaborating with community leaders to address pressing issues facing youth today. She also served as a Student Ambassador on the Board of Education and was featured by WHQR as a writer. Molly will pursue public affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill and will serve on the Board of NYAC next year.
The three scholarship recipients were selected through a competitive application process by the LWVLCF Scholarship Team: Amanda Boomershine, Pixie Healy, LCF President Julia Hill-Nichols, Carol Morris, Connie Nelson, Claudia Tidwell, and Diane Wiesenthal, and supported by Joanne Levitan and Kate Santhuff. LWVLCF congratulates this year’s awardees and wishes them much success in college and beyond.

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