Author: ncook

Talkback: What online readers say about

By Post Opinion

Published 12:00 am Friday, December 14, 2018

… Vacancy on Spencer Board of Aldermen remains unfilled
The logical thing to do would be to place Howard White back on the board. He was the next choice of the voters to be alderman. The only reason why Mayor Gobbel wanted to replace (Kevin Jones) with someone of his choice was to give him another person that will not think for themselves but to give another rubber-stamper of Gobbel’s failed agendas.

— Danny Patterson

While granted there is no law or statute to dictate how this seat is filled, it should be left to the voters.

The reason I was not at the meeting to express my interest in the seat but also defend myself was due to my mother-in-law’s passing away less than an hour before the meeting started.

The town’s charter needs to be changed to include an empty seat goes to the nest highest vote receiver. Mr. Patterson is correct in his statements concerning a rubber-stamp individual. Being a small town, more than one individual has heard this these words or very similar ones coming from the mayor. Along with Mrs. Miller’s letter on Tuesday and Mr. Patterson’s thoughts, the town should be honoring the citizens of Spencer and not their own wants.

— Howard White

My Turn: Don’t break up the North ‘family’

A well-written story, Jennifer. I worked with your father at Gamewell Manufacturing. I remember the tragedy and I can’t imagine the heartbreak you have had, but you have emerged as a wonderful person and I’m sure your mother is smiling down on you. God bless you.

— James Lambert

… Spencer aldermen pass resolution against closure of North Rowan High

Supposedly, all the mayors of the local municipalities were invited to be part of that 45-member capital needs committee. This means that Mayor Jim Gobbel would have been included. The concerns the Board of Aldermen express are certainly legitimate. But what did Gobbel have to say? Was he part of the committee as we’ve been led to believe? The same question can be asked of the mayor of Landis, after their town board passed a similar resolution.

— Eric Shock

Letter: Consolidation propaganda?

You are correct, sir. It is propaganda of which the school system is now having “ a dog and pony show” to show they care and want input. They don’t even have answers and they expect the public to be supportive of the plans that have been laid out since the arrival of the superintendent.

Phase 1 is already in place and the first domino to fall is happening sooner than the public realizes. I am utterly disgusted when the board and administrative team will not sit down with their communities and truly listen to all the concerns about this plan. I know previous boards at least had the guts to do this.

— Kyle Huffman

… Editorial: Voters should select mayor

Mayoral election? No, mayor should be person (if they wish to be mayor) who receives the most votes. Do not need to spend funding on a new process. Is it time to consider moving municipal elections in general, to even-numbered years like elections for virtually all other offices in the state or staggered terms?

How many councilors? Seven, better representation of community

Term length? Four.

Staggered terms? Yes, council members can focus on issues instead of re-election.

A mayoral election could be contentious and even divide the city. However, under this current structure, all candidates for City Council are running for mayor, even if they have no interest in that job. That does not make sense.

— Mark Lyerly

The changes that are a no-brainer are going to be a separate mayor’s race and staggered four-year terms.

The changes that require some brain power include going from five to seven seats and whether there should be districts, how many versus at-large, and their lines.

A separate mayor’s race will bring new challengers and some old ones back.

— Doug Paris

… Letter: Crosby Scholar donors are having a big impact

A wonderful program. A wonderful caring staff. Great opportunity for Rowan students.

— Kathy McDuffie Sanborn

This is a fantastic program. My oldest daughter is one of those young people from the Class of 2018 that benefited in many, many ways from all of the Crosby Scholars opportunities. My youngest daughter is currently a high school Crosby Scholar participant as well. They have wonderful folks engaging our children and students beginning in middle school and walking beside them through their high school journey of visiting, applying to and choosing colleges.

Crosby Scholars works with the students to ensure that they can participate in their program along with all of the other extra-curricular activities that students enjoy participating in at school.

— Paula Sloop

… For Kluttz family, 1950 train accident held ironic twists, fateful decisions

I was born in ‘51 and was brought home to our farm in Rockwell. Nearby was a Kluttz family who might be related, but we moved to Kannapolis five years later. I’ve heard of this accident and pray for you and your family. Such a sad story, but I’m glad you found more information to pass along.

— Pamela Hayes

I hope he shares all of this with the History Room at the library. Not only is it a great source of information, but also a place to document. The museum is also a wonderful resource. Let us not let the history be lost.

— Melissa Eller

… Effects of winter storm to linger

Y’all have done an amazing job with the roads. Thank you for being willing to be away from your families and doing this job.

— Tina Blakely

… More snow and sleet on the way

The city of Salisbury scraped every road in the town. All is clear. Amazing. Usually, our street gets cleared after it all melts, without human intervention.

— Sam Post

… Letter: Poor Silent Sam

Representing those students of UNC who fought for North Carolina & the Confederate States of America during the War Between the States, he was defending his state, and his state should honor him by enforcing the law and putting the statue right back where it was to start with.

— Jonathan McCleese

…Bikers for a Cause deliver gifts to Nazareth

It was a real pleasure for my MC to be a part of this again. See you next year, Darby. Remember, “you either ride, or you don’t.”

— Jason Mosher

This is great. Keep up the great work!

— Tami McCune

Comments

Friends start summer camp to impact youth

By Staff Report

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 24, 2018

Achievement in Motion

SALISBURY — Sitting in Starbucks about a year ago, a group of North Rowan and Salisbury High graduates were comparing college experiences and talking about their next steps after graduation.

It was good to be home, and their mood was optimistic — but tinged with sadness and concern about the violence and negativity that seemed pervasive in Rowan County.

Unfortunately, this was not the case for many of their peers. They had too many friends who were headed down the wrong road, and many who didn’t know how to overcome temporary challenges to reach their full potential.

The group of friends decided to do something about the situation and to help the youth of Rowan County.

“We came together during the summer of 2017 to create an opportunity for students to learn about the college experience before starting at their respective universities,” he said. “We also want to make sure that students from Rowan County are prepared for potential internships and other leadership opportunities.”

Hanson Saryee, a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and recent addition to the staff of Rowan County’s Crosby Scholars, agreed.

“We recognized how important our college education and experience was to each of us and wanted to find a way we could encourage more high school students to choose the path of higher education,” Saryee said.

“Jamie and I have have known each other since elementary school. I met Hanson and Robin during high school and got to know them better in college. Even though they are Salisbury Hornets, I do not hold it against them,” Watkins joked.

The group named themselves the Achievement in Motion — A.I.M. — Team.

The friends worked to pull together the Achievement in Motion Camp for rising sophomores in Rowan-Salisbury Schools. The camp will give students the chance to consider their future and the role education will play in it.

Crosby Scholars is partnering with the A.I.M. team to promote the camp to students in Rowan County. The camp will be held at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in conjunction with the college-access program. The team is working with community leaders for assistance with meals and transportation.

“I believe that we have an amazing team, and I am grateful for the community leaders and organizations that have supported the initiative,” Watkins said.

The Achievement in Motion Camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 20-22 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s North Campus, Building 600.

For more information, contact Hanson Saryee at 484-757-0870 or the Rowan County Crosby Scholars office at 704-762-3512. Current Crosby Scholars can sign up in their student portals. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

GRADUATION 2017: Carson All County Scholars

By Rebecca Rider

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 9, 2017

James Paul Barringer IV, of Salisbury, is the son of Christine and Jim Barringer. Before Carson he attended Bostian Elementary and China Grove Middle schools. He plans to attend Duke University, but is undecided on a major and a career path. He studied the pathology of HIV and AIDS for his senior project. While attending Carson he participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, wrestling, the National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society and the school leadership team. He is also a member of the Crosby Scholars, and he earned his Eagle Scout.

A defining moment in his life: Attending Governor’s School the summer of 2016.
The secret to his high school success: Hard work and a passion for learning.
If he had a $10 million: I would donate it to cancer and AIDS research because these diseases continue to plague not just America, but the world as a whole.

Adrian Vergara is the son of Arturo and Maria Vergara. He attended Woodleaf Elementary and West Middle schools. He will attend North Carolina State University, and he plans to major in computer engineering. His career goal is to work for IBM. For his senior project, he studied veterinary medicine. During his time at Carson High, he was on the wrestling team and the swim team. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He also coached YMCS soccer for two seasons and he volunteers at his church.
A defining moment in his life: When I met my future wife, Elizabeth Yousey.
The secret to his high school success: If you can believe, you can Achieve 3000.
If he had $10 million: I would give out 10 small loans of $1 million dollars.

Morgan Elizabeth Warren, of Salisbury, is the daughter of Harry and Catherine Warren. She attended Salisbury Academy for her elementary and middle school education. She plans to attend Tisch School of the Arts at New York University where she will major in theater. For her senior project, she studied the technological advancements of the piano throughout history. Warren served as the Student Body treasurer, Junior Class president and as an officer board member of the Drama Club. She was also elected president of her ninth, 10th and 11th grade Crosby Scholars classes. She has been involved in Orange and Blue Crew, Key Club, Interact Club, Drama Club, the International Thespian Society, Prom Committee and National Honor Society. In addition, she has participated in both local and overseas mission trips.

A defining moment in her life: the moment I was holding my acceptance letters from both the University of Southern California and New York University, and choosing in which direction (literally) my life would be going.

The secret to her high school success: Take the courses that seem unnecessarily difficult, learn how to balance academics and extracurricular activities, and always think two steps ahead — after all, high school doesn’t last forever.

If she had $10 million dollars: I would pay the college tuition that has been staring me down ever since I put down my freshman housing deposit; with the leftover funds, I would make an extensive trip around the world and purchase a fair amount of property.

Elizabeth Nicole Yousey, of Salisbury, is the daughter of Karen and Greg Yousey. She previously attended Faith Elementary and Southeast Middle schools. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and hopes to pursue a career where she can work with children and help others. For her senior project Elizabeth studied school guidance counseling. She created an infographic showing areas where  students feel they need more support. She collected from Carson students and presented the infographic to counselors to help them create a plan for next year.

While at Carson she participated in marching band, was senior class president of Carson’s Crosby Scholars program, a member of the National Honor society Board and an active member of Carson’s leadership team. She has also volunteered with Faith Elementary’s Battle of the Books program and served as the director of her church’s vacation Bible school program.

A defining moment in her life: A defining moment in my life was my junior year when I had two phenomenal teachers in my AP English and my AP Calculus classes, Ms. Barrett and Ms. Pittman. They pushed me to grow in my academic ability and by dedication to my work.

Her secret to high school success: Dedication and hard work.

If she had a 10 million: I would donate a large portion to charities that focus on underprivileged kids and have a strong focus toward education. With the remaining money I would take my family on a wonderful, long trip to Disney World.

Rusher Earns Eagle

By Post Lifestyles

Published 7:20 am Sunday, February 12, 2017

Bo joined Pack 443 as a Cub Scout, and earned the Webelos, Arrow of Light, and God and Family awards.   As a Boy Scout in Troop 443, Bo earned 27 Merit Badges, along with the Cyber Chip, Firem’n Chit, Fish and Wildlife Management and the Totin’ Chip awards. He enjoyed attending summer camps at Camp Barnhardt and Camp Daniel Boone, as well as camping and hiking with his fellow scouts.  Bo served as Troop Quartermaster and Assistant Scouts Leader. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Bo led a team of 16 Scouts and volunteers in serving 120 hours at Salisbury High School’s athletic facility. Bo spent six months planning the repair and painting of the baseball field’s home and visitor dugouts and foul poles after meeting with Baseball Coach Mike Herndon.

A sophomore at Salisbury High School, Bo participates in baseball, football, Student Government, Crosby Scholars and the Rowan County Student Leaders. Bo is also a member of the 2019 South Charlotte Panthers baseball team.

As an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bo participates in the Fuel Senior High Youth Group, serves on the Youth Discipleship Committee and is a member of the Order of St. John’s as a Crucifer, Banner Bearer, and Torch Bearer.

Bo is the son of Bobby and Kathy Rusher of Salisbury.  His grandparents are Bob and Joan Rusher of Salisbury and Rodney and Susan Stalheim of Lenoir.

Quotes of the week

By Post Opinion

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 10, 2016

“You get to see the essence of the town.”

— Michelle Strong, Rowan Crosby Scholars middle school coordinator, on attending the Pops at the Post concert in downtown Salisbury

“I wish that every business and church in town would ask, ‘Where’s your 40?’”

— Dr. Lynn Moody, superintendent, on bracelets Rowan-Salisbury students receive if they pass tests on 40 Achieve3000 articles

“It is well known in our community that Chief Stokes has a heart to protect and serve.”

— James Camm, pastor, Living Word Ministries, Lynchburg, Va., on Salisbury’s new police chief, Jerome Stokes

“When you’ve got people who have the love of God in their hearts, we are united by the spirit of God.”

— Patrick Dye, on getting through cancer treatment with the help of friends

“I didn’t even realize how massive the cemetery was until I got there.”

— Zachary Cunningham, who vowed to salute every grave marker in the National Cemetery in Salisbury

“We are reliving our youth at a slower pace.”

— Rose Cox, basketball player, at Senior Olympics competition

Rowan Crosby Scholars celebrates first graduating class

By Rebecca Rider

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 5, 2016

By Rebecca Rider

rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — At the old JCPenney in West End Plaza, there’s an air of celebration and anticipation. The crowd of more than 300 gathers around tables decorated with balloons and tinsel. In a small alcove seniors scribble the name of their chosen college on a whiteboard and pose for pictures. Everyone — parents, students and Rowan Crosby Scholars staff — have waited a long time for today.

The Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership awarded 175 honor cords and more than $13,000 in scholarships at its Senior Gala on Sunday.

The class of 2016 is the nonprofit’s first graduating class since it formed three years ago.

“It’s just a thrill to be involved with this community-wide endeavor, the whole community has poured into this program to make it what it is today. We’re three years old and this is the culmination of the first three years,” board Chair Gwin Barr said.

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, attend academies and college fairs, work with senior advisors and complete at least two hours of community service each year. Barr said that the class of 2016 completed more than 5,000 hours of logged volunteer service while in the program.

“I’m so proud of them, I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished, what they’ve achieved. . . . They had to put in a lot of effort to graduate as a Crosby scholar,” she said.

Guest speakers were Brittany Orange, assistant principal at Knox Middle School, who encouraged seniors to keep a good reputation, and Dr. Philip Dubois, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who gave tips for success in college and in life.

Executive Director Jennifer Canipe said that 35 percent of the 2016 class will be first-generation college students. Students from the Rowan Crosby Scholars program will be attending more than 40 colleges and universities across the Southeast.

“You’re going to accomplish great things, and we are going to watch you,” Barr said during her welcome speech.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.

Awards:

P.E.O. Star Scholarship awarded to Ashley Mayhew.

Michael McDuffie Scholarships awarded to Jordan Smith, Matthew Zucchero, Destiny White, Mallory Humphries, Calissa Andersen and Damian Campbell.

The John A. Carter Memorial Scholarship awarded to Rachel Coble.

The John O. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship awarded to Rebecca Malloy.

The Joyce Kohfeldt Determination Award given to Alex Yang.

Goodwill Willpower Scholarship awarded to Maria Delgado.

The Paul E. Fisher Honorary Scholarship awarded to Megan Huffman.

The Executive Director Award, in honor of Mona Lovatt, given to Jamia Angle.

Top Scholars: Margaret Young, Nickolas Cox, Tiffany Vang, Julianna Evans, Mathew Washko, Andrew Eller, Claudia Patterson and Victoria Patterson.

Rowan Crosby Scholars participate in ‘Inside Out’ workshop

By Post Education

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 3, 2016

SALISBURY — Rowan County Crosby Scholars’ latest initiative, an “Inside Out” workshop, was held on Feb. 20, at Catawba College. This workshop focused on helping students understand some of the elements necessary to be successful in life, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem, setting goals, and presenting your best self to others.

“The development of Inside Out was a collaborative effort on the part of our staff. We were excited to provide a workshop designed to allow scholars to reflect on how personal perception and presentation can affect their future . . . in terms of college choices and eventually in their careers,” Allison Lee, Crosby Scholars high school coordinator said.

With scholars in attendance from around the county, the event began with a “real talk session” with Frank Strong, Sr., a Junior ROTC instructor at Salisbury High School, and Dr. Julie Morrow, Rowan County assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Morrow and Strong shared their own life stories and discussed the importance of having a positive mindset in order to create a path toward success.

This theme continued throughout the day, as students were placed in small groups led by Crosby staff and volunteers Tyler Rea and Israel Suarez, and asked to discuss their individual plans for success. While discussing short and long term goals, students gained insight on what it meant to create their own journey.

“This workshop has helped me a lot with self-esteem and being confident with who I am.” Cole Myers, a West Rowan High sophomore said.

“Today has shown me that I can plan for the future. It’s okay not to know what you want to do and have your life planned completely out,” Hannah Venable, a sophomore at Carson High School, said.

Geared with a plan and self-esteem tools, scholars culminated their day with a “first impressions” panel discussion. Panelists included founder of Inner Greatness Hillman Evans, RCCC Admissions Counselor Pat Cannon and Strong. Each panelist discussed the importance of dressing to impress, social media etiquette and resume-building skills. Increasing awareness of how students present themselves to others helped students like Taylor Wigging, a sophomore at Carson High School, realize, “there is more to just wanting the job; there are strategies.”

Crosby Scholars expands with F&M Bank’s help

By Post Education

Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 22, 2015

Crosby Scholars expands with F&M Bank’s help

The Rowan County Crosby Scholars program has grown impressively in its first three years, working in Rowan-Salisbury middle and high schools to encourage graduation and post-secondary education.

“With over 2,000 students enrolled, we’ve had to adjust our staffing model,” explains Jennifer Canipe, executive director.

“We have a goal of providing quality programming for all of our students and began exploring as a staff how best to accomplish that last spring,” Canipe continues.

Hiring coordinator positions for the middle and high school programs was ultimately deemed as intrinsic to the program’s success, leading to one of the biggest questions: where would they be housed?

The Crosby office is located in the F&M Professional building and the space is donated by F&M Bank.

Besides Canipe, Crosby staff members include: Jessica Vess, senior program director; Allison Lee, high school coordinator; Michelle Strong, middle school coordinator; Kirstin Meyerhoeffer, interim coordinator and Betsy Mowery, administrative assistant.

Fortunately for the Crosby Scholars program, F&M Bank once again came up with a solution.

“I called Steve Fisher, CEO of F&M Bank, and described our staffing growth and need for more office space,” Canipe states. “Steve got together with F&M tenant Don Sayers, and they big-heartedly came up with a plan for our office to expand.”

First graduating class of Rowan County Crosby Scholars

By Allana Ansbro

Published 10:00 am Friday, August 14, 2015

The Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership is a non-profit organization that helps public middle school and high school students in Rowan County prepare for the future.

Rowan Crosby Scholars has a big year ahead — this will be their first graduating class. There are more than 200 graduating seniors in the program this year.

The Crosby Scholars Community Partnership started in Rowan in January 2013. For the 2013-2014 school year, there were about 1,700 students who applied to the program. Last school year, there were around 2,300 students who applied. The organization expects participation to increase for this year and is expanding its office space.

Students can apply from the time they are in sixth grade to the time they are in 10th grade. Applications are being accepted this year from Aug. 15 to Oct. 1. Jennifer Canipe, executive director at Crosby Scholars, elaborated on some of the requirements for the program. She explained that students are required to attend academies, volunteer for two hours of community service, maintain good citizenship within their school, keep at least a 2.0 grade point average and have a random drug screen in high school.

Canipe explained that they begin with middle schoolers and work to “emphasize choices and consequences and how they can impact their future” in college and a career.

Once students are in the eighth grade, they attend college tours with Crosby Scholars. Canipe said that they recently took a tour of Livingstone College and visited Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and sat in on some classes. Rowan Crosby Scholars works hard, she said, to get its middle schoolers exposed to college and show them its importance for a future career. There are a series of academies middle schoolers can attend such as note taking, personality types and transitioning to high school.

The seniors this year will begin having monthly one-on-one meetings with an adviser in September. “We walk them through the college admission process” and “consider it a capstone of the program,” said Canipe. She also said to help seniors choose a college they “look at the best match and fit for each student economically, academically and socially.”

The Crosby Scholars Last Dollar Grant is offered to seniors with financial need after filing their federal student aid forms. There will be an event called BBQ, Bands, and Boots to raise money for the grant that will be offered to eligible graduating students. Students are able to apply each year for up to $1,000 for up to four years.

“We’ve been blessed with community support” said Canipe. On May 1, 2016, Rowan Crosby Scholars will have a College Decision Day where they will have their first senior gala and announce the colleges the seniors will be attending.

“They talked to us about it and said that it was really helpful as far as getting you ready for college” he said. It was in a grade adviser meeting that an election was held for the Crosby Scholars student officers.

“I ran and won” said Bergstone. “I thought I could help them get organized.”

When asked if he would recommend the program to other students, Bergstone replied, “Definitely. It really helps out if you don’t know what you’re going to do for college.”

As a senior, Bergstone looks forward to “playing my last football game and getting to do everything one last time before we go to college.”

Crosby Scholars opens doors to college for students

By Jeanie Groh

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 2, 2015

College is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences a young adult can go through.

Sadly only 17 percent of Rowan County residents over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree, but Crosby Scholars of Rowan County is on a mission to ensure every public school student in the county has the opportunity to attend college.

“We want to end the cycle of poverty and we feel education is the means to be able to step out of that cycle,” said Executive Director Jennifer Cannipe.

The program is open to all Rowan-Salisbury sixth through 11thgrade students this year, and will expand to serve high school seniors as well next year with its first graduating class. Students must apply by the time they’re in 10th grade.

When Crosby Scholars of Rowan County started last school year, 1,734 students joined. This year, that number has almost doubled, with more than 2,300 participants. The program also employs five fulltime staff members

“We’re a college access program,” Cannipe said. “There’s so many layers to our program.”

All Crosby Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average, participate in community service and attend academy workshops, where they learn skills such as note taking, anger management and standardized testing.

It all begins in middle school, when Crosby Scholars staff members work hard to introduce the idea of college and to stress the connection between the choices the students make now impact their future.

In high school, Crosby Scholars “molds our students into the most competitive college applicants they can be,” Cannipe said.

“The senior year is really the capstone of the program,” said Jessica Vess, program director for Crosby Scholars.

Beginning next year, the program will helps high school seniors through every step of the college process, from selecting colleges, to applications and essays to navigating financial aid.

Right now, they’re working with each of the program’s 250 rising seniors to create a profile of the students, including their goals, transcripts and activities.

Students will be paired with a volunteer mentor who will meet with them one-on-one each month to ensure they are on track and don’t slip through the cracks. They’ll discuss grades, application deadlines, essays, teacher recommendations and financial aid throughout the year.

This week, juniors from the Crosby Scholars program visited four North Carolina colleges. On Tuesday, they visited Wake Forest University in Winston Salem and North Carolina Central University in Durham. On Wednesday, they toured Lenior-Rhyne University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

According to Vess, they wanted to give the students a look at a wide variety of options, including public, private and historically black schools.

“This is a really great experience for students to go out to a school,” she said. “They get that tangible experience of walking the campus. You can’t get that from the website.”

“That’s a huge part of deciding,” she added.

While the students were at Wake Forest University, Allie Blum, a senior at the college, took them around campus, showing them different buildings and explaining how the admissions process works. She also told them about her own experiences as a student at Wake Forest.

Heidi Jaquez, a student a West Rowan High School, said she really enjoyed seeing Wake Forest University.

She added that the college’s test-optional admissions process was especially attractive to her.

“A lot of colleges ask for it (SAT or ACT score),” she said. “A lot of people aren’t good at tests.”