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2020 Crosby Scholars scholarship recipients

Since 2016, Crosby Scholars Rowan has hosted an annual Senior Gala to celebrate its graduates and announce students’ post-secondary plans. Like many events this spring, the Crosby Gala was canceled due to COVID-19. However, the staff came up with other ways to honor graduates.

“One of the special aspects of the annual Senior Gala is having the honor of revealing the names of our scholarship recipients,” Crosby Scholars Executive Director Jessica Vess said.

Local donors and community partners have provided more than $16,000 in scholarships that were to be announced this year to Crosby Scholars seniors.

Staff, board members and scholarship donors participated in a three-day scholarship parade across Rowan County to surprise students at their homes with the news. From Cleveland to Spencer, and Salisbury to China Grove, a caravan of vehicles decorated in Crosby Scholars car magnets traveled 150 miles to award 25 scholarships to students from seven county high schools.

The 2020 Crosby Scholars scholarship recipients are:

Paul Fisher Scholarship: Mario Garrido-Lecca (ERHS)

Sue P. Fisher Community Service Scholarship: Mahogany Koontz (RCEC)

Goodwill Willpower Scholarship: Thomas Bost (JCHS)

Joyce Kohfeldt Determination Award: Grace Hodge (WRHS), Lilly Huebner (RCEC), Alyssa Lopez (SHS), Victoria Post (JCHS)

John A. Carter Memorial Scholarship: Tyler Johnson (ERHS),
Runners-up: Morgan Coble (ERHS), Elise Bost (JCHS)

John O. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship: Grace Webb (WRHS),
Runner-up: Sarah Grooms (RCEC)

Antonio and Victoria Munoz Scholarship: Marlin Quintero (SHS), Jennifer Morales-Mendoza (SHS), Sebastian Bodine (ERHS)

Bob Casmus Medical/Healthcare Scholarship: CeCe Williams (RCEC)

Michael McDuffie Memorial Scholarship: Sebastian Bodine (ERHS), Victoria Post (JCHS), Jailene Trejo-Garcia (SHS), Kayla Sechler (SRHS), Lizbeth Lopez (NRHS), Grace Hodge (WRHS)

David Post Public Service Scholarship: Taron Lilly (RCEC),

Runners-up: Savannah Pless (JCHS), Morgan Coble (ERHS)

 

 

 


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.


High School Grade Advisor Meetings January

Every Crosby Scholar in grades 9 and 10 has the opportunity to meet with an advisor. 9th and 10th graders are assigned to meet with Grade Advisors who will host group meetings at the high schools to discuss grade appropriate topics focused on preparing for the college admission process. Meetings are held monthly, from January through May, immediately after school (except at Carver, Paisley, Early College, Kennedy, QEA and WSPA) and last approximately 30 minutes. It is very important for Scholars to attend their meetings at school. Meetings will only be rescheduled if school is closed.

If a student misses a meeting, we will host a webinar at the end of each month for them to review the material that was covered at the meeting. Handouts will be posted in the Crosby Scholars student portal and no paper copies will be distributed during the meetings.

In addition to being posted below, meeting dates are posted on the Crosby board at school daily announcements, and the information is located in the student and parent portals.  Reminder notes are e-mailed to the scholars.  As meeting dates are confirmed, they are posted on the homepage of the Program’s website.

Registration through the Crosby Scholars Student Portal is required for the first meeting! If you cannot attend your kick-off meeting, you are invited to participate in a webinar on February 6 for 9th grade and February 8 for 10th grade. Crosby Scholars staff will send an email during the final week of January that includes the registration link to the webinar. 

Atkins 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Atkins 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Carver 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 —

Carver 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — 

Carter G. Woodson 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1– January 17th at 12:30 pm in the Media Center

Carter G. Woodson 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1– January 9th at 12:30 pm in the Media Center

Early College of Forsyth 9th Grade/ Meeting #1 — 

Early College of Forsyth 10th Grade/ Meeting #1 —

East Forsyth 9th Grade Kick Off Pizza Party/ Meeting #1 — January 25th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

East Forsyth 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 25th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Glenn 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1- January 31st at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Glenn 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 31st at 3:45pm in the Cafeteria

Kennedy 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1– January 29th during your lunch period in the North Building Conference Room

Kennedy 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1–January 25th during your lunch period in the North Building Conference Room

Mt. Tabor 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 31st at 3:45 pm in the Media Center

Mt. Tabor 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 31st at 3:45 pm in the Media Center

NCLA 9th and 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 —  January 23rd at 3:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room

North Forsyth 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

North Forsyth 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Paisley 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 –January 25th at 11:15 am in the Auditorium

Paisley 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 18th at 11:15am in the Media Center

Parkland 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 31st at 3:45 pm (location: TBD)

Parkland 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 30th at 3:45 pm (location: TBD)

QEA 9th and 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 24th at 1:45 pm at The Landing 

Reagan 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 –January 26th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Reagan 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 23rd at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Reynolds 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 29th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Reynolds 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 — January 29th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Walkertown 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 —  January 29th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Walkertown 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1–January 29th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria 

West Forsyth 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1– January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

West Forsyth 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1 –January 24th at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

WSPA 9th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1– January 8th at 11:30 am

WSPA 10th Grade Pizza Party Kick Off/ Meeting #1–January 9th at 11:30 am


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

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.”