Unnikrishnan admits she struggled to figure out what to say in her graduation speech. The valedictorian chose to focus on a saying she’s used what seems like a million times: “Everything happens for a reason.”
“What I’ve realized about Weddington is that it has a way of
preparing you for moments you don’t see coming,” Unnikrishnan told classmates June 8. “The late nights, the difficult classes, the coaches and teachers who pushed you past what you thought you were capable of. None of that was merely an accident.”
Even the low moments help shape us.
“You don’t need to know how each and every moment of your life will play out,” she said. “You just need to trust that the road
City of Monroe honors life of Anna Dowdy
Dowdy
MONROE – The City of Monroe planted a tree June 9 at Gateway Park in memory of Anna Elisabeth Dowdy. The cherry blossom tree is a symbol of her life and a reminder that the impact someone makes keeps growing long after they are gone. A plaque now honors the tree as a tribute to a woman who cared about her community and family. Dowdy was an attorney who spent much of her career serving the people of Union County through the Public Defender’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Anna was a member of Immanuel’s Church and the Monroe Historic District Commission.
MONROE – Union County Economic Development has launched DiscoverUnionCounty.com, a new website designed to showcase the county’s industry recruitment and retention services.
The website serves as a resource for site selectors, expanding companies, workforce development partners and community stakeholders seeking information about Union County’s strategic location, business climate and quality of life.
“DiscoverUnionCounty.com tells the story of what makes Union County a great place to do business,” Economic
Development Director Ron Mahle said.
“Whether you are considering relocating or establishing a new industry here, expanding your existing operations or learning more about our workforce pipeline, this website provides a comprehensive look at the assets, partnerships and opportunities that set Union County apart.”
With its proximity to Charlotte and rural character, Union County continues to attract investment through its skilled workforce, infrastructure and partnerships among public and private organizations. The website highlights the county’s strengths in aerospace and precision
you’ve already walked, every hard step, every detour, every moment you almost didn’t make it, was preparing you for exactly what’s next. Everything happens for a reason. And one day, not too far from now, you’ll look back at this chapter and understand why. Until then, push forward.”
Unnikrishnan was among 439 graduates at Weddington. Of those, 331 plan to attend a fouryear college or university, 52 a community college, 16 a trade
Grad: 'Everything happens for a reason'
school and four a branch of the military, according to Assistant Principal Michelle Newnam. “Over these past four years, one lesson has become clear to me – success does not look the same for everyone,” Student Body President Hayden Duong said. “Each of us carries our own dreams, our own struggles and our own vision for the future, and that is what makes this class so extraordinary.” Duong encouraged classmates
New site touts economic development
manufacturing, agribusiness and other key industries that contribute to the local economy.
The site also features information about workforce development efforts across Union County. Through partnerships with schools, educators, elected officials and industry leaders, local initiatives help students explore career pathways while building the skills needed for future success.
Visit DiscoverUnionCounty.com or contact Union County Economic Development through the website to learn more.
to pursue their goals with courage and lead with kindness.
DECA advisor Amber Kemp told graduates to chase purpose, not perfection.
“When I look back on my own life, the moments that shaped me the most were not the perfect ones,” Kemp said. “They were the moments that I failed, the moments I had to adjust, the moments I had no idea what came
County 911 undergoes leadership change
MONROE – Union County Emergency Communications Department Director Vicki Callicutt will retire effective July 31, following nearly nine years of service to Union County. Callicutt joined Union County in November 2017 and has served as director of emergency communications since her hiring. She has led the county’s 911 communications operations and helped strengthen emergency response coordination and service delivery. The Emergency Communications Department, commonly known as C-COM, employs more than 40 people who answer and dispatch emergency calls throughout Union County. The department serves the sheriff’s office, police departments, EMS, fire departments, emergency management and several after-hours community service lines.
“Vicki has provided steady leadership and unwavering dedication to public safety throughout her time with Union County,” Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland said. “Her work has had a meaningful impact on our organization, emergency responders and residents across the county. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best in a well-deserved retirement.”
Union County has promoted the department’s assistant director, Caleb Brackett, to serve as the next director of emergency communications effective July 1, providing time for the leadership transition before Callicutt’s last day.
With more than 13 years of experience with the department, Brackett has steadily advanced through numerous leadership and operational roles. County officials say he has a strong understanding of the team’s operations, technology and mission. Brackett has earned several advanced certifications.
“Caleb’s experience, institutional knowledge and commitment to professional development make him exceptionally qualified to lead the department into the future,” Niland said. “I am confident he will continue to strengthen the department and support our community.”
In 2025, 911 telecommunicators answered 213,810 calls for police, fire and medical help. Of those calls, 90% were answered in 10 seconds or less.
Quick Hits The Union County Sheriff’s Office logged 71 arrests, 111 processed inmates, 142 incident reports and 316 traffic stops from May 31 to June 7. Community Officer Deputy Tiffany Hill is the guest of episode 5 of “10-41: A UCSO Podcast.”
Anna Elisabeth Dowdy was respected throughout the legal community. She was known for her green thumb, which makes this an especially fitting way to remember her. Photos courtesy of City of Monroe
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NEWS BRIEFS
Woman accused of using U-Haul in attempted murder
MONROE – A woman faces attempted murder charges after a man was struck with a U-Haul truck, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives developed evidence indicating that Brittney Lynn Carnevale, 34, allegedly struck the man with the truck, trapping him underneath the vehicle.
The sheriff’s office described it as a violent assault. The victim received extensive medical treatment, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies arrested Carnevale on June 3 on charges of attempted first-degree murder and larceny of a motor vehicle. She remains in custody without bond at the Union County Detention Center. Her next court date is Aug. 6.
Matthews celebrates Juneteenth with program
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth on June 18 at the Matthews Community Center.
Rev. Tony: The worst & best decisions
by Tony Marciano Contributor
hen my cell phone case broke, I went to the store to buy a new one. I wanted one with a white back. The reason being when I put it on the counter, it blends into the background and I can’t find it. Unfortunately, the color selection was limited. There were clear, black and red cases. Since my phone was black and clear wouldn’t work, I bought the red case. It wasn’t deep red. It bordered on being a soft red. Not quite pink. Could I say, “rouge?” Having grown up in a pink stucco house, I had to deal with the color. I painted it white. While the idea sounded good, the idea only lasted until the paint stuck to my hand and not on the case. I had another problem. In 48 hours, I was heading out of town to a wedding. I couldn’t
Doors open at 5 p.m. with vendors and refreshments available. The program begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
April C. Turner, of Life As Art Productions, works alongside town staff to help plan and guide the annual celebration.
This year’s program will include a screening of the film “The Language You Cry In,” a documentary that explores the power of a song, tracing the story of a family from Sierra Leone to the Gullah Sea Islands of South Carolina. Through themes of slavery, war, freedom and home, the film highlights how cultural memory and music can preserve identity and reconnect people to their roots. After the screening, panelists representing African American artistic, cultural and community traditions will discuss ways to activate these connections to create the story of our collective future. Panelists include: • Dr. Tanure Ojaide, Africana studies professor at UNC Charlotte • Elisha “Mother” Minter, NC Road Scholar, author and folklorist • Jasmine Corbett-Warren,
greet the bride and groom with white paint on my hands. I took mineral spirits and stripped it clean; well almost clean. You can still see white paint in the charging port hole in the case. Painting the case was one of my worst decisions. Not the end of the world; just bad. What was my best decision?
Forty-eight years ago, I met my wife when working at a camp in upstate New York. We married three years later (yes, do the math – married 45 years).
Several years ago, I heard a speaker who wrote down all the reasons he married his wife. It was a reminder to him for that day when he had a fight with her. I did the same thing. Let me share with you some insights. Why Dot?
1) She has strong character. She knows who she is and would never compromise her values to be accepted. Right from the start, not
political science professor at
Johnson C. Smith University
The evening will conclude with an interactive performance by the Charlotte African Drum & Dance Collective.
On the web: matthewsnc.gov/ specialevents
Bank of America to host ‘scaminar’ in Ballantyne
CHARLOTTE – Bank of America will lead an interactive conversation focused on helping people better protect themselves from fraud and scams.
The scam awareness seminar will explore scam patterns seen today, highlight common red flags to watch for, and share practical steps to help attendees protect themselves.
The free event takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 15 at Bank of America Financial Center in Ballantyne, 13805 Conlan Circle. Participants can register at https://rsvp.bankofamerica.com/ event/30670.
The free event is held in collaboration with the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department.
REASONS
3.
only did she let me be me, but she accepted me just as I am with all my quirkiness.
2) She has a really good heart that genuinely cares for others. It is a pure heart. I trust her implicitly.
3) There is a lightness in her voice I have never heard from anyone else.
4) Her beauty has always mesmerized me.
5) She forgives and also forgets.
6) She works hard. I married a pioneer woman.
7) She only sees in the moment, not down the path.
8) She is loyal.
9) She loved me unconditionally, including from the start.
10) She is spiritually mature.
11) She does me good and not harm all the days of my life. That’s a verse from the book of Proverbs chapter 31.
When we first met, I prayed about dating her. This is another verse from Proverbs 31 that spoke
St. Stephen Treasure Sale returns this weekend
CHARLOTTE – The St. Stephen Treasure Sale, one of Charlotte’s largest thrift and rummage sales for charity, will feature a variety of housewares, furniture, jewelry, sports equipment, vintage items and antiques. This year’s beneficiaries are Feeding Charlotte and Center of Hope. Organizers hope to match or exceed last year’s record-breaking $27,000 in proceeds.
The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13 at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road, Charlotte. On the web: ststephenumc.net/ treasure-sale/
Avelo Airlines extends its flight schedule
CHARLOTTE – Avelo Airlines is extending its Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) flight schedule through Jan. 5, 2027. Travelers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.
to me. “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
It’s too easy to be attracted to “curves” instead of “character.” This is the next verse. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Earlier in Proverbs 31 it says these words (permit me to paraphrase): “A good woman is hard to find. She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her and she does him good and not harm all the days of his life.”
I quote those words to my wife quite often, reminding her of the treasure she is to me.
I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well, my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
"It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Charlotte / Concord flight schedule through early-January 2027,” Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy said. “With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their holiday vacations or weekend getaways to eight popular destinations.”
Those destinations are Albany, N.Y. (ALB); Cleveland, Ohio (CLE); Indianapolis, Ind. (IND); New Haven, Conn. (HVN); New York / Long Island, N.Y. (ISP); Orlando / Lakeland, Fla. (LAL); Rochester, N.Y. (ROC); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
Quick Hits • The Union County Sheriff’s Office swore in Andrew Furguson, Michael Long and Lydell White as deputies. • Waxhaw Police Department recruits Wesley McIntyre, John Miller and Nathan Robertson have completed basic law enforcement training at South Piedmont Community College.
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In fact, we’ve now earned it two years in a row.
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Sun Valley character spans many generations
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
INDIAN TRAIL – Student Body
President De’Aren Coleman used his commencement speech June 9 to reflect on shared experiences at Sun Valley High School.
Getting ready for your first dance, joining a club, working a job and preparing for college aren’t exclusive to the Class of 2026. Students at Sun Valley have been doing these things for generations.
But he also dropped this gem: “Four years ago, most of us were just trying to find a ride to CookOut after a football game without even knowing how we would get home, but what we did know is that we were going one way or another. I can’t think of a more fond memory that perfectly defines the grit and determination of our class.”
Coleman said the Class of 2026 earned more than $10.4 million in scholarships with 42% heading to a four-year college or university and 35% enrolling at a community college or entering the workforce.
Senior Class President Faith Bensavage noted how not everyone in the 346-person senior class knew each other or took the time to connect on their journey to graduation.
“Beyond the memories we share, there are also struggles we don’t always see,” Bensavage said. “People
WEDDINGTON
(continued from page 1A)
next but I took the leap anyway. Those moments are what led me here to you.”
Kemp wanted to leave graduates with three key takeaways:
Know yourself and own it without apology. “Don’t spend the next few years pretending to be something more acceptable, more comfortable, more palatable just to gain the approval of people who may not even be a part of your story five
fight battles in silence every day.
The person with the biggest smile, the loudest laugh or even the biggest attitude – you never truly know what they’re going through. Remember, be kind. Check in on people. One simple sentence could mean so much more than you’ll ever know.”
Bensavage told classmates that she was proud of them.
Principal Michael Harvey held up a copy of the first yearbook in Sun Valley’s history and explained how life has changed since 1961.
Back then, you could buy a gallon of gas for 27 cents, a new car for $2,850 and a new house for $12,500.
While times have changed, Harvey said the world still needs people who come to work, do the work, show up on time, collaborate, show respect and solve problems.
“More importantly, the world needs what you have, the characteristics of a Spartan,” he said. “Whether you graduated in 1961, 1971, 2001 or you’re graduating today in 2026, the same is true for all of our Spartans.”
He used each letter of spartan to spell out a character trait: service, perseverance, acceptance, resilience, trustworthy, appreciative and noble.
“If you strive to earn people’s trust, if you stay noble, if you exercise resilience and perseverance, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind you won’t just have a good life, you’ll have a great life,” he said.
years from now,” she said.
• Respect others. “The same uniqueness you want celebrated in your life deserves to be respected in theirs,” she said.
Don’t use your differences as a fence. “The best thing that will ever happen to you, in your career, in your relationships and your community will happen across the table from someone who is nothing like you,” she said. “So stay at the table. Have the conversation. Listen, learn and grow.”
CALENDAR
CATS simulates an IED attack
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Transit System simulated an attack involving an improvised explosive device detonation and vehicle ramming incident overnight on June 6 and 7 at the Charlotte Transportation Center. The exercise was done in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and public safety agencies. It brought together transit personnel, first responders and emergency management professionals to evaluate operational readiness, strengthen coordination and identify areas for improvement in emergency response planning.
“Exercises like this are critical to ensuring our teams are prepared to respond quickly and effectively during major incidents,” said Eric Osnes, chief safety and security officer. “While we
hope to never face an event like the one simulated, training alongside our public safety partners helps us strengthen our preparedness and enhance the safety and security of our riders, employees and community.”
