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Volume 83 • Issue 23
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Congratulations To All Our
2017
Local High School Graduates! See More On Page 8 Through Page 12
News from a neighbor! Thursday, June 8, 2017
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
MICS grad Bella Coble has overcome astounding odds to succeed By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
It's over 5,000 miles from the Ukraine to North Carolina but for Mt. Island Charter School graduate Bella Coble that distance represents a divide from one life to another. Coble, who is 20-years-old, will receive her diploma on June 9- a little later in age than most of her fellow students, but considering what she's been through in life, a miracle of sorts. Back in the Ukraine- her “previous life”Bella saw her mother, father, and three brothers all pass away. She ended up living in an orphanage for seven years. Then something good happened. Here's how Bella's new mom, Debbie Coble, explained the serendipity that came into the situation. “Bella first came to us through a nonprofit organization called New Horizons for Children,” she said. “The organization pairs orphans in countries like Ukraine and Latvia with American families willing to host them for four weeks either during Christmas or during the summer. My husband Bill and I MICS grad Bella Coble is a native of the Ukraine decided to participate in the hosting program and says she glad to be in the U.S.A.! Photo by Alan Hodge See COBLE page 8
East Gaston’s Lindsey Blackwell has diverse talents By Alan Hodge
Stuart Cramer High graduate Bailey Patterson has a song in her heart By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Being in front of an audience is familiar territory for Stuart Cramer High graduating senior Bailey Patterson, so when she walks across the stage to receive her diploma on June 10 the only thing missing will be a song and dance from her. A bundle of energy and talent, Patterson has made many marks on Cramer during her four years there, not the least of which are her powerful performances in the magnificent musicals students perform under the direction of theater director Chuck Stowe. “Bailey Patterson is a delight to work with on stage,” said Stowe. “She has such a gentle and giving personality, it was fun watching her create several of our onstage villains over the years. Bailey is creative and hard working--and both traits will serve her well. She has been an asset to our theatre arts program. We will miss her, and wish her the best!” Music has long been a part of Patterson's Bailey Patterson had a great time performing on persona. the stage during her four years at Stuart Cramer “I was in middle school band and joined High. Photo by Alan Hodge See PATTERSON page 8
South Point’s Max Mead performs to the max By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
alan.bannernews@gmail.com
You might say that East Gaston High graduating senior Lindsey Blackwell is about as multi-talented as a person can be. Not only does she make a big splash on the volleyball court, she is also a math whiz and pulls out her creative side as a member of the yearbook staff. Blackwell, a native of Mt. Holly, has been very involved with a variety of activities while at East Gaston. “I was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Interact Club and Student Council,” she said. “I was on the volleyball team for four years and captain of the sophomore, junior, and senior teams.” Like all her involvements, volleyball is something Blackwell puts her all into, “It's a fast paced game that's not just physical,” she said. “It takes a lot of strategy and teamwork.” Working the other side of her brain, Blackwell also embraces mathematics. “I've always loved math,” she said. “Growing up I always had good math teach- East Gaston graduate Lindsey Blackwell is ers and that inspired me.” multi-talented and contributed greatly to the school yearbook. Photo by Alan Hodge See BLACKWELL page 8
South Point High senior Max Mead will be on familiar ground when he walks across the Lineberger Stadium field to receive his diploma June 10. That's because he tore the turf up there for three stellar seasons as a Red Raider football standout. A native of Fredericksburg, Va., Mead came to South Point and immediately plunged into school activities. “I felt welcomed right away at South Point,” Mead said. “That helped me thrive here.” While on the gridiron Mead played an astonishing number of positions, including safety, punter, kick off return, punt return, and backup quarterback. He excelled at each one. He was one of the leaders on last season's State Championship winning teaman experience that impacted him greatly. “I have so many memories of my teammates and the games we played,” he said .”It was a special experience beating Rocky Mount and taking the trophy.” Retired South Point head football coach Mickey Lineberger praised Mead. South Point High football standout Max Mead “Max is an outstanding young man,” will also be hitting the gridiron at Davidson College in the fall. Photo by Alan Hodge See MEAD page 8
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