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Volume 115 • Issue 23
75¢
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
The newly-graduated CHS Class of 2021 joyfully throwing their mortarboard hats in the air, signifying they are moving forward and ready to take on the future! (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)
CHS graduates 120 on May 28, Rudisill Stadium ceremony by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
CHASE DYLAN MCNEILL Valedictorian CHS Class of 2021
NOAH RICHARD ABERNETHY Salutatorian CHS Class of 2021
Seniors earn top academic, perfect attendance distinctions (From Gaston County Schools: Valedictorian and Salutatorian Information – The senior with the highest weighted grade point average (GPA) is selected valedictorian, and the senior with the second-highest weighted GPA is chosen salutatorian.)
GASTONIA – In a media release from the Gaston County Schools’ communication office, it is noted that Gaston County Schools had 22 students in the Class of 2021 who achieved the top See SENIORS, Page 2
The Cherryville High School Class of 2021 – all 120 of them – received their diplomas last Friday, May 28, in front of a large crowd of family, friends and well-wishers at Rudisill Stadium. Many there were just happy to be outside and to be there witnessing an event they didn’t think they were going to see since the COVID-19 pandemic had changed the
way things normally worked for America and the world a year or so ago. One person, walking in the stands and looking for a seat, looked up at the gathered crowd in the Rudisill stands, and said, “We’re back, baby!” There were some there though who still opted for wearing masks, and so far as the school officials were concerned, that was okay too. All that mattered was that the crowd was fairly quiet and reserved as graduation crowds go, and it was plainly evident
that the day was for the kids; the students who were on the field, socially distanced in their chairs, resplendent in their royal blur caps and gowns, eagerly awaiting the time they could stand, switch their tassels over and toss their mortarboards high in the air, signifying their rite of passage from young high school students to young adults, stepping out into the world bound for college and higher education or looking for a job, moving forward into that phase of life.
On the dais were CHS Principal Kevin Doran and Assistant Principal Jada Warnock, along with the 2021 CHS Valedictorian, Chase McNeill, and Salutatorian, Noah Abernethy. Doran and Warnock awarded diplomas, along with help from John Chavis Middle School Principal Matt Rikard; W. Blaine Beam Intermediate Principal Todd Dellinger; Tryon Elementary Principal Meghan LeFevers; Cherryville Elementary See GRADUATES, Page 3
Principal transfers bring new faces, changes to CHS, Cherryville Elementary Kevin Doran, CHS Principal for a number of years, moves to Cramerton Middle by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
These excited young ladies were all lined up at the fence at Ballard Park’s C.V. Thornburg Field as the 2021 Dixie Girls Softball opening day got under way. (photo provided)
Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball looking for tournament sponsors by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
The Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball, a non-profit youth-sports organization for girls ages 4-19, has the privi-
lege this year to host the 2021 NC Dixie Girls Softball State Tournament. State Tourney Coordinator Dixie Girls Softball Jamie McSwain said the upcoming tournament is for all nine age divisions here in Cherryville, and will be held July 9-13. Said McSwain via email, “We will have 50-plus teams from all over North Carolina visiting our city and county See DIXIE, Page 2
In a recent media release from Gaston County Schools’ Chief Communications Officer Todd Hagans, the Gaston County system announced its plans to make some changes to not only many of its schools but specifically to two Cherryville schools; namely Cherryville Elementary and Cherryville High. In his release, Mr. Hagans noted that, “During the Board of Education meeting (this past) Monday evening, the following administrative appointments and transfers were approved for the 2021-2022 academic year.” He went on to list all of the appointments and transfers, notably the three having the most impact on Cherryville students in the coming scholastic year. Long-time CHS Principal, Mr. Kevin Doran was transferred to serve as Principal of Cramerton Middle School; Mrs. Audrey Hovis was transferred to serve as Principal of Cherryville Elementary School. Hagans said she was most recently the Principal
MRS. AUDREY HOVIS
MR. SHAWN HUBERS
MR. KEVIN DORAN
at Holbrook Middle School; and lastly, Mr. Shawn Hubers was transferred to serve as principal of Cherryville High School, having been formerly the Principal at Cherryville Elementary School. Doran said he was going to miss the CHS Ironmen student body and staff and teachers, but has fond memories of his years at CHS, as the head Ironman. Said Doran, “I just want to say ‘thank you’ to the Cherryville community. After seven years, my hope is that I leave this school in a better place as it has certainly left me a better man. I have learned so much from this community. “From the Cherryville High School Education Foundation to the fans of
our athletics, the support of the Ironmen is like no other. Cherryville will always have a special place in my heart. Working here is, and will always be, the highlight of my career.” Of his replacement, Doran said, “I leave our high school in the capable hands of Mr. Shawn Hubers. He is exactly who I would want to follow me. You will find him to be an excellent principal and the kind of leader CHS needs. I look forward to hearing about the great things they accomplish together.” Hubers, who leaves Cherryville Elementary after many years there, said, “I am honored to be the next Principal at Cherryville High School. I have been so blessed to serve as Cherryville Elemen-
tary principal for the past eight years – two as assistant principal – as Cherryville Elementary is such a special place. “The students, staff, and parents have supported me and have helped our school continue to grow and thrive. I am excited to continue to serve the Cherryville community as the principal at the high school. Mr. Doran has done a terrific job at CHS over the past seven years, so I have some big shoes to fill.” About his replacement, Mrs. Audrey Hovis, Hubers said, “I am excited about Mrs. Hovis coming to Cherryville Elementary! Mrs. Hovis has a lot of experience at all levels, and she has been a successful administrator everywhere she See PRINCIPAL, Page 2
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