COME REGISTER TO WIN
2 FREE VIP TICKETS to the
UPTOWN SHELBY 224 S. LAFAYETTE ST. NEXT TO SHELBY CAFE 704-600-6038
LAINEY WILSON CONCERT at the
GAFFNEY www.yippeekiyay224.com PEACH FESTIVAL Mon.-Fri. 11am-7pm Sat. 10am-5pm
Volume 117 • Issue 22
Friday, July 14, 2023
DRAWING JULY 1ST
75¢
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The 2023 CHS Graduating class listens to the instructions of Principal Shawn Hubers as he tells them they can move their tassels. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)
CHS Class of 2023 graduates 112 seniors last Friday night Class’s motto was “Best to ever be, Class of '23”. by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
On Friday night, May 26, at 6 p.m., Cherryville High School graduated 112 seniors at Rudisill Stadium on a clear, though brisk, spring late afternoon.
Senior Will Fowler led the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, followed by CHS Principal Shawn Hubers welcoming the students, guests, family and friends of all who came to see the 2023 Class graduate. Said Mr. Hubers, in part, “This is an outstanding group of seniors here today. They have weathered a lot; a global pandemic, and a severe storm in Cherryville, which opened your year,
then another one which closed your four years out and you all have weathered it all. I congratulate you all!” He continued, talking about the Class of 2023 bringing in “…over $3.6 million in scholarships.” CHS senior Kaci Cline introduced the platform speakers and special remarks were given by Mrs. Beverly Lovelace and guest speaker A.M. Stephens, III. Mrs. Lovelace, a former
CHS teacher and educator who represents Cherryville Township on the Gaston County Commission, and Mr. A.M. Stephens III, who represents Riverbend Township on the Gaston County Commission, spoke to the CHS seniors. Lovelace noted how she remembers having many of the students during her time at CHS as students and how very special they all were to her. At the end of her speech, Lovelace, who
taught Spanish, gave them a blessing in Spanish, urging them to go with God wherever they go in life. Mr. Stephens spoke, urging the CHS graduating class of 2023 to, above all else in life, “…slow down this day and your memory of it,” and “…to remember this moment!” CHS VP , Ms. Heather Parris introduced Salutatorian Rileigh Kiser, who spoke, exhorting her fellow students by saying, “We did
it!” and they should all be “… endlessly proud” of all they have accomplished in their scholastic lives. Said Ms. Kiser, “Fellow graduates, I urge you to cherish this moment; to cherish ALL moments in your lives!” CHS Valedictorian Joseph England eschewed his prepared speech in favor of, he said, speaking from his heart. Mr. England urged his See GRADUATES, Page 9
Gaston County Schools’ named Valedictorians; Salutatorians GCS’ seniors earn top academic, perfect attendance distinctions by TODD HAGANS Chief Communications Officer Gaston County Schools
PR – C Dietary Staff and Department Heads make to-go plates with BBQ, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and a bun to serve to Cherryville residents, emergency personnel, and line workers assisting in the storm clean up and power restoration efforts. Left to right are: Kathy Jackson, Holly Jackson, Dawn Franklin, Ron Dewey, Jessica Sain, Keith Lewis, Macie Deaton, and Jessica Hickson. (photos by Sarah Chambers and Stephanie Jackson)
Peak Resources’ National Skilled Nursing Home Week; BBQ a great success This year’s NSNHW theme was “Cultivating Kindness” by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Peak Resources – Cherryville’s Marketing Liaison, Sarah Chambers said that, in spite of the severe storm and
its after-effects Cherryville experienced, their National Skilled Nursing Home Week was a wonderful success. Everyone involved, she noted, had four days of fun and food for the residents, their families, and staff to enjoy. For those who may not know much about the NSNHW celebrations, she noted the week was celebrated this year at Peak Resources – Cherryville from May 15 to May 19. Chambers said PR – C’s Activities Director of Peak Resources Cherryville, Stephanie Jackson, planned their daily events for residents and staff
to commemorate the weeklong celebration. As noted by Chambers in an email to the Eagle, “According to the American Health Care Association, NSNHW celebrates the essential role that Skilled Nursing Facilities play in providing safe and effective 24hour nursing care to millions of individuals each year.” She continued, “The theme for this year’s National Skilled Nursing Home Week is ‘Cultivating Kindness,’ which highlights the continuous acts of kindness seen in skilled nursing centers that make a difference in the See PEAK, Page 10
Gaston County Schools has 26 students in the Class of 2023 who have achieved the top academic distinction of valedictorian or salutatorian. Additionally, two seniors in the Class of 2023 have earned the distinction of 13 years of perfect attendance. Valedictorian and Salutatorian information The senior with the highest weighted grade point average (GPA) is selected valedictorian, and the se-
Joseph Alexander England CHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian
Rileigh Elizabeth Kiser CHS Class of 2023 Salutatorian
nior with the second-highest weighted GPA is chosen salutatorian. Listed below are the valedictorians and salutatorians for Gaston County Schools and biography information for each student, starting with the hometown
school, Cherryville High School: Cherryville High School The CHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Joseph Alexander England. His college plans: UNC-Chapel See SCHOOLS, Page 2
Two from Cherryville selected for Piedmont Lithium scholarships “Power For Life” Foundation chooses as their NC recipients by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Last week Piedmont Lithium, Inc., stated in a media release that three North Carolina students were selected as scholarship recipients of the Piedmont Lithium Foun-
704-484-1047
Every Wednesday
dation – Power for Life, Inc., scholarships. Piedmont Lithium Inc., is, as noted in the release, “…a developer of lithium resources critical to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain.” The three, Michael Jones of Highland School of Technology; Rileigh Kiser, of Cherryville High School; and Ella Tynan of South Point High School were selected by PLI to receive up to $20,000 to, as noted in the release,
“help further their pursuit of their education related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (‘STEM’). It is further noted, “The recipients are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year for four consecutive years to assist with tuition, room and board expenses at an accredited post-secondary institution.” Kris McVey, Executive See SCHOLARSHIPS, Page 6