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INSIDE ▼ Police say mom left kids in car PAGE 3A Friday, May 16, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 20
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UCPS honors top teachers, principals during U Awards MONROE – Union County Public Schools recognized excellence in education May 8 during its third annual U Awards at Dowd Center Theatre.
The celebration honored the district’s Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and other awards. “This is one of my favorite events of the year,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the teachers, principals and staff members who represent the best of UCPS and public education.” Yaronda Kilgo, of Wingate Elementary School, gave the keynote address. Kilgo won 2024 UCPS Teacher of the Year and 2025 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year.
“We have an obligation never to stop believing in our students, our future and our community,” Kilgo said. Winners were as follows: Teacher of the Year
Dylan Chavis, a social studies teacher at Porter Ridge High School, creates a classroom culture grounded in trust, challenge and growth. Dylan Chavis Colleagues describe Chavis as a teacher who listens, adapts and helps students see their potential.
“I’m a product of Union County Public Schools – Benton Heights Elementary, Porter Ridge Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle and Porter Ridge High School – and to be doing this in my fifth year is crazy,” Chavis said. “And to be teaching at the high school I graduated from – in the classroom I once sat in – it’s just come full circle. “It’s super exciting. But just being there for my students – that’s my why. Everything else is a bonus.” Beginning Teacher of the Year
Kaylee Spencer has already earned praise for her creative approach and calm presence in the classroom at Rocky River Elementary
Jesse Helms Park gets new playground equipment
School. Her principal described the first-year kindergarten teacher as a natural – a teacher who brings out the best in students by creating a space where they feel Kaylee Spencer supported and ready to learn. “I feel so honored to represent UCPS with this award,” Spencer said. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. In all I do, I strive to support students, serve them and help them Story continues, see UCPS page 3A
UCPS entering graduation season
The new playground equipment at Jesse Helms Park pays homage to county farmland. Photos courtesy of Union County
WINGATE – Union County Parks and Recreation recently installed a farmthemed playground at Jesse Helms Park.
Created and installed by Cunningham Recreation, the playground is designed to spark imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities. Equipment from GameTime brings the farm-inspired theme to life. “This playground is a fantastic addition to Union County’s parks, providing a space where children of all abilities can explore, play and grow,” said Jim Chaffin, parks and creation director. “We’re proud to offer families a space that blends farm-inspired fun with adventure while fostering inclusion and meaningful connections across generations.” The playground includes two themed play structures. The 5-12 age area features a barn and silo-inspired design filled with interactive elements and physical challenges, while the 2-5 age area includes a smaller barn and tractor play set with corn stalk climbers.
Jacob Romero was a standout student at Union County Early College. Photo courtesy of Union
County Public Schools
MONROE – Jacob Romero, a senior at Union County Early College, will walk across two stages in May, earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
“The multi-generational playground at Jesse Helms Park was thoughtfully designed to reflect the legacy of the old farmlands it now occupies – creating a space that fosters connection, activity and shared experiences across all ages, while honoring the land’s rich agricultural history and its role in bringing
College reaches milestone with Aseptic Training Facility MONROE – South Piedmont Community College celebrated the “topping out” of its Aseptic Training Facility on April 28 at the Old Charlotte Highway campus.
The topping-out ceremony involved placing the final steel beam, symbolizing the completion of the facility’s structural framework. In attendance were N.C. Sen. Todd Johnson and numerous partners who have helped bring the facility to fruition, including representatives from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, which to date has donated more than $1 million in training equipment and materials. “Today, we place the final steel beam – a symbol of the tremendous progress we’ve
communities together,” said John Cunningham, playground safety inspector and sales associate with Cunningham Recreation. “It has been a pleasure partnering with Union County in bringing the destination park to Story continues, see PLAYGROUND page 3A
South Piedmont Trusteer Pat Kahle, Interim President Michelle Brock, Student Government Association President Thaila Dao and Trustee Jarvis Woodburn stand in front of the Aseptic Training Facility on April 28 during the topping out ceremony.
made and the future that’s now within reach,” Interim President Michelle Brock said in her remarks. “This moment, and this facility, are a testament to what’s possible when vision, collaboration and hard work come together. The Aseptic Training Facility is not just a building. It’s a game-changer for our region and for the future of life sciences education,” The 21,000-square-foot facility will be used to teach students skills and sterile processes that are required to work in North Carolina’s growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The building will include classrooms, labs and simulated manufacturing spaces. It will also serve as a multifunctional event space for college and community use.
The final beam on South Piedmont’s Aseptic Training Facility, adorned with an American flag and evergreen, is put into place April 28 during a ceremony. Photo courtesy of South Piedmont
Community College
The building is on track to be completed next year.
He received his high school diploma May 13 at Sun Valley High School auditorium. Jacob used his time at Union County Early College to explore career paths, develop his interests in science and discover a calling in medicine. With plans to study biology at UNC Charlotte, Jacob hopes to one day serve others through a career in healthcare. Union County Public Schools will celebrate the rest of the Class of 2025 with graduation ceremonies from June 5 to 11. The Class of 2025 includes 3,300 graduates who have earned nearly $68 million in scholarships. All traditional high school graduations will be live-streamed for public viewing on the school’s YouTube page. High schools will hold ceremonies in their athletic stadiums. If severe weather occurs, principals will inform seniors and their families about any changes to their graduation date or time. Upcoming graduation schedules • Central Academy of Technology & Arts: June 11, 8 a.m., Walter Bickett Stadium. • Cuthbertson High School: June 11, 8 a.m., Cuthbertson High Stadium. • Forest Hills High School: June 10, 8 a.m., Forest Hills High Stadium. • Marvin Ridge High School: June 9, 8 p.m., Marvin Ridge High Stadium. • Monroe High School: June 9, 8 a.m., Monroe High Stadium. • Parkwood High School: June 10, 8 a.m., Parkwood High Stadium. • Piedmont High School: June 9, 8 p.m., Piedmont High Stadium. • Porter Ridge High School: June 10, 8 p.m., Porter Ridge High Stadium. • South Providence School: June 6, 6:30 p.m., South Providence School. • Sun Valley High School: June 10, 8 p.m., Sun Valley High School. • Weddington High School: June 9, 8 a.m., Weddington High Stadium. • Wolfe School: June 5, 5 p.m., Central Academy of Technology & Arts Auditorium.