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INSIDE ▼ Teams qualify for state playoffs
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PAGE 4A Friday, May 15, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 19
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UCPS recognizes top teachers, principals MONROE – Union County Public Schools recognized educators across the district during the fourth annual U Awards, held at the Dowd Center Theatre during Teacher Appreciation Week. The program opened with a performance by CATA Dance Academy seniors, followed by remarks from district and board leadership. Superintendent Andrew Houlihan recognized educators,
administrators and community partners for their work across UCPS. “You are here because you are the best of the best,” Houlihan said. Union County Board of Education Chairman Rev. Jimmy Benton Sr. also addressed attendees, emphasizing teamwork across the district and encouraging educators to view their work as part of a shared mission to support student success.
The 2025 Teacher of the Year, Dylan Chavis of Porter Ridge High School, addressed attendees and reflected on educational influence and professional growth. “It was an incredible opportunity to speak with other leaders around the district and across the region,” Chavis said. “Ultimately, I think about the big picture, knowing where you came from and understanding that you are a product of those who came
before you, including when I was a student in UCPS.” Fifty-two Teachers of the Year were recognized, drawing applause and cheers from colleagues across the room. Each honoree received a commemorative glass award. The 2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year, April Knight of East Union Middle School, was recognized for excellence among educators in their first three years in the profession.
Knight previously worked as a hairdresser before entering education. “When you think you’ve got it together, you don’t,” Knight said. “You have to be able to pivot and shift and move.” The 2026 Teacher of the Year, Matthew Dowell of Porter Ridge Middle School, a band director, emphasized student growth as the foundation of his work. see UCPS, Page 3A
Piping water into Lake Lee gives the city extra breathing room during a region-wide drought. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
Monroe adds 2M gallons of water with new quarry
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Angela Saber, of Charlotte, earned dual degrees: doctor of pharmacy and master of public health. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
Wingate grads learn importance of place WINGATE – Tracy Dodson had some good news for graduate and professional students earning degrees May 8 from Wingate University. “We are the second-largest job producer in the country,” Dodson said of the Charlotte region. “Last year, there were more than 37,000 new jobs created here. For you all, that’s pretty exciting.” One hundred thirty-seven students in a range of graduate and professional disciplines were eligible to walk that day (some will officially graduate in August). Graduates earning master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, sport science and the health sciences heard about the prospects for local employment from Dodson, chief operating officer and head of economic development for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
Dodson tempered her careeroriented advice with plenty of tips on how to be vocationally happy and content, much of it about finding the right place to put down roots. “Do work you love in a place that you love,” she said. “Work in a place that allows you to be plural in your ambitions. I have taken many detours in my career. … Seek out the places that allow you to be curious and pivot.” Taking care of your community and finding nonwork-related meaning in life is important too, Dodson said. “Do your best work, but also look for ways to grow and engage outside of work,” she said. “Build relationships that outlast roles. Titles change faster than values. Be the person who shows up for your community, who remembers names.” see WINGATE, Page 3A
Christan Williams Kelley, of Asheville, earned a doctor of pharmacy. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
MONROE – The City of Monroe activated a newly constructed pipeline May 1, beginning the flow of nearly two million gallons of additional water per day into Lake Lee. This came after receiving approval from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. The pipeline connects the City of Monroe’s Rock Quarry lake, located adjacent to Quarry Road in Monroe, to Lake Lee, which sits at the center of Monroe’s three-lake drinking water system. Construction began in late March, with crews laying approximately 6,500 linear feet of piping in roughly five weeks. Pumping officially began on May 1. The quarry, which the city recently acquired, contains an estimated 120 million gallons of water and is expected to naturally recharge through an onsite spring. Water quality was thoroughly tested and reviewed by NCDEQ’s Public Water Supply Section prior to approval, with sampling conducted at multiple depths throughout the water supply. “This is the result of months of planning and hard work by our water resources team,” Mayor Robert Burns said. “Monroe made the decision to think ahead and act early, and today that investment is paying off for our community. We are in a better position because of it, and we will keep working until this drought is behind us.” City Manager Mark Watson said Monroe identified the quarry as a potential resource and moved quickly. “From acquisition to state approval to construction, this project came together in four months,” he said. “The city has an exceptional staff and a city council willing to act decisively. This action will assist in protecting Monroe’s water supply.” see QUARRY, Page 4A
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