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INSIDE ▼ Chef opens new sushi concept
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PAGE 1B Friday, May 22, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 20
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Union Academy wins state track title GREENSBORO – The Union Academy women’s track and field team won the NCHSAA 3A State Championship on May 14 at North Carolina A&T University. The team finished first overall and broke several school records. Ashley Grant, Samantha Brodt and Phillip Morris coach the team. Brihanna Ashcraft was named the meet’s Most Valuable Athlete after winning state titles in the 100m, 200m and 400m, setting two individual school records. Ashcraft The 4x800m relay team of Ana Leon, Peyton St. Clair, Emma Glumac and Abby Isaacs also won a state
championship, finishing with a new school record time of 10:06.74. Peyton St. Clair received the Sportsmanship Award for the meet. St. Clair broke two school records with her third-place finishes in both hurdle events. Here's how a look at how student-athletes fared in individual events: State Champions • 100m: Brihanna Ashcraft – 12.08 (school record) • 200m: Brihanna Ashcraft – 25.00 (school record) • 400m: Brihanna Ashcraft – 58.79 • 4x800m Relay: Ana Leon, Peyton St. Clair, Emma Glumac, Abby Isaacs – 10:06.74 (school record)
Women’s 2nd Place • 4x400m Relay: Carissa Ambrose, Brihanna Ashcraft, Selena Espinosa and Skyler Brodt – 4:16.43 (school record) Women’s 3rd Place: • Triple Jump: Kennedy Ware – 32-8.50 • 100m Hurdles: Peyton St. Clair – 16.98 (school record) • 300m Hurdles: Peyton St. Clair – 48.13 (school record) Men finish fourth The Union Academy men’s team finished fourth place at the state meet. Yariel Rodriguez placed second in the 1600m and 3200m. He also joined Trevor Mills, Ethan Williams and Preston Mills in winning third place in the 4x800m Relay.
Union Academy’s 4x800m team broke a school record en route to winning gold. Photo courtesy of UA
Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
Monroe opens golf destination
MONROE – The City of Monroe has opened Clubhouse 1936 at Monroe Country Club to the public, bringing a reimagined historic building to life as Monroe’s first golf simulator destination and full-service dining venue. The building at 1680 Pageland Highway has been part of the city’s property since 1936. The city’s renovation transforms the structure while honoring its origins, restoring the building’s front porch and updating the interior with five state-ofthe-art golf simulation bays, PUTTVIEW putting technology, full beverage service, and a dining menu developed specifically for the venue. Clubhouse 1936 is designed to serve golfers and non-golfers alike. Simulator bays allow guests to play iconic courses from around the world year-round, regardless of skill level. “This is a very unique project,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “There’s not another facility like this that I’m aware of anywhere in the immediate area.” The venue takes its name from the year the building was established. “Monroe Country Club is a municipal golf course welcoming to everybody and anybody that wants to play,” said Pete Hovanec, parks, recreation and tourism director. “Clubhouse 1936 just complements everything that we have out here.” Simulator bays feature Trackman technology, allowing guests to play courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National. Private instruction and league play will also be available through the facility. “You can play all over the world,” said John Miller, general manager and head golf professional. A full food and drink program rounds out the experience. Menu items carry golfthemed names and are designed to support both quick visits between simulator sessions and longer social gatherings. On the web: monroenc.org
Aside from the competition aspect of the Blumey Awards, students could learn from theater professionls. Fifty-nine schools participated in this year's Blumenthal Arts program. Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
RISING STARS
'Legally Blonde' nets Weddington three awards CHARLOTTE Weddington High School was one of the big winners of the 2026 Blumey Awards on May 17 at Belk Theater. Weddington won three awards for its production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” including Best Musical. The only high school to earn more awards was North Lincoln, whose “Hadestown Teen Edition” won Best Musical in a different tier. North Lincoln earned four awards including Best Choreography Execution and Best Direction. “Legally Blonde: The Musical” gave Weddington its second consecutive Best Musical win (“Chicago: Teen Edition” won in 2025). The production also earned Best Ensemble. “We have worked so hard for this musical,” said Weddington student Kai Lynne Moon in an interview posted on social media by Blumenthal Arts. “We put in so much effort. It’s so amazing to see all that effort – it just came to this. I’m so proud of everyone.” Alexander Stetson earned Best Featured Performer for his roles of Dewy, Kyle and Grand Master Chad.
“I am absolutely shocked,” Stetson said in a clip posted by Blumenthal Arts. “Last year, I came back into the theater game. My second year in and just being able to put myself out there and not be afraid of what i can do and just be fearless on stage is just so incredible. I love all the people that supported me. It’s the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life.” Central Academy of Technology and Arts won the award for Best Student Orchestra for their work in the production of “Pippin (2013 Revival).” Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Parkwood and Porter Ridge were among 59 participating schools across in the Blumenthal Arts program. The organization also awarded scholarships and mentoring opportunities. “One of the most rewarding parts of the Blumey Awards is watching these students step into what comes next,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “What we see on the Blumey stage is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It’s incredibly exciting to witness so many of them at the very beginning of their artistic careers.”