CAROLINA TROPHIES “Awards for All Occasions” 12/28/23
704-482-2392
Volume 117 • Issue 34
www.carolinatrophies.com
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
75¢
All Cherryville’s principals agree Back-To-School went “very smooth” All four school leaders said they were pleased “things flowed very well” by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
All four Cherryville school principals, from Cherryville Elementary’s Patrick Watson, to CHS’ Shawn Hubers, said the first day back to school, a.k.a. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, went “very well, all things considered.” Mr. Patrick Watson at Cherryville Elementary stated, “We had a fantastic start. Thank you to our parents for their support and thank you to our wonderful staff for all of that hard work in preparing for the
Third grade teacher Therese Gabiana, introduces Cherryville Elementary Principal, Patrick Watson, to her students on their first back to school, Wednesday, Aug. 16. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) new school year! Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year is, 'Little Ironmen are on the path to SWEET success!”
Said Watson, “We look forward to working together to help student’s reach their greatest potential.” Mr. Watson said they
have 375 students at their school for 2023, and added their new teachers and staff members are as follows: Alexis Worley – 1st Grade
Teacher; Anna Jessup – 2nd Grade Teacher; Therese Gabiana – 3rd Grade Teacher; Sarah Stepp – 3rd Grade Teacher; Ashley DeMar – Art Teacher; and Mark Fitzgerald – Custodian. W. Blaine Beam Intermediate Principal Joshua White said they have roughly 200 students this year. He spoke to some of his students in Starnes Auditorium, going over some of the do’s and don’ts of the school before releasing them back to the respective teachers. He said his new teachers are Mrs. Amanda Buchanan – 5th Grade; Mrs. Clarissa Roseboro, a new EC teacher from Crest Middle School; a new Teacher’s Assistant in Christine Gilbert; and Mrs. Summer Cheek – 4th Grade, now in her fifth year at WBBI.
John Chavis Middle School Principal Matt W. Rikard said they have 395 students with them for the 2023 school year, with more coming in he said, adding he wants to, “(Give a) shout out to all the staff, students and parents for the best start to a school year I have ever been a part of!” Mr. Rikard said he can happily name some of his new teachers/TAs/staff members, and what grades they teach or what their jobs are, as follows, “Ms. Hendrick – 6th Grade Math; Ms. Greason – 6th Grade EC; Ms. Word – 7th Grade Math; Ms. Coleman – 7th Grade ELA; Mr. Josh Skibo – 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies; Ms. Kerr – 7th and 8th Grade Science; Ms. Russell – 8th Grade Math; See SCHOOL, Page 3A
Council adopts two agreements at last Monday night’s regular council session by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Community gymnasium coming to Cherryville Gaston County earmarks $1.5 million for 8,800 square foot facility by STEVE PANTON Cherryville Chamber of Commerce Special to the Eagle
Gaston County is providing funds for a community gymnasium in Cherryville that will measure 80 feet by 110 feet. The facility will be built within the next 18 months. The project was formally approved by the City Council on August 14. Under the agreement, Gaston County will provide up to $1.5 million for the facility. City Manager Brian Dalton praised the work
of County Commissioner Allen Fraley in working out the agreement. “Originally, the county proposed building an athletic field,” said Dalton. “But we knew a gym was needed more. Commissioner Fraley led the charge to make that happen.” According to Dalton, the gym will greatly expand programs available to the city’s youth. “Right now, our youth basketball teams have no place to practice. And, they only get to play games in facilities rented from the Gaston County schools.” “Plus,” said Dalton, “we’re looking to expand way beyond just basketball.” The gym will be modeled after a facility in Stanley. It will have office space, restrooms, and a concession stand. According to Dalton, the gym’s exact location in town will be determined very soon.
Members of the Cherryville city council listen to comments from citizens at a February council session held at the community building. (Eagle file photo by Michael E. Powell)
Rev. Ken Gibson honored for 65 years in the Lord’s service Octogenarian man of God says staying focused on his calling has helped him do God’s work by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville minister, the Rev. Ken Gibson knows quite a bit about being on the front lines as a soldier in the Army of the Lord; after all, he’s had 65 years (and counting) in service to his great King and Savior. The tall, silver-haired pastor has the look of an Old Testament prophet and, even at age 88 (as of this coming Sept. 7), still gets around better than some men half his age. He has an amiable smile that has known much joy in
2023
Cherryville’s proposed gymnasium will mirror this facility, located in Stanley.See more photos page 8A. (photo provided)
The Monday, Aug. 14 city council regular session meeting concerned primarily the council’s adopting two agreements; one an interlocal agreement with Gaston County and the other a contractual agreement dealing with a wastewater assessment. Council voted on and unanimously approved the See COUNCIL, Page 2A
his long life, tempered with a little suffering as well, but Rev. Gibson knows Who is the Keeper of his soul and of the many he has been privileged to introduce to the Savior. That is what he takes joy in every day, knowing he has helped build God’s great kingdom person by precious person. How has been able to stay the course? “Simple,” he said, adding, “By staying focused. I always go back to my calling; knowing I was called. I was called when I was 16, but I didn’t for sure until college at Southeastern (Baptist Seminary), in Lexington, Kentucky.” Reverend Gibson’s first church posting was in 1958, in Exway Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead, he said. Then on July 13, 1958, he was See GIBSON, Page 2A
The Rev. Ken Gibson holding his plaque, honoring him for his 65 years in ministry. The plaque was given to him by the congregation of Friendly Chapel, with whom he spent 10 months as interim pastor. (photo provided)
IRONMEN
FALL SPORTS Inside this week’s Cherryville Eagle
PREVIEW