CAVALIER SPIRIT UNITED...BUILDING DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE.
Alumni of the Month
Thank you NRAA for selecting me as North Rowan Alumna for the month of May. I do believe my experience at North Rowan was very influencial in my professional life. All of the great business teachers that were there during my era certainly did help prepare me for my future endeavors. In particular, I"ll always be grateful to Mrs. Tichenor and Miss Rankin, who were certainly two of my favorites. They knew how to challenge their students to do their best and it has certainly carried over for me in my career. Mrs. Julia Slate was certainly a great mentor and taught us how to be frugal on the home scent and be generous and involved with our community affairs. These women were great role models and I am sure that they influenced many others as well.
May 2011
Susan Lane Morris Class of 68
May 2011
Dr. Chad Costantino Class of 93
"Thank you for the blessing.Please check out my facebook profile page when you get a chance.I am producing a Christian film in Salisbury and Spencer over the next 3 months.The lead actress from the movie FIRE PROOF Erin Bethea will also be in the film.The password is warrior.I am so blessed to have gone to North Rowan.It was an honor to be the Student Body President and Captian of a great football team.If you google my name you will read a great article from when I spoke their a couple years ago.If you need a good laugh watch some of my acting clips http://www.facebook.com/l/fc608R-MFU6RC9RdA4g5DS1KBkQ/www.waitingonthewarrior.org/videowp/
Love, laugh and be the light"
Dr. Chad Costantino, Class of 93
Ph.D in Council Works at Abundant Life Council Center Councils Children, Teen, Addicts, Spirtual Growth
April 2011
Merrill (Bo) Russell Class of 69
April 2011
Tiffany Miller Class of 98
Tiffany Miller
What an honor!!!
I've always been taught that "Service is the Rent you pay for Living." To be chosen as April Alumnus (with a April 1st birthday) for something I enjoy doing is overwhelming to me. Being a 1998 graduate of North Rowan I was taught that we are only as strong as our weakest link, only as rich as our poorest person; meaning that until ALL our students and alumni are looked at as being great, then none of us are. With this in mind I will continue to work with the North Rowan Connection and North Rowan Alumni Association to strengthen and motivate the least of us to be the greatest!!!
Thank You Again
March 2011
Andrew Mitchell Class of 84
March 2011
Kimbery Everhart Lentz Class of 75
Christal Marlin McRae-Class of 94
February 2011
Christal Marlin McRae Class of 94
My name is Christal Marlin McRae. I am a 1994 graduate of North Rowan. While I attended NRHS, I was always encouraged to excel in the classroom and to contribute to my community. Mrs. Vivian Kesler and Mrs. Jean Kennedy also pushed me to "learn something new every day", whether it be an activity or just learning a new word. It is a principle that I still use to this very day. As a Cavalier, I learned it was important to always give back to those that gave to you. Today, I am active in the community through various organizations, such as the NR Connection, NR Connection Choir, A.M.E. Zion Church and the Rowan County Democratic Women, just to name a few.
As a senior at NRHS, I was encouraged to make post graduation plans and I attended and graduated from N.C. A&T State University with a B.A. in Political Science. I am currently enrolled at Davidson County Community College seeking a Paralegal certification.
I am currently employed at Food Lion, LLC in the MDM Support department. I am married to Courtney McRae and am the mother of Brandon (15 years old) and Christan (5 years old), who both attend school in the North Rowan district. Brandon is a sophomore at NRHS and Christan is in Kindergarten at NRES.
February 2011
Robin Butler Class of 70
It is a humbling honor to be selected as the North Rowan Alumni Association's "Alumnus of the Month". I am very grateful to have attended North Rowan. The relatively small school environment in small town North Carolina allowed me to grow and acheive without restriction. North offered great support from our teachers, coaches, and the parents in the community, all of whom encouraged us to excel. I will always be especially indebted to Chuck Dunlap, who saw in me potential that I didn't see in myself. I made lifelong friends there with whom I have special memories of the past and enduring friendships today. The formative years I spent at North Rowan set the stage for the rest of my life, enabling me to continue my education at NC State where I became the first in my family to earn a college degree. I will always remember North Rowan High School with a great deal of pleasure and gratitude for the opportunities it afforded me. It was a great school then, and it still is!
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Robin Butler, Class of 70
Sallie Hundley-Class of 02
January 2011
Sallie Hundley Class of 02
North Rowan has always been a major part of my life. As the daughter of a coach and teacher, (Bob Hundley) I was running rampant through the hallways long before I started school as a freshman. The part of North I appreciated the most back then and still cherish now is the incredible sense of community and pride the Cavalier family has for one another. North Rowan was not a place where I just attended school, it was my home away from home. My teachers and classmates were always there to support and encourage me. The lessons learned from the teachers and coaches I had while at North provided me with the foundation to be successful. After graduating from North, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I earned undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Psychology, and a Masters in the Art of Teaching. It was partially based on the wonderful high school experience and inspiring teachers I had at North, that I decided to become a high school math teacher. When it came time for me to decide where to begin my career, I felt called to come back home. Although I interviewed at other schools, none of them seemed to be the right fit. I had been spoiled by the supportive community of North and could not picture myself teaching anywhere else. Although it has been weird at times to now be a teacher where I was once a student, I have thoroughly enjoyed my last four years here as teacher and coach, and I only hope that I can inspire my students and players the same way my teachers and coaches inspired me.
Sallie Hundley Math Teacher Varsity Tennis & Swimming Coach Key Club Advisor
January 2011
Milton Griffith Class of 85
Growing up and attending North Rowan High School has made a major impact on my life. North Rowan taught me how to value life and the importance of an education. While at North, I was not the smartest in my class, nor was I the best on the Football field or the Tennis courts, but my Teachers and Coaches at North taught me how to give it my best. Mr. Smyre, Mrs. Kennedy, Mr. Peacock, Ms. Ramsey and Mrs. Pinkston played major roles in preparing me for the next stage in my life. After I graduated and went on to Livingstone College, I was equipped with the right tools to be successful in life no matter what trails come my way. And even now as I work on my master’s degree in Adult Education, things that I learned from the caring staff at North Rowan comes into play. North Rowan is and will always be a part of my life. I currently serve on the North Connection executive committee where I serve as director of the North Rowan Connection Choir and Chair of the North Rowan Connection Scholarship Fund. I currently work at Winston Salem State University where I’m the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions. Working at WSSU gives me the opportunity to assist not only the North Rowan Students, but students throughout Rowan County and give them the tools that were given to me to succeed in life. I’m a strong believer in giving back, that’s why as long as I got breath in my body I will always be a North Rowan Cavalier!!!!!!
Milton Griffith-Class of 85
Emory Jones- Class of 67
December 2010
Emory Jones Class of 67
Graduated from Winston Salem State University in 1971 Emory is proficient in the saxophone, piano, percussion, trombone He became the Band Master at Winston Salem State in 1994 and held this position for 10 years. In his honor, The Emory Jones Endowed Scholarship in Music has been established at WSSU.
December 2010
Betty Masingo Sedberry Class of 64
Graduated Catawba College in 1969 Her career in art has produced over 100 limited editions of paintings and drawings. Most of her early work has sold out. Her works have included designs for bank checks, illustrations for basket kits, homes, commerical buildings, portraits, furniture illustrations and drawings for historic organizations. Betty's work has been featured in "American Artist", "Our State Magazine" and "McCall's" magazines. Check out her web site at www.bettysedberry.com .
Jim Baker- Class of 74
November 2010
Jim Baker Class of 74
Head Basketball Coach at Catawba College for over 17 years Graduated Catawba College in 1978 Graduated UNCC Grad School in 1981
For over 17 years Jim has been the head coach of the men's basketball parogram at Catawba College. During his tenture he has guided the Indians to the NCAA II Tournament nine times. In addition to his coaching duties he edits and publishes a monthly basketball newsletter ("Time Out"), also publishes four booklets: "Power Post Play", "Striving for Excellence", and "The Best of Time Out, Books One thru Six". He has also released a one of a kind basketball CD-Rom "The Best of Time Out". Jim has conducted camps and clinics in Belgium, Frace, Iceland, Luxembourg, Barbados and Costa Rica. He has served as the U.S. advisor to the Belgium Women's Olympic basketball team.
Jim comes from a strong sports family. Both his mother and father were outstanding athletes and his dad, Walt coached him at North Rowan High School. The field house at North Rowan is named in his Dad's honor. (Walt Baker Field House). Jim is married and has four children.
November 2010
Beth Morris Nance Class of 91
Employed IBM, Marketing Manager from 1996 to present. Graduate of Meredith College 1995 and lives in Spencer.
Beth Morris Nance-Class of 91
Darrin C. Turner and Patti Seacrest
October 2010
Darrin C Turner Class of 1988
I am honored to have been selected as a NRHS Alumni of the Month, but am humbled by the fact that none of what I have accomplished or will accomplish would have been possible without guidance. Within the walls of NRHS, I developed my leadership ability under the watchful eye of Mrs. Delores Morris as Key Club advisor. My competitve nature was cultivated by Mr. Bill Kesler and Mr. Gary Atwell, both on and off the field; my showing of tough love was driven by Mrs. Vivian Kesler and Mrs. Jean Kennedy due tho their high expectations and standards; and my passion for math and teaching was the work of Mr. Larry Thomason, through his love of teaching more than what was required.
To this day these individuals still have a major impact on who I choose to be and what I choose to do. For if they would have given up on me, there is no telling where I would be. For if there is one among you that I can help, please dont hestitate to ask.
Thank you again to the NRAA for all that you do for the upliftment of our great school.
Yours in Service
Darrin C. Turner NRHS Class of 1988
Darrin C. Turner, Athletic Director Algebra 1 Math Facilitator North Rowan Middle School 704-798-5160 (cell) 704-639-3018 Ext. 215(work), Ext. 502(AD office) 704-639-3126 (fax)
To whom much is given, MUCH IS REQUIRED!
October 2010
Elisa Alfieri Class of 2003
One of the founding Directors of the North Rowan Alumni Association.
Catawba College 2007 graduate with major in Political Science: Public Administration and minors in Business Administration and Environmental Studies. UNC-Charlotte 2010 graduate with masters degree in Health Care Administration. Currently work at Premier Inc, in Charlotte as a Data Analyst, Operations Advisor
"I have many fond memories of my time at North Rowan and am very thankful that I had the opportunity to learn in such a diverse and close knit environment. Attending North Rowan fully prepared me academically to take on the rigorus studies of undergraduate college and graduate school. Participating in clubs and organizations also instilled in me the drive to become involved within my schools and community at large. I hope that current students at North Rowan will take full advantage of all the academic, extracurricular and social opportunities afforded to them at North in order to gain the most out of their high schoool experience"
Elisa Alfieri
September 2010
Justin Monroe Class of 2006
Justin was a member of the class of '06 pursuing his ambition to be a career firefighter. Justin made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting a major industrial fire in Salisbury on March 7, 2008.
Justin Monroe Class of 2006
Carla Marlin Smith Class of 85
September 2010
Carla Marlin Smith Class of 1985
A North Rowan graduate of the Class of 85. A former assistant principal of North Rowan Middle School and current assistant principal Chapel Hill High. "Carla Martin Smith says that education is not her career..it's her passion". Currently pursing her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is married to Johnny Smith and is the mother of two sons, Jonathan and Cameron. In her spare time, Carla enjoys reading and writing poetry and wants to be a "starving" rich poet when she grows up! "
May 2010
Tim Bates Class of 1983
June 16, 2010
Dear North Rowan Alumni Association,
It is truly an honor to be selected as the Outstanding Male Alumnus of the month of May 2010.I first congratulate your organization for its contributions and commitment to the North Rowan community.Who you are makes a difference!!!
North Rowan is the place that prepared me for the real world.It was at North Rowan that I made lifetime friendships and learned lifelong lessons.I remember exceptional teachers such as Mrs. Jean Kennedy, Vivian Kesler, Patty Seacrest, Betty Rambo, C.O. Moore, and Joyce Sims, just to name a few.They loved the students.I felt that they cared about me personally and pushed me to the highest level.They expected the best out of me. The seeds (love) that were planted in me during my North Rowan days are the same love I try to give back today.
The greatest influence came from Larry Thomason (a legendary coach and teacher).Mr. Thomason was a master motivator and teacher.The lessons he taught me on and off the field have guided me to know with the proper preparation and commitment as well as surrounding myself with a solid team I can be a Champion. He took a team that was expected to finish last and made them undefeated champions simply by saying, “not if but when.”From that team,I can say over 90% of us are leading successful lives because he and the entire coaching staff cared about us, nurtured us, and prepared us to be life Champions.
North Rowan is a place I will always call home.I am proud to be a Cavalier.To God be the glory for all the things that he has done.
Timothy L. Bates
Class of 1983
Tim Bates- Class of 83
June Cruse Class of 94
May 2010
Major June Cruse, North Rowan High School, Class of 1994
Major Cruse is a graduate of the Air Force Academy. She is a KC-10 Extender pilot and operations officer for the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, stands next to a KC-10 at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on March 24, 2010. Major Cruse is deployed from the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and her hometown is Spencer, N.C. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol/Released)
Salisbury Post Article on Major June Cruse Sunday, May 9, 2010
Military Briefs:
Cruse headed for Southwest Asia
Air Force Maj. June A. Cruse has deployed to Southwest Asia to support the missions of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and the Combined Task Force Horn of Africa. The service member will be a part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. military forces and allied coalition partners. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.
The mission of U.S. troops in Operation Horn of Africa is to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups in the region and to support coalition partner efforts to deny opportunity for re-emergence of terrorist networks in the central, eastern Horn of Africa.
Cruse, a KC-10 aircraft instructor pilot/operations officer is assigned to the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, Trenton, N.J. The major has served in the military for 12 years.
The daughter of Alex and Jan Cruse and granddaughter of Nell Swanson, all of Salisbury, the major graduated in 1994 from North Rowan High School, Spencer. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1998 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
April 2010
Bonnie Hutchins Hill Class of 67
There is a lot to be said for being at the right place at the right time.
The four years I spent at NorthRowanHigh School were just that.The opportunities that were offered to me and the people who influenced me will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life.I was encouraged to find what I love to do, do it well and share it with others.I learned that setting goals for myself and working to achieve those goals is a valuable life lesson.Experiences like being a part of the “Music Man” (our class musical production), being a part of the Northern Lights staff and being a member of clubs like the National Honor Society helped me develop a foundation of teamwork and service to others.Teachers like Mrs. Soloman, Mrs. Williams, Miss Ingold and Mr. Dunlap saw the best in me and encouraged me to see the best in others.
I am doing what I love.I am married to my high school sweetheart and he is the love of my life. I startedthe first independent family nurse practitioner practice in North Carolina and enjoy my work more every day.I have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law who are happy in their life-work.I hope that I have shared with others the wisdom that those special people at North Rowan shared with me and that I have “made her proud”.
Bonnie Hutchins Hill-Class of 67
Kecia Barnes, Class of 85
March 2010
Kecia Barnes Class of 89
Kecia Barnes graduated from Appalachian State in 1989. She works for the Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention and is a Chief Court Counselor.
March 2010
George Bryan Shuping DDS, MS, PA Class of 87
George Shuping graduated from the University of NC, Chapel Hill in 1991 with a degree in Biology. Then in 1995 graduated from NC Chapel Hill, Doctor of Dental Surgery. He received his Master of Science, Endodontics in 1999. George is married to Wendy Morefield Shuping and has two daughters. They reside in Moorseville, NC.
George Bryan Shuping, Class of 87
Larry Thomason Class of 61
February 2010
Larry Thomason Class of 61
North Rowan High School offered its’ students an academically challenging curriculum, excellence in athletics, and co-curricular activities that provided each student opportunities for essential development needed for success.Teachers and coaches instilled the need for personal integrity, exemplary character, and valued work ethics as keys to success in ones’ future.This has proven to be priceless throughout my lifetime.I experienced success academically and athletically, football, as a BS in mathematics graduate of Wake Forest University, and experienced academic success earning a master’s and an EDS in educational administration at UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State University, respectively.
Professionally, I spent thirty-five and one half years as a teacher at North Rowan to include nineteen years as the head football coach, three years as an assistant principal at Salisbury High School, and two years as a principal at Henderson Elementary.Highlights during those years included being a two time North Carolina Regional Mathematics Teacher of the Year, North Carolina’s National Science Foundation Teacher of the Year in 1988, coaching two undefeated regular season football teams in 1982 and 1985, and being selected to coach in the North South All Star, and the East West All Star games.Also, I was selected to the Rowan County Sports Hall of Fame.
As a teacher and coach the thing I cherished most professionally throughout has been the opportunity to be a part of instilling in students the drive to be the best you can be at all your endeavors.I lived a dream beyond imagination seeing students accept the challenges offered and experiencing success inacademically enriched classrooms at all levels of learning.Professionally, the most cherished honor that I received was to be selected three different times as a Time Warner Cable “Star Teacher,” an award by the student.
Outside of education family has been a valued part of my life.My wife Brenda, 44 years in October, has been a much needed constant throughout.Our daughter, Beth, her husband Bryant, and their three children Colton (6), Reagann (3) years and Taylor (4) months are an integral part of what has added much joy to our family.
Additionally, church involvement has been a lifetime focus, first as a child through college as a member of Franklin Presbyterian Church and at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church since 1974.At St. Matthew’s I am serving my 6th three year term on the church council.Currently, I am president of the church council, co-chairman of the Family Life Center Financial Committee, and chairman of the Scholarship Committee.
Without doubt, North Rowan provided what was crucial during some of my life’s most formative years.
February 2010
Judy Grissom Class of 1964
Thank you so much for this honor! I am very proud to be a North Rowan graduate. My husband and son are also North graduates. I feel fortunate to have had excellent teachers while at North who inspired and encouraged me to be a teacher. North offered many opportunities to be involved in multiple activities-my favorite were the school annual staff and Senior Production. Even in high school, it was necessary to multi-task and keep many projects going all at one time. That is certainly a necessary skill in my job today. Our class was always involved in community projects and volunteered our assistance to many groups. I was a member of a small class-around 120 students. We were a close group and even today I consider some of my high school classmates as some of my best friends.
Judy Scott Grissom Class of 1964
Chris Sifford and Mark Alley, Vice President, NRAA
January 2010 Chris Sifford
I am a 1989 North Rowan High School graduate. Upon completion at NRHS, I earned a dual degree in English and Sociology from Lenoir Rhyne University; where I also lettered in football.
A year ago, I co-founded the North Rowan Connection, created to bring North Rowan High School alumni together in order to build social infrastructure in communities and to propel at risk children into the mainstream of the academic chain. Today, this organization is successfully working towards its mission “to provide the training, opportunities and resources needed to ensure academic excellence for students in the North Rowan district; thus improving the image, character and community support of our schools”.
As a former class president and student-athlete at North Rowan, I learned the necessary skills to become an advocate for all children, and a productive humanitarian for all people. My instructors at North Rowan held me accountable for my performance and behavior in and out of the classroom.. My teachers set a standard of excellence that still lives in me today. My mentors at North Rowan, Jean Kennedy and Roger Secreast established a standard of excellence that remained once I left high school. Mrs. Kennedy made me “suck the marrow out of my bones” – which greatly influenced my college major; while Coach Secreast taught me survival skills with his clichés of everyday life; such as “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade”. From these individuals (and many more within the North Rowan community), I learned that there are no excuses or barriers to my ability to reach any goals I set in life.
I also developed an understanding of the impact of giving back to your community, particular to the young people in our schools. As a result, I frequent the schools at least once a week. I truly believe that North Rowan is in good hands; and with the support of the community and alumni it will continue to thrive. As I commit to continue my work to help North Rowan provide a meaningful education for all students, I encourage others to “get on the train and get off the tracks” as we roll towards success.
Chris Sifford
January 2010 Mona Lisa Lane Wallace
Mona graduated from North Rowan in 1973, and is a lifetime charter member of the NRAA. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976 and Wake Forest University School of Law in 1979. She is married to Leo Wallace III and has 2 daughters, Whitney and Lane. She is Senior Partner at Wallace and Graham, P.A. in Salisbury, NC. Areas of practice include, personal injury, worker's compensation, toxic torts and products of liability including asbestos, silica, radiation, chemical poisonings, prescription drugs, and other similar occupational and product related claims. She has numerous professional affiliations, professional appointments, civic activities and awards. Mona and Lee support several charitable foundations, "Mona Lisa and Lee Wallace Foundation" and "Rowan Helping Ministries".
About North Rowan High School: I have only the happiest memories of my years at North Rowan. I was actively involved in many school activities and sports. I have the fondest memories of my friends and teachers. I have remained good friends with many North Rowan graduates and also remain close friends with my former teacher, Julie Pinkston. I have always been very proud to have been the student body president of North Rowan in 1973. I went with my brother, Spencer Lane, to the class reunion last year and very much enjoyed seeing so many old friends and learning about their families and professions. I am very proud to be a North Rowan graduate.
NRAA Vice President Mark Alley, Mona Lisa Lane Wallace
