Coble honors locals during visit to Rowan

Coble

By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — U.S. Rep. Howard Coble honored three local residents during a quick tour of Rowan County Monday.

Coble first visited Jesse C. Carson High School to recognize Principal Kelly Withers, who was named the Rowan-Salisbury School System Principal of the Year in 2011.

He then presented certificates to two students who have been given one of JROTC’s highest awards, the Legion of Valor’s Bronze Cross of Achievement.

Coble stopped by East Rowan High School for a presentation to Cadet Lt. Col. Samuel Lakey. At his Granite Quarry office, he presented a certificate to Cadet Lt. Col. Misty Parrish of South Rowan High School.

“People who are down on the youth in America must have not had the privilege of knowing people like Ms. Parrish and Mr. Lakey,” Coble said. “These are two outstanding citizens and two outstanding JROTC members, and I know they will succeed as they continue their education.”

The Bronze Cross of Achievement is a national award given annually to a select few students. On average, about 1 in 4,000 applicants receive it.

The recipient of the medal must exemplify and uphold each ideal of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, as well as be an exceptional leader and an active member of the community.

Lakey was given the award in November. The senior said Coble’s presentation in front of his fellow JROTC members was “amazing.”

“It’s not every day you meet a U.S. representative,” he said.

“We’re quite proud of him,” said one of Lakey’s JROTC instructors, Lt. Col. Rollans Collins. “This is an exceptional year, with two (award recipients) in Rowan County.”

Parrish, also a senior, said it was an honor to be recognized by Coble in front of her family and JROTC instructor, Master Sgt. Tim Morris.

“It just adds to the honor of getting the Legion of Valor medal,” she said.

Parrish’s proud mother, Lisa Faggart, praised both her daughter and the junior training program.

“JROTC has just done such a good job of promoting self-esteem,” Faggart said. “Since she’s gotten the award, she believes in herself even more.”

Earlier Monday, Coble also toured Ei Pharmaceutical SolutionWorks in Kannapolis and Hitachi Metals in China Grove.

“I was very impressed with both visits, and it was particularly encouraging to note that (Hitachi) did plan to enlarge their workforce,” he said.

Coble announced last week that he is running for re-election in the 6th District. It would be his 15th term in office.

“I have received so many encouragements, from people across both the new district and the present district, urging me to continue,” Coble said.

He said Monday’s tour won’t be his last stop in this county.

“I’ll be back in Rowan County,” he said. “Rowan County is still stuck with me for the rest of the year.”

Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.

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