Jacob Gray Morton, a junior at N.C. State University, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society in ceremonies Sunday at Talley Student Center.Morton, who is pursuing a double major in political science and history, is the son of David and Rebecca Morton and the grandson of James and Shirley Morton, all of China Grove.
He expects to graduate in 2010 before entering law school.
Morton was one of 51 students initiated into the university’s Zeta chapter. Each year, only one college student in 100 is invited to join this prestigious organization. The Zeta chapter is the sixth chapter of Phi Beta Kappa on the campus of a college or university in North Carolina.
Translated from the Greek, Phi Beta Kappa means, “Love of learning is the guide of life.”The Phi Beta Kappa Society was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. Only 276 institutions of higher learning in the United States shelter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa.
Church Women United
The Church Women United in N.C. State Assembly was recently held in Greensboro. Virginia Shuford, CWU in NC Area II chair, Brenda Venning of the State Board Nominating Committee, Betty Jo Hardy, Salisbury-Rowan CWU president, Montrella Davis, Salisbury-Rowan CWU Ecumenical Action chair, and Flo Peck, SRCWU Communications chair attended this two-day event.
The Bible study addressed the theme: “Peace, Let It Begin With Me” one of the CWU quadrennial priorities. Music, worship, a memorial service, a skit, speakers, including Pat Zangmeister, SE regional coordinator for CWU, and a closing communion service provided these local delegates with information and a feeling of peacefulness with their sisters in attendance.
State piano winnerRebecca Agner received a Superior rating at the Junior Level B of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association State Piano Contest-Festival on April 14 at Queens University in Charlotte.
Anyone who receives a Superior rating is invited to play at the Honors Recital for the NCMTA 50th Annual Conference in October. The 2009 conference will be at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro the weekend of Oct. 10ń11.
Laura Agner and Elizabeth Lee participated in the Junior A Level and Rebecca Agner played in the Junior B Level of the 2009 Albemarle District Piano Contest-Festival on March 14 at Catawba College. Students earning a “superior” rating at Junior Level B and Senior Levels A and B may advance to the State Contest. Each student performed three memorized works selected from the official state contest music list for the judge, Dr. Thomas Swenson of Winston-Salem. The repertoire was chosen from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary music periods.
The students’ piano teacher is Tina Brown from Rockwell.
Magic show
The annual Franklin-Ellis Lions Club magic show was held April 3 at North Rowan High School. More than 100 children, youth and adults enjoyed the program. The show has been held 34 years. The proceeds go to services for the blind.
Children who were winners in the prize-drawing were: Alvin Johnson, soccer ball; Hunter Aeglan, basketball; Luke Howard, football; Rashaun Winmet, bicycle; Stephanie Reeves, bicycle.Piano awards
Emily Graczyk, daughter of Jim and Lisa Graczyk of Salisbury, earned the Paderewski Award at the recent National Piano teacher Guild Auditions held at St. James Lutheran Church in Rockwell. To earn this prestigious award, a student must enter the Guild auditions for 10 years, and perform no less than 10 pieces per year by memory for the Guild adjudicator.
During her 10 years as a student of Mrs. Franklin Merrell, Emily has also earned the Early Bach Award and the Sonatina Award.
Emily is a senior at East Rowan High School. At East Rowan, she has been in the marching band, jazz band, participated in outdoor and indoor track, soccer, and varsity cross-country.
She has also served as secretary of the East Rowan High School Junior Civitan Club and as the Junior Class chairperson of the student council. She is a member of Sigma Phi Gamma, the Art Club, and the National Honor Society.
She was chief junior marshall, Civitan Scholar, and earned a National Merit Scholarship Commendation.
As a member of Steppin’ Out Dance Company, she has studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and point. She attended Governor’s School West and furthered her dance studies.
A member of Union Lutheran Church, she has participated in the vocal choir, brass choir, youth group and assisted with vacation Bible school.
Andy Hallett, son of Michael and Denise Hallett, recently earned the Sonatina Award at the National Piano Teachers Guild Auditions held in Rockwell. To earn the Sonatina Award, a student must perform five complete sonatinas including no less than 14 memorized movements for the Guild adjudicator.
Andy has been a student of Mrs. Merrell for nine years. He is a junior at North Rowan High School, where he is a member of the Key Club, the Deca Club and the National Honor Society. He is also percussion captain of the marching band, and has participated in soccer and track.
He is a Life Scout who is currently working on attaining his Eagle Scout award. He is also an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he is involved in a number of church activities, including mission trips taken by the church.
Red Hats
On April 14, the Chapeaux Rouge Divas enjoyed lunch at the new Olive Garden in Salisbury. They discussed new ventures for the summer months and Queen Mother Martha Hopkins of the Red Birds invited them to share a trip.
On April 17, the Classy Red Hats ate their lunch at East Coast Wings and Grill served on Fiesta dinnerware. Hostess Phyllis Ohm gave each member a generous bottle of Silkience body wash.
Steppin’ Out
The Steppin’ Out Social Club celebrated its first anniversary on April 24, 2009, at Harold B. Jarrett in Salisbury.
Jill Burch served as the mistress of ceremonies as the guests danced to the sounds of DJ Peaches and Mr. Clean.
President Helen Corpening presented each member with a first year anniversary gift. Other members of the club are Debra Payne, vice president; Montina Fox, treasurer; Talicia Brown, assistant treasurer; Chrystal Flake, secretary; Alicia Barber, recording secretary; Kimberly Dalton, sergeant at arms; Marcia Neely, Michelle McNeely, Sharon Houston. Honorary members are Kishja Marlin, Jackie Faulk and Cynthia Payne.
Butler baptism
Blaire Elizabeth Butler was baptized March 22, 2009, at Fork Creek United Methodist Church in Jefferson, S. C.
She was born Oct. 21, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte to Beth and Chris Butler of Jefferson.
Grandparents are Candy Fesperman and the late Junior Fesperman of Salisbury and Dale and Bill Butler of Jefferson. Sue Schenk of Salisbury is the great-grandmother. God-parents for Blaire are her uncle and aunt, Brian and Nichole Fesperman. The families celebrated after the services with a dinner at the home of Dale and Bill Butler.
Sarah Hall compiles People and Places news. E-mail her at shall@salisburypost. com or call 704-797-4271 for more information.