By Holly Fesperman LeeSalisbury Post
North Hills Christian School started in 1967 with 28 students in one kindergarten class. Today the school serves 273 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
This is the 40th year of operation for North Hills and school officials and head of school Carolyn Barker held a birthday celebration Friday to mark the milestone.
Students, parents and faculty attended the event that included food, games and a dunking booth.
Local resident Dave Davis, along with Roger Harrison and William Ryburn wanted to see a strong Christian school in Rowan that would equip hearts and minds of student to impact the world for Christ.
These founding fathers established North Hills Christian school in 1967 and the school has adopted their idea as its mission statement.
Davis, 97, is the only surviving North Hills founding father. He was on hand Friday to cut the schools giant birthday cake.
Davis, along with members of the class of 2007, released 40 balloons. The balloons had tags with the schools address, encouraging people who find them to write back.
Five years after the school opened, its enrollment grew to 250 students and included pre-kindergarten through middle school.
In 1978 the school built its current middle and high school facility. North Hills also became a member of the then newly founded Association of Christian Schools International.
North Hills was granted accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International in 2001 and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2002.