Staff report

A newly created scholarship will honor a retired principal and former Rowan County commissioner.

The R.A. Clement Association held a celebration Saturday night at the West Rowan YMCA to honor George C. Knox.

A native of Landis, Knox served as principal at R.A. Clement High School from 1957 until 1968, when the school became West Rowan Junior High School.

Knox served as principal at West Rowan Junior High until his retirement.

Former students from both schools attended the celebration with representatives of the various classes giving tributes to Knox.

As a tribute to Knox, association members announced they will award a George C. Knox Scholarship at West Rowan beginning in spring 2007.

“The scholarship is being established to encourage graduating senior to pursue higher education,” said Carolyn Steele Snipes, association president. “The scholarship recognizes the tireless efforts of an outstanding principal who supported our education and our numerous careers until this day.

And Snipes pointed out that Knox has practiced what he preached. He’s had perfect attendance at all R.A. Clement reunions since 1976.

Norris Anderson, vice president of the association, said Knox has given so much to so many who have passed through Cleveland over the years.

Other program participants included Doris Lovell Noble, who recognized former teachers including Jerica Sherrill, the Rev. Melvin Kesler, the Rev. Francs Ellis.

Others gave tributes to Knox on behalf of their classes. They included: Janie Knox Turman, Class of 1957; Gene Steele, 1958; Melvin Kesler, 1959; William Lyerly, 1960; Herbert Geter, 1961; Dianne Hall Rankin, 1962; Norris Anderson, 1963; Ruby Kesler Ford, 1964; Prize Leazer, 1965; Carolyn rice Blanton, 1966; Charles Knox, 1967; and Donna rice Blackwell, 1968.