Rowan-Salisbury School System
SALISBURY — Excitement quickly filled the halls of Elizabeth Hanford Dole Elementary School as administrators, staff, teachers and students received a surprise visit from the school’s honored namesake — former Sen. Elizabeth Hanford Dole.
Dole arrived at the school shortly after noon Thursday and met briefly with Principal Shanda McFarlin, Assistant Principal Marvin Moore and Communities In Schools and Afterschool Daycare Coordinator Temika Turner. Although the meeting may have been brief, there was enough time for Dole to present a surprise charitable contribution check to McFarlin for the school in the amount of $15,000.
“I am just thrilled,” exclaimed McFarlin. “This is just wonderful and such a great surprise. This will be put to good use, I can assure you. Thank you so much.”
During the meeting, Dole learned about many outreach programs designed to help students and their families by assisting with afterschool day care and transportation, individual counseling and tutoring, and uniform assistance. Dole was especially impressed with the weekend backpack partnership program, where backpacks are filled with food for students that qualify to take home over the weekend. Dole explained that she had worked hard on passing legislation to eliminate hunger in America.
Dole emphasized that the message she wanted to convey to students is to “find that which really turns you on. Love what you are doing because it comes from the heart.” Dole continued to praise the school staff for all their hard work and commitment to the students and their families. “This is such a great mission field that you have chosen to help so many people,” said Dole. “Thank you!”
McFarlin and Moore escorted Dole on a tour of the school, visiting classrooms, observing students and teachers engaged in numerous learning activities. Dole was amazed at how comfortable the students were in using the many different technology tools that are available to them. Dole responded to one student, “I believe you will have to teach me how to use this.”
Dole was extended a personal invitation to attend the district’s technology extravaganza on May 21. Dole enjoyed the time spent walking through the classrooms, shaking the hands of students and teachers and stopping briefly to sign papers that students had written about her.
Dole’s visit lasted about an hour, but she promised to return another day when she could stay longer.