SALISBURY — Salisbury Academy students honored their most grand loved ones Friday, during the school’s annual Grandpersons’ Day event.
“We take this time every year to honor those special people in our students’ lives who are grand,” said Head of School Diane Fisher. “Many of our guests are grandparents, but just as often they are special friends and neighbors.”
The school’s gym was filled with special guests, who enjoyed a patriotic musical presentation from each of the classes, lead by music teacher Martha Smith, as well as an address from Dr. Karl E. Hales.
A retired Catawba professor of 39 years, Hales spoke to students, faculty and guests about what makes a person grand. He said that to be grand, one must be a scholar, have character, serve the community and have faith.
“Grand lives lead to being a grand person,” he said as he explained that being grand is a journey of dedicated effort.
He challenged the guests to do their part in this journey.
“Scholarship, character, community and faith, just happen to be the characteristics on which Salisbury Academy are based,” he said. “They are doing their part. I challenge each of you to join them in the school’s endeavor to nurture the next generation of grand persons.”
Students sang and played chimes during the performance, including traditional patriotic songs such as “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” as well as like “Oh, I Love America,” “My Flag,” and “America, My Home.”
Members of the eighth-grade color guard, Steven Anderson, Carter Cook, and Mike Hughes, presented the flag.
“Grandpersons’ Day is one of our favorite days because we honor these very special guests with a program showcasing our talented students,” Fisher said. “And Dr. Hales captured the moment perfectly in his address. At Salisbury Academy we are working to groom the next generation of grand people.”