Laurels to Enochville Elementary math reacher Tonya Kepley for receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Kepley and science teacher Teresa Cowan of Swannanoa were the N.C. recipients among 102 teachers chosen nationally for the award this year. Winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. “These teachers are inspiring today’s young students to become the next generation of American scientists, mathematicians, and innovators,” President Obama said in announcing the awards. Think a creative teacher who’s passionate about math — or any other subject — can make a difference in her students’ lives and her school’s learning environment? Count on it.
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Dart to whoever left a briefcase in a parking lot at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Cloverleaf Campus Wednesday, forcing authorities to clear the area and cancel classes. Fortunately, the briefcase turned out to be empty. Still, whether this was simply an innocent mistake or a deliberate prank, it took up law-enforcement agencies’ time, created a stressful situation and inconvenienced students and staff at the college. Like the signs say: Do not leave book bags, satchels or briefcases unattended. And try not to drive away with them on the roof of the car, either.
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Laurels to the North Carolina lawyers who are donating their services during Ask-A-Lawyer Day a week from today on Feb. 1. The annual event, sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of the N.C. Bar Association, provides free legal consultation for people who can’t afford to hire a lawyer. Lawyers will be on hand at 10 locations around the state during specified hours. In the Piedmont region, event locations include the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library’s ImaginON, 300 East Seventh St., from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (event coordinator Elias Admassu: eadmassu@hedrickgardner.com or 704-602-8013). Lawyers will also be on hand at the Forsyth Central Library in Winston-Salem, 660 W. Fifth St., from 9 a.m.-noon (event coordinator Toni Grace: tjg@blancolaw.com or 336-293-9000). You can find a list of all locations and contact information online at http://ncbar.org/.
Also, there will be another chance for consultations on March 7, when the N.C. Bar Association Foundation offers free information on legal matters by phone during its annual 4ALL Service Day.