Former governor to speak at Catawba College

Catawba College will host a challenging presentation on the reconciliation of science and religion by highly respected scientist and former North Carolina governor Dr. James G. Martin.

Martin builds a case for evidence of this “anthropic principle” in geology and paleontology, biology, chemistry and biochemistry. Much of that argument is anticipated by similar accounts from other authors, but Martin is the first to discuss examples from his own field of organic chemistry. Among other things, he points out that there are a number of extremely complex naturally occurring substances that defy laboratory synthesis.

Martin, a graduate of Davidson College, earned his doctorate degree in chemistry from Princeton University.

Martin served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was governor of North Carolina from 1985 until 1993.

The Catawba College Community Forum will be Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall. Admission is free.

Sacred Heart open houses

Sacred Heart Catholic School is offering several open house opportunities to kick off its 2015-16 school registration – Jan. 1 and Jan. 13, both from 9 a.m. until noon.

“It is our goal during these events to show families what SHCS can actually offer their child(ren). We open our doors, let families tour the school, answer questions and really just let them explore,” said Frank Cardelle, school principal.

School faculty and staff will be available for questions.

Sacred Heart also has a visitor shadow day planned for Jan. 24, when interested students and families can actually attend school, sit in during classroom instruction and visit with other students. Anyone interested in shadow day can make an appointment by calling the school office.

As always, families can schedule personal tours and interviews if that works better with their own personal schedules.

Sacred Heart offers classes in pre-kindergarten (3 and 4 year olds), kindergarten, and first through eighth grade, and it is fully accredited by AdvancED through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the N.C. Department of Non-Public Instruction and the Diocese of Charlotte.

Sacred Heart offers a strong academic program with 133 years of tradition and excellence in Rowan County and now in a new 21st century facility. This rich history and tradition, combined with rigorous curriculums and the latest technology, promotes a well-balanced educational experience for students, the school says.

Sacred Heart is located at 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury.  For more information, call the school office at 704-633-2841, or check out the school’s website, www.salisburycatholic.org.

Milliken art winners

The following students’ artwork was selected to be printed on carpet squares, thanks to a partnership between the Rowan-Salisbury School System and Milliken and Co.

Elementary School – Abbie Messer and Abby Nixon from Bostian, Vansaney Lor from Knollwood and Brianna Hennessy from Cleveland

Middle School – Jill Rippey, Blaise Bumgarner, Olivia Shorter and Madi Allman from Corriher-Lipe; Sara Fulton, Gracie James and Haley Sloop from Corriher-Lipe and Rhianna Kimmer, Kali Thompson and Mallory Weast from Corriher-Lipe

High School – Zoey Fowler, Ryann Wright, Krystal Rothermund and Yasmine Zefri from East Rowan; Hannah Claire from South Rowan and Carver Walser from Carson.

Warren visits Smart Start Rowan

On Dec. 30, Smart Start Rowan received a visit from one of Rowan County’s representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly, Harry Warren.

Warren met with key volunteers and staff members from the organization to discuss the importance of Smart Start Rowan’s work, as well as the impact it has on the children and families of Rowan County and the state of North Carolina.

North Hills homecoming

Brianna Caraccio and Chris Taylor were named the 2014 homecoming queen and king at North Hills Christian School.