“I feel very privileged to call him a friend.”

— Susan Sides, remembering photojournalist Ben Martin, who was born in Salisbury and spent decades traveling the world to chronicle historic events such as the civil rights movement and the funeral of President John F. Kennedy

“It was cool and scary at the same time.”

— Christarian Patterson, a North Rowan Middle School student who went to Washington to attend the inauguration of
President Donald Trump and witnessed both the swearing-in and protests that followed

“I think sometimes it just is
what it is. I don’t think you should take blame for things you can’t control.”

— Travis Allen, a member of the
Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education, during a discussion about how the school system should react to a state report  showing an
increase in the local dropout rate

“I like to see her little brain working and how they’re learning.”

— Amanda Stoner, who was among the parents who took part in “Heart to Heart” day at Knollwood Elementary School to learn more about the classroom and how they can support the education process

“At some point, you’ve got to
put your money where your mouth is.”

— Evelyn Medina, co-owner of Medina Construction and Mean Mug Coffee and an organizer of the Salisbury gathering
for the Day Without Immigrants campaign to call attention to the contributions of the
immigrant community

“You move my soul every day. … I adore you, and I want you to be my mommy.”

— Adele, the singer who swept major honors at the Grammy Awards, addressing fellow nominee Beyonce during one of her acceptance speeches