Parent Teacher Magazine Cabarrus County Schools Jan/Feb 2017 | Page 8

Patriots STEM Student ’ s Dream Comes True
CMHS Student Selected as Carolina Panthers Community Captain
HRMS Students Selected for Honors Chorus
MPES Studies Native Americans

Patriots STEM Student ’ s Dream Comes True

Patriots STEM Elementary School student , Tristian Kelly , received a special surprise on Friday , Dec . 2nd , as his school teamed up with Dream On 3 ( DO3 ) for a signature VIP send off during a schoolwide pep rally .
Tristian was diagnosed when he was two years old with Autism . Patriots STEM is one of four elementary schools in the county offering an AU ( Autism ) Program . Doctors told Tristan ’ s mom he may never be able to have meaningful social interactions and would struggle academically . Tristan has been able to prove them wrong . While he may not communicate the same as others , he is still able to tell you what he wants and what makes him happy .

CMHS Student Selected as Carolina Panthers Community Captain

Courtney Weber , Cox Mill High School junior , has been selected as a 2016 Carolina Panthers Community Captain ! Courtney was honored during the New Orleans Saints vs . Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium on November 17 , 2016 . The Community Captain Program honors outstanding high school student-athletes who excel in their sport , in the classroom , and in their community .
Courtney is currently ranked 9th in her class , is a standout volleyball player since her freshman year , has accepted a volleyball scholarship from the University of South Carolina , and volunteers at the Cabarrus County Special Olympics and at a local orphanage and retirement home . As a member of SAAC ( Student Athletic Advisory Council ) she organized a charity volleyball tournament that raised more than $ 1,000 for childhood cancer research .
Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields said , “ The Carolina Panthers are pleased to recognize some of our region ’ s best and brightest student-athletes . It is our hope this year ’ s class of Community Captains will continue their personal growth and achievement in college and in their professional careers and continue to serve as leaders in their community .”
Classmates and school administration surrounded Tristian as he received the surprise news that he and his mom would be leaving for the weekend to attend the Atlanta Falcons football game on Sunday , December 4th . Thanks to Dream on 3 and Patriots STEM Elementary for making Tristian ’ s dream come true !
Dream On 3 was founded in 2012 . Its vision is a “ community united in making dreams come true ” for some very special local children . The organization has received overwhelming support from the healthcare community , the sports community , and Cabarrus County Schools along with many other national organizations for their attention to this population of special needs children .

HRMS Students Selected for Honors Chorus

Harris Road Middle School students , Rowan Kelly and Katelyn Romary , were a part of the North Carolina Middle School Honors Chorus . The eighth graders performed on Sunday , November 6th at the NC Music Educators Conference in Winston Salem , NC . Congratulations , Rowan and Katelyn !

MPES Studies Native Americans

Dr . Harold Winkler , former Superintendent for Cabarrus County Schools , paid a special visit to fourth grade students studying social studies at Mount Pleasant Elementary School on November 22nd .
In addition to recognition at the football game , the Carolina Panthers will provide a $ 500 grant in Courtney ’ s honor to benefit the Cox Mill High School athletic program .
Congratulations , Courtney !
Dr . Winkler spoke about his own Native American heritage and the rich history and customs of Native Americans in our country . His presentation also included several traditional Native American tools and garments , many of which he made himself .
6 Jan / Feb 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine