The Weekly ★★★
Remembers & Honors THOSE WHO SERVED
Friday, May 27, 2022 • Vol. 15 • No. 21
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Nonprofit provides tax relief
INDIAN TRAIL – When Wendy arrived for her tax appointment at Common Heart she was distraught and almost in tears. The 78-year-old grandmother did her own taxes last year incorrectly and she didn’t know how to fix the problem let alone how to file for 2021. Common Heart VITA free income tax volunteers came to her rescue. It took three Common Heart volunteer IRS-certified tax pre-
parers almost two hours, but the problems were fixed and her taxes filed. Wendy was overjoyed. “It was with kindness, gentle humor and great expertise that the three volunteers all helped. Their skills eased my anxiety and sorted out my problem,” she said. “I am filled with gratitude for their kindness. They turned my ‘almost tears’ when I first sat down to being relaxed and smiling when I left.” Volunteers filed 515 in-
come tax returns this year, resulting in total refunds of $659,903 and an average return of $1,987. The average yearly adjusted gross income for these neighbors was $29,711. According to the IRS, the average cost to have a tax return prepared is $240, which means tax volunteers saved their neighbors a total of $123,600. This was the 11th year Common Heart offered free tax services, which are completed by trained and certi-
fied volunteers as part of the national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. This year’s service was a continued partnership with fellow nonprofit Community Link. Site Supervisor Bruce Gorrell said he’s “extremely proud” of his volunteer team for all their hard work this year. They helped people from all walks of life including college students, retirees, teachers and government employees.
Site Supervisor Bruce Gorrell is one of many volunteers that helped Common Heart file 515 tax returns. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
Waxhaw native supports TOPGUN by Megan Brown Contributor
District leaders recognized finalists May 24 for Teacher of the Year. Cheryl Konopka received a one-year lease on a new car from Union County KIA, a Publix gift card, a $500 Target gift card and $1,000 from the education foundation. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Creating a classroom culture
Rocky River Elementary School staffer earns 2022 Teacher of the Year honors MONROE – Union County Public Schools has recognized Cheryl Konopka as its 2022 Teacher of the Year. Konopka teaches fifth grade at Rocky River Elementary. In her classroom, Konopka creates a family atmosphere. “Teaching is hard, but what other profession allows you to create a little family for 180 days?” Konopka said. “What other profession allows you to help a child be all that they can be even when they don’t see it? What other profession allows you to see a child you have taught come back years later and tell you something you did or said made an impact? Teaching is a calling and I feel blessed to call
myself an educator.” Konopka reinforces this by attending games, plays and dance recitals. She strives to create a classroom culture in which students come to school every day, not just for academics, but to feel valued. “Ms. Konopka is a phenomenal choice for our Teacher of the Year,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. “She goes above and beyond every single day for
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her students and brings excitement to learning.” She also presents real-world tasks that require problem-solving and provides thought-provoking lessons and high-quality debates. Creating connections and a collaborative classroom setting is critical to her students’ learning. Morning meetings are an example of class community for the Konopka Crew, as she refers to
them. It is the most significant time of day, according to Konopka. “It begins with the Konopka Crew chant and reciting our class mission statement, both student-written," she said. "Students become stakeholders in their learning when they create and embrace a mission statement."
Leadership comes in many forms. I am proud to be part of a Leader in Me school and a staff leader for our Lighthouse Team. Morning meetings also include video and discussions targeting Stephen Covey's book, 'The 8th Habit." • Cheryl Konopka
Cuthbertson Middle teacher off to a strong start MONROE – Union County Public Schools recognized Virginia Griffith, of Cuthbertson Middle School, as Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes teachers in their first three years of employment who demonstrate excellence in the classroom. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Griffith has
been an educator since 2021. Griffith previously worked as a student-teacher at Watauga High School in Boone, where she taught standard civics and economics classes. She currently teaches seventh-grade social studies. “I am passionate about teaching and to be recognized for it shows that my efforts are pay-
ing off,” Griffith said. “I’m at a loss for words right now. I didn’t know anyone when I first moved here. It’s all been a whirlwind. To end the year on this note is phenomenal.” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan described her as “energetic, very bright and a go-getter.” She received $500 and a Publix gift card.
Virginia Griffith is in her element. Photo courtesy of UCPS
FALLON, Nev. – A Waxhaw native is supporting TOPGUN aviators at the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center. Airman Jackson Mingledorff is a 2021 Union Academy graduate. “Waxhaw taught me there are always challenges ahead but if you look on the bright side, they will usually end up well and you can make it out of them,” Mingledorff said. These lessons have helped Mingledorff while serving in the Navy. Mingledorff serves as Mingledorff an air traffic controller on board Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. “I joined the Navy because it was a new opportunity for me,” Mingledorff said. “I was also interested in the educational benefits, the opportunity to travel and I was excited to have a job I could do for years in the future.” TOPGUN was introduced 52 years ago with the mission of reducing casualties of naval aviators sustained during the Vietnam War. Within a year, this goal was reached with the United States having one casualty for every 12 enemy deaths. Since then, TOPGUN continues to train the finest naval aviators and inspired a blockbuster movie released in May 1986, with a sequel planned for release in May 2022. Today’s naval aviators possess the professionalism, tactical skills, innovative mindset and understanding of advanced technologies to succeed against adversaries. They are disciplined, critical thinkers who excel in challenging environments – like those seen in the movie, according to U.S. Navy officials. “I am extremely excited about the impact this movie will have,” said Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces. “Much like the trend that followed the original film, I am confident that ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ will have a tremendous impact on our Navy recruiting efforts which will greatly increase the numbers of brave and talented Sailors among our ranks.” According to Navy officials, TOPGUN is a prestigious program only see TOPGUN, Page 5A