June 13 - 19, 2019
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Northern Class of 2019 Northwest Class of 2019
Elise Duquaine Valedictorian
Alyssa Hamilton Salutatorian
by PATTI STOKES
by PATTI STOKES
“I hardly feel qualified to speak on behalf of our class and provide inspirational advice for the future. I’m still struggling to figure everything out for myself, and none of us had an identical high school experience I can reminisce about,” Northern Guilford senior Alyssa “Aly” Hamilton said as she began her salutatorian speech. Hamilton thanked the teachers and administrators at Northern Guilford, as well as all the students’ families for their support. Touching on some of her favorite moments in high school, Hamilton said she had enjoyed them but hoped the best years of life were not behind.
“High school has taught us so much, not only about academics but about cooperation, compassion and selflessness,” Northwest senior Lauren Howard told 531 classmates in her valedictorian speech June 7 at the Greensboro Coliseum. Howard, graduating with a 4.792 GPA, focused much of her speech on what she had gained through her volunteer experiences in high school, especially working with Alzheimer’s patients. “I had no idea what impact community service would have on my life,” Howard said. “For example, Connections, a club where I volunteered with Alzheimer’s patients, showed me it
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Lauren Howard Valedictorian
Rami Bikdash Salutatorian
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief................................ 3 Your Questions ............................ 4 Northern Guilford Class of 2019....6 Friend, co-worker donates kidney 8 Chicken bingo ............................ 9 Calendar Events ....................... 10 Crime/Incident Report ..............11 NWHS Class of 2019 ...................12 Heading to All-Stars ..................14 Grins and Gripes .......................16 Classifieds ..................................19 Index of Advertisers ................. 23
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Oak Ridge leaders seeking ideas Town staff wants to hear from for park’s future community as part of creating
annual
a master plan this year by CHRIS BURRITT
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Phase I of Oak Ridge Town Park was completed in 2008. Phase IIA, which was completed in September 2015, included a performance stage, amphitheater, connecting trails and additional restrooms. Phase IIB, completed in 2017, included a paved parking lot beside the picnic shelter off Linville Road and a kiddie playground. The town is taking steps to develop a master park plan to guide it as it explores options for future park features.
OAK RIDGE – Over the next six months, the future of Oak Ridge Town Park is going to morph from suggestions from residents to a formal master plan adopted by the town council. Almost 200 peopled stopped by the town’s booth during Ridgefest June 1 to share ideas with parks and recreation staff. About 40 stated their preference for improvements, with a splash pad and adventure play area topping the wish list. Bas-
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