What a wonderful occasion two days ago at Bojangles’ Arena to see so many Davidson young people in the group of North Mecklenburg High School graduates.  Today we have a few notes about co-Valedictorians Daniel Kuzmanovich and Katie Driest, both of whom live in Davidson.

There is also a fond farewell to Andy Simkus and welcome home to Annie Hooper.  Don’t forget to read a Noteworthy Note for garden lovers. Read the full story

Pine Lake Preparatory in Mount Mourne has graduated its first high school class. Karen has details below, as well as news about Davidson Elementary School’s fourth grade Math Olympiad team, which was honored recently as one of the top teams in the country. Also, Lake Norman Charter School has hired a high school principal and a new director of athletics. Also below, a report and photos from Davidson IB Middle School’s recent International Festival, and more news from Pine Lake Prep.

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By KAREN CIMINO WILSON
DavidsonNews.net

CHARLOTTE – When North Mecklenburg High’s School’s Class of 2010 graduated Tuesday, a pair of Davidson residents – Kathryn Driest and Daniel Kuzmanovich – shared the stage as co-valedictorians. In speeches to classmates assembled at Bojangles Coliseum, they talked about new beginnings and potential.

Ms. Driest and Mr. Kuzmanovich earned valedictorian honors by having the highest grade point averages in their class. Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ rules state that there can be two valedictorians if both have the exact same grade point average.

BELOW: List of grads and a slide show from Tuesday’s ceremony.

Related coverage: See Brenda Barger’s Around Davidson column for short profiles of the two class officers, CLICK HERE>

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Summer may not officially arrive until Monday but with our current heat and humidity, it’s already here.  Great weather for gardens and first tomatoes – even if they are only cherries!

Today North Mecklenburg High School graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas in a noontime ceremony at Bojangles Arena.  Congratulations to all.  Around Davidson caught up with the following grads from North Meck, Mooresville and Portsmouth Abbey:  twins, Will and John Krentz, Danner McCulloh, Greg Sutton, Katherine Rusk and Eloise Andry. Read the full story

By KAREN CIMINO WILSON
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson IB Middle School officials and parents are seeking help determining where to locate consolidated bus stops that are part of the fallout from big budget cuts at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for fiscal year 2011.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will reduce bus routes to some middle and high school magnet programs, which could save CMS more than $3.5 million, according to school officials. Read the full story

Linda Kay Edwards Pittman, 66, of Cornelius, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the Levine-Dickson Hospice House after a 5-year battle with multiple myeloma. The funeral will be Monday. Details below.
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Griffin Lynch of Davidson was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. He was able to go back to school in March 2010, and on June 5, he achieved his goal of graduating. Here marches in the graduation ceremony at N.C. School of Science and Math. Read more: http://davidsonnews.net/2010/06/11/graduation-day-for-griffin-lynch/

Last fall, high school student Griffin Lynch of Davidson learned he had a brain tumor. For a time, school was out of the question. But after months of treatment and recovery, he returned to North Carolina School of Science and Math in March – with a goal of graduating.

“He did it,” mom Eileen O’Flaherty said this week. On Saturday, June 5, Griffin joined his N.C. School of Science and Math classmates in Durham for commencement exercises.  Read the full story