From left, Bobby Cashion with John Bradford, David Peete with Robert Reed, and Matthew Hayes with Duke Energy's Tim Gause. (Deborah Young Studio photos)

Lake Norman Chamber has given North Meck High School principal Matthew Hayes its annual Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award, for his work at the school and in the community amid rapid change. The award was one of several handed out at the chamber’s annual meeting last Thursday, Jan. 19, at Havana Banquet and Ballroom in Cornelius. John Bradford, owner of Park Avenue Properties, was named Business Person of the Year. And Huntersville town planner David F. Peete was picked as the chamber’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Read the full story

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute Outreach Office at Davidson College will offer an afternoon of science and math activities for local students March 24. It brings its Math, Originality, Science, Achievement, Imagination and Creativity (MOSAIC) program to J.V. Washam Elementary School, and students in third through fifth grades and their families are encouraged to reserve tickets now for the free event, as space is limited. Also in this column, Davidson Elementary students learn hands-on about the Ada Jenkins food pantry, W.A. Hough High plans a make-up half day Jan. 23 and Pine Lake Prep seeks board members. And, parents interested in a CMS magnet program can attend a Magnet Fair in Charlotte Saturday, North Mecklenburg High School deals with a bat infestation and Cannon School offers an open house next month. Read the full story

Students in the Davidson Elementary School Community Service Club made eco-friendly ornaments to decorate a Christmas tree on display for Christmas in Davidson last week. Also in this column, North Mecklenburg High School hosts a community blood drive, Bailey Middle School seeks donations for a sewing club project, and W.A. Hough High is recognized for energy efficiency. Read the full story

Bailey Middle School this week has set up a new sort of “Giving Tree” in support of the Habitat for Humanity Middle School Build Project. Through January, community members are invited to visit the tree and select an ornament, on which is listed an item needed and a suggested donation amount. Also in this column, Woodlawn students Peyton Kelly, Ella Kiley and Libby Dy place first, second and third in the Cornelius/Lake Norman Lions Club peace poster contest, and W.A. Hough High still needs about 10 volunteers to judge senior projects next week. Also, North Mecklenburg High hosts a blood Drive, Davidson Day School celebrates global holiday traditions while St. Mark Catholic plans Christmas concerts and celebrations this month. And, a reminder that Friday is the deadline for families to enter CMS’ first Magnet Lottery. Read below for details. Read the full story

We are almost halfway through October.  One has to be continually checking the calendar to see what day of the week it is.  Lo and Behold! A quick check of the desk calendar tells us that next Monday, Oct. 17, is National Boss Day.  Good grief!  Better be nice to David Boraks all day!

Before plunging ahead into a weekend filled with outdoor activities, Around Davidson is taking a minute to visit with Rosemary and Ben Klein, mention a few good books and remind all about the North Mecklenburg High School pansy sale this Saturday.
Read the full story

On Tuesday North Mecklenburg High School hosts its first Parent University workshop of the year, and will discuss ways to help parents and students navigate the transition to high school. Also in this column, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released its timeline for its superintendent search, expected to be completed this spring. Read the full story

The W.A. Hough Band Boosters have raised $2,495 for breast cancer research, and this weekend 34 members will participate in the 2011 Race for the Cure in Charlotte. Also in this column, North Mecklenburg High School hosts a flower sale and blood drive Oct. 15, Davidson Elementary School’s ‘Tigers on the Prowl’ running program kicks off Thursday, and Woodlawn students are recognized for seats on the school’s honor council. Read the full story

Huntersville Police continue to look for two people who fled the scene of a car crash last Thursday morning after a chase. Police pursued the car after North Mecklenburg High School staff member reported a suspicious vehicle in the student parking lot Thursday morning, and found a loaded handgun and drugs in the vehicle. Read the full story