Gaston County judge retires after long career
Underneath the solemn black robe of a Superior Court judge, Jesse Caldwell was well known for favoring flashy attire over the traditional suit of courtroom arbitrator. Sammy Davis had this song, I Gotta Be Me, said Caldwell, while wearing a multi-colored pinstriped yellow seersucker suit and bowtie, with an extra splash of color from a reddish handkerchief in his pocket. Well, I gotta be me. I have a flamboyant personality and I like to show it off through my clothes. And I m telling you, you have to look long and hard to find clothes like this.
Senior Spotlight: Ashlyn Beattie, Cherryville High
Ashlyn Beattie will graduate from Cherryville High School Friday, May 28.
Though she will miss her days getting lost in Cherryville High’s circle-shaped hallways, Beattie looks forward to one day living life in the air as a flight nurse.
Who has been your greatest influence and why?
BEATTIE: In a way, everyone around me. Between my hard-working parents and my loving friends, I have the best support group imaginable. However, my teacher, Donald McMillan has influenced me the most. He has not only been an outstanding educator, but a wonderful friend as well. He is the one that got me into EMS, and I´d like to thank him tremendously for that.
First FUSE stadium graduation including 2020 graduates
NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 1,825 graduates. 323 graduates with honors. 340 graduates with high honors.
THE WEATHER: Warm and sunny 70 degrees
COLLEGE PRESIDENT TO GRADUATES: There are no limits to your story of your success, said John Hauser, Gaston College president. Take the momentum forward. Continue leading with the Gaston College spirit. You have the momentum and you re ready to continue to do big things. I m excited for you.
Hauser led the ceremony in a moment of silence for all the individuals who died this year due to COVID-19, including members of the Gaston College family.
Reach Janiya Winchester at 704-869-1842 or jwinchester@gannett.com
Senior Spotlight: Maria Osario Rada, Ashbrook High
Who has been your greatest influence and why?
RADA: My biggest influence has been my mom because she has taught me to never give up, empower women and be strong just like her.
What clubs, arts, or sports were you involved with in high school?
RADA: I have been part of the Voces Latinas club, which helped a lot of Hispanic families at teacher conferences. I was part of the swim team my junior year.
Name something unique that you accomplished or in which you participated during high school.
RADA: My senior year in October, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer in my lymph nodes) and I was able to continue my education after beating and recovering from cancer.