Contributed

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton speaks with fourth grade students in Tina Pearson’s class about the importance of learning in school. Dalton also visited second and third grade students at the school.

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Thursday morning, Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and his wife Lucille, a former teacher, visited Monroe Avenue Elementary School to thank students for taking part in their education, and to let them know they are the future.

Accompanied by Dobbins Heights Mayor Antonio Blue, Sheriff James Clemmons, Rep. Garland Pierce, District 48 (North Carolina House of Reps)and Wiley Mabe, Richmond County Board of Education Chair, Dalton made the point to the children that one day they will stand in the shoes of law-makers and law enforcers.

The group of people visited three classrooms, where Dalton explained to the children that they are the most valuable asset to the government and society in general, and that they are taken into account when laws are made and taxpayer money is spent. Dalton extended them all a thank you for taking part in their own education, and said that without education they won’t be able to do much.

“His visit definitely showed the importance of community,” said 3rd grade teacher Tara Allen. “He had several community leaders with him who are role models for the children, and it gave the children the opportunity to see what they can become one day, if they put their best foot forward in their education. It proves that he cares about their education and all of the experiences that they have in school.”

“It was an honor to have the Lieutenant Governor visit a few of our classrooms at Monroe Avenue Elementary School,” RCS Superintendent George E. Norris said. “Students, faculty and staff were very excited to have him on campus. Mr. Dalton is very aware of the exciting and challenging times facing public education, and we appreciate him taking the time to stop by and see our students and educators in action.”

“We were able to showcase our beautiful campus and phenomenal technology,” said Dawn Terry, principal at Monroe Avenue Elementary School. “The visit with Lieutenant Governor Dalton and other distinguished guests also provided teachers the opportunity to introduce our students to civic literacy — another 21st century skill.”

“We thought Monroe Avenue Elementary School was a great choice,” said Norris. “We knew the students, teachers, and administrators would be very excited to have the Lieutenant Governor visit. Mayor Antonio Blue played a major role in coordinating the visit and he attended Monroe Avenue School as a student.”

The visit to the school came after a meeting at RCC’s Cole Auditorium.

Together with Montgomery County School Board member Tommy Blake, Montgomery School Superintendent Dale Ellis and Richmond County Commissioner Jimmy Maske, Kissell announced North Carolina’s participation in the Real World Design Challenge program. North Carolina’s 8th District served as a pilot site for the program, which will now be available statewide.

Students from across North Carolina will compete in a real-world experience, contributing to a real-world problem with creative ideas and innovations. Working together as a team, students will be able to share ideas and learn from each other, as well as learn how to work together to solve problems. The student with the most efficient and innovative idea, as judged by a panel, will head to a national competition where the same goal will need to be met.

The Real World Design Challenge presents teachers with the challenge of preparing students for the workforce in a changing world where teachers will need to know the expectations that await the students. Teachers must be versed in engineering, science and math in order to help prepare students for the future of the 21st century.

— Staff Writer Dawn Kurry can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ex. 43, or by e-mail at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.