School news | Charlotte Observer

If you would like to have an announcements included in school news, send your news release and photos to stories@newsofcabarrus.com.

Cannon School

Merit scholarship: Seniors Madeline Hurley of Huntersville and Nora Munger of Davidson are finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program.

Scholarship: Tyler Haritan of Cornelius received a full scholarship to study ballet this summer in New York City at the School of American Ballet.

Math counts: The Middle School MathCounts team placed fourth in the South Piedmont Chapter competition at UNC Charlotte. Noah Edmondson of Davidson and Uday Uppal of Huntersville advance to the state competition. Uday finished second in the individual competition after a tie-breaker and also advanced to the state competition as an individual.

Robotics team: The Brainy Yaks robotics team, including Dalton Phillips of Cornelius and Zach Ranson of Huntersville, placed first out of 150 teams in the Innovated Research category at the First Elgo state championship.

Classroom technology: The school raised $50,000 during a parent-led fundraising drive to enhance classroom technology. The money will go toward purchasing iPads, smart boards and tables and a virtual language lab. Middle school students currently use iPads inside and outside the classroom.

Bright Ideas

Grant initiative: Educators interested in applying to EnergyUnited's Bright Ideas education grant program can apply online beginning April 1. Grants from $2,000 are available, and nearly $39,000 has been awarded to area educators. For more information or to apply, visit www.ncbrightideas.com.

Central Cabarrus High

Yard Sale: Vendors can purchase one parking space for $7 or two for $10. Spring plants will also be available through the Future Farmers of America. April 17.

FFA Conference: Five FFA students attended the FFA Mega Conference where students attended leadership workshops. Students Allie Ramirez, Madison Mullis, Elizabeth Porter, Allison Kee and Tyler Morrison attended.

Chorus rating: The Central Cabarrus Chorus was awarded a superior rating at the state music performance assessment.

Hickory Ridge High

Yard sign: Buy a yard sign to honor your senior for spring graduation. Signs are $10 and will be for sale at school events and anytime in the front office. Proceeds benefit Hickory Ridge bands.

Grad Nite meeting: Seniors participating in the Walt Disney World trip must attend the mandatory meeting 6 p.m. April 5 in the school cafeteria.

Mother-Daughter/Son Dinner: The Health Occupation Students of America are sponsoring a Pretty in Pink dinner 6:30-8 p.m. April 7 with a silent auction and dessert bakeoff. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by HOSA members.

Spelling Bee: Hickory Ridge High Theater Department presents an edited version of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Performances take place in the school's auditorium 7 p.m. April 15-16. $5 advance; $7 at the door. For tickets, contact the theater department or media center at 704-454-6570 or 704-454-6561. The play is a coming-of-age story about social maturity and acceptance. Audience volunteers will be recruited to participate as spellers.

Mobile mammogram: April 5, open to staff, families, students and community. Schedule an appointment: 704-403-1729.

Cox Mill High

Symphonic band: The Spirit of Cox Mill Symphonic Band competed in the State Level Music Performance Assessment. The band earned a Superior rating.

Northwest Cabarrus High School

Dinner fundraiser: The Northwest Cabarrus Trojan Club will host a Port-a-Pit chicken dinner fundraiser April 14 at Mid-State Marine. Tickets may be purchased in the school office for $8, or call 980-521-2181. Drive-through pickup: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Delivery: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Each plate is half a chicken, baked beans, slaw and a roll.

Mount Pleasant Middle

Walk for Diabetes: Walk with the Mount Pleasant Middle team for the Rowan-Iredell-Cabarrus Walk to Cure Diabetes on April 9 at Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis. More than 1,200 walkers will support the event to raise more than $300,000 for diabetes cure and its complications. Details: 704-436-9302.