Mecklenburg Sun

At graduation ceremonies Saturday at Bluestone and Park View High Schools, the exultation of finishing one’s high school career was mixed with a sense of loss for those who have passed before their time. Top, at Bluestone, Wilma Smith, mother of the late Evan Ashad “Meek” Smith, came to the stage to receive his diploma. Smith was murdered earlier this year in Chase City, cutting short the life of a young man who was an avid hunter, angler and outdoors enthusiast. PVHS Principal Wesley Swain presents a diploma in memory of Briana Hope Bugg, who died in a North Carolina highway crash in which the driver of the other vehicle has been charged with DUI and second degree murder. Receiving Briana’s diploma were members of her family, sister Meghann Whitney Bugg, mother Tracy Bugg and her father, Glenn Bugg. Park View students wore purple ribbons in remembrance of the popular student-athlete. Bluestone’s valedictorian, Michael Paul Smith Jr., gives his graduation address. At Park View, Reid Piercy delivered the valedictorian’s speech. (Steve Hinzman photos)

BIT broke ground on a project to extend fiber optic internet to some 120 Bracey-area homes this week. Shown above, cooperative members, staff, area officials and Del. Tommy Wright take part in the groundbreaking ceremony. In attendance, first row, Deborah Gosney, Southside Planning District Commission, Michele Taylor, BIT general manager, Tamarah Holmes, Department of Housing and Community Development, Michelle Jones, Department of Housing and Community Development and Randolph Hite, vice president for the BIT board of directors. Second row, Paul Nichols, Mecklenburg County School superintendent, Jerry Jones, BIT board of directors, Larry Hartman, Mid-State Consultants, Cheryl Field, treasurer for the BIT board of directors, Bill Wright, BIT board of directors, Wayne Carter, Mecklenburg County administrator, Jason Hite, BIT board of directors, Wright, Glenn Barbour, chairman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors, Dan Tanner, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors, Linsey Carroll, secretary for the BIT board of directors, Beth Farrar-Clary, BIT board of directors and Edsel Smith,Jr., BIT board of directors.