Education

Bronzing the shoes that once graced Luke Hoover's feet as he ran cross country and leaving them in a trophy case wouldn't do.

Painting a tree that would spread roots as fast as Michelle DiBernardini made friends wouldn't do.

Erecting statues or dedicating plaques atop columns couldn't do justice the memory of two fallen Nation Ford High School students who died six days apart last month in two separate vehicle accidents.

Two high schools, two marching bands and two State Championships.

Bands from Fort Mill and Nation Ford high schools both took home first place honors in the State Championship competition last weekend. In Class AAA at Woodmont High School, Nation Ford brought home its first State win in the school's three-year history.

Early Monday morning, Emmanuel Watts searched a patch until he found his pumpkin “son,” Jadine.

“It's beautiful,” Emmanuel, 6, said as he looked at his pumpkin with pride. “He has a long stem.”

Caleb Page, 7, also found a perfect pumpkin. He named his son “Cabo.”

“Now, I have a real baby,” Caleb, said.

But Jadine and Cabo aren't for honoring Halloween festivities.

Courtney P. Batchelor, a resident of Fort Mill and a 2009 graduate of Nation Ford High School, has been selected as a member of the High Point University Panthers Dance Team.

joverman@fortmilltimes.com