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Council recognizes students, local organizations and observances; proclamations accepted unanimously
Summary
At its April 15 meeting, the Gastonia City Council held an annual student recognition ceremony and unanimously accepted proclamations honoring the Eta Mu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Gaston Residential Services’ 50th anniversary, Peace Officers Memorial Week, and Community Development Block Grant Week.
The Gastonia City Council opened its April 15 meeting with an annual student recognition program and issued proclamations honoring local organizations and national observances; council accepted the proclamations by unanimous vote.
Councilwoman Stepp introduced student honorees from Ashbrook High School, Greer Middle School, Highland School of Technology and other Gaston County schools. Ashbrook senior Haley Fender received a citation highlighting volunteer work at the public library, leadership roles in student organizations and that she is graduating with an associate degree; teacher Ashley Reimer introduced Fender and said, “I’ve known Haley since she was a bright and curious third grader.” Other student honorees included Kelvin Aguilar Gonzales (Greer Middle School), Nicholas DeAvria (Highland School of Technology), Allison Fuentes Garcia (Yorkchester Middle School) and several mayor’s youth leadership council members, who described volunteer projects and post‑graduation plans.
The council also presented multiple proclamations. Mayor Richard Franks read a proclamation recognizing the 65th/60th milestone of the Eta Mu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, noting founders and the chapter’s voter registration, community events and scholarship work. Bobby Evans, chapter president, thanked the council for the recognition and asked that the proclamation be entered into the public record; council approved that request by voice vote.
Council recognized Gaston Residential Services on its 50th anniversary; the proclamation notes the organization was incorporated May 16, 1975 and serves 83 persons with developmental disabilities in the region. Darlene Norton and Tom Davis accepted the proclamation and council voted to accept it into the public record.
The council unanimously proclaimed May 11–17, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Week and May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, commending local law enforcement for their service and honoring those killed in the line of duty. The council also proclaimed April 21–25, 2025 as Community Development Block Grant Week and discussed the importance of CDBG funding for local housing, social service and neighborhood programs; Danette Dye, Director of Housing and Community Engagement, thanked council for support.
All proclamation motions were moved and seconded during the meeting and passed by unanimous voice votes. The council also approved the consent agenda and minutes for recent meetings by unanimous votes.
