Congressman Mark Meadows of NC District 11 praised local educators and said Avery and surrounding counties are “ready for business” during a visit to Avery High School, Cranberry Middle and Freedom Trail Elementary on Wednesday, March 19.
The tour started with a breakfast at Avery High sponsored by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Josh Dobson, Sheriff Kevin Frye, Avery County commissioners and other community and nonprofit leaders were in attendance. ACHS teacher Amanda Bean’s culinary arts class prepared breakfast for more than 70 attendees.
Following the meal, superintendent David Burleson introduced Meadows and presented him with an Avery Vikings baseball cap. Avery Chamber of Commerce director Susan Freeman also presented the congressman with a handcrafted pen.
Superintendent Burleson said that the culinary arts program is just one example of practical education that ACHS offers.
“Instead of just getting a lot of knowledge, putting that knowledge to work. We have a very strong career and technical education program,” Burleson said.
Meadows shared his thoughts on education, industry and the economy in Avery.
“When you start to look around at how blessed we are in terms of school systems and leadership, whether it be at the superintendent level or the school board level, we really have something to celebrate. Truly, the education we provide, not only to students at this high school, but extended to Mayland and other places, really sets us apart,” Meadows said.
Meadows thanked Avery ROTC for ushering guests to the breakfast and praised the organization for teaching service to others at a young age.
Meadows said that the High Country is “ready for business” and there is growing interest in Avery and surrounding counties.
“Because we’re a community that cares about others, they want to be a part of that in a corporate environment,” Meadows said.