By Miles Layton

Random thoughts…

Whether going to college, high school or elementary/middle school, the first day of classes is around the corner for students near and far in Northeast NC.  

Make this year count. Study hard, do your best, listen to your teachers.

Living in rural Northeast North Carolina reminds me of a story from West Virginia. Since I spent many years living in Mountaineers’ country, the movie October Sky hits close to home.

Inspired by the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam Jr., October Sky tells the story of four high school students building a rocket to win the National Science Fair.

For those who haven’t seen the movie or read the book, Coalwood is, well, off the beaten path — a coal patch community, formerly a town of about 2,000 people at its peak, that’s located in Southern West Virginia in the heart of the nation’s coal bin, McDowell County. I’ve been to Coalwood a few times, visited and traveled the roads between Anawalt and Welch often enough to be inspired by the grit, determination and community spirit of the people who embrace and love their home in McDowell County.

Here are a few photos from my time in McDowell County.

Rather than letting poverty, remote geography, and a mindset that traps people into thinking they can’t change their stars, the boys featured in the story overcame big challenges to achieve success — this is a real-life story of pursuing the American Dream.

The lessons those boys learned transformed their lives and inspired kids throughout the state — maybe across the nation — because they learned that if you work hard, you can do anything you set your mind to.

I’ve seen the same thing happen in Northeast NC: a young man who grew up in Creswell was sworn in recently as a judge; a “dreamer” — an immigrant not born in our country — studied hard at Perquimans High School and was accepted to an elite university; a young woman from Plymouth who lost her young son to a rare genetic condition is working hard to become a nurse. I think she’ll be a good one.

People who come from places off the beaten path — Edenton, Creswell, Welch, Gary, War, Iaeger, Swan Quarter, Alligator, Columbia, Plymouth, McArthur, Wheeling, Fairmont or Coalwood — are endowed with superpowers to get things done and know the value of hard work, the blessings of faith and family, and the importance of community spirit.

As a new school year is about to begin, I’ll say it again: study hard, do your best and listen to your teachers.

In other news, Myrtle Bowser Brown sent me a kind note after a story I wrote in the Roanoke Beacon about a tragic wreck 29 years ago that killed 10 students from Plymouth High School. Myrtle wants to make sure the community they left behind doesn’t forget their names.

Myrtle is right. Myrtle, thanks for the kind note.

In other news, I saw a photo posted to social media of Plymouth Mayor Crystal Davis and council members Donsenia Teel and John Shelton, along with a couple of others, standing in front of a few bikes on Saturday, Aug. 1, during the All in the Family Day event organized by Shadid Temple No. 233 and Shadid Court No. 212.

The day included a 3K walk raising awareness around diabetes, breast cancer and mental health, while the Ride for Life, run by the Carolina Cruisers Bicycle Unit, welcomed cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

I remembered the photo because it showed another side of Plymouth Town Council — a welcome side — one where elected leaders are smiling and getting along. They may have different perspectives on the issues debated in council chambers, but they care about the community they serve.

The ability of our leaders to work together — that matters, whether it’s in Plymouth or in D.C.

Last note: Melvin Tatem sent me this note: Grief reunion celebration set for Aug. 15 in Edenton. Soul Chain Ministries COGIC will host a grief reunion celebration Aug. 15 for those who have experienced loss.

The event, themed “Journey With You Through Grief and Loss,” is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, located at 214 Shannonhouse Road in Edenton.

Editor Miles Layton may be reached at mileslayton1969@gmail.com

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