The Student News Site of Community School of Davidson

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media
Ben Gallagher

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief

Ben Gallagher is a senior who has been attending CSD since eighth grade. He is looking forward to his fourth and final year as a part of the Journalism team and hopes it’s the best year yet. This year in the class, he wants to branch out from the usual stories he writes and explore styles such as opinion pieces, podcasts and photo stories.

When not at school, Ben is often found on the sports field. Baseball and recently football take up the majority of his calendar and he loves it. On the diamond he plays middle infield and outfield while in football he plays receiver and free safety.

Outside of school, Ben enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, eating food and spending time outdoors. His favorite books are The Count of Monte Cristo and The Hobbit. His mom’s lasagna is his favorite food.

Quote?

“Put on the full armor of God that you may withstand the schemes of the Devil.”

-Ephesians 6:11

 

Walk-up Song?

“Can’t tell It All (Remix)”

-Hulvey, KB, and Lecrae

All content by Ben Gallagher
The CSD high school auxiliary gym sits empty. As one of three gymnasiums across both campuses, mats could be rolled out for wrestling practices and tournaments.

Room to wrestle

It’s one of the nation’s fastest growing high school sports and it’s time CSD adds it for women and men.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2025
Building a team (or teams) would take time and CSD has shown it can make it happen. A perfect example of a sport people showed interest that is now a reality is men’s volleyball. Over the course of my four years at CSD, many athletes voiced their opinion that CSD should have a men’s volleyball team.
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Episode 18 – With the energy of MLB’s 2025 opening weekend peaking, CSD Podcasters discuss storylines for what’s to come

MLB is back for the new season and with opening weekend come storylines, predictions and hopes. Senior journalists and podcasters Ben Gallagher and Conner Shelton share their thoughts on everything from the Yankees new torpedo bats to the Braves starting out 0–4. Featuring original music from sophomore Gage Terry. Mia Kirsch and Conner Shelton podcast editors.
Conner Shelton, Ben Gallagher, and Mia Kirsch
April 24, 2025

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Episode 16 – Following the 2025 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LIX

In this uniquely styled episode, recorded in multiple sessions throughout the entire NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl then edited into one episode, senior journalists Conner Shelton and Ben Gallagher (with original music by sophomore Gage Terry) take listeners with them on an informative and witty journey throughout the NFL postseason. Starting with the Wildcard round and moving through to the Super Bowl, the hosts highlight the players, the plays, the teams (and even the refs) that culminated in an Eagles win. Podcast editors Conner Shelton and Mia Kirsch.
Conner Shelton, Ben Gallagher, and Mia Kirsch
April 24, 2025

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CSD student Conner Shelton’s Bible is open to the core verses behind the idea of Lent. Shelton reads his Bible every day in English IV for the ten minutes of reading time.

The season of Lent and why it matters to CSD high school students

A time for Christians to intentionally recenter their lives around God
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2025

Lent is the forty day period leading up to Easter Sunday, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending on the morning of Easter. Christians practice Lent by either adding or removing something in their life to,...

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The United States flag hangs proudly in a Community School of Davidson classroom window. The flag and the anthem are staples of every sporting event and is a universally recognized symbol of our freedom.

Opinion – Sporting events, memorable national anthems and their lasting impact

With Super Bowl LIX and other renditions serving as examples, singing the national anthem before a sporting event can set both the tone and the mood for the game that follows.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
March 10, 2025

“The Star-Spangled Banner” has been known to bring tears to player’s eyes and Super Bowl LIX was no exception. Kansas City defensive tackle, Chris Jones, has a history of tearing up during the honoring...

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When asked to write about a person you love and share what makes this person special, Ben Gallagher (‘25) said, “The CSD Spartan mascot framed in a heart summarizes our school spirit. I love the Spartan mascot because it represents the community of CSD and school pride. Love isn’t just person to person but can also be used to describe the things we care for deeply and I do love my school.”

Photo story – The look of love ‘25

In an annual class exercise, journalism students share ideas and get answers to Valentine’s Day questions within CSD high school
Ben Gallagher, Callie Hobbs, Kate Saussele, Liam Bradley, Jaelyn Nguyen, Avery Nardone, Dylan Sherman, Mia Kirsch, Evan Mulligan, Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, and Brandon Amaya
February 14, 2025

Paired with images from Valentine’s Day at school, journalism students chose to answer one of the following questions in the captions. Why do you think Valentine’s Day is associated with the heart? ...

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Rudolph and Hermey, two misfits, plot their escape in front of a Christmas tree with Santa watching. In many famous holiday movies, life lessons reveal themselves in characters and storylines.

Life lessons from holiday movies

Ben Gallagher and Dylan Sherman
December 17, 2024

Rudolph and Hermey, two misfits, plot their escape in front of a Christmas tree with Santa watching. In many famous holiday movies, life lessons reveal themselves in characters and storylines.

Before doors opened, student artists and staff apply, last-minute organization to the “Under the Sea” gallery. As one of four different areas, The gallery, housed, visual, ceramics, wood and other art during Arts Night ‘24. (CSD Journalism class photo).

Photo story – CSD artists light up Arts Night

From visual, wood and ceramic arts to music, dance, tech, production, photography and more, the annual Arts Night brought to life the incredible talents of Spartan students.
Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, Mia Kirsch, Ben Gallagher, Liam Bradley, Evan Mulligan, Kate Saussele, and Brandon Amaya
December 16, 2024

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, hundreds of Spartan students, families and friends entered via red carpet to a school transformed into a living, magical center of galleries, performances, interactive displays...

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Spartan Specific – Episode 14 – Following the 2024 MLB World Series

Conner Shelton, Mia Kirsch, and Ben Gallagher
November 23, 2024

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Standing at my voting station, I vote for the first time. I knew the voting process would be private but was surprised at the simple design. The booths were set up simply on white folding tables in a U shape around the perimeter of the room. Each station was screened by a cardboard trifold to give voters privacy and to keep their votes confidential.

Opinion – My first time voting matters

From doing pre-voting research and sorting through misinformation to making selections and casting my vote, I get a say in not just national matters but also local representatives and bills.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2024

Voting is one of the biggest freedoms we have as citizens of the United States and this past election I was able to vote for the first time. Previously, I had avoided most talks about politics, political...

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Beautiful skyline and music couple to raise $24.5 million for those in western North Carolina who were affected by Category 2 Hurricane Helene.

[Photo] Concert for Carolina raises needed funds for western North Carolina

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor
November 13, 2024

Lights go out and flashlights go on as Eric Chuch sings one of his most famous songs, Carolina.

Just a month into his new job, Craig Smith agreed to sit down with the Journalism, Media Productions and Photography classes for a first ever, student-driven press conference. Filling the band room, Smith shared his history and motivated students to be their best selves.

A new voice, a direction, a challenge

CSD’s new Executive Director, Craig Smith, takes questions at a student-led press conference and challenges Spartans to be their best selves
Macy Balmat, Ben Gallagher, Kate Saussele, Evan Mulligan, Callie Hobbs, and Elena Cunningham
November 10, 2024

During the summer of 2024, Craig Smith was hired as Community School of Davidson (CSD) new Executive Director, replacing founder, Joy Warner, and subsequently a team of three administrative leaders. He...

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Colette Morell (‘25) holds an empty energy drink can, shocked by the news of the ban. “I was surprised they went as far as banning the drinks but I get my caffeine from coffee so it doesn’t really affect me,” Morell said. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all that admin made the decision.”

Can ban (energy drinks banned at school)

Admin asks for students not to bring energy drinks to school
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
October 29, 2024

It’s no secret that energy drinks aren’t the healthiest drink option. They don’t claim to be. Their job is to perform just like the name suggests. Energy drinks boost people’s energy levels.  Large...

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CSD Class of ‘25 seniors, from left: Logan Cain, Aidan Lewis, Jack Parrot, Bo Watson, Owen Hamilton, Conner Shelton, Collin Klebe, Colby Thompson, Jack Suthard, Ben Gallagher, Jett Kerber ('24 CSD graduate) and Noah Watson. The group had a guys dinner before their last Homecoming dance on Saturday (and asked Taylor Worley to take a photo). They filled an extra long table at Hawthorne’s Pizza.

Photo story – Spartans show up and show out at Homecoming

CSD’s Homecoming 2024 in words and pictures
Elena Cunningham, Mia Kirsch, Ben Gallagher, Conner Shelton, and Brandon Amaya
October 27, 2024

In late October, as students settle into the rhythm of the new school year, finish fall sports seasons and wait impatiently for the holiday season (which still seems far away), Homecoming festivities at...

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Fun senior year backpacks are sweeping the hallways and brightening everybody's days. As a new trend, class of ‘25 seniors are now sporting fun “kiddie” backpacks for their final year in high school to remember that a big component of learning should be fun.

Photo story – Got your back(pack)

“Kiddie” themed backpacks are helping CSD seniors come full circle as they blend elementary school and final year memories
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2024

Backpacks are a staple of every high school supply list. Students need to be able to carry their books, their water bottles and every other miscellaneous earbud, pencil, chapstick and miscellaneous item...

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At work in the journalism classroom, Callie Hobbs, is hard at work.

[Photo] Sharing my voice

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
May 20, 2024

At work in the journalism classroom, Callie Hobbs, is hard at work.

A CSD Spartan banner hangs on fence at new Spartan Park baseball field. The field hosted one special game during the 2024 season and is now waiting for next spring to host the Spartans for all of 2025 and beyond.

Games, moments, memories, a walk-off and the hope of a new field

As CSD baseball plays for the first time on their new home field, the memory of a special moment in Spartan baseball history sets the foundation for what is yet to come.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2024

High school sports give people memories they will never forget. The memories of seasons, games and plays that are so charged with emotion become ingrained in the mind and live on with both players and...

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Episode 12 – NFL Draft Talk (before and after) with Noah, Ben and Conner

In segments recorded both before and after the NFL Draft, student journalists (and sports experts) Noah Roberson, Ben Gallagher and Conner Shelton get together and both before and after the 2024 NFL Draft to make predictions, talk about teams, review players and then look back on the happenings.
Conner Shelton, Noah Roberson, and Ben Gallagher
May 5, 2024

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Now in its second year, the Sweet Fun Run brings families and friends together for a unique event that combines running 4 laps around CSD’s Spartan Park track with eating a treat after every lap. This year, the event raised more than $2300 for charity.

Photo story – Sweet Fun Run ‘24 raises heart rates, fun and funds for charity

In 2022, four 9th grade friends had the idea of starting a family friendly fundraiser that combined eating and running while building school spirit. Two years and two successful events later, The Sweet Fun Run recently brought together more than 350 participants to complete laps (and eat a treat after finishing each lap) all to benefit a local charity.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2024

Elementary school student participants sprint at the starting line. Participants began their mile run around the track at Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Park after being encouraged...

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Socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters and The Odd Sock’s goal is to help fill that need. For the second year in a row, CSD advisories collected socks and filled bags to donate.

Sock it to ‘em – CSD’s sock drive 2.0 a success

With Logan Cain’s leadership, CSD’s “sock star” advisories again crush The Odd Sock collection drive
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2024

During the ‘22 - ‘23 school year, CSD’s fourth period Civics class spontaneously founded a sock drive.  Logan Cain (‘25), who was taught by Ms. Connie Wessner, took the helm. Promoted by guest...

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Ava Hazlett, a freshman at CSD (‘27), was interviewed about Valentines and when asked about her favorite red or pink item, she said, “I’ve had this red heart blanket since I was five, I love it.”

Photo story – The look of love

Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, Conner Shelton, Ben Gallagher, and Noah Roberson
February 20, 2024

Ava Hazlett, a freshman at CSD (‘27), was interviewed about Valentines and when asked about her favorite red or pink item, she said, “I’ve had this red heart blanket since I was five, I love it.”

Candy is often associated with Valentine’s Day but for CSD student journalists the holiday has different meanings entirely.

It’s not about the candy

Student journalists reflect on a holiday with mixed personal significance
Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Noah Roberson, Isabel Sands, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, and Conner Shelton
February 20, 2024

Valentine's Day is a polarizing day. For those in relationships, it is an excuse to have fun with your significant other and to show your appreciation for them. For those who are not in relationships,...

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Episode 9 – Super Bowl 58 – Fun Facts, Getting to the Game, Predictions and more

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, Ben Gallagher, and Cade Lacy
February 7, 2024

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A shocked Luke Wetherbee (‘26) sees the score of the Packers vs. Cowboys game.

2024 Super Wildcard Weekend lives up to the hype

Ben Gallagher and Conner Shelton
January 25, 2024

The NFl's Super Wild Card Weekend is one of the craziest few days of the season. Six hungry teams face off for spots in the Divisional Round and every player puts it all on the line.  The Baltimore Ravens...

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CSD’s cheer team is one of the most dedicated collections of athletes who wear the Spartan uniform. Their results don’t show up as wins or losses, rather they work to keep improving as the young team builds on their success.

Dedication drives CSD Cheer

It’s the only CSD sport that covers multiple seasons and cheer athletes train together nearly every month of the year.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024

High school cheerleading is often dismissed as a sport that takes little skill and dedication. After all, cheerleaders are on the sidelines not out on the field, right? And fans don’t typically come...

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With more than 20 years at CSD, and a strong understanding of the Basic School philosophy, Amy Tomalis leads an upper school where relationships and education go hand-in-hand.

Upper School’s “Relationship Keeper”

With more than 20 years at CSD, and a strong understanding of the Basic School philosophy, Amy Tomalis leads an Upper School where relationships and education go hand-in-hand.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2023
“Education to me is looking at each individual student, seeing their passions, interests, and what drives them, and being able to feed that,” Tomalis said. “Looking at the whole child and knowing that no student is just one thing. Not just an academic student or athlete or a social being. We are all things so we need to feed kids in all of those areas. It’s important to learn reading, math, science, and all the things that make up the school day but there’s more than just that,” said Tomalis. “I don’t want education to create cookie-cutter students, people.”
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They always popular “Spartan Specific”Halloween episode kicks off our second year. Listen and learn all things about the spookiest, scariest holiday on the calendar.

“Spartan Specific” Podcast – THE Halloween episode is LIVE!

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, Ben Gallagher, Evan Mulligan, Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Cade Lacy, and Noah Roberson
October 26, 2023

The second year of the “Spartan Specific” podcast kicks off with our always popular Halloween episode. Learn about costumes (who is wearing what), candy, movies,, the best places to trick-or-treat...

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The CSD Dance crew poses at the Charlotte-Douglas international Airport before flying to New York City during the summer of ‘23.

CSD Dance goes to NYC!

Spartans tour, dance, take a bite out of the Big Apple then return home in a surprising and unexpected way.
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
October 13, 2023

Over the summer, in the heat of June, CSD’s dance classes journeyed to New York City for a five-day trip. While in the Big Apple, the dance team visited the Museum of Broadway, danced in master classes,...

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Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance of the year.

Spirit Week and CSD Homecoming 2023 – A week that was Spartantastic

Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Evan Mulligan, Callie Hobbs, Isabel Sands, Conner Shelton, Noah Roberson, and Cade Lacy
October 3, 2023

Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable times at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance...

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Spartan Park’s tennis courts sustained the most damage after a tornado tore through the area.

Spartan Park survives a tornado…..really!

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2023

Early season athletic practices and back-to-school activities are notoriously unpredictable but what recently happened at CSD’S Spartan Park truly had people blown away. On August seventh, as women’s...

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Senior women’s soccer player, Cameron Koster, was the first Class of ‘23 Spartan athlete to sign a national letter of intent.

Cameron and company – CSD’s Class of ‘23 Spartan athletes set a huge recruiting mark

Conner Shelton and Ben Gallagher
May 22, 2023

When senior soccer player, Cameron Koster, signed her national letter of intent to play women’s soccer at Troy University back in the fall, no one knew that this would be the start of something great...

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What will you miss over the summer? Many CSD Spartans will miss their friends and those times together at school.

After the last bell rings – Summer break and the big question “What will you miss about school?”

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2023

With summer just around the corner, many students are looking forward to the last bell of the year. The homework, early mornings, and late nights studying for finals will be over and students can relax. Vacations...

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The back entrance to CSD high school is quiet now but this walkway otherwise buzzes with upperclassmen coming from the student lot.

Spartan 24 – A day at CSD high school (Photo Essay)

Ben Gallagher, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2023

A day at Community School of Davidson (CSD) high school in Davidson, North Carolina, is filled with many diverse activities and experiences. Four grades and more than 520 students, Spartans all come together...

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After nearly two decades teaching CSD middle and high school science, beloved teacher, Barbara Christian is set to retire at the end of the 2023 school year.

Beloved teacher, Barbara Christian, finishes her last year at CSD

Ben Gallagher, Editor-In-Chief
April 24, 2023

Her name is Barbara Christian but to those who know and love her she has always been Ms. Barb. A fixture at the Community School of Davidson since it was originally called the Children’s Community...

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You know it is spring sports season when backpacks overflow with bats, cleats, lacrosse sticks and helmets.

CSD sports roll into spring looking Spartan strong

Conner Shelton and Ben Gallagher
March 28, 2023

Spring sports gear outside Griffin Gym means only one thing, it’s time for Spartan athletes to head outside once again.

Some run it back, but CSD Swimming and Diving swims it back. Back to back State Champions.

Spartans shine in the pool and on the track at States

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2023

In the NCHSAA State Championships for Indoor Track and Swimming and Diving, CSD’s athletes showed up big time.  CSD’s Men’s Swimming and Diving team won their second consecutive State Championship....

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The fourth-period Civics Class that made this sock drive possible

CSD advisory group knocks the “socks” off a charity drive

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2023

Anyone can make an impact in our community and the students at the Community School of Davidson are a prime example.  During the early days of December, the sophomores at CSD (‘25 graduates) spent...

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Left to right respectively: Evan Mulligan ('26), Conner Shelton ('25) and Emma Burch ('25) read the news in the Spartan Sentinel’s one and only print newspaper.

What happened to the once popular newspaper?

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2023

Not too long ago, kids had paper routes, newspaper stands stood on the corner of every street and savvy business travelers had a gazette tucked up under their arms. But those days have passed and printed...

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Framing is one of the techniques used in photo journalism where the focal point of the image is set off or surrounded by a real or perceived boundary.

Photo story – CSD student journalists get behind the lens

Ansel Adams said, “You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” So, as a way to learn different types of journalistic photography techniques (like Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, Different Perspective and Fill the Frame), CSD journalism students went on a photography scavenger hunt. Here’s a glimpse of what we captured…
Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2022
“You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” ― Ansel Adams
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Rituals and sports go hand-in-hand. Players and teams rely on them as they compete.

The ritualistic side of sports

Ben Gallagher, Editor in Chief
November 4, 2022

Rituals and superstitions can seem like weird quirks of athletes but they serve a purpose. They give athletes a sense of confidence and come in a range from mundane to gross to bizarre. At the highest...

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Halloween? Anything goes for CSD students in the days around Halloween.

[Photo] Halloween is here!!!

Marc Smith and Paul Smith
October 19, 2022

Halloween? Anything goes for CSD students in the days around Halloween.

Señora Soares leads a small group learning session in CSD’s new Academic Support Center (ASC).

Academic Support Center: A new place for Spartan learning

Ben Gallagher and Holt Grier
September 14, 2022

CSD has a new epicenter for academic help, support and quiet learning. The Academic Support Center (ASC) is located on Learning Street where the Media Center used to be. It has been transformed into...

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Photo curtsy of Davidson Town Board of Commissioners

The Many Hats of Autumn Michael

Ben Gallagher, Staff Writer
March 16, 2022

Autumn Michael is the yearlong substitute teacher who is currently filling in for Freesia Stein while she is on maternity leave. When CSD was in need of a World History teacher for ninth graders over the...

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Upcoming SGA elections

Upcoming SGA elections

Ben Gallagher, Staff Writer
December 15, 2021

Student Government Association (SGA) is an organization that meets every Friday during fourth block. It is composed of students who are elected by their peers and their job is to guide their fellow students...

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CPCC

Different Paths, Same Goal

Ben Gallagher, Charlie Bloom, and Jacob Navarro
November 17, 2021

Students have gradually edged away from the traditional path of a four year high school education exclusive to the brick and mortar of their home school and toward dual enrollment classes at community...

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Men's Golf 2018 and 2019 Championship Banners hang in CSD's High School Gym

Spartans Charge into 2A

Ben Gallagher, Staff Writer
September 17, 2021

Moving up from 1A to 2A is a big deal and this year CSD made the move. For nine years  CSD has been in the NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) 1A division, which is the smallest twenty-five...

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