Kenneth Hardin, Salisbury
♦ Nearly 50 people came out Tuesday afternoon and filled every available seat during the Rowan-Salisbury School Board’s Meeting. They were there to support Stephen Gilmore receiving the first Student Courage Award. The aged building itself seemed pleased with the number of attendees because as people walked back and forth, the floor boards sang joyously cricking and rocking. Those, who weren’t able to sit, stood shoulder to shoulder. Although much of the rear of the room where many people stood was darkened, there was enough love in the room to cast a bright light on the honoree, his Mother, his Sister and several other family members who stood up with Stephen.
Board Vice-Chairman, Dean Hunter, opened the session by providing background information as to how this first Courage Award came about. He then asked for the honoree and his family to come to the front of the room where they were enveloped by the remainder of the Board and School Superintendent, Dr. Lynn Moody.
Mr. Hunter proceeded to detail how Stephen’s courage to fight in the face of extraordinary life events and his ability to overcome the many medical hurdles was the impetus for the award being created and presented to him. As he shared examples of Stephen’s depth of courage, you could feel an overwhelming sense of heartfelt pride, warmth and familial type love flowing from the back of the room all the way to front and the family.
Before awarding the plaque to Stephen, Mr. Hunter read the inscription, which included a quote from Nelson Mandela, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” He directly related the quote to Stephen’s fighting spirit, conquering nature and drive to overcome the many obstacles he has faced. There was an enormous amount of consensus in the room as the murmurs of verbal agreement grew louder and steadier before being interrupted by the welcomed applause from a standing ovation.
From welcoming people with hugs and cheeks kisses before the session began, standing tall and proud through the presentation, and finally thanking people as they exited making way to their cars; Wendy exhibited the same indomitable Tiger Mom strength she has shown for years. It was obvious she is a natural care taker. She gave Stephen room and freedom to bask in his moment with other well-wishers while she ensured everyone else was ok, but was quick to know when to shut things down noting his energy level decreasing.
As the large group of supporters filed out of the building, Wendy corralled everyone together on the steps for a group picture. Before the masses dissipated for good, Wendy made a strong but emotional statement to the group thanking each person for coming out this afternoon and for all the love and support shown to Stephen and the family over the years.
The Video of Yesterday’s Award to Stephen Gilmore:
https://vimeo.com/rssboe/review/132324750/ee54a17aee
