BY KARISSA MILLER

Former Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education member Charles Kelly recently donated 40 North Carolina flags and 40 American flags to Cool Spring Elementary School to make sure both are displayed in every classroom.

I-SS Superintendent Jeff James helped Kelly find a vendor to purchase the flags, which measure 3-feet-by-5-feet. The flags will be permanently installed in each classroom over the summer break.

Cool Spring Principal Jennifer Dalton and students thanked Kelly for his donation during a brief ceremony.

“We are thrilled to have this donation of flags. Mr. Kelly has been a long-standing board member that has been a constant support to our staff and teachers at our school. We know him on a first-name basis,” said Dalton. “This will help with increasing patriotism at our school.”’

Students in elementary school learn about U.S. government and history. They also learn about North Carolina history. Each year fourth-graders participate in the school’s annual wax museum exhibit, which highlights famous North Carolinians.

The flags will remain in the classrooms for years to come.

Kelly invited new I-SS board member Kevin Angell to attend the ceremony and introduced him to some of the staff at the school.