The Alchemy of Excellence: Unpacking the "Genetics of Greatness" in Lexington

  • Early Exposure and Opportunity: Growing up in an athletic family meant constant exposure to basketball, providing countless hours of practice and skill development from a young age.

  • Invaluable Mentorship: His parents, both "all-around athletes and great people," served as direct mentors and role models, guiding him not just in sports but in life. His father and grandfather’s Hall of Fame status set a clear, high standard for achievement.

The Principals Who Make a Difference

In every community, a high school is more than just a building—it's a hub of dreams, a training ground for future leaders, and a reflection of the town it serves. While a school's success is built on the collective efforts of many, it often starts with the vision and passion of one person: its principal. When a principal is deeply invested in the students, their influence can be felt in every classroom, on every athletic field, and throughout the entire community.

Matt Mizell: Real Unity, Not Conformity: Thinking for Ourselves

Davidson Local’s Practice: Columns by Local Politicians

At Davidson Local, we welcome columns written by local politicians. Our mission has always been to provide a free and trusted space for community voices, and that includes elected officials. We believe it matters for readers to hear directly from the people making decisions that shape Davidson County’s future.

Columns allow local leaders to explain their positions in their own words, share updates on city or county initiatives, and invite community dialogue. Publishing these voices doesn’t mean endorsement—we treat them as part of a balanced news ecosystem, alongside reporting, community commentary, and reader letters.

We edit only for clarity, length, and factual accuracy, but the perspectives belong to the authors themselves. Just like with letters and guest columns, the responsibility for content rests with the contributor. Our job is to make sure it reaches the community in a transparent and accessible way.

Mickey Bell Brings Laughter and Mental Health Awareness to Davidson County, With a Local Twist

Nationally touring comedian and mental health advocate Mickey Bell brought his Laugh Responsibly Tour to Center Church of Welcome, sharing both laughter and an important message about resilience and mental health. The night included a surprise moment when Davidson Local intern and Central Davidson High senior Riley Elliott — recently crowned Ms. Central Davidson — joined Bell on stage, handling the spotlight with professionalism and positivity.

A Different Kind of Family

My mom pulled up to a house at 114 Tyler Drive, and a man with deep waves and a warm smile was standing outside. This was Jeremiah Arnette. He met me with a kind hello, and when I told him my name was T.J., he said I looked familiar. My mom explained that my dad's name was Chaunta Godfrey. At that moment, Jeremiah's eyes lit up. He knelt down and told me that he and my father were childhood friends and shared many memories. He then looked at my mother and said, "Go on to work. I’ll be all he ever needs as a father figure from here." I knew right then and there that I was in good hands.

A Voice of a Generation: Remembering Lexington's Mr. Roland Carter

His legacy extended far beyond the announcer's booth. He created an atmosphere at the stadium that was electric, playing old-school music that made you feel like it was Saturday morning and time to clean house. His music choices were legendary, but his life lessons were what truly resonated. I remember a time when he was so displeased with me that he pulled me aside for a serious talk about my future. As a young and hardheaded teenager, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. He looked at me with an intensity that made me think he might "pluck" me, but instead, he offered encouragement. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.

The Lexington Flying Pigs Honor Their Biggest Fan: A Celebration of Caleb Denney's Life

This celebration is not a somber affair but a tribute to the joy Caleb brought to so many. The Flying Pigs are planning a day filled with the things Caleb loved most: baseball, delicious snacks, and the company of family and friends. The highlight of the day will be a special baseball game where everyone is encouraged to participate and have fun. The team wants this to be a lighthearted and memorable event, full of laughter and shared stories. It’s a chance for the community to come together, support one another, and celebrate a life well-lived.

Lexington City Schools Reaches Historic Milestone with Record Academic Growth and Rising Graduation Rate

District-Wide Achievements

  • Overall proficiency increased to 45.2%, highest since COVID, with gains in both reading and math.

  • Four out of five schools met or exceeded growth in every student subgroup.

  • Lexington Senior High School’s graduation rate at the high school level rose to 87.6%, exceeding the district’s 10-year average.

  • Recent performance results confirm that Lexington City Schools is moving beyond past challenges, with strong growth across all grade levels.

The Heart of the City: The Legacy of the Holts in Lexington Football

n the later years of his coaching career, Tim Holt Sr. passed the torch to his son, Timothy "TJ" Holt Jr. It was a seamless transition, a passing of the baton from one generation of community leaders to the next. From a distance, you could see the foundation his father had laid out for him: a simple, powerful mantra of "conquer and repeat." This wasn’t just about winning; it was about mastering the fundamentals and repeating them until they became second nature.

A New Rhythm: The Journey of Lexington's Ty Holmes

Holmes’s time at East Carolina was defined by a culture of winning. He played a key role in the team's back-to-back championships, a feat accomplished right after star running back Chris Johnson left for the NFL. "It was a wonderful time," he recalls, but the true highlight for him was playing against some of the best athletes in the country. He remembers competing against NFL stars such as Alshon Jeffery, Jadeveon Clowney, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Mallett, Cam Chancellor, Ryan Williams, and Russell Wilson just to name a few. Holmes holds those experiences in high regard and extends his best wishes to all his former teammates and opponents.