SNAP Back In Time takes a look back at newsmakers from yesteryear. 

Tuesday, June 2, 1981

Armory

Kelly Leigh Kepley, 19, won the title of Miss Stanly County 1981 in the pageant Friday evening at Albemarle Senior High School.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Van Kepley, she will represent the county in the Miss North Carolina pageant in June and receive a $300 scholarship, in addition to the crown and bouquet she was presented at the pageant.

The new Miss Stanly County, the first to be selected since 1971, was crowned by Miss Stanly County 1971 Paula Case Wilson.

First runner-up was Patty Jolene Furr of Oakboro. She also won the title of Miss Congeniality.

Second runner-up was Lydia “Gayle” Bolton of Norwood.

Mayfest

About 3,000 residents filled the campus of Stanly Technical College Saturday afternoon to enjoy Mayfest, the second annual community festival sponsored by the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.

The new Miss Stanly County Kelly Leigh Kepley was introduced, welcomed everyone and sang her talent presentation of “Don’t Cry Out Loud.”

Other activities included games for children, a 10K race and a one mile fun run and many types of crafts.

Banquet

West Stanly High School’s All Sports Banquet for the 1980-81 academic year was held at Harward’s Steak and Fish House near New London. Around 450 gathered for the occasion.

Special guests included Mr. and Mrs. Bill Turner, Dale Cline, sports editor of the Concord Tribune, and Sam Andrew, sports editor of The Stanly News & Press.

In addition to athletes being recognized, special awards went to Lou Eubanks and D.G. Osborne for their support of West Stanly High sports programs.

Anabel Speight was named Coach of the Year in the Rocky River Athletic Conference regarding girls softball. Reggie Chance was named Coach of the Year for the conference for girls track.

Graduation

On June 5, the high schools were to graduate 596 in ceremonies — 156 at Albemarle, 167 for North, 125 for South and 149 for West.