The author, Steve Bailey, is outreach coordinator at the Anson County Historical Society. Information for this article, and the photo above, courtesy of the Anson Record.
Do you remember when Cam Newton visited Anson County? It was May 26, 2017, and the Carolina Panthers quarterback “visited the dual campus of Anson High School and Anson New Technology High School as a surprise part of the 5210 League health and fitness program celebration hosted by the schools and sponsored by Carolinas HealthCare System,” according to the Anson Record. Here’s part of the paper’s report:
A video posted by the Anson County Chamber of Commerce shows Newton walking along the track at Anson High School to the cheers of the young crowd seated in the football stands. After stepping onto a small stage set on the track, he addressed the kids.
“Sit on down,” he said. “If you’re happy to be here today, say, ‘Oh, yeah!’” The kids echoed him. “If you’re happy for the summer, say, ‘Oh, yeah!’” he continued. “If you’re happy for the sunshine, say, ‘Oh, yeah!’” …
Children in kindergarten through sixth grade were taken to the high school, where they had the chance to participate in several activities and meet Newton.
Newton talked to the students for about 20 minutes before mingling with the children, Anson County Schools Superintendent Michael Freeman said. The children divided into three groups, with some of the field, some in the gym, and some in the cafeteria, and Newton walked around taking pictures with students and adults at the event.
“Some of the older students were volunteering,” Anne Hyatt, Freeman’s secretary, said. “He grabbed their phones and did selfies with them, and did with some adults, too.”
“We’ve been sharing 5210 with our elementary students this year and educating them on the importance of taking care of their bodies, healthy living, and so forth, so they can grow into adults with a healthy lifestyle,” Freeman said.
“He was very much encouraging our students, challenging them to make good choices and things of that nature,” Freeman continued. …
Freeman said the schools kept Newton’s appearance quiet before the reveal in order to surprise students and maintain security, adding that only five or six people at most knew that Newton would show up.
About 1,800 children in kindergarten through sixth grade attended the event, in addition to staff, faculty and the high school student volunteers and those Newton met when he toured the high school.
Note: The Panthers and Newton parted ways in March, and he’s currently looking to land with another NFL team.