Rolonda Morgan is February's Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher for Kannapolis City Schools

Congratulations to our February 2019 Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools, Rolonda Morgan!!

Kannapolis City Schools shared this about Rolonda:
"Rolonda Morgan is a native of Kannapolis, a product of Kannapolis City Schools, and an amazing special education teacher at Shady Brook Elementary. She is one of the rare winners of the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award who earned nominations from three different families. All of the nominations touched on Ms. Morgan’s incredible love and patience with her students and her willingness to do whatever is necessary to meet their needs. They also talked about how she makes parents part of their children’s education. One of the nominations said, “Mrs. Morgan truly understands her students and what they need to help them learn. She understands they will have bad days, and she somehow makes it better. My son and I have been blessed with her for kindergarten and first grade. He truly loves school and can’t wait to see his teacher.” Another nomination praised her communication with parents, and the third nomination said in part, “Above all, she is patient with special children.” One of the nominations summed it up when it said, “She loves what she does, and the kids love her too!”

We’re extremely proud that Rolonda Morgan has remained part our KCS family from her time as a student to becoming an outstanding teacher, and we’re delighted that Tim Vaughn of Hilbish Ford has honored her with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for February. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate the next Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for KCS.

KCS Presents the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for October 2017

Congratulations to Tina Sinclair, who was recognized by Kannapolis City Schools and presented with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for October 2017!

Tina Sinclair is an extraordinary Kindergarten teacher at Forest Park Elementary. The parent that nominated her described her as a teacher that has a tremendous impact not only on her students but also on their families. She said, "Ms. Sinclair, hands down, has been the most amazing teacher I have had the privilege to work with as a parent. Each day she wears a smile, has so much energy, and communicates with the children in her classroom as if they were her own. She always comes up with creative ways to celebrate and typically funds most events for the children herself because many of the parents don't have the funds to help. She even provided a full-size special Christmas gift for each child. The awards she presents to her class are done with tearful pride in their growth, and as she sends them off to first grade, you can see her heart swell with love and how she will truly miss each child. She is a teacher that kids will remember for a lifetime. As a parent of a child in her class, I am forever grateful for the contribution she made in my daughter's life of learning."

Click here to nominate a Kannapolis City Schools teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award!

Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaways at Hilbish Ford

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” - Albert Einstein

As a long-time sponsor for the Teacher of the Month programs for Kannapolis City Schools and Cabarrus County Schools, Hilbish Ford recognizes the efforts of our teachers and the outstanding work they do.  Teachers inspire our students to be their very best and impact their lives far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. 

As a way to say thank you, we invite all of the teachers in Cabarrus County to enter a special contest just for them!  When you enter our Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway*, you'll have a chance to win one of these 3 prizes:

• 4 Tires (up to $300 value)
• Auto Detailing ($150 value)
• The Works – includes Synthetic Blend Oil Change, Tire Rotation, Brake Inspection & more ($40 value)

Enter the Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway

*Contest ends Thursday, May 11, 2017.  Winners will be notified by email on Friday, May 12, 2017.  Winners must respond within 72 hours or another name will be drawn.  Teacher ID must be presented in order to claim your prize. 

KCS Teacher Courtney Jenkins Receives Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award

Courtney Jenkins is an encouraging and passionate science teacher at Kannapolis Middle School and the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for November.

Courtney makes her class interesting and exciting so students enjoy learning. One of her current seventh grade students gave her high praise: “The best part of Mrs. Jenkins teaching is that she really likes science! We learn a lot. She answers my questions, and she really makes it interesting.” This has made the student’s transition to middle school much easier. The student's mom commended Courtney for the way she greeted her son in such a welcoming way from their first meeting at open house. The student was immediately comfortable and felt confident coming to middle school on the first day.

Courtney is always there to make sure her students have a safe and caring learning environment, and she takes time to address any concerns they have. She also communicates well with parents, which creates a support team that helps her students learn and grow.

Congratulations Courtney and thank you for going above and beyond for our children. Hilbish Ford proudly sponsors Kannapolis City Schools' teacher recognition program. Each month, a nominated teacher receives $300 from Hilbish Ford as well as recognition at that month's Board of Education meeting.

Click here to nominate a KCS teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.

Colleen Barrese Shines as our KCS Teacher of the Month

Colleen Barrese is a dedicated and compassionate third grade teacher at Jackson Park Elementary School. She believes that her students should have a stable, loving, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature. It is important to Colleen that each of her students has a voice and is heard. Colleen not only plans individual learning that best meets the needs of each student in her class, but she also recognizes and celebrates the growth of every student. One parent said, “She knows how to motivate them, what makes them tick, and how to get them to fall in love with learning.”

Colleen integrates fun and practical lessons in her classroom to get her students excited about learning.  For example, she turns a simple cup lid into a force and motion experiment or designs a garden while studying area and perimeter and then actually has the garden built. You can often walk by her classroom windows and see math problems written in dry erase marker. These are just a few examples of why Colleen’s students love being in her class and love going to school.

We are excited recognize Colleen as an exceptional teacher and proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Month. Congratulations Colleen!

Click to Nominate A Kannapolis City Schools' Teacher for our Teacher of the Month Award

Rachel Leonard named Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for September

Earlier this month, Rachel Leonard received the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for her outstanding work as the second grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Her encouragement and enthusiasm in the classroom keeps her students engaged and excited about learning. Rachel goes out of her way to challenge all students and provide them with opportunities for growth.

One of the parents that nominated Rachel gave several examples of how Rachel promotes learning in her classroom. Among other things, the parent said Mrs. Leonard went the extra mile to provide supplies for the classroom and math workbooks for students to use for practice at home. The parent also said that Rachel helped meet her son’s need for more challenging literature by bringing in a book series for him to use in the classroom and sharing resources that would be beneficial for him. Rachel is always encouraging to students and parents, and she is always available to listen and offer support.

"We are extremely proud that Rachel is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!" said KCS.  The Hilbish Ford family also wants to congratulate Rachel and thank her for going above and beyond for her students.

Click here to nominate a Kannapolis City Schools teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.

Hilbish Ford’s Collision Center Achieves Gold Class® Status

Hilbish Ford is excited to announce our Collision Center’s recent achievement of Gold Class® status, the industry standard for training that contributes to complete and safe repairs.

The Gold Class designation is awarded by I-CAR®, a not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.  Only 10% of collision repair businesses currently meet the rigorous training requirements necessary to earn Gold Class designation.  Shops that are not Gold Class may train minimally or not at all.

Gold Class® means complete, safe and quality repairs

Today’s vehicles are increasingly sophisticated devices featuring an ever-growing number of components, parts and advanced lightweight materials.  The constant introduction of new vehicle technologies can result in repair procedures changing significantly from year to year, making current repair knowledge critical for the achievement of complete, safe and quality repairs.

Gold Class shops are required to have every technician involved in collision repair take training that is specific to their roles.  They must continue with ongoing training each year for the business to maintain its Gold Class recognition, including classes in new technology.  Each of Hilbish Ford’s Collision Repair technicians have achieved Platinum status for their individual roles.

Putting safety first

Just because your vehicle “looks” the same after a collision repair, doesn’t mean it is the same.  Our technicians are trained to know:

• How to make the right decisions for a safe repair.

• How to find hidden damage others may not see.

• The latest repair procedures and technologies.

• Which parts to repair and which to replace.

Hilbish Ford is honored to be named a Gold Class collision repair facility.  We are proud of our commitment to training because it is also a symbol of our commitment to professionalism and to the safety of our customers.

Visit our body shop page for Hilbish Ford Collision Center hours and location or call us today at
(704) 938-3121.

Enter to Win 2 FREE Tickets to See Jason Aldean on September 29th

Hilbish Ford is excited to announce our new E-Club Perks! We will be featuring exciting contests and giveaways exclusively for our E-Club members. Not only will members receive vehicle maintenance tips and community news but will now have the opportunity to enter to win concert tickets, gas cards, gift certificates and more!

One person will be chosen to receive 2 FREE Tickets to see Jason on September 29, 2016 at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte! We will choose a winner on Wednesday, September 7th.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 7 days to claim the tickets or another winner will be chosen.

Click here to join our e-list or enter to win if you are already an E-Perks member.

E-Perks winner Lauren received 2 tickets to see Keith Urban in concert!

Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page for more upcoming contests!

Enter to Win 2 FREE Tickets to See Keith Urban on August 18th

Hilbish Ford is excited to announce our new E-Club Perks! We will be featuring exciting contests and giveaways exclusively for our E-Club members. Not only will members receive vehicle maintenance tips and community news but will now have the opportunity to enter to win concert tickets, gas cards, gift certificates and more!

One will be chose to receive 2 FREE Tickets to see Jason on September 29, 2016 at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, one of the hottest concerts of the summer! Winner will be notified by email and have 7 days to claim tickets or another winner will be chosen.

Click here to join our e-list or enter to win if you are already an E-Perks member.

E-Perks winner Lauren received 2 tickets to see Keith Urban in concert!

Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page for more upcoming contests!

2016 Ford Fiesta Named Among ‘Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000’ by Kelley Blue Book

Ford Fiesta made the list of the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 of 2016, according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

This is the sixth time in seven years that KBB has named Fiesta to the list. The uniquely designed Ford Fiesta – starting from $14,090 (excludes destination and delivery) – shows that cool and affordable really can coexist. As one of America’s most popular small cars, Fiesta offers customers a fun, dynamic car with nimble handling and a comfortable ride, all at an appealing value.

Cars that earn a spot on the KBB coolest new cars list must be fun to drive and fun to own.  Each vehicle also must be available for purchase starting at $18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Market Range as the yardstick.

“Cool sure has come a long way,” says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Our annual Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 is one of Kelley Blue Book’s longest-running lists, and it’s incredible to see all of the amazing tech features and amenities you can get on an affordable car these days compared to a decade ago.”

Available in hatch or sedan body styles, Ford’s popular small car offers a wide range of choice; from the powerful and efficient available 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine to the sporty 1.6-liter EcoBoost in the Fiesta ST. SYNC 3 – the latest Ford communications and entertainment system – is also standard, offering customers enhanced voice recognition, ultimate music streaming control and SYNC AppLink™ enabling customers to control some mobile apps while driving.

Watch Ken Block's 2016 Gymkhana Eight: Ultimate Exotic Playground; Dubai for the ultimate expression of Fiesta’s “cool factor.”

Celebrating its 40th birthday in Europe this year, the Fiesta has been on sale in North America since 2010, notching up more than 285,000 sales in that time.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies.  Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com ranked highest in its category for brand equity by the 2015 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study and has been named Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year for four consecutive years.  Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive™ brand.

Katie Winchell's Excellence in the Classroom Recognized by Kannapolis City Schools

Congratulations to Kannapolis Intermediate School 5th Grade Teacher, Katie Winchell, for being the May 2016 recipient of the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher of the Month Award for Kannapolis City Schools!

Katie Winchell is an outstanding 5th grade teacher at Kannapolis Intermediate School.  Her creative and challenging classroom activities keep her students engaged and excited about learning.

One parent praised Katie for helping her daughter who performs well, but does not always have the confidence to match. Katie has helped the student gain self-confidence with encouragement and praise for her “outside the box” thinking, highlighting it as a strength she should continue to develop.

Katie tirelessly gives her time to students in her own classroom, as well as lots of other students in the school to create an environment that is emotionally, socially and physically healthy for them. She took over the KIS Running Club when the other leaders had to step down this year. She recruited volunteers and expanded the club to include a partnership with the NC Research Campus. Fifty students registered to partner with NC Research Campus employees who, while running, have educated them on health issues, pathways to careers and much more. Katie also leads a walking club for students who are not ready to run yet. These clubs give the students an immediate peer group of students who have the same interests and will help with their transition to middle school.

We are extremely proud that Katie is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for May 2016. Congratulations!

Each month, an outstanding KCS teacher receives $300 and a plaque from Hilbish Ford to honor her excellence and dedication.  To nominate a teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month award, please complete and submit the nomination form found on the Kannapolis City Schools website.

Kannapolis City Schools Presents Danielle Ellington with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award

Danielle Ellington is an outstanding 5th grade teacher at Kannapolis Intermediate School. Her interactive and thoughtful teaching methods keep her students excited about school and eager to learn. 

Danielle is able to take the material she is teaching in class and turn it into memorable experiences for her students. For example, she made Pilgrim stew in her classroom to teach the students about the first Thanksgiving. She also made butter and candles as part of Colonial Day in her classroom. One parent praised Danielle for this type of attentive and time consuming planning for her classes and said her daughters will always remember these lessons. The parent also said she appreciates that Danielle communicates not only her daughter’s shortcomings, but also her accomplishments. Danielle is very considerate in pointing out the good in each of her students and they recognize how much she cares about them as a result. She is truly an asset to Kannapolis Intermediate School.

We are extremely proud that Danielle is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate an outstanding teacher in the Kannapolis City Schools district.

Cory Stirewalt Named Kannapolis City Schools' Outstanding Teacher of the Month

Kannapolis City Schools recognized Cory Stirewalt for his excellence in the classroom by presenting him with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher of the Month Award for March 2016.  Cory is an exceptional AP and Honors Social Studies teacher at A.L. Brown High School. Although his classes are rigorous and challenging, he is a well-loved teacher whose students excel academically and leave the classroom prepared for college and the future.

When asked why they are nominating Cory for the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher of the Month Award, one parent praised him for his excellent teaching instruction, as well as how he approaches his job as a teacher and leads his students by example. The parent said he recently asked his child a couple political questions and was pleased to hear very thoughtful and intelligent responses, rather than receiving the usual one word answers. This was a result of time spent in Cory’s class last semester. Parents also commended Cory for his presentation skills during open house and the time he took at the beginning of the semester to provide information about what to expect in the class and to explain his educational philosophy.

We are extremely proud that Cory is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to present him with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for March 2016. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate an outstanding teacher in the Kannapolis City Schools district.

Kannapolis City Schools names Adam Caskey as Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for January

Adam Caskey is an outstanding 2nd grade teacher at Forest Park Elementary School in the Kannapolis City Schools system. He sets high standards for each of his students, giving them encouragement while also challenging them to achieve their personal best. Adam values each child’s ideas and provides a nurturing classroom environment for his students to learn and grow. His classroom is a community where his students engage in group activities and indoor educational games. In addition, he creates a sense of excitement among the students by giving leadership roles with jobs in the classroom, from being line leader and bathroom monitor to class electrician and botanist. One parent described Adam as dependable, respectful and professional. She said that “teaching comes naturally to Mr. Caskey” and that she is thankful her child is in an environment where she can thrive to her fullest potential.

We are extremely proud that Adam is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring his excellence with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!

Hilbish Ford's Mission to Clean Up Kannapolis

Hilbish Ford's General Manager Tim Vaughn has been passionately beating the drum to bring the pride back to the City of Kannapolis, and is working to inspire other business owners and community members to follow suit. Through initiatives like the installation of a 7' x 42' flower bed, Hilbish Ford is leading by example, showing that if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

The Independent Tribune recently featured a story on his mission, ideas and how they line up with the City's ongoing efforts to revitalize the community:

Pushing for Kannapolis to clean up 'like company's coming'

Tim Vaughn sat at his desk at Hilbish Ford with a rising passion about his new mission -- cleaning up Kannapolis.

“We need to look like we are hospitable, clean and a welcoming place for visitors and potential business owners to come in and invest,” said Vaughn, General Manager of the dealership, pointing toward Cannon Boulevard, a sea of gray concrete and fading paint.

“Let’s get the medians cleaned up,” he said. “Let’s ask property owners to join us … to clean up like company’s coming.”

For 60 years, Hilbish has been a landmark on one of the city’s entryways, just north of the I-85 interchange with U.S. 29. Vaughn said he’s “beating the drum,” trying to gather support for a push to beautify the city.

The entryways lack signage, and Cannon Boulevard between I-85 and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard has numerous poorly managed properties with asphalt parking lots extending to the road.

“If the first thing you see is blighted areas, you’re not going to be encouraged to invest,” Vaughn said. “It’s no different than interviewing for a job. You put your best clothes on and you go in for that interview and you hope you get the job.

Well, we’re being interviewed by people when they come up Cannon Boulevard.” City leaders have similar concerns, and they’re exploring options to make the city more inviting.

The Kannapolis Economic Development Plan, adopted in November 2012, calls for a comprehensive appearance improvement initiative.

Click here to read the full article published in the Independent Tribune.