Mark's Weekly Update

 Observing the National Day of Prayer

Last Thursday marked the National Day of Prayer, an annual observance that takes place on the first Thursday of May. The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress that was then signed into law by President Harry Truman, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.

 I had the pleasure of observing the National Day of Prayer in Asheville, North Carolina with Pastor Jimmy Dykes of North Asheville Baptist Church and Pastor Ralph Sexton of Trinity Baptist Church. In observance, I prayed for wisdom for our nation's leaders, safety for our troops abroad, and a returned focus on the principles and values that make America the greatest nation on earth. God bless!

Presenting a Grant Check to the Granite Falls Fire Department

The Granite Falls Fire Department was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). I'm very pleased that Granite Falls Fire Department was recognized. I'm grateful for all the work they do keeping the community safe at the risk of their own lives. Thanks to retiring Chief Thomas Laws for his service and the entire department for their service. 

Granite Falls Fire Department Grant Check Presentation Ceremony

 East Henderson Students Return Holocaust-era Letter to Living Relative

Following a year-long research project, East Henderson High School students returned a Holocaust-era letter to living relatives that they tracked down with the assistance of Yad Vashem, an Israeli center for documentation and commemoration of the Holocaust. I was honored to join East Henderson High School students at their ceremony last week. The Levine Institute, part of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, announced that it plans to model a national Holocaust artifact-tracing research program for high school students after East Henderson's work.

Congressman Meadows Speaking at East Henderson High School

Touring Caldwell Community College and Caldwell Early College

I had a great time touring Caldwell Community College as well as Caldwell Early College earlier last week. Thank you to Caldwell Community College President Dr. Kenneth Boham and the board of trustees for taking the time to meet with me. I appreciate all the hard work they are doing to invest in students.

Caldwell Early College

Caldwell Early College

Visiting West Caldwell High School

It was a pleasure meeting with West Caldwell High School students, teachers and faculty last week. I did a demonstration of how a bill becomes a law and gave students an overview of the legislative process on Capitol Hill. Thanks to Superintendent Steve Stone and Principal Andy Puhl for hosting me. 

Demonstrating how a bill becomes a law

Visiting North Henderson High School 

Visiting local North Carolina schools is one of my favorite parts of my job. I've had the opportunity to meet so many bright young men and women. Last week, I had the chance to visit North Henderson High School. I enjoyed discussing the importance of civic engagement with the students. As I always tell them, "I don't care if you vote for me or my opponent-- as long as you vote and make your voice heard!" A special thank you to North Henderson Student Body President Kye Laughter for inviting me. I enjoyed speaking with the AP Government class!

Congressman Meadows with Kye Laughter and Principal John Shepard

Meeting with East Burke High School Students

Thank you to East Burke High School for welcoming me on campus last week. I had the opportunity to meet with East Burke's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. I enjoyed discussing agricultural issues with them. The agriculture sector is the backbone of Western North Carolina's economy. I'm proud of these young leaders for their desire to invest in their community. A special thank you to Brian Steve King for inviting me and to Principal Phil Smith for hosting me.

Happy Mother's Day from the Meadows Family!

Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there who give selflessly, love deeply, and do all that they can for their children. I was blessed to spend this special weekend not only celebrating Mother's Day, but also my daughter Haley's graduation from Lee University. It was wonderful to celebrate with my children, my wife Debbie, my mother, and my Great Aunt Blanche.