Spring Break, “Leatherheads,” and Bill Clinton

By Raegan Perry 

SALISBURY, NC- There was quite a stir in Salisbury last week. Students were on spring break, a few new restaurants opened, the weather was warm... and oh yes, Salisbury was booming with visits from national icons and celebrities. Needless to say, it was a “happening week” for the small city.

Crowds gathered last week to see Former President, Bill Clinton, give a speech campaigning for his presidential hopeful wife, Hillary. Clinton was in Kannapolis and Salisbury, and several turned out to see him. Clinton spoke about the economy, the war and Hillary’s stance on the top issues in today’s world. Lenoir-Rhyne bound senior, Megan Howard, said that she was lucky that she was able to meet him and have a picture taken of the two of them. Megan is a Hillary supporter who plans to vote for her in the primary and in Megan’s words “hopefully in November.” Megan’s grandmother, Genoal Russell, is the head of the Democratic Party in Rowan County and introduced Clinton before his speech. Howard said that, “Meeting President Clinton was a really big deal for me, and it’s something that I’ll remember always.”

Keely Herron also had a memorable event over spring break. Herron was one of the few auspicious ones who actually met the “Leatherheads” director/lead actor, George Clooney and his co-star, Renee Zellweger. “Leatherheads” is described as “a quick-witted romantic comedy set against the backdrop of America's nascent pro-football league in 1925.” (For the complete review, see http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/leatherheads/)

"Leatherheads” was filmed, in part, in Salisbury, as well as other places in North Carolina. Historic Salisbury was an ideal setting for the movie because of the unique setting and the old-fashioned train station. The movie premiers today and large numbers are expected to show at the Salisbury movie theater, Tinsel Town.

Herron said that she begged her parents to take her to see Clooney and Zellweger. She had seen, in the newspaper, that they would make an appearance to promote the movie in downtown Salisbury. Herron waited for an hour and a half in the hot sun last Friday, but said that it paid off because, “George Clooney is much better looking in person. He and Renee were both really nice.” She said that Clooney even called her “kiddo.” Below is a picture of Keely and her sister, both sporting “Leatherheads” baseball caps that were given out for free. Clooney is signing a poster for Herron, one that she proudly displays in her room.

Now if we could just get these politicians and celebrities to come to Misenheimer, Gray Stone students would have it made!