Isaiah Cornelius

Choir and Theater Teacher, East Rowan High School

Native of Kannapolis, NC

Industry: Education

Isaiah Cornelius, a native of Rowan County, left his home county to attend Wingate College and then to teach in Gaston County. After three years, he like many others who “boomerang,” came home to work. 

He is in his second year of teaching at East Rowan High School and also recently served as music director at Union Lutheran Church.

“This is a great place to start adult life,” he says. “There is a lot to offer, while also being close to bigger cities. There is a lot of personality to Salisbury.” He describes the county as a close-knit community with diverse landscape, parks, including Dunn’s Mountain; and lakes.

He would encourage newcomers to walk around the downtown Salisbury area, explore local businesses, and see the historic buildings, as well as new development.

“Rowan County and neighboring counties have so much to offer,” he says. “Go out and explore the neighborhoods, participate in festivals, and have a look at the small businesses.”

His favorite restaurants, Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery & Eatery and  

City Tavern, are both centrally located in downtown Salisbury with great ambiance and quality food, he says.

A walk through downtown Salisbury is his favorite outdoor activity. “It’s rich in history and development,” he says of the city. In his years growing up here, he has watched the downtown transition into the thriving place of eateries and local businesses that it is today. 

The Cheerwine Festival is his favorite event, since he enjoys the cherry-flavored cola that originated here. He appreciates the creativity of the vendors who use the soft drink in their booth presentations, such as New Serum Brewery’s Cheerwine lager.

That creativity fits the county’s slogan, Be an Original,™ which Isaiah describes as “being an innovator or trailblazer — to try new things.” 

He also sees the slogan as Rowan Countians who “take time to understand different mindsets,” an important role for an educator. “Teaching and watching my students perform for their loved ones” keep him involved in his home community, he says.