This week there’s been a couple of stories published about commitment — the story of Kris Neal and how he has grown Weldon Steel into a vital company and the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department and how its truck committee worked hard to bring a decent ladder truck to the city.

There’s one more I must mention, that I just couldn’t hang an entire story on but one that is noteworthy — the commitment of Roanoke Rapids of Nissan to promoting the arts and the work of several Chaloner Middle School students.

Go to the dealership on Premier Boulevard and take a look at the artwork of these students.

That the dealership is promoting more than cars is refreshing — that the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District is fostering and helping to develop the talents of young artists is even more refreshing.

Going in Monday to take a look at these drawings and paintings I was impressed not only with the talent but the historic interest taken in the work of the artists.

I’m not sure if I’m being biased or juking the stats of one artist over another but the People’s Theater work blew me away as did the student who chose the WestPoint Stevens plant.

The artwork will be on display at the dealership through next Friday and casting your vote will help the students earn one of three prizes —$200 for first place, $75 for second place and $25 for third place.

Your vote for the students will be appreciated, not only by the staff of the Nissan dealership but the staff and students at Chaloner who worked hard on creating this art.

Events like this help create a bond in the community and help say thanks to students like the ones participating.

While Nissan is in the business of selling cars, General Manager Kevin Schoen has also made it a place to celebrate the community and the talents of these students.

“I’m telling you,” he said on the Nissan Facebook page, “There is some amazing talent in this town. I want to thank all the students for their hard work and beautiful artwork that just makes my showroom look even better.”

rrspin.com would like to thank not only Schoen, and other business people like him, but also the students for understanding the art of commitment — Lance Martin

Lance Martin is editor and publisher of rrspin.com