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‘Beacon of light’: Hickory Schools employee dies from COVID-19

HICKORY, N.C. — A Hickory Public Schools employee died Thursday from COVID-19.

Larry Conger, 66, contracted the virus after Christmas and was hospitalized for more than a month. Conger oversaw the maintenance department at Hickory High School.

A spokesperson for Hickory Schools said the district is heartbroken over the loss.

Conger achieved excellence in everything he did with Hickory Schools and “stood tall as a man of integrity,” officials said.

“Larry has been a beacon of light for everyone at Hickory High School and for Hickory Public Schools on the darkest of days,” the district said.

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Hickory High Principal Rebecca Tuttle said Conger was the glue that held the school together, everyone’s best friend and a “work dad” to many.

>> In the video at the top of this page, reporter Dave Faherty learns more about Conger’s contribution to the school and his impact on others.