The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Joe Marusak column: Grades and spirits rise with help of many hands.(Column)

Byline: Joe Marusak

Mar. 15--CORNELIUS -- Around the Lake Grades and spirits rise with help of many hands Many of the students come from immigrant families CORNELIUS -- The kids are Asian, Latino, white and African American, all with one thing in common: Better grades thanks to Nannie Potts and her fellow volunteers. Three times a week after school, about 20 students from Cornelius and J.V. Washam elementary schools visit Potts for extra help with spelling, reading and math at Cornelius First Presbyterian Church USA. Potts doesn't know all the countries the kids are from, but many of their parents are recent immigrants who can't speak English, she said.…