Faculty (and Student) Focus: Giving Back and Points of Pride

     As we make the transition to the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in our holiday plans, Black Friday sales, and the discussion of the hectic schedules, deadlines, and plans that loom ahead. However, I have found that as the weather gets colder, people's hearts become warmer, and that people are looking to give back to their communities. This can come in the form of donations of money, time, or talents, or putting others first to help others become successful.

     Eastern is no exception. As the faculty advisor for our small little space in the blogosphere, I try to keep a finger on the pulse of what is going on around our school. This helps me to keep tabs of the hum and rhythm of the school, and the words that keep coming back to me are "service" and "success". Ms. Basile and Ms. Worlds have done a great job of promoting service learning here at our school, and I know we are all excited about the continued growth of our program. I want to take a moment to feature some charitable happenings and points of pride throughout our school this semester:

• Ms. Basile's Native Spanish Speakers course has raised money to assist the Triad Health Project. The money that students and staff contribute goes to help HIV patients have access to healthcare, medicine, food, and clothing. These students also completed translation services for the THP by translating their website and brochure into Spanish. You can continue to provide monetary donations to this project through this Friday during all three lunches.

• The varsity football team, along with Ms. Whitaker (social worker of EGHS), promoted a successful Red Ribbon week campaign to raise awareness about the advantages of being drug free. Students signed a pledge of solidarity as well. Photo Credit: Ms. Whitaker

• If you have noticed that the grounds in front of the school look clean and trimmed, you can thank Ms. Canoy's students. These students worked on trimming the shrubbery around the front of the school. Thanks for taking pride in the upkeep of our building!

• After four weeks of consistent practice, Coach Keener-Jones and her cheerleaders did a fabulous job at their competition last Saturday. The JV squad placed 2nd in the NCHSAA competition, and the varsity cheerleaders are the 2014-2015 state champions! Please congratulate Coach Keener-Jones, Coach Michael, and their amazing squads for their hard work and dedication. Photo credit: Taylor Brinkley

• Our varsity football team made it to the first round of state playoffs at Terry Sanford HS in Fayetteville. While it was quite cold and while the scoreboard did not turn out to our favor, our coaches and players worked tirelessly all season long. We look forward to an exciting season next year. 

• Ms. Worlds and Ms. Basile have taken our service learning meetings to the Internet. If you or someone you know is interested in a service learning diploma or opportunities, then please log into your Edmodo account and join the EGHS Service Learning Group. The code to join is haecqe​. 

• Ms. Crider's journalism students are in the process of completing a brochure for our school. The purpose of this brochure is to showcase all of the amazing qualities EGHS has to offer students and staff. Once the brochure is created and approved, it will be translated into several languages for the convenience of our wonderfully diverse population. This publication will feature performing and dramatic arts, athletics, service opportunities, and academics. We are excited about this project!

If you or your class is doing anything to brighten the corner where you are, please send photographs and a quick blurb to criderh@gcsnc.com and we will be happy to feature your story. Please be sure to caption your photographs and provide first and last names.