Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Conference
On Tuesday, October the 29th, Mr. and Mrs. Vencil, Mrs. Penland, Jessica Domby, Dale Hileman, and I ventured to Knoxville to attend an ARC conference. Upon arrival at the Hilton Hotel in Knoxville, the weather was ugly. I enjoyed the ensuing tempest and horizontal rain.
We attended a small meeting at Maple Leaf Lodges, a group of guest houses near the ARC conference. Appalachian stories and music, along with a buffet of delicacies certainly made the first part of the trip fun. At 8 o'clock, we left the lodges and headed back to the hotel. Following breakfast the next morning, a mock town meeting was conducted - Tennessee's governor, Governor Sudquist was the key note speaker.
After the meeting we set up the Estonoa Presentation, using Microsoft PowerPoint. Although nervous, we amazed even ourselves with our impressive presentation. We were applauded for our accomplishments with the Wetlands Estonoa Learning Center Project. After shaking hands and eating lunch, we left Knoxville and headed home.
If only we could do this more often -- what fun we had.
Cole Phillips - SPHS Senior
Ferrum College Visit
On November 4th and 5th, 2002, Dale Hileman, Mr. and Mrs. Vencil, and I visited Ferrum College in Ferrum Virginia. Our reason for the visit was to present the Wetlands Estonoa Project to Dr. Susan Meade's students and an economics class taught by Dr. Basu.
Upon arrival, we were shown to our rooms. The next day, Election Day, we attended breakfast and presented in a room called the 'Panther's Den'. Once the presentation was completed, we had lunch with a few professors discussing topics ranging from place-based education to educational revolution.
Afterwards, we presented in the Audio Visual room in the library. Tired BUT happy the team members were finally finished!
Time was running short-the two team mentors needed to get home so they could vote. We raced home and made it just in time for Mr. and Mrs. Vencil to cast their ballots.
I can't wait for the next time I get to do this sort of thing. I really enjoyed it.
Adam Matthews - SPHS Senior
American Association of University Woman (AAUW) Visit
On Monday, November 25, 2002. Team Estonoa members Terri Anne Hill, Jessica Domby, Chantel Dean, Terry Vencil, St. Paul High School's Assistant Principal, Nancy Helbert, and I went to the University of Virginia's College at Wise to present to the AAUW.
We were told by our team mentor, Terry Vencil, that the number of people in attendance could range from three to thirty. We presented to twenty people. Presenting was fun and a fantastic experience.
It gave me confidence to know what a great experience it is to be part of this team.
Jennie Blevins - SPHS Senior
A palpable sense of personal growth permeated the room during the AAUW Estonoa presentation. With each word and gesture, Terri Anne, Jessica, Chantel and Jennie visibly became more self-assured and at ease with their audience. Each opportunity to speak before an audience is a learning experience. The opportunity to watch these gestures leaders unfold their wings and prepare for light was an honor.
Ms. Nancy Helbert
Vice Principal