Averi Jolly has been an active Girl Scout for ten years and in October 2010, she was awarded the prestigious “Gold Award” which is the highest award given in Girl Scouts. For her project, “Sowing the Seeds of Love”, Averi built a raised bed garden at McCarthy Teszler School. Averi’s older sister attends the school which serves special needs students. The garden she designed helps special needs children learn about nature and allows wheelchair bound students the opportunity to get their hands dirty planting fruits and vegetables, watching them grow and then harvesting them. Averi raised $1,900.00 for the project and after purchasing supplies was able to donate the remaining $500.00 towards the purchase of seeds and upkeep. She spent close to 74 hours designing, building, and overseeing the completion of the project. Averi feels empowered to make a difference in the world after seeing the children at McCarthy Teszler enjoy watching the garden being built and knowing what they have to look forward to. The overwhelming success of this project of love has inspired her to do more. Throughout the project Averi has developed a stronger sense of self, she has improved her critical thinking, and continued to strengthen a healthy relationship within her community.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Academic Team Getting Their Brains Flowing!
Byrnes AFJROTC Academic Team is back and in full swing. Team members are excited with last year’s success and have their sights on an even better finish this year. Led by Cadet Erin Pennell, the team has already started to practice and have recently completed the first online quiz challenge. From this online challenge, competing teams with scores in the top 50% of the nation will move on to the next online round. These online quizzes consist of SAT/ACT type questions as well as current event and leadership questions. After completing the online challenges, the highest scoring or “final sixteen” teams, will to go to nationals in Washington DC. This year’s team consists of three returning members as well as three new members.
Cadet Nicole Darby (sophomore)
Cadet Trey Harley (sophomore)
Cadet Logan Hood (junior)
Cadet Rachel Nowak (junior)
Cadet Erin Pennell (junior)
Cadet Amanda Tuten (sophomore)
Last year, the team made it all the way to Washington DC and took home 3rd in the nation. Hopes are high for this year’s team as they begin their journey back to Washington DC!