BOONE, N.C. — On Nov. 16, in-person instruction resumed as part of a hybrid model at Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork in Walkertown. A company co-owned by two App State alumni donated more than 2,000 face coverings to the school to help make the return safer for students, teachers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alumni Robert Roach ’08 and Tom Webb ’73 ’75, along with Webb’s son, Ben Webb, and Brad Valentine — all co-owners of United Sewing Automation Inc. — donated the adult and pediatric disposable face coverings to the academy, a UNC System laboratory school operated by App State.

“Our academy leadership team is deeply moved by the generosity displayed with the large donation of face coverings for our academy students and staff,” said Tasha Hall-Powell ’01 ’09, principal of the academy. “This donation will not only provide an extra layer of safety, but it will also help to offset costs for supplying and replenishing required face coverings for in-person learning.”

Located in Mount Airy, United Sewing Automation manufactures face coverings for health care providers, bus drivers, grocery store workers and public sector employees.

Upon learning of the academy’s return to in-person instruction, the co-owners wanted to give back to the university and community. “Helping everyone stay safe is very important to our company,” Roach said.

Doing business for good and giving back to the community were values instilled when he was a student in App State’s Walker College of Business, Roach said. “We have to take care of one another,” he added.

About the new face coverings, academy first grader Samuel Ithehua-Hernandez said, “They help keep us safe and help keep our friends safe, too!”

Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork

Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork provides a balanced education for children, teachers, principals, and families through the implementation of research-based practices, state of the art literacy instruction, and exemplary classroom instruction and administration.

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About the Academy at Middle Fork

The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, located in Walkertown, North Carolina, is a free public lab school serving students in grades K–5. The academy provides a balanced education through the implementation of research-based practices, state-of-the-art literacy instruction and exemplary classroom instruction and administration. Learn more about the Academy at Middle Fork at https://middlefork.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.