Topic: Diversity

When people speak about Shauna Caldwell, they use words like “intentional,” “caring,” “wise” and “creative.” A High Country native born in Boone and raised in Banner Elk, Shauna is an artist, herbalist and graduate student in the Appalachian Studies program at Appalachian State University.

Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork Elementary School celebrated Black History Month through song, dramatic play, daily trivia, door decorations, a historically black college and university research presentation, a local radio personality visit, and a living wax museum.

"Providing greater postsecondary opportunities for rural residents isn't simply a matter of equity or moral obligation — it's a matter of continued national prosperity," says Appalachian State University's Andrew Koricich. He points out that our economy relies heavily on rural communities and workers.

Cherokee High School students traveled to Green Valley Elementary School on Feb. 13 to teach a Valentine’s Day lesson by sharing the traditional Cherokee story of the first strawberries. The six CHS students who visited the school are dual-enrolled at Appalachian State University and are taking this semester’s Cherokee Culture and Leadership class taught by CHS teacher Heath Robertson and Reich College of Education Associate Professor Allen Bryant.