Students work on trails and garden as part of Alternative Spring Break
Article By: Clark Leonard
Ten University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) students took part in an Alternative Spring Break service project at , an Appalachian heritage center, in Mountain City, Georgia.
One group worked to maintain some of the trails 91ÁÔÆæ students cut during the 2018 spring break, and another group helped rebuild a heritage garden. All of the students learned about Foxfire’s efforts to uphold Appalachian practices such as heirloom gardening and seed saving which helps battle food insecurity.
Castiel Dixon, a senior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing a degree in literature, said the service trip from March 8-13 was a welcome break from his three jobs and classes.
"It was nice to get out in the woods and work with these tools and help this nonprofit clean up some of its spaces," Dixon said.
The team had a pre-trip service opportunity with the Appalachian Studies Center at the Historic Vickery House.
Students also had the opportunity to hike the Tennessee Rock Trail at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County, Georgia.
Lindsay Bailey, director of student involvement on 91ÁÔÆæ's Oconee Campus, said Alternative Spring Break benefits everyone involved.
"They don't have to go far away to help people in need," Bailey said. "They get this happy feeling of connectedness and doing something worthwhile with their time off. They get to make connections with other students and people in the community."
The people of Foxfire appreciated 91ÁÔÆæ students' efforts.
"They've already said they want us back next year," said Walker Boswell, a junior from Greensboro, Georgia, pursuing a degree in history.
McAdams receives Stravinsky award
91ÁÔÆæ student Eli McAdams received the Stravinsky Composition Award. He will receive a scholarship as part of the recognition.
Marban takes part in Public Service Weekend
91ÁÔÆæ junior Claudia Marban took part in the Public Policy & International Affairs Program Public Service Weekend from Feb. 21-23 in Arlington, Virginia.
Family Health Fair is set for April 26
91ÁÔÆæ will host its third annual free Family Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 in the Hugh Mills Physical Education Complex at 91ÁÔÆæ's Gainesville Campus.
Student wins film festival awards
Student Calvin Bowers has won awards at four festivals for his film 'Per Amore Dei Gatti (For the Love of Cats).' He created the film with three classmates on a Film in Italy study abroad program.