Scholars selected ‘Sustainability in Appalachia’ as this year’s Roan Impact Focus. Throughout the year, they committed to learning and serving in connection with the topic. Here are some of the incredible things they did over the course of the year.
Blazing New Paths:
Roan Impact Focus
The Importance of Honeybees
September 2020 Larissa Copley Warwick ’21 coordinated with Steering Committee member Mark Kinser to organize small group tours of Mr. Kinser’s beehives. Scholars learned about honeybees and their critical role in the environment, got an up-close look at a few active hives, and enjoyed sampling some honey.
Watauga Lake Clean-Up
September 2020 Jordan Teague ’22 and Ronquille Joyner ’24 spent a beautiful fall Saturday participating in Watauga Lake cleanup efforts, including collecting trash. “I grew up on this lake as a kid and love what Watauga Lake Cleanup is accomplishing. It’s not just a one-month or a one-day event. It’s a year-round lifestyle of loving the environment and shaping your actions around it,” said Jordan.
Leadership in Action with Appalachian Sustainable Development
September 2020 Larissa Copley Warwick ’21 organized a virtual ‘Leadership in Action’ event for Scholars to learn about the work of Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD). ASD’s mission is to transition Appalachia to a more resilient economy and a healthier population by supporting local agriculture, exploring new economic opportunities, and connecting people to healthy food. Scholars have selected ‘COVID-19 Recovery’ as the AY 2021-2022 Roan Impact Focus. Watch for updates throughout the year as to how Roan Scholars learn and serve around this topic. 6 | ROAN ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021
Trail Maintenance with the East Tennessee Trail Association
October 2020 Cadee Warren ’24 recruited Scholars and partnered with the East Tennessee Trail Association for a day of service. The group performed trail maintenance on the Turkey Pen Cove Trail in the Cherokee National Forest, including cutting logs, cleaning fallen branches and other debris, creating water diversions, and moving rocks to make creeks easier to cross. The Scholars also spent time talking with U.S. Forest Service representatives and learning about environmental legislation aimed at protecting the forest.
Bristol Clothes Closet
October 2020 Emily Casteel ’24 and Nelya Stynka ’23 volunteered with the Clothes Closet in Bristol, a free clothes closet for anyone in need, where they sorted and organized donations. “It was a great way to see what types of resources are available in our region,” says Nelya. In exchange for their work, they also received old clothing that Emily recycled into dog toys (more on that below).
Jonesborough Arboretum Service
October 2020 Ronquille Joyner ’24 organized a cleanup day at the Ardinna Woods Arboretum and Butterfly Garden in Jonesborough. He was joined by several Roan Scholars in raking, clearing brush, and sprucing up this wonderful spot near downtown Jonesborough. Working at the Arboretum “left me with a deep gratitude for the volunteers who keep it beautiful,” said Ronquille.
