The
Pacers Press www.pacerinc.org
FIRST EDITION
FRONT PAGE
‘An Advocate for Programs, Policies Beneficial to Rural Alabama’ Pacers is a non-profit organization of small rural Alabama communities and schools working together to build the good futures that they seek. Pacers programs result in effective school and community collaboration and improved personal and academic outcomes for young people. By Hope Holland Pacers Mentor
P
acers is working hard to bring rural Alabama communities and their schools closer together to increase community involvement throughout the state in order to promote education and build strong relationships between students and community members. A Board of Directors, individual members, local chapters, legislative appropriations, foundations, governmental organizations and partner groups support the non-profit association’s programs. With the help of community members and educators, Pacers can introduce more chapters and programs to the surrounding areas. “Pacers is an advocate for programs and policies beneficial to rural Alabama,” as stated in the Pacers manual. “It especially affirms the importance and achievements of small rural public
schools. It recognizes that schools and school districts have been and are being consistently closed although research does not support the massive closures that have so negatively impacted young people and communities. It is committed to assisting communities to maintain their schools and build on their strengths.” Pacers programs introduce academics, innovation and creativity through its chapter installments. The programs include rural science, community documentation through the arts and sciences and entrepreneurship. Nikki Lane, the chapter membership consultant for newspapers and community documentation, works with twelve schools across the state to promote studentpublished newspapers. The newspaper projects are an opportunity for students to develop writing and designing skills, while gaining experience in all aspects of producing a community newspaper. Through writing, editing, interviewing, photography and layout design, the students are learning the ins and outs of business, interpersonal relations and newspaper development. Through various academic and artistic formats, students in Pacers’ Community Documentation program move beyond traditional student roles to move forward professionally. By documenting an idea visually, the students are acting as documenters, historians and reporters.
Andy Goetz
The Pacers participants met in Florala, Ala., to discuss the recent projects taking place with the help of Pacers, Inc. It was a successful day for all participants. The students had the opportunity to learn, develop and hear about projects across the state of Alabama.
Meanwhile, Pacers promotes rural science programs like aquaculture and solar and greenhouse energy. In the rural science program, students innovate clean energy resources to raise fish, study green efforts and grow plants. The project educates students and prepares them for the future of science. Lastly, in an effort to prepare students for the business world ahead of them, Pacers teaches stu-
dents how to operate and create a strong business plan or model. Pacers’ programs are an opportunity for students to learn basic business practices, while creating personal accomplishments along the way. The future of Pacers’ entrepreneurship program will allow students to embark on their individual business ideas. Pacers encourages students and community members to develop resources and build rela-
tionships with individuals and institutions to better the future of Alabama students and schools. In April, various students, community members and teachers attended the Pacers 2010 Annual Conference, where each program highlighted it’s future efforts. Pacers continues its outreach through its programs and hopes increase the positive effect it has already placed on the current chapters.
Pacers Conference at Florala High, Huge Success
By Clarissa Denney
F
Florala High School
lorala High School hosted the first Pacers Conference that was ever held at a Pacers school with roughly 250 attendees on Tuesday, April 20. Earlier Conferences have typically been held in Montgomery. Pacers is a non-profit association of rural Alabama communities and their schools working together to promote good futures. The conference and projects, which have been nationally and internationally recognized, are supported by appropriations from the Alabama State Legislature, grants, individual donations and contribu-
tions by chapters. The conference began with a welcome by Donny Powell, Principal of Florala High and Mayor Williamson of Florala. Following the introduction, President Jean Mosley and Pacers Executive Director Dr. Shelton gave a report on the year’s events. Pacers supporters were given awards during this time, including Rep. Shelby, David Matthews, John Harbuck and impressive participants from varying schools, such as FCMS for their newspaper, The Cat Chronicles. Concurrent breakout sessions ran throughout the day. The
Florala High Fishery provided our lunch, serving fried catfish, cheese grits, baked beans and white cake with chocolate icing. During the sessions, representatives from 13 different schools discussed their work and gave an overview of their projects. Participating schools were Florala/Lockhart—Florala MS and HS, Harlan Elementary, Flomaton HS, Loachapoka Elementary and HS, Camp Hill—Edward Bell HS, Akron Community School West, New Bern—Sunshine HS, Packer’s Bend—Monroe Intermediate, Sand Rock HS, Gaylesville HS, Spring Garden HS, Section HS, Beatrice—J.F. Shields HS, Oak-
man HS, Steele JHS, and Monroe Technical School. Sessions were as follows: Rural Science for Life: Aquaculture; Rural Science for Life: Solar/ Greenhouse; Community Documentation and Entrepreneurship; PACERS Community Newspaper; and a Chapter Meeting. These presentations took place at the Floral Middle School, in the Florala High School gym and library, and at W.S. Harlan Elementary. The program was very successful, and students at each school remained undisrupted in their daily schedules.
Participants were very complimentary of Florala High School and its student representatives. “I enjoyed myself,” said Doris Patterson from Edward Bell. “I used to live here in Florala where I worked at the Franklin & Ferguson shirt factory. I think the thing I enjoyed the most was the aquaculture department, and I loved the fish.” “I appreciate the Florala schools,” said Shelton as the day concluded. “They stepped up. It was so important for everyone to see this first-hand. Schools are just a perfect venue for Pacers programs.”
FIRST EDITION
PAGE 2
Walker Discusses Solar Energy, Greenhouse Effect With the green movement playing a vital role in the future of our environment, Walker introduces students to the importance of the greenhouse effect and solar energy during his sessions at the conference.
ects and information “fun.” In the sessions, he explained to students how the greenhouse effect and solar efforts can be involved in the every part of life. Walker gave various examples of new and healthier ways of growing plants. He also stressed the importance of getting energy, the need for comfortable, healthy living. Alexis Williamson, a sixth By Maria Padron grade student at Loachapoka EleLoachapoka High mentary School, said she enjoyed orsey Walker, solar and the session. greenhouse chapter mem- Williamson also said the bership consultant, attend- session helped her better undered the Pacers Conference on April stand how a greenhouse is used 20. Walker participated by giving and how solar energy is involved solar and greenhouse sessions to in the process. the various schools in attendance. Throughout the day, Walker In his sessions, Walker helped his audience understand asked his audience to consider so- the possibilities of solar energy lar energy as part of their every- in heating living space and water. He also talked about a day living. Walker spoke to the students about the importance of greenhouse model, and the differgreenhouse efforts and solar en- ent ways for each school to start ergy, and he described the proj- and maintain their greenhouse.
D
Maria Padron/Loachapoka High
Above: Dorsey Walker, solar and greenhouse chapter membership consultant, attended the Pacers Conference on April 20, where he conducted the solar and greenhouse sessions. Walker discussed the importance of the greenhouse affect and solar energy, and the impact both will have on our environment in the future. Left: Walker used Florala High School’s solar efforts as an example for other schools. He spoke about the upcoming efforts of the solar and greenhouse program.
Using Aquaculture to Enhance Science Education By Hope Holland
P
Pacers Mentor
Andy Goetz
At Florala Middle School, Pacers has helped install a Aquascience and Greenhouse Center where students can learn how to grow plants and maintain marine life. As part of the Pacers science projects, Florala sets a great example as to how students can benefit and learn from hands-on experience.
acers and its partners continuously increase their work with schools and the sciences. Through the aquaculture program John Harbuck, the aquaculture chapter membership and leadership consultant, can educate teachers and students in the Alabama area to develop and maintain aquaculture units. Harbuck spent several years working with the Fresh Water Institute in West Virginia, where he learned the necessary things to move forward with the project. He began working with Pacers in 1992 with a strong interest in bettering the way science is taught to high school students. “To test my idea, I started the first aquaculture program at Florala High School,” Harbuck said. “Pacers was very helpful in obtaining funds and giving me the opportunity to travel to West Virginia, where I got the training and information that I needed.” According to Harbuck, about 10 years ago, Pacers and others funded the new facility, which is now in use at Florala High School in Florala, Ala. It is recognized across the southeast as a state-of-the-art facility, and it continues to be a source for teaching science and math.
With Pacers, the schools are provided with professional consultants, workshops, support for teachers and materials to install recirculation systems. After retiring from teaching in 2002, Harbuck joined Pacers as a board member and later as a consultant. He travels across the state, working hard to set up aqua programs in small school. The aquaculture programs act as a service and teaching facility to educate students in science, business, time management and teamwork by helping them become fish biologists. The students use the tools and concepts necessary to raise healthy fish. This year’s conference was an opportunity for students to learn more about the program and its effects on other schools in order to increase participation across the state. Between Harbuck’s efforts and those put forth by Pacers, various systems have been opened. In the past two years, Gaylesville, Loachapoka and Florala schools have joined the program and installed systems. “A new program was started at Flomaton High School in 2008-09, and work is underway for adding a system at Section High School,” Harbuck said. “Schools and communities interested in the program should contact admin@pacersinc.org.”
FIRST EDITION
PAGE 3
The Award Goes To...
Andy Goetz
Students gathered in various rooms, gymnasiums and outside areas to discuss their projects with Pacers. New Bern Sunshine High School was in full attendance this year.
By Hope Holland Pacers Mentor
T
he Pacers Community Newspaper Project Awards Competition 2009-2010 was in full force this past conference. Pacers newspaper chapter membership and leadership consultant, Nikki Lane, was excited to see a high number of submissions this year. All school participating in the Pacers Community Newspaper Projects are eligible to submit entries to the newspaper competitions. Following the entry submission period, the entries are judged by a panel of professional journalists and Pacers consultants. The Best Paper Award is given to the paper that demonstrates a high quality as demonstrated in layout and design, writing, features and sections. Because a special emphasis is placed on papers that report on local topics and those that give value to communities, the award went to Section High School’s April 2010 edition of The Lion’s
Roar. Section High School’s newspaper also took home Best Business Plan and Best Overall Layout and Design. The Lion’s Roar received several other awards for staff member, such as Best Community Article for Whitney Stiefel, Best Sports Article for Amanda Crawford, Best Business Article for Caitlin Brock and lastly, best photograph was awarded to Cody Evans. Meanwhile, the Most Comprehensive Involvement Award was given to two worthy papers, Florala City Middle School’s Cat Chronicles and Akron Community School West, The Akron Rambler. The Cat Chronicles also received Best Ad Sales and Best School Article written by Victoria Powell and Josie Dorsey. Best Community Article was awarded Regiana Fields of The Akron Rambler and Jamie Binns of The Sunshine Times. Lastly, the Akron Rambler took home the Best Page Graphics award for their Fall 2009 edition.
Putting the News in Newspaper As newspapers continue to change and develop, Pacers newspaper participants strive to keep up with the industry developments. From print to online media, the schools are creating Facebook pages, interactive websites and blogs to integrate the changes into their communities. By Amanda Crawford Section High School
S
ome schools have big science fairs with the ever-popular volcano that spews over when a certain chemical reaction occurs. A blue ribbon, at least on T.V., always is awarded to that particular volcano. Other schools have band competitions, spelling bees, or they may go to state in
some kind of sport. However, for the 12 schools that attended the 2010 PACERS community newspaper conference, it was all about the ink. Approximately 400 people attended the 2010 PACERS conference, and 204 staffers and contributors were involved in the community newspaper project during the 2008-2009 school year. At the 2010 meeting, schools were introduced and given and opportunity to speak on behalf of their own projects. The reports included how many editions were put out, what they’ve learned from this experience, and sharing plans for the next big step for their school paper. “[The community newspaper project is] an academic project that Pacers promotes in schools to be supported by local communities,” said Nikki Lane, the newspaper chapter membership consultant. Schools in attendance this
year put out anywhere from one to four editions, while others are still working on their first. Several Pacers schools this year are adjusting to new sponsors or dealing with printing problems. Like most Pacers staffers will tell you, the newspaper is not an easy business. Through the good and the bad, the Pacers schools are learning about both themselves and their surrounding communities. “We didn’t realize how big our community was until we started selling papers,” said a representative of the Camp Hill Times. “People were coming up to us and asking when our next edition was.” Another topic of much discussion was the next big step for these programs. For some schools it will be the challenge of getting their first edition of the year out. For staffers on the Akron Rambler it will be adjusting to a new school size.
Pacers Students Document Generations With Video By Jealae Jackson
Sunshine High School
T
he 2010 Pacers Conference included a community documentation and entrepreneurship session led by Andy Goetz, the chapter membership leader and consultant. Florala High School and Section High School were among the schools being reviewed for the session. Clarissa Denny and Justin Seay were the speakers for Florala High School. The discussed their document, which was about how generations have changed over time.
Their documentation included quotes from the elder people in the surrounding community. For the Florala High School students, the project was included in the classroom curriculum. Denny and Seay said they put 100% into the project, because it was worth two and half test grades. During their research and reporting, the students came to find the differences between past generations and the current time. For example, the past generation used $1 to go on a date to the movies,
while a date now requires at least $20 or more. During the session, Denny was happy with their accomplishments, and said she plans to invite everyone who was involved for a celebration upon the completion of the project. The session was an all-in-all success, and the students project proved to be an interesting documentation of generations. They said they learned the difference between now and then. Representing Section High School was speakers Augusta Hailine, Holli
Walden, Gabe Bailer and Erin Massey. Their project covered the changes in generation as well. However, during their project, the students invited the elder people to come to the school for a session. The students learned about the differences in generations as they ate lunch with their guests. The community documentation session is part of the arts and sciences aspect of Pacers, and it is an opportunity for students to learn writing, communication, computer, public relations and business skills.
FIRST EDITION
PAGE 4
Look at the Pacers 2009, 2010 Year in Review This year brings good news for Pacers. After struggling with the potential for closure, several schools will remain open in the upcoming year. Celebrations are in order for Edward Bell High School in Camp Hill, Akron High School and Akron West in Akron and Pintlala Elementary in Pintlala. By Dr. Jack Shelton Pacers Director
S
ince 2004 Pacers has been organized through local chapters. This year Pintlala formed a chapter and joined Pacers. Camp Hill’s Edward Bell High School and Packers Bend’s Monroe Intermediate chapters have initiated community gardens as local projects. Although the projects will involve students, they are the first communitysponsored projects in Pacers, and demonstrate the potential that Pacers has for assisting in local community development. Steele developed a local chapter website (www.steelepacers.com). The Loachapoka chapter has taken the initiative in helping to renovate the greenhouse and aqua facility at the elementary school and has held successful fundraisers.
Pacers’ future is very dependent upon successfully organizing its current local chapters and recruiting new members. For further details on chapters see http://www.pacersinc.org/chapters.html.
MAKING PROGRESS In 2009-2010 good progress was made in all Pacers school project areas: rural science (aquaculture, solar, gardening), community documentation, entrepreneurship and publishing. In aquaculture, new programs were established at Monroe Tech, to serve students from Shields and other small schools in Monroe County, and Flomaton. Local grants-supplementing Pacers contributions-made it possible for Flomaton High School to build a new aquaculture facility. Section High School greatly expanded its aquaculture program during the year fully utilizing an outstanding facility. Florala High School continued its long-term work in aquaculture expanding its facilities and the scope of its program. Gaylesville developed a new system and plans with Pacers to add a passive solar greenhouse to its aqua building. Florala Middle School added a terrific hydroponics component to its aqua unit, and Loachapoka Elementary continues its program. These developments in aquaculture were matched by ongoing facility and
program building in both solar and gardening. New passive solar greenhouses were completed at Florala Middle School, Edward Bell, and Florala High School, and renovations and additions were made at Section and Sand Rock. Passive solar workshops were held at Edward Bell, Monroe Intermediate, and Pintlala where students also used the solar living lab for alternative energy studies. Students in several schools demonstrated strong interest in their communities and their ability to undertake successful documentation programs. At Monroe Intermediate students published a very fine school/community annual. Section High School students continued to work on a program that will result in a video, exploring important themes in the lives of elders whose life stories they have recorded. Harlan Elementary continued its efforts to document the history of Lockhart and added to the Lockhart history room at the school. Florala High School students maintained their photography program that for many years has created still and video images documenting their community. Funds are available for new programs in 2010-2011.
Section Feed and Seed store. With the assistance of Barry Bailey, former Pacers consultant, students and faculty at Section High School prepared a business plan for which they received venture capital from Pacers. Following its plan and using a facility donated by a local family, Section opened its feed and seed store this spring. The program is an important model for Pacers. Also during the year several PACERS newspapers prepared business plans as part of the effort to strengthen the project and improve papers’ capacity to make money. Funds are available for new programs in 2010-2011 (http://www.pacersinc.org/news.html). Twelve schools participated this year in the newspaper project, which has had a successful run of almost 20 years. The project continues to receive critical support from Auburn University’s Journalism Department, which provided a free-of-cost newspaper workshop in the fall of 2009. During the year consultants, students and sponsors have been making plans to develop online formats for the papers. Student interest in the move is strong and probably by the end of the semester there will be some online publishing. Because it reaches a wider (unlimINNOVATION AND BUSINESS ited) audience, uses current technology, and is cheaper and less complicated, on The big news in entrepreneurship line publishing is an important option for was the opening of the student-operated the papers.
Andy Goetz
Above: Students, teachers and community members celebrated the grand opening of their latest endeavor --- a feed and seed store in Section, Ala. With the help of Pacers’ entrepreneurship program incentives, students and schools are given the opportunity to present a business plan and innovative idea. Section High School received assistant from former Pacers consultant and received venture capital from Pacers. Right: Florala High School constructed and completed a passive solar greenhouse as a part of the Pacers science program. The students are learning green initiatives and gaining hands-on experience.