1000 x 90

Education

Help Mountaineers in Need by Giving to the App State Disaster Relief Fund

October 11, 2024 In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a harsh reality faces many students, faculty and staff of Appalachian State University. Some have lost everything — their homes, their vehicles, their driveways and bridges, and family heirlooms that can never be replaced. To assist community members during this difficult time, the university has established the App State Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing unrestricted funds to Mountaineers in need. Contributions to this fund are directly helping App State students, faculty and staff who have been impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene:

Read more

App State Classes Will Resume on Wednesday Oct. 16

October 10, 2024 App State classes will resume on Wednesday Oct. 16. On Friday Oct. 11 at 5 p.m., Adverse Weather Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) will go into effect and remain in effect until further notice. Students should check their email and monitor ASULearn and course webpages. If in-person and/or remote learning is not possible, students are encouraged to reach out to their faculty or department chairs.

Read more

Update from the Watauga Arts Council: Efforts We Currently Have On Our Agenda

October 9, 2024 We hope this note finds you safe as we face the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost their homes and had damaged property. We are incredibly encouraged by our community’s resilience and unity in the face of this tragedy. Our residents and neighbors near and far have been selfless in service. Thank you for your contributions. We are committed to serving our residents and helping our artists during this difficult time. We are here for you. Come by the office anytime if you need to talk, charge your devices, use Wifi or our kitchen or make cards with us. We have drinks in the fridge.

Read more

Monday Update from the Watauga County School System

October 8, 2024 An important update from Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander on our relief efforts: Watauga High School will continue to be open this week from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Please stop by if you are in need of water, non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, paper goods or other household items. Our childcare site at Hardin Park School is now closed to new registration. We have reached our capacity for new students, but we will continue to serve all those already registered. The site is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and we serve breakfast, lunch and a snack. Drop-off is between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. We cannot accept children after 9:45 a.m.

Read more

Watauga County Schools will be Closed for Students and Teachers October 7th- October 11th

October 4, 2024 Watauga County Schools will be closed for students, teachers, and teacher assistants next week, October 7th- October 11th.  Another critical factor to consider before reopening schools is the conditions of our roads.  We will be working with NC DOT to determine when it is safe to put buses on our roads. Please know that we want to reopen school as soon as we can safely do so.

Read more

App State to launch Fall 2024 Aging Academy Speaker Series on Sept. 20

September 20, 2024 The Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness (App Well) will kick off its annual Aging Academy Speaker Series on Friday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. in Levine Hall of Health Sciences room 103. Dr. Li Li, a leading researcher in exercise science and human movement from Georgia Southern University, will present “The Impact of Physical Activity on Longevity,” with a focus on how movement can enhance longevity and overall health. A reception with complimentary refreshments will begin at 2 p.m. in the Levine Hall of Health Sciences Lewis Atrium, located at 1179 State Farm Road in Boone. The event is free and on-site parking is available. To register, call 828-262-7690

Read more

New York Times Bestselling Author, Leigh Ann Henion, Returns to Boone Spotlight for New Book Launch On Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m

September 18, 2024 If you’ve been in the High Country for any amount of time, the name Leigh Ann Henion must surely ring a bell. For several years, her byline was a familiar attraction, drawing readers to her well-written and captivating stories through her association with Mountain Times Publications. Fast-forward a few years through amazing life and career developments for this young woman who still calls the area “home,” and who reached for the stars and literally made it to the top as a New York Times bestselling author. And she’ll be in the Boone spotlight once again during a whirlwind tour to promote her newest book. On Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m., Henion will be greeting friends, new and old, at Booneshine Brewing Company, while celebrating the release of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. By Sherrie Norris

Read more

5 Watauga High Graduates Awarded App State’s New River Light and Power Scholarship

September 18, 2024 Five first-year Mountaineer students — all graduates of Watauga High School — have been named recipients of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) Scholarship for the 2024–25 academic year. Established in 1988, the scholarship provides funding to Watauga County students pursuing higher education at App State and is a key part of App State’s founding mission to increase access to higher education.

Read more

Celebrating and Preserving Local Heritage: Watauga County Heritage Museum One Step Closer to Reality

September 17, 2024 After nearly a year of talking, planning and gathering support for a much-needed chapter in Watauga County’s history and heritage, a group of visionaries came together to celebrate a major milestone on Saturday, Sept. 14. Honoring their past, with a mission to preserve and protect it all for future generations, this group of about 30 people, along with families and friends, publicly proclaimed on Saturday that they are moving ahead with plans to establish a heritage museum for Watauga County. Chaired by Diane Cornett-Deal, the Watauga County Heritage Museum committee, officially recognized on Saturday as charter members, is comprised of citizens representing longtime families from every corner of the county, and all with a passion for preserving local history. By Sherrie Norris

Read more

Registration Opens for App State’s Home School Physical Education Program; Deadline Sept. 16

September 12, 2024 Registration has opened for the 2024–2025 academic year for the Appalachian State University Home School Physical Education (PE) program. Sponsored by the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education at App State, the Home School Physical Education program is led by Dr. Brooke Towner, an assistant professor of Physical Education and a certified physical education teacher. Parents may register homeschooled children ages 5 to 12 to participate in the physical activity program, which offers 50-minute sessions twice a week during the fall and spring semesters at Varsity Gym on App State’s Boone campus.

Read more

Outsmart the Scammers: Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness Panel Discussion Sept. 18

September 11, 2024 Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammers’ tactics are becoming more complex. No one is immune! That’s why it’s important to educate yourself about fraud.   Learn important strategies to help protect yourself and the ones you love. We’ll share: How to spot red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter. Where to turn in the event you or a loved one is targeted. Steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Panel will include Boone Police Department, Watauga Sheriff’s Department, and External Financial Fraud Investigator Tommy Crosby

Read more

Appalachian State University Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Meeting Sept. 13

September 11, 2024 Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee will convene virtually at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. The meeting will be livestreamed from the Leon Levine Hall Board Room on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and available for the public to watch at chancellor.appstate.edu/search .

Read more

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer to Perform in Concert and Lead Workshops on October 13

September 11, 2024 On Sunday, October 13, Two-Time GRAMMY® Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer will be bringing their musical talents to The Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone, offering both a live concert and a series of educational workshops. The event will kick off with two free workshops from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, where participants can learn from these master musicians. Although the workshops are free to attend, an RSVP is encouraged to ensure a spot.

Read more

App State Marks its 125th Year with Strong Enrollment of 21,570 Students in Fall 2024

September 10, 2024 Appalachian State University marks its 125th year by enrolling 21,570 Mountaineer students in fall 2024, a 1.5% increase over last fall. “Our steady growth is supported by intentionally managed enrollment at the Boone campus and significant growth in both the Hickory campus and App State Online student populations,” App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris announced.

Read more

Grandfather Mountain to Host Girl Scout Day on Sept. 21 Robust Schedule of Offerings

September 10, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will be hosting its 53rd-annual Girl Scout Day on Saturday, Sept. 21. Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership (all or part of a uniform or a troop roster with the leader’s name on it), and family members will receive discounted admission ($1 off child admission and $2 off adult admission). The day also includes special programming – from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. – for scouts, who are invited to join the park’s naturalists for an exciting learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain.

Read more

Arts Council Director Helps Paint The Picture for Deep Gap Community Club’s Future

September 6, 2024 During the August monthly meeting of the Deep Gap Ruritan Club, Amber Bateman, Executive Director of Watauga Arts Council, shared with club members the mission and vision for the organization she leads and how it can assist local communities with their hopes for future endeavors. Bateman had connected with the Ruritan club/officers earlier this year as they formed a committee to pursue the possibility of developing a park-like recreation atmosphere that would attract residents and visitors, alike. Having Bateman agree to serve on the newly formed committee was a  “win-win” for Deep Gap Ruritan, according to club President Les Gentry; he (Gentry), along with Bateman, Keron Poteat, Director of Watauga Parks and Recreation, and club members Billie Rogers and specifically, Ron Hancock who is also a senior planner with Destination by Design, are leading the way. By Sherrie Norris

Read more

Holmes Drive Parking Deck Now Open on App State’s Boone Campus

September 5, 2024 App State’s Holmes Convocation Center Parking Deck offers 600 parking stalls, increasing the number of Boone campus parking spaces available for faculty, staff and students by 460 from the former surface lot on which it stands. The primary use for the new deck is for faculty, staff and student parking, with event parking as needed. App State university has the flexibility to offer visitor parking in select lots as needed upon demand. The additional parking also supports events at the App State’s Holmes Center as well as the 30,000-seat Kidd Brewer multipurpose stadium that is about a half-mile away.

Read more

App State Awarded $35 Million Grant to Expand GEAR UP College Access Program 

September 5, 2024 The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a seven-year, $35 million GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant to Appalachian State University’s College Access Partnerships in the Reich College of Education. The award represents the largest single grant ever awarded to the university. GEAR UP is a federally funded college access program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education immediately after high school. Through a wide range of research-based services to students, families and teachers, the GEAR UP NC Appalachian Partnership aims to improve college-going mindsets, high school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment rates.

Read more

‘Appalachian’ — How Do You Say It? App State Explores the History Behind the Region’s Name and Its Pronunciations

August 29, 2024 At Appalachian State University, Mountaineers have a preference in the pronunciation of Appalachian: “appa-latch-un.” According to the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary and several others, both “appa-latch-un” and “appa-lay-shun,” an alternative pronunciation, are acceptable. The history behind the region’s name — both its spelling and how to say it — spans cultures, centuries and languages.

Read more

Lees-McRae College Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mountain Heritage High School Located in Yancey County

August 29, 2024 Mountain Heritage High School, located in Yancey County, North Carolina, has become the newest high school to establish a partnership with Lees-McRae. The partnership was formalized on Monday, Aug. 23 by Yancey County Schools Superintendent Kathy Amos and Lees-McRae Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips. Lees-McRae Director of Admissions Trenton Burleson and Mountain Heritage High School Principal Daron Williams were also in attendance. Burleson also spoke that night at the Yancey County Schools Board of Education meeting to announce the partnership.

Read more

Grandfather Mountain to Host Junior Naturalist Day on Sept. 7

August 28, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that it will be hosting its annual Junior Naturalist Day on Saturday, Sept. 7. Activities, included with admission, will be provided specifically for children ages 5 to 12 – though all ages are welcome – to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer. Programming takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature birding with a naturalist, nature journaling, insect investigation and more.

Read more

Grandfather Mountain’s Conservation Campus Expands with New Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility

August 27, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently wrapped up construction on the Ginny Burton Education and Animal Care Facility, part of the nature park’s growing Conservation Campus. While the new space is not open to general guests, it will be a stop on Behind-the-Scenes Tours (one of the mountain’s special add-on experiences) offered by habitat staff. The facility is tailored to the needs of Grandfather’s growing education and habitat teams, providing more collaborative work space, a break room and private offices, while also allowing keepers to give top-level care for the animals that call the mountain home.

Read more

Friends of the Watauga County  Library Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration in September

August 22, 2024 The group, Friends of the Watauga County Library, has done its part and more since forming in 1974 while providing support, encouragement, funding and a myriad of community programs and outreach events for the greater Boone area. For 50 years, a group of caring individuals have stood in the gap, as well as behind and beside the library staff and patrons, to help make the library what it is today. And, to celebrate the organization’s golden milestone, a party is being planned for Saturday, Sept. 21, on the library lawn, in the parking lot and in the meeting room, with fun, food and entertainment for all. By Sherrie Norris

Read more

Award-Winning History Author, Dr. Barry M. Buxton Pens New Blowing Rock Local History Book that Focuses on Eight Incredible Women

August 22, 2024 Dr. Barry M. Buxton, an esteemed native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and an award-winning history author, chronicles a chapter in Blowing Rock’s rich history in his new publication Queens of Blowing Rock. The book centers on eight women who each made a unique mark on the town’s future. Queens of Blowing Rock will appeal to readers interested in the local history of Blowing Rock. Historians will appreciate the book’s fine attention to research and scholarly objectivity. Women have often been overlooked in community histories, and young women looking for role models will be overjoyed to discover these inspirational women.

Read more

+ More Articles