Nov 2, 2023
The Eng IV Hon class at Mitchell welcomed guest speaker Dr. Daniel Barron. He addressed research they are conducting on historic sites in Mitchell County. Dr. Barron covered multiple methods for conducting online research, chasing down the leads to a satisfying amount of information to report.
Dr. Barron answered questions about students’ chosen historic sites. Afterwards, students, Rachel Van Brederode and Charley Ambrose requested an interview with Barron. Each student felt they needed more information about their historic sites and “Dr. Dan” as he asked them to call him, graciously allowed their questions. Charley said he ”created a pathfinder for me so that I could start my research properly.” Rachel added he discussed her topic in an “engaging and fun way.”
During his visit, Dr. Barron gifted each of the English IV honors students with a copy of a book he worked on with Sue Ledford, Rhonda Gunter, David Biddix, and Chris Hollifield, and written by Elizabeth Hunter called Voices of the Valley: Mitchell County, N.C. Celebrates 150 Years.
Mitchell students also worked with Marsha and David Biddix from the Mitchell County Historic Society regarding how they assembled research for past projects, including a short preview of the Race Riots presentation that was scheduled for the next day. They provide ongoing support for these students.
This research is part of a community service project teacher Amy Reece initiated with the purpose of showing how skilled use of language can help improve the local economy. Students will arrange their research and interviews into a short video as part of a scavenger hunt, leading tourists on either a walking tour of Spruce Pine or Bakersville, or a driving tour of outlying areas of Mitchell Co. Reece said, “Locals and tourists alike will enjoy exploring Mitchell Co, learning about its rich history, with the opportunity to patronize local businesses. I hope this will bring revenue to the county and improve our way of life.”
Reece explained students will then explore various careers that use language to market and advertise the tour. There are student-led committees tasked with fundraising, communicating with community businesses, purchasing signs to advertise, all of which strengthen potential career skills. “This is a student-led project,” she added, “so if students reach out for help I hope community members will do what you can for them.” Currently they seek the donation of a large county map for use in planning their tours. Students will be reaching out to businesses this week to request financial assistance for advertising and signage. They also hope to work with various economic development organizations to help guide the way.
There will be an open house mid-December for the community to see all their hard work. For more information, go to the link on the MHS website or the project link at bit.ly/3s5Z4kk.