Life Skills through Theater Arts
Theater students at Central High School learned new skills as they built a storage space for their tools and materials. With a grant from Wiregrass RC&D, a 12 x 16 shed was constructed on a large concrete slab behind the school. Electrical outlets outside and inside the structure will allow for projects, sets, and props of all sizes to be built. Inside, a steelwork shelf was installed to hold tools and provide additional workspace.
Since shop class is no longer a requirement at most schools, many young people graduate from high school with little to no knowledge of how to take on even small building or repair tasks. Theatre tech provides students with a knowledge of basic construction principles and gives them confidence to operate machines and use tools. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills and teamwork to solve any problem that might arise.
The Boys & Girls Club updated about 7,000 sq. ft. of inside recreational space. Many layers of paint that have built up over the past several years were stripped, sanded, and painted correctly. All walls, benches, doors, and window frames were painted, which made it more inviting for our members and families.
Junior Naturalist Program/Teen Nature Club
Thanks to a grant from WRC&D, the Dothan Houston County Library System excited our teens in the Wiregrass Area about Alabama’s diverse natural resources. This program has taken place every other Tuesday at our Main Library located in Downtown Dothan. Topics such as wildlife, forestry, and water quality were discussed. This program began in October 2021 and will go through April 2022. Each session includes hands-on learning experiences and activities that encourage teens to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around them. We partnered with Landmark Park and Jatin Patel with his snakes and birds so teens could get a better understanding of the importance of these wild animals that they might not normally get to see in a safe environment.
Slocomb Fire Rescue Training Tower
Slocomb Fire Rescue was awarded a grant from Wiregrass RC&D for a Fire Department Drill Training Tower. This tower allows firefighters in Geneva County the opportunity for hands-on fire rescue training. The project was a part of an overall drill field project. Thanks to the hard work of the Slocomb Fire Department and their partnership with Wiregrass RC&D, firefighters in Geneva County are more prepared to keep Geneva County residents safe.
The Ashford HS Band Association received a grant to help purchase new band uniforms. The previous uniforms were over 15 years old and in much need of replacement. Thanks to the hard work of parent and student fundraising and funds donated by the Wiregrass RC&D, the band now has uniforms they can wear with pride. The Ashford HS band averages approximately 70-100 students per year. We are glad to support such a wonderful group of young people by partnering with the Ashford Band Association on this project.
The Cottonwood HS FFA received a grant from WRC&D to purchase a new livestock trailer. Cottonwood FFA students are now able to transport their swine and cattle safely and effectively to livestock shows. FFA leadership has been working hard to increase participation in their livestock program over the last two years. They have plans to venture into showing sheep and goats in addition to their current livestock efforts. The trailer is being for shows, festivals, and community events. Thanks to Wiregrass RC&D students are able to transport animals safely. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in students and FFA programs that are impacting their community.
Horticulture Program at Eufaula HS
WRC&D provided a grant to help implement the newest Career and Technical Program at Eufaula High School. The Horticulture Program is now available for grades 9-12. Horticulture is an expansion of their existing Agriculture Science Program. One of the cornerstones of the new program is the greenhouse. WRC&D funded the equipment and supplies for the new program. The ultimate goal of this Program is to prepare students for careers after they graduate from high school. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Services reports that 1 out of ever 4.6 jobs in Alabama is in agriculture, forestry or a related field, and that these industries account for the second largest number of jobs in our state. The supplies and tools provided by WRC&D were essential to the implementation of this new Career Development Program.
Enrichment and Youth Development
The Barbour County Extension was pleased to receive a grant to support Enrichment and Youth Activities. Thanks to WRC&D students in Barbour County were able to participate in several educational activities.
Skins n’ Skulls Program
This program allowed students to experience learning about their natural environment, wildlife, conservation, and natural resources. This program increased understanding of the web of life and the ecology of the Alabama ecosystem. During the program, club officers were utilized as assistant leaders and teachers. They were involved with the setup, display, and the lesson delivery. This program was also delivered to a large audience at their annual Classroom In the Forest.
Mid-Winter Teen Leadership Retreat
Four youth from Barbour county were sponsored to attend the Mid-Winter Teen Leadership Retreat held at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Al. This three-day event featured many workshops such as self-defense, round table discussion on Leadership, and many other fun and educational activities.
Regional Round-UP
This event featured the first and second place competitors for each 4-H competition held locally within the Southeaster counties in Alabama. Eight Barbour County representatives were sponsored to attend the event, which was held at Troy University. These students gained insight into not only competition, but sportsmanship, independence, and mastery. Barbour County 4-H members placed in their respective competitive events and age classes.
Transportation
Transportation for rural county students was provided for the Classroom in the Forest and Farm Day events.
These events and activities are just a few of the activities that were made possible by WRC&D.
11th Avenue Landscaping in Russell County
A very nice landscaping project was done on 11th Avenue in Russell County in order to improve 11th Avenue and the Church.
Vivian B. Adams School Greenhouse
A new concrete pad was built for the greenhouse at the Vivian B. Adams School in Dale County.