Following their tradition of giving back, Greene Early College, continued this mindset on September 22. Being an early release day, the staff planned a day of giving back to their school and fellow students. It was an opportunity to realize and plan for upcoming initiatives and special events national and school wide. Another positive outcome was an opportunity for students to network with other students across the grade levels.

Preparing for October as National Breast Cancer Awareness month, students painted ‘encouragement rocks” to be given to cancer patients at the Cancer Center in Greenville who are receiving treatment. This was especially meaningful for the students as one of their teachers, Ms. Victoria Nobles, has just completed her final round of treatment for breast cancer. She plans to deliver the rocks to other patients in treatment as a means of showing support for them.

Since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a group of students wrapped board books brought in by GEC students. They also included colorful pictures and messages of encouragement for the cancer patients at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville.

The newly formed Spanish Club made a colorful, eye-catching display acknowledging National Hispanic Month, September 15-October 15. This was the kick-off for other events to highlight ] Hispanic culture. GEC student ambassadors used the time to plans for the year activities to promote GEC at other schools and in the community through meaningful, informational displays and events.

Other students participated in a fall clean up for the school and grounds. Teams cleaned up and decorated the front entrance for the fall holidays. Another team cleaned the vinyl fencing at the entrance of the school. The soccer field used by students at Smart Lunch was cleared of rubbish and trash.

It was a successful day for everyone to regroup and prepare to move forward to the fall events. The next early release day will be dedicated to giving back to the community at off-campus sites.