Rabun Gap 8th Graders give back to Community

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School reports that its eighth-graders are giving back to the community as part of the annual Project: Be the Change in Ms. Linsley’s humanities classes. After studying how ordinary people throughout history created positive change in their communities, student groups research causes they are passionate about and design projects to raise awareness and funds, or participate in the cause. One group partnered with Five Freedom Farm in Clarkesville, an animal sanctuary that works in partnership with the deaf community. They spent the day grooming the horses, learning how to trim horse hooves, cleaning out pig pens and putting down fresh straw, shoveling hundreds of pounds of old hay and manure, and repairing fences. In February, one Project: Be the Change group had a “Sweet Treat Resale” to raise money to purchase supplies for human trafficking victims.  Thanks to the donated baked goods from Clayton Café, White Birch Provisions, and State Farm (Franklin, NC), the students raised $180 for their cause. Another group just concluded a pet supply drive at the Lower School for Paws4Life, our local animal shelter. They collected 100 lbs of food, 362 toys/bowls, 61 leashes, and almost 15 lbs of treats and bones! The winning lower school class was Mrs. Mattis’ advisory, and they received a donut party!  The group took their supplies to Rabun Paws4Life, spoke to the director about their mission, and got to love on some of the animals.