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Yancey County Board of Education Members Take Oath

On Monday, December 4 Jeremy Chandler was sworn in as a new member of the Yancey County Board of Education. Warren Hughes, Clerk of Court administered the oath to Chandler before a crowded boardroom. Kay Chandler holds the Bible as her husband is sworn in to serve his first term. “I appreciate the support of the citizens of Yancey County and I look forward to serving you,” Chandler said. Jeremy and Kay have two children, Nicholas and Ciera.

Also, Van Thomas begins her third term of service with Yancey County School Board. Her husband, Bob Thomas, holds the Bible as she is sworn in to serve her third term. Granddaughter, Keisha Chrisawn and great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Chrisawn looks on as Thomas takes her oath. “I intend to continue to serve this Board with all the pride and integrity that I have in the past eight years.” “I have truly enjoyed serving and I thank my family and friends for all their love and support,” Thomas said.

The Yancey County Board of Education re-elected Gary Grindstaff as Chairman of the Board and Van Thomas was elected as the Vice Chair.

JEFF YALDEN SPEAKS TO MHHS STUDENTS

Jeff Yalden,, MTV Celebrity and internationally renowned youth motivational speaker, spoke at Mountain Heritage High School on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 9 AM.

Jeff Yalden is from Sagamore Beach, MA and has spoken to more than 3,000 youth audiences in all 50 states and representing over 48 different countries. His timely message about life and purpose was delivered with humor and hard-hitting honesty. According to MHHS Principal, Alton Robinson students were very grateful for the program. Here are some comments from MHHS students:

" You do not know how bad I needed this today."

"Thank you."

"He related to us well."

"Jeff was inspirational and funny."

"Please have speakers like Jeff more often."

" I am excited about school after that program."

A solid motivator and educator, Jeff Yalden is a role model for youth with which he is comfortable: Yalden has spent the last twelve years touring the world, coaching and delivering his highly motivational speech to youth, educators and parents to make better life and family choices. He has impacted youth to live a life of purpose and commitment.

So effective is Yalden's work, in fact, the National Speakers Association has awarded him its highest honor. In 2002, the organization granted Yalden the title of Certified Speaking Professional. Less than 7% of professional speakers worldwide carry the designation. Also, MTV called his show their best show in the six seasons of taping MTV MADE. His show was the longest running show seen by over 70 million youth.

As an author, Yalden has six books to his credit: They Call Me Coach (ISBN ), Keep it Simple: A Teenager's Handbook for Life (ASIN B0006RT7MY, Yalden Books, 2001), Traits of a Leader, 20 Ways to Keep it Simple and Pathway to Purpose (ISBN 097474820X, Yalden Press Publications, 2004). He has also co-authored Lead Now or Step Aside (ISBN 0965144747, Chespress Publications, 2000) and is a contributing author of the New York Times best-seller A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul (ISBN 1558744215, HCI, 1996).

To encourage young people to think before they act, Yalden also created the popular "Take Time To Think" wristbands. Formerly a two-time Marine-of-the-Year and Mr. New Hampshire Male America, Yalden draws upon his own life experiences to reach out to students.

“You can’t be angry about yesterday’s circumstances. However, you can choose to accept the past and make better choices today to make the circumstances of tomorrow more fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding,” Yalden states.

For information about Jeff Yalden and his programs with youth please do not hesitate to contact Jeff personally.

Jeff Yalden * 40 Deacons Lane * Sagamore Beach, MA 02562

800-948-9289 * Fax 508-888-1482

Web: www.JeffYalden.com * Email: Jeff@JeffYalden.com

Pictured Left to Right: Angie Suggs, project director for the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education, Melinda Bullen, UNC Asheville, Kristin Buchanan, YCS Social Worker, Alton Robinson, Principal MHHS and Dr. Barbara Tipton, Superintendent.

UNCA Presents Grants to Mountain Heritage

Last week the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded a $223,000 grant to establish the Western North Carolina Network for Access and Success. The network grew out of a three-year pilot program to improve college access and student success throughout the Appalachian region of North Carolina. The program is coordinated by Appalachian State University, in partnership with UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University. It is a model of two other college access networks in the Appalachian Region: the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education and the West Virginia Access Center for Higher Education.

Some $64,000 of the grant was awarded to UNC Asheville to enhance college access programming at local high schools. On Tuesday, November 14, 2006 UNC Asheville presented an $8,000 check to Mountain Heritage High School. Kristin Buchanan submitted this grant to implement a program called Students Obtain Academic Readiness (SOAR). This program is designed to assist 20 freshmen students for college preparation. Over the next 18 months, UNC Asheville Assistant Director of Admissions Outreach Coordinator, Melinda Bullen will also assist in programming designed to help students at Mountain Heritage continue on to college.

For more information on the WNC Network for Access and Success, visit: http://www.gocollege.appstate.edu/ahean/index.htm.

Board of Education Meets to Discuss

Vision & District Goals

The Yancey County Board of Education members met on Friday, November 3, 2006 at High Pastures Retreat Center to discuss and develop the board vision and district improvement goals for Yancey County Schools. The following is an overview of the vision and district goals developed at this meeting:

VISION

Mission/Vision:

The Yancey County Schools strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment to empower all students to achieve their full potential as life-long learners and global citizens.

Beliefs:

Building on tradition and focusing on the future, Yancey County Schools will:

Challenge and encourage all students to become life-long learners.
Foster healthy students in a safe, orderly, and caring environment.
Tailor instructional approaches and educational settings to serve a diverse student population.
Promote positive traits resulting in thriving communities.
Seek, secure, and support an excellent professional staff.

Yancey County Schools Improvement Goals

The ABC’s Plus – Strategic Plan for

Excellent Schools

High Student Performance

District Goals:

Reach the annual proficiency percentage goal for Limited English Proficient students in accordance with NCLB, Title III Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs)
Expand a continuum of inquiry-based science instruction K-12
Improve a continuum of foreign language programs, K-12
Improve literacy skills percent proficient for K-12 students in accordance with state and NCLB goals
Improve percent proficient for students with disabilities subgroup in mathematics, K-12, in accordance with state and NCLB goal
Improve a continuum of implementing the Social Studies North Carolina Standard Course of Study, K-12

Safe, Orderly, and Caring Schools

District Goals:

Improve a continuum of health education and physical activity
Develop a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program
Develop a comprehensive bully-prevention program

Quality Professional Staff

District Goals:

Increase the percentage rate of personnel attending high quality professional development in accordance with NCLB legislation
Reach 100 percent highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals in accordance with NCLB legislation

Strong Family, Business, and Community

District Goal:

Improve student, parent, and community involvement

Effective and Efficient Operation

District Goals:

Reduce the dropout rate
Improve vertical articulation and transition programs K-12
Continue proper Section 504 referral-to-placement procedures
Develop a comprehensive Yancey County Schools Board Policy Manual
Identify alternative financial allocation methods to better address student achievement needs
Improve fostering the capacity and culture of continuous improvement and learning

The Yancey County Board of Education continually strives to serve the children of Yancey County Schools and looks forward to the challenges ahead.

“SAY NO MAGIC SHOW”

On Thursday, October 26, 2006, Yancey County Safe and Drug Free Schools brought Matt Fore to the county to present his “Say No Magic Show” at Burnsville Elementary School. All the elementary schools across the county got to see Mr. Fore’s show. On Friday, October 27, 2006 Matt brought his “Making the Right Decisions Program” to Cane River and East Yancey Middle Schools. Matt was wonderful! Both young and old laughed hysterically! The magic tricks delighted all the students, the jokes energized the staff, and the clear anti-drug and making the right choices messages’ were very loud and clear. Here are some positive comments from East Yancey Middle School:

“The magician's show was hilarious. I laughed until I cried. I was impressed with how he was able to make us laugh and then get everyone to think more seriously about the big and small decisions made everyday. The most magical part was his ability to capture the students' attention for both parts - the magic show and the life lesson.” - Mrs. Flynn

“I think the reason we got to see the magic show is because he was going to explain about making decisions and how your decisions could take you down the right or wrong road. I thought the magic show was awesome! He made learning so fun.” - Nikki Briggs

“The magic show was a great way to get kids to listen because a lot of times kids will just tune out if someone is at the school talking about making the right decision. But when he came to our school, he got the audience to participate; it got people to actually listen. He was also very funny. When he told the jokes, you could tell that everyone was paying attention because everyone laughed.” - Raven Whitley

“I thought the performance was good. I also like the message of "think for yourself." The show was hilarious and it had a good purpose.” - Luke DeHart

“The magician that came to our school was so funny! I spent the whole time laughing. I think the purpose of the show was to make good choices in life and not choose drugs and alcohol.” - Brianne McFee

“The magician's purpose was to make us laugh and to teach us to make the best out of life.” - Kailey Robertson

“He was really funny and had great tricks. His purpose for being here was to tell us that if we made good choices we could do anything we set our mind too.” - Brianna Woody

“The magician that came to EYMS was great. The thing that was most important was that he wanted us to make the right decisions in life.” - Christian Whitson

Yalden Invited to MHHS

Mountain Heritage High School has invited MTV Celebrity and internationally renowned youth motivational speaker, Jeff Yalden, to speak at 9 AM on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 .

Jeff Yalden is from Sagamore Beach, MA and has spoken to more than 3,000 youth audiences in all 50 states and representing over 48 different countries. His timely message about life and purpose is delivered with humor and hard-hitting honesty to high school and middle school-aged students around the world.

A solid motivator and educator, Jeff Yalden is a role model for youth with which he is comfortable: Yalden has spent the last twelve years touring the world, coaching and delivering his highly motivational speech to youth, educators and parents to make better life and family choices. He has saved lives and impacted youth to live a life of purpose and commitment.

YANCEY COUNTY SCHOOLS CHOSEN

FOR STATEWIDE SAMPLE

Yancey County Schools will be testing the 4^th graders at South Toe Elementary and the 7^th graders at East Yancey Middle School on November 8^th, 9^th, & 13^th, 2006. These schools were selected for a statewide sample for the fall EOG Special Study exam. These exams will consist of a math section and a reading section. Math sections will be administered on November 8^th and 9^th. Reading sections will be administered on November 13^th.

Allison Tipton and Amy O'Brien - poetry winners, Matthew Hall and Alecia Babb - art winners, Joel Camper and Calan Miller - essay winners

Backstage helpers, Miriam Ceja, Yaquelin Onchi, Nancy Martinez, Karina Ortiz

Performers,Ms. Marianne Thomason EY teacher,Rosita Sixtos, Rosa Procopio, Chavo Sanchez, Victor Campos, Leticia Martinez, not pictured: Cruz

East Yancey Middle School Celebrates

Hispanic Heritage Month

East Yancey Middle School students participated in an essay, poetry, and art contest. The topic: “The Importance of Cultural Diversity in America”.

Essay winners were Joel Camper and Calen Miller. Poetry winners were Amy O’Brian and Allison Tipton. Art winners were Matthew Hall and Alecia Babb

The celebration ended with a special program featuring many different styles of Spanish and Latin dance. The styles included Flamenco, Reggeaton, The Dance of the Little Old Men, Latin Street Dance, and Kumbia.

The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month was a huge success. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. Students learned that cultural diversity is what makes our country unique.

“THANK YOU”

A big “THANK YOU” goes out to the owners of the Yancey Theater for allowing our class from Burnsville Elementary to attend a showing of “Open Season”. Due to an array of special needs, the children would not have been able to attend had it not been for the kindness of the theater staff. It was heartwarming to see twelve little children, several of whom had never been to the movies, light up from the sounds and action of the big screen. Yancey County is very fortunate to have such a wonderful place for all ages to enjoy!

---Shannon Anders, Wanda Cooper, Valerie Swann, Pam Shaw and Jenny Grindstaff

St. Jude Math-A-Thon Raises Funds for St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital

Students at Burnsville Elementary School are having fun practicing their math, and helping other children by participating in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Students are raising funds for the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. These funds will help St. Jude in its ongoing fight against childhood catastrophic diseases. Children from all over the world who are stricken with diseases such as cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease and other catastrophic illnesses are helped by St. Jude. A Yancey County student is currently being treated for leukemia at St. Jude

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay.

St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization, through events such as Math-A-Thon. If you have any questions, you may call Wanda Harding at 828-682-4515 or visit www.mathathon.org.

Burnsville Elementary Fourth Graders Learn About Native American History

Burnsville Elementary fourth graders have been studying all about Native Americans this fall. While students worked on researching facts and writing research papers, they became engrossed in the Native American culture. Students began digging up artifacts and making models of native villages. Students made mask of these interesting cultures of people.

Fourth grade students were exposed to many wonderful cultures and traditions of the Cherokee. All fourth grade students were allowed to travel to the Oconaluftee Village and the Cherokee Museum of Native Americans located in Cherokee. This trip was sponsored by a grant through Western North Carolina which allowed the children to tour the Village and the Museum for free. The fourth graders of Burnsville Elementary invite everyone to visit the fourth grade hall on October 27, when the PTO will host the school wide harvest festival

African Music Studied

On Friday, September 29^th, the Cane River Middle School seventh grade Social Studies classes, taught by Mr. Larry Hall, enjoyed student led demonstrations of traditional African music presented by the seventh grade band students.

Mrs. Lisa Mauney, band director, had the seventh grade band students put up their traditional band instruments for two weeks and replace them with African djembes, shakeres, mibiras, talking drums and rain sticks. The band students learned not only how music is played and used in African culture, but also how the instruments were made. Students learned basic djembe technique using bass, tap and slaps tones to play the Kakilambe, a two part African dance from Ghana. The highlight of this unit came when the band students took their knowledge about African music and taught this material to all the seventh graders in their Social Studies classes.

Since school began in August, students have studied the amazing geography and complex history of the continent of Africa. These students have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, and have gone rafting down the Nile River, the longest river in the world, through the magic of large screen videos. They have learned about a courageous man from the West Coast African nation of Ghana, who was born with a disability, but this man is working to make his country a better place. This story is told in the inspirational video, “Emmanuel’s Gift”.

Our students have also created an African mask and have improved their writing skills through the development of a story about a young African who was captured during the 1700’s and sold into slavery in Colonial America.

Cane River students have had an excellent opportunity to increase their understanding of the incredible continent of Africa.

YANCEY COUNTY INTERAGENCY COUNCIL

HOLDS ANNUAL CHILD FIND MEETING

The Yancey County Interagency Council held its annual Child Find Meeting on September 07, 2006 at the Yancey County Health Department. The council consists of various agencies in Yancey County and Mitchell County that provide various services to children.

The agencies that attended were: CDSA of the Blue Ridge, Yancey-Mitchell Partnership for Children, Intermountain Headstart, Yancey County Schools, Mitchell County Schools, WNC School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Family Support Network, Yancey County Health Department, Mitchell County Health Department, Governor Morehead Preschool, Division of Children Development, and Kid’s Check.

The purpose of the council is to locate and serve children from birth to age 21 that may need special services such as speech therapy, physical or occupational therapy. Early intervention help for children who may have developmental delays is also available.

Every child is unique. Some may require assistance in skills that adults take for granted such as: gross motor skills (using hand and legs effectively), speech skills, articulation of words, cognitive skills (reasoning/understanding), developmental skills, learning from others and retention. Senses such as hearing and vision may also need to be assessed for problems.

Below is a guide parents may use to see how their children grow and change. Do not become alarmed if your child cannot do all things listed. This is a general guide; all children grow and learn in their own way.

6 Months: Rolls from stomach to back, reaches for toys, transfers toys from one hand to another, looks for noise made nearby, makes sounds for specific reasons (hunger, wet diaper, etc.), helps hold bottle while drinking, plays with toes, pats mirror image, puts everything into mouth, follows toys held in front of eyes and moved.

1 Year: Sits without support, pulls to stand, crawls on all fours, understands the meaning of “no” and “bye-bye”, repeats sounds made by others, feeds self cookies or crackers (may not be neat), waves bye-bye, shy with unfamiliar people, turns pages of magazines or books (more than one page at a time).

2 Years: Walks well, carries toy while walking, speaks several words which are understandable and meaningful, refers to self by name, recognizes self in mirror, feeds self with spoon (may spill some), drinks from a cup, occupies self in play, plays with an adult (such as rolls ball), builds tower of four blocks, shows body parts (eyes, nose, foot) when asked.

3 Years: Goes up steps two feet on a step, walks on tiptoes, runs easily, unwraps candy, names objects such as toys and food, speaks in three-word sentences (“Me go home.”), pulls off socks as part of undressing, is toilet trained, shows interest in TV and radio, helps adults by putting away toys and clothes (when told), turns pages one at a time, recites nursery rhymes.

4 Years: Walks up steps, one foot for each step, picks up small objects with ease, unbuttons buttons, tells stories, speaks in complete sentences (“I want a cookie..”), dresses self, feeds self, washes face and hands, gets along with other children, imitates adults doing simple tasks, builds a tower with ten blocks, copies a circle, matches some objects and colors.

5 Years: Hops and skips on one foot, marches in time, catches a ball with hands, speaks clearly and can be understood by others not in the family, brushes teeth, follows two directions (“Go get the ball and throw it to me.”), recognizes shapes, copies a square, circle, triangle, and cross, recognizes coins, and counts to four.

If you have or know of a child that may need services, you can contact Grace Whitson at the Board of Education at 828-682-6101.

Alan Lusk has been selected 2007 Principal of the Year for Yancey County Schools. Yancey County Board of Education Members pictured left to right, Randy Banks (Board Member), Van Thomas (Board Member), Gary Grindstaff (Board Chairman), Dr. Iva Nell Buckner (Board Member), Elaine Boone (Board Member) and Alan Lusk (Principal of the Year).

Alan Lusk Principal of the Year

Alan Lusk, principal of Micaville Elementary School, has been selected as the 2007 Wachovia Principal of the Year for Yancey County Schools in a program co-sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Wachovia Bank Corporation. Lusk was honored with a reception during the October 2 meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education.

Lusk now moves on to compete with other local award recipients from the Western Region of the state. After the state selection process is complete, one principal will be selected as the 2007 Wachovia Principal of the Year.

Lusk began his career in education as a teacher in 1973. During his long career, Lusk has served in all but two Yancey County Schools. This is the fourth time Lusk has been honored as Principal of the Year. In his biography Lusk wrote, “Each school, like Baskin Robbins, has a different “flavor”, all of which are good. Our staffs, faculties and student bodies are all bright shining examples of what’s right in NC public schools.” Lusk is described by his fellow principals as:

· “articulate”

· “compassionate”

· “hardworking”

· “knowledgeable”

Under Lusk’s leadership, Micaville Elementary was named School of Distinction in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005. They also were named School of Excellence in 2003 and 2004. In 2002, Micaville was recognized as one of the 25 Most Improved K-8 Schools in NC.

Wachovia Principals of the Year receive financial awards which have been sponsored by Wachovia Corporation for the past 23 years. The local Principal of the Year receives $200 while the regional Wachovia Principals of the Year receive $1,500 for their school and $1,500 for personal use. The 2007 North Carolina Wachovia Principal of the Year will receive $3,000 for his or her school and $3,000 for his or her personal use.

Regional award recipients will be selected by March 2007 and the state Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced in April 2007.

"Buster the Bus" Visits
"Buster the Bus" visited all elementary schools on September 27th & 28th
to promote bus safety for K-2 students. He also visited with preschoolers at Mountain Heritage day care. Pictured above, Buster the Bus during his visit at Clearmont Elementary School. This program was provided by the Yancey County Schools Transportation Department and Todd Hughes with the NCDMV. A big "thank you" to Buncombe County Schools for letting "Buster" come visit with the students of Yancey County.

Tobacco Free Message

Shared With Students

The Asheville Tourist Ball Team visited Mt. Heritage High School to talk about how tobacco affects the lives of athletes and their families. The students saw a short video showing how chewing tobacco impacted the short life of Bob Leslie who started using at the age of 16. Bob was diagnosed with oral cancer at the age of 27. Joe Garagiola narrated this powerful story of a young man whose life was ended abruptly because of his choice to use chewing tobacco. The video included moving interviews with Bob, his wife, and members of his high-school baseball team. A number of students reported that this program showed them how using tobacco can affect everyone in the family. They re-committed themselves to not use tobacco or try to quit. One student won a drawing and received a baseball autographed by the Asheville Tourist Team.

Chris Smith, assistant general manager and Joe Mikulik manager of the Asheville Tourist Team shared how they have lost friends, family members and fellow athletes to chewing tobacco and smoking. The tragedy is that many of those who have died from tobacco products were unable to quit until the day they passed away. Quitting may be even more difficult and getting hooked easier today than in years past. A new report found that the three most popular cigarette brands with young smokers, Marlboro, Newport and Camel deliver significantly more nicotine than they did years ago. In addition, nicotine in Kool, a popular menthol brand, rose 20 percent. Spit tobacco, depending on the brand used, potentially has 2 to 5 times the nicotine than is obtained from smoking one cigarette,

Almost 80% of all smokers began at or before age 18. Our youth are also quickly becoming the majority of spit tobacco users. If current trends continue, 207,500 youth, under age 18, living in North Carolina will die prematurely from tobacco use. In Yancey County nearly 26% of Yancey Middle School students have smoked a whole cigarette, some as early as age nine. The encouraging news is . . . for the most part, a person who doesn’t start using tobacco as a teenager, never starts using it! It's clear that now is the time to take action against these potentially deadly products.

According to the Yancey County Health and Wellness Trust Fund Coordinator, research has proven that the most successful tactics to postpone or prevent teen tobacco use are:

▪Creating 100% tobacco free schools and businesses frequented by youth

▪ Increasing the prices of tobacco which financially limits access to teens

▪ Being consistent and sincere with maintaining compliance of policies

Communities that have implemented these successful tactics have contributed to the recent decline in North Carolina’s high school smoking rates by one-third since 1999, and the smoking rates among middle schoolers dropping by two-thirds according to North Carolina’s Lt Govenor, Beverly Perdue.

Super Saturday

The University of North Carolina-Asheville is gearing up for the Fall 2006 session of Super Saturday. SUPER SATURDAY is an enrichment program targeting academically gifted, creative and highly motivated students in Grades 3-8. The program typically attracts approximately 500 young students, who attend classes on the UNC-A campus from 9 am to 12 noon on six consecutive Saturdays during the Spring and Fall semesters. The FALL PROGRAM runs from October 14 through November 18 [Snow date: Dec 2] with a registration deadline of October 9, 2006. The program offers over 35 hands-on, experimental classes in the arts and sciences. Topics include drama, French, physics, math, pottery, computer technology, dance, model rocketry, wildlife, creative writing, chess, and much more! Brochures will be available in each school in Yancey County. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Penni Robinson or Sharryl Hagerman at the Yancey County School Board Office at 682-6101. For further information, please contact the Super Saturday Program at UNC-Asheville, (828) 250-3833. The Super Saturday brochure is also available on the UNC-Asheville website, www.unca.edu/supersaturday.

Community Support Provides a Memorable Experience for High School Seniors

For the past several years, the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Yancey County School System to host “Senior Night on the Square.” This year, the graduating class of 2006 wished to share the evening not only with their graduating classmates, but the underclassmen, faculty, and staff of Mountain Heritage.

Thanks to the generous donations of individuals and businesses in Yancey County, the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, the Student Council of Mountain Heritage High School, Yancey County Commissioners, and the Town of Burnsville, the Class of 2006 and all students of Mountain Heritage were invited to the 1^st annual “Spring Fling.”

The “2006 Spring Fling” was held on Friday, May 19 and began immediately after school. Because of the magnitude of planned activities and the number of students expected to attend, the event was held at E.L. Briggs Stadium.

Students enjoyed a variety of unique activities such as: an inflatable slide and obstacle course, homerun derby, dodge ball competition, croquet, hula hoop competition, and water balloon toss. Mr. Chad Ayers and members of the Mountain Heritage FFA demonstrated several AG Olympic activities such as the hay bale toss, egg toss, and wheelbarrow race.

Scholarships were awarded in the amount of $100.00 to five different students who will be attending college in the fall. Additionally, seniors had an opportunity to win prizes donated from area businesses. Thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors, seniors were treated to a “hotdog” supper and free admission to the “Hawaiian Lau” held that night in the school commons area.

Special thanks to Ms. Donna Huskins’ Advanced Foods class and Ms. Angel Willis and Mr. Franklin Cox, sponsors of the Mountain Heritage Student Council who orchestrated the evening.

The following businesses and individuals helped make this evening possible:

Donations for Spring Fling 2006

Something Special

Styles Antiques

Banks Jewelry and Gifts

Yancey Scribe, Inc.

Flowers by Vance

Kevin’s Country Carpets

Garden Deli

Phil’s Tire Service

Vess Propane

Simply Flowers

Jill’s Hairport

Tim Autrey

Johnny Bodford – Volunteer

Mountain Heritage JROTC

Mountain Heritage Student Council

Mountain Heritage Advanced Foods Class

Mountain Heritage FFA

Yancey Evening School (Y.E.S.)

Mountain Heritage Guidance Department

Faculty & Staff of Mountain Heritage High School

Quality Cleaners

Tyner Construction

Summit Building Supply

Young & McQueen

David’s Limited

Willis Floor Covering

Town of Burnsville

Yancey County Chamber of Commerce

Do you recognize any of these faces? You probably do if you have been involved with the Yancey School System. These retirees were recently recognized for their years of service to the Yancey schools. (L-R) Jeanne Tyner, Barbara Branch, Alan Styles, Barbara Robinson, Brenda Boone.

Ruth McCreary with Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professionals presents Superintendent Barbara Tipton with a plaque. Yancey County Schools and Western Carolina University participate in the School University Teacher Education Partnership and recently received the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award at the annual national conference of the Association of Teacher Educators

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNIZES RETIREES

At the June 5 meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education, 12 retired employees were recognized for their service to Yancey County Schools:

· Brenda Boone

· Helen Hughes

· Barbara McFee

· Barbara Robinson

· Sandra Chereshkoff

· David Mauney

· Sandra Orr

· Alan Styles

· Rhonda Boone

· Barbara Branch

· Susan Martin

· Jeanne Tyner

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to the school system and to the children of Yancey County,” says Chairman Gary Grindstaff.

At the May 3 meeting of the North Carolina State Board of Education, the Yancey County Schools Finance Office was recognized for receiving the following awards:

· NC State Board of Education Recognition of Achievement in Financial Resource Management

· Association of School Business Officials Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting

· Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Yancey County Board of Education recognized Finance Officer Lyn Hensley and the finance office staff for this accomplishment. Yancey County is one of a small number of school systems that consistently receives all three awards.

Yancey County Schools participates in the School University Teacher Education Partnership with Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions. Western Carolina was recently recognized at the annual national conference of the Association of Teacher Educators where they received the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. Western Carolina University recognized Yancey County Schools as a partnering institution by sharing the award with the school system. Ruth McCreary of Western Carolina University presented the plaque to Superintendent Barbara Tipton.

Niles Howell, Director of Facility Services, reported that there are soil compaction problems with the Construction Trades Job Training Collaborative site at Mountain Heritage High School. The Board granted approval for a soil stabilization process which will allow the construction process to begin.

The next regular meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education will be held on July 3, at 5:00 PM at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville.

The Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, June 28, at 4:00 PM to consider final budget amendments for 2005-2006, to discuss personnel, and to possibly take action on personnel. The meeting will be held at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville.

Dr. Barbara Tipton, Superintendent, presents Bobby Hensley with the 2006 Bus Driver of the Year award for Yancey County Schools

Bobby Hensley Named Bus Driver of the Year

At the annual Yancey County Schools bus drivers’ luncheon on May 9, Bobby Hensley was recognized as the 2006 Bus Driver of the Year. Hensley has driven a bus for Cane River Middle School for the past eight years and transports 70 Bee Log area students a total of 12,760 miles per year. He was selected for the recognition based on his exceptional qualities including a safe driving record, dependability, and cleanliness of his bus.

“Bobby does a tremendous job for Yancey County Schools,” says Randy Hall, Yancey County Schools Transportation Director. “He always keeps a clean bus, he’s always on time, and very willing to do anything he can to help with the transportation of our students.”In addition to driving a bus for Yancey County Schools, Bobby is a custodian at Cane River Middle School.

Bright Ideas Grant

East Yancey Middle School students purchased 115 new books for their language arts classroom libraries through a French Broad Electric Membership Bright Ideas Grant. Students participated in the purchase by critiquing, previewing, and selecting books for their classroom libraries. The books chosen by the students were mainly nonfiction, high-interest literature. East Yancey Middle School language arts teachers believe allowing students the opportunity to become responsible for their own learning. Many students view the classroom libraries and their self-selected reading time to be the most enjoyable aspect of their language arts experience. East Yancey students and teachers would like to thank French Broad Electric for their support.

Assistant Principal Tony Tipton presents medallions to the National Board Certified teachers at Mountain Heritage High School courtesy of Jostens (L-R) Michele Laws, Peter Bobbe, Dr. Tim Babb, Cynthia Deyton, Kim Higgins, Dr. Woody McKay, Mike Orr, Angel Willis (not pictured)

Evening of Excellence

On Monday, May 8, Mountain Heritage High School hosted An Evening of Excellence in B.M. Tomberlin Auditorium. Mountain Heritage students received scholarships totaling $1,234,182.00 along with other awards and recognitions. The program opened with MHHS junior Lorissa Young singing, The National Anthem. Various community representatives presented the scholarships to the students. In addition, a total of 64 sophomores, juniors, and seniors received an academic letter award. Students are eligible for an academic letter if they have earned at least a 4.00 overall grade point average or at least a 95 overall numeric average.

Mountain Heritage High School Scholarship Report 2005-06 as of 5/10/06

Drew Angel, MHHS Boosters Club, $ 500
Drew Angel, Randy Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Drew Angel, Mars Hill College, MHC Presidential Scholarship, $ 24,000
Haley Angel, Wingate University, Merit, $ 16,000
Haley Angel, Wingate University, NC Baptist and State Contractual Scholarship, $ 21,400
Haley Angel, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 750
Bethany Bailey, Mars Hill College, MHC Academic Alumni Scholarship, $ 20,000
Bethany Bailey, Tracey Edwards Memorial Scholarship - Yancey County Food Service Association, $ 500
Aubrey Biddix, Berea College, Tuition, $ 85,000
Alicia Briggs, Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, $ 1,000
Alicia Briggs, Lisa Haney Memorial Scholarship - Yancey County Bus Drivers, $ 500
Mista Bryant, Berea College, Tuition Scholarship, $ 85,000
Mista Bryant, Yancey County Board of Education Teacher of the Year Scholarship, $ 500
Amanda Bundy, Bald Creek Community Association, $ 250
Jacob Burleson, MHHS FFA Scholarship, $ 500
Jacob Burleson, Leon Taylor Memorial Scholarship - Yancey County Soil & Water Conservation, $ 500
Victoria Burleson, Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, $ 1,000
Katie Burnette, Glen Raven Scholarship, $ 500
Katie Burnette, Randy Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Eden Carroway, Cecil Shaw Memorial Nursing Scholarship, $ 500
Brandon Cook, Berea College, Tuition, $ 85,000
Brittany Creaseman, Eloise Briggs Memorial Scholarship, The Woman's Club of Burnsville, $ 500
Buddy Davis, Burnsville Men's Club, $ 500
Kasey Grindstaff, Kate Zuver Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Darrin Hagerman, Yancey-Mitchell Realtors Association, $ 500
Faith Hensley, Eloise Briggs Memorial Scholarship - The Woman's Club of Burnsville, $ 500
Kayleigh Hensley, Skills USA, $ 500
Kristin Hensley, Randy Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Lisa Hensley, Rotary Club of Burnsville, $ 1,000
Lisa Hensley, Duke University, Duke University Scholarship, $ 18,100
Lisa Hensley, Cal and Carol Peddy Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000 Lisa Hensley, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 750
Nathan Hensley, Randy Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Tyler Higgins, Glen Raven, $ 500
Trisha Hilemon, Mayland Community College, College Tech Prep Diploma Honors Scholarship, $ 1,000
Cathryn Hughes, Mayland Community College, College Prep Diploma Honors Scholarship, $ 1,000
Tiffany Hughes, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Luke Johnson, Randy Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Luke Johnson, Montreat College, Basketball, $ 8,400
Mariah Keller, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 750
Mariah Keller, Edgar Hunter Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000
Mariah Keller, UNC Chapel Hill, NC Scholarship, Tuition & Undergraduate Grants, $ 25,600
Mariah Keller, Rotary Club of Burnsville, $ 1,000
Katherine Lantz, Appalachian State University, Merit, $ 4,000
Andy Laws, Appalachian State University, Merit, $ 4,000
Andy Laws, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 750
Shamale Lee, Tusculum College, Athletic, $ 112,000
Laura Lusk, East Tennessee State University, University Honors, $ 50,000
Laura Lusk, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000
Laura Lusk, Presidential Freedom, $ 1,000
Danielle Maggs, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, $ 1,000
Danielle Maggs, Berea College, Tuition, $ 85,000
Ryan Makings, Mayland Community College Honors Scholarship, $ 2,700
Jamie McCurry, Burnsville Men's Club, $ 500
Kayla McCurry, Mars Hill College, Bonners Scholar, $ 14,920
Kayla McCurry, Mars Hill College, Presidential Academic Scholars, $ 28,000
Kayla McCurry, Mars Hill College, MHC Grants/Scholarship Package, $ 15,000
Kayla McCurry, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000
Sean McDowell, Mountain Air Pilots Association, $ 1,000
Sara McLain, Cecil Shaw Memorial Nursing Scholarship, $ 500
Sara McLain, Eloise Briggs Memorial Scholarship - The Woman's Club of Burnsville, $ 500
Landon Medina, Mars Hill College, Football, $ 32,000
Landon Medina, Mars Hill College, Academic, $ 20,000
Sam Melton, Mars Hill College, Merit, $ 32,000
Sam Melton, Jane Robinson Honorary Scholarship, $ 1,000
Jesse Mizell, Danny Boone Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000
Angie Morrow, Yancey County Extension and Community Association, $ 250
Michael Neal, Mars Hill College, Bonner Foundation Scholarship, $ 8,400
Michael Neal, Mars Hill College, MHC Presidential Scholarship, $ 24,000
Michael Neal, Mars Hill College, Bonner Scholarship, $ 13,692
Michael Neal, Elisha Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 300
Ashley Peterson, Earl Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Morgan Peterson, MHHS Boosters Club, $ 500
Morgan Peterson, Western Carolina University, Track Scholarship, $ 18,000
Evan Raskin, Haverford College, Haverford College Grant, $ 135,370
Evan Raskin, Lucias Lanier Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of Western NC, $ 8,000
Kasey Rathburn, Yancey-Mitchell Realtors Association, $ 500
Daniel Semon, Denver Robinson 4-H Scholarship for the Western District, $ 500
Daniel Semon, John C. McLean 4-H Scholarship for the Western District, $ 1,000
Laura Shelton, Greensboro College, Theater, $ 12,000
Laura Shelton, Greensboro College, Merit, $ 31,200
Sean Siefert, Callie Randolph Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000
Anthony Silvers, Lenoir - Rhyne College, Athletic, $ 84,000
Karena Thacker, Elon University, College Fellows, $ 12,000
Karena Thacker, Elon University, Presidential Scholarship, $ 15,000
Karena Thacker, Glen Raven Scholarship, $ 1,500
Emily Varney, NC SECU "People Helping People" Scholarship, $ 10,000
Emily Varney, 4-H, $ 1,000
Emily Varney, 4-H, $ 1,000
Emily Varney, UNC Chapel Hill, Academic Merit, $ 33,600
Megan Whitehead, Porter Robinson Memorial Scholarship, $ 500
Brinkley Woody, Burnsville Men's Club, $ 1,000
Brinkley Woody, Danny Boone Memorial Scholarship, $ 1,000

Total Scholarship Awards Listed Above: $1,234,182

Total Scholarships Offered: $1,931,122

2006 Academic Letter Award Recipients

10th Grade
Heather Babb
Taylor Banks
Bryce Butner
Danielle Cripps
Heather Deitz
Kayla Deyton
Shealeigh Garland
Tiffany Hensley
Charity Honeycutt
Lilly Hughes
Sarah Maher
Collin Medina
Daniel Miller
Coty Allen Pitman
Kristina Rathburn
Chelsea Ray
Whitney Ray
Kacie Renfro
Kristin Sullins
Laney Tipton
Nick Tipton
Carol Tyner
Madeline Varney
Zachary Whitson
Joshua Young

11th Grade
Ashley Bennett
Andrea Edwards
Lance Fox
Lauren Hensley
Katie Herring
Brandi Hughes
Bess Johnson
Ashleigh Lambert
Sonya Laws
Jesse Laughrun
Michael Letterman
Tadayoshi Littleton
Christopher McCraw
Sam McKay
Evan Mitchell
Michael Parrott-Hashek
Casey Riddle
Ashli Singleton
Eli Wexler
Amber Nicole Woodby
Bailey Woods

12th Grade
Drew Angel
Aubrey Biddix
Lisa Hensley
Trisha Hilemon
Mariah Keller
Katherine Lantz
Emery Laws
Laura Lusk
Danielle Maggs
Ryan Makings
Kayla McCurry
Caroline Morris
Lacey Presnell
Evan Raskin
Laura Shelton
Karena Thacker
Emily Varney
Brinkley Woody

QUILTERS: THE MUSICAL

On Thursday, May 18, 2006, East Yancey and Cane River Middle Schools’ After-School Drama Program will present Quilters: The Musical at 8:00 PM in the Mountain Heritage High School Auditorium. Tickets are $3.

Quilters tells the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters who make their way out west with their families, and their quilts. Sarah (played by Emily Robinson) tells her personal story and the story of the women in her family as she makes a legacy quilt for her daughters. The drama students took this production to the North Carolina Middle School Play Festival in March, where they received several awards, including two acting awards (Allison Tipton and Silver Frank) and an Overall Technical Theatre Award.

The play is directed by Jenny Pearson, the drama teacher at East Yancey and Cane River, and accompanied on piano by Jane Johnson. “Quilters is a challenging piece, in terms of both acting and singing,” says Pearson. “My students rose to meet that challenge, and then surpassed it,” continues Pearson. “I’m very proud of all of them. Yancey County is blessed to have such talented students and I am blessed to be their teacher.”

Golf Tournament a Success

The 3^rd Annual Yancey County Middle School Health Center Golf Tournament on Sunday April 30^th proved to be a great success and a day of fun. Seventeen teams, made up of 67 golfers, competed at the beautiful Mount Mitchell Golf Course for numerous prizes. Thanks to the donations by golfers and the many Tee Sponsors this fundraiser generated just over $6,000 that will go directly to running the two health centers. 32 Gold Tee Sponsors at $100 each, 29 - $50 Tee Sponsors and 21 Door Prize Donors are to be thanked for their generosity.

Both middle schools were integral in making this fundraiser happen, with special thanks to Kevin Huskins for organizing the event. Teachers and school staff not only helped getting Tee Sponsors but were there for the tournament as well. Please remember to look for the 4^th Annual Golf Tournament next spring! Donations for the Middle School Health Centers are payable to: YANCEY COUNTY SCHOOLS, C/O Kevin Huskins, East Yancey Middle School, 285 George’s Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714

School Board Recognizes Tar Heel Junior Historian Project Winners

At the May 1 meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education, history project winners with the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association clubs at Burnsville and Bald Creek Elementary Schools were recognized. These students recently traveled to Raleigh to compete with other fourth grade students from across the state. The winners are as follows:

Bald Creek Elementary – Club Advisors: Jason Robinson & Sunshine Williams

· Bayley Elkins – Second Place, State History Quiz

· Rebecca Jones – Honorable Mention in Photography for her picture of a milk house

· Kayla Parker – Honorable Mention in Photography for her picture of Vance’s Birthplace

· Josh Miller – Third Place in Photography for his picture of the Marcle Building

· Jacob Shuford – Second Place in Photography for his picture of The Old School Building

· Rebecca Jones – Second Place in Photography for her picture of The Edwards House

· Tyler McFarland – First Place in Photography for his picture of the smokehouse at Indian Creek

· Tyler Hall – Honorable Mention for his essay about Pepsi-Cola

· Cody Morrow - recognized as a winner for his arrowhead entered in the Artifact Search

· Jacob Shuford – Second Place in Literary with his “Hog Killing” book

· Corey Chandler – First Place in Individual Art for his basket making

· Sarah Presnell – First Place in Media for her PowerPoint presentation on the Cherokee Indians

Burnsville Elementary – Club Advisors: Jeanne Miller, Jodi Antinori, Donna Banks, Mike Renfro, & Donna Huskins

· Julianne Yuziuk – Placed in the top fifteen with her unique arrowhead

· Jackson Hockaday – First Place for his Civil War essay

· Tessa Biggerstaff – First Place, State History Quiz; Second Place in NC Historic Architecture Photography, Industrial Buildings category

· Yanni Theodorides – Third Place, State History Quiz

· Emily Penland – Third Place in Literary with her book entitled “What’s In A Name”

· Danielle Hughes – Third Place in Media with her Historian Facts On Native Americans

· Julianne Yuziuk, Emily Sigmon, Logan Bryant, Abbey Bailey, Jackson Hockaday, Reed Deyton, Tristan McCarty, Blake Elkins, Ashlynn Fender, Jarred Allen, Logan Boone, Sabrena Woody – Second Place in Art for scale model of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; Second Place in Art for scale model of the Mt. Mitchell Toll Road

Bald Creek students, Bayley Elkins and Samantha Chandler, described to the Board their “Sleeping With The Sharks” fieldtrip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Their teacher, Tamara Presnell, expressed appreciation to the Board for their support of the fieldtrip.

The Board approved the 2006-2007 current expense and capital outlay budget requests, which have been presented to the Yancey County Board of Commissioners for their review.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the last day for students for the 2005-2006 school year will be May 30. Commencement exercises for the Mountain Heritage High School Class of 2006 will be on Friday, June 2, at 6:00 PM, at E.L. Briggs Stadium, weather permitting (alternate location: Mountain Heritage High School gymnasium).

The first day for students for the 2006-2007 school year will be a half-day on August 11, 2006.

Yancey County Schools Speech-Language Pathologists, Michele Christon, Julie Wood, Melanie Fender, Chris Sutherland

Better Hearing and Speech Month

Since 1927 the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month each May to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans.

The Speech and Language Department within the Exceptional Children’s Program of the Yancey County Schools is taking the opportunity this year to celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month on a local level. The speech-language pathologists want the public to be aware of the services offered within each school and the continuing commitment each speech pathologist has to provide the highest quality services for each identified child.

Yancey County schools currently employ four speech-language pathologists: Michele Christon, Melanie Fender, Julie Wood, and Chris Sutherland. Each speech pathologist has a master’s degree in speech pathology, is licensed by the State of North Carolina and nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence). ASHA is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 114,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language and hearing scientists.

Speech and language disorders can take many forms: articulation problems, language abnormalities and delays, stuttering and other fluency disorders, and voice problems. These disorders can have an adverse affect on academic achievement, social adjustment, and career advancement. An individual may be born with a speech or language disorder, or it may be caused by accidental injury or illness.

“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be help,” said Christon. “Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach people with speech and language problems strategies to help them cope. People may not fully regain their capacity to speak and understand, but a speech-language pathologist can help them live more independently.”

Speech pathology services within the schools are provided on an individual or group basis in the speech pathologist’s therapy room or as inclusion services within the classroom. Collaboration with classroom teachers as well as the child’s family promotes generalization of learned skills outside the therapy setting. Collaboration also facilitates the dismissal of many children from services.

Early diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders is important. Yancey County Schools provides services for children beginning at the age of three. Children can be referred by a family physician or other health care provider. Children attending pre-school programs can be referred by child care workers and teachers. Once children have been enrolled in school, referrals can be initiated through their classroom teachers. Parents are encouraged to speak with the speech pathologist in their neighborhood school if they have concerns about speech and language development.

Testing is performed after receiving written permission from parent or guardian. Test results and information about the child’s performance in the school or pre-school setting are collected. The final need for speech therapy services is made by the speech-language pathologist, parents, teachers, LEA representative (usually the school principal), and/or child care providers.

For further information about speech therapy services contact the speech pathologist at your local school or call Yancey County Schools at 682-6101.

Yancey County School Middle School Students Receive State Recognition in the Duke University Talent Identification Program

Duke TIP’s major identification activity, the 7th Grade Talent Search, is now beginning its 26th year. It is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,061 junior high and middle schools in the TIP 16-state region. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized achievement scores. Duke TIP is dedicated to being the national leader in offering innovative, high quality programs and services for academically talented students and their parents. Participation in the TIP Talent search program is completely voluntary. The 7th Grade Talent Search provides an opportunity for highly able students to pursue an above level testing experience. Candidates are identified and invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance exams. Through the sharing of information, programming, recognition ceremonies, and the special attention that is inherent in the Talent Search identification process, TIP offers supplementation of local efforts to motivate, enrich, and academically challenge some of the country’s brightest young people. Yancey County Schools announce our students identified for State Award Recognition as follows: Silver Frank, Ethan Loftis, Graham Morgan, Morgan Rothe-Skinner, Dillon Vess, Cody Woodby, and Dalton Woody.

Fundraiser
The School Nutrition Association, Yancey County Chapter, held a fundraiser for the Tracey Edwards Scholarship fund. The $500 scholarship is given each year to a deserving Mountain Heritage High School senior. Each member donated items for a REALLY BIG Easter basket. For a $1.00 donation participants were entered into a drawing. The winner, pictured here with the basket, was Trula Pittman. Her children, Alex, Kayla and Nicky Pittman are students at Clearmont Elementary School. Thank you to all who made this fundraiser a big success.

Gruen Von Behrens spoke to students at Mtn. Heritage High School about the effects of using Smokeless Tobacco (chewing tobacco). See story below.

Smokeless Doesn’t Mean Harmless

Smokeless doesn’t mean harmless. Just ask Gruen Von Behrens. Gruen Von Behrens is a 28-year-old oral cancer survivor who has had almost 30 disfiguring surgeries to save his life, including one radical surgery that removed half his neck muscles and lymph nodes and half of his tongue. The Yancey Teen Tobacco Use Prevention Progr