Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students are learning not only their trade, but the many benefits of service through numerous community projects. Most recently 11th grade students pitched in at one of the city’s top visitor destinations. At Botanical Gardens on a beautiful December 19th, they helped prepare walking trails for anticipated spring visitors by loading and spreading mulch. The students helped to forge a new partnership with the Botanical Gardens that will continue to benefit of both groups.
Wenonah Students Deliver Christmas Cheer
On the final school day before a two week holiday, the last things on most teens’ minds are ways they can help others. Yet on that very day, Wenonah High School students found a focus outside themselves as they concluded a week’s-long drive to collect gifts with visits to local nursing homes. Members of the Gentlemen of Distinction, Ladies of Class, and the Student Government Association realized blessings of their own when they saw joy in the faces of residents at Arlington and Fairview Nursing homes. Students organized a choir, led by senior Brandon Davis, to sing for the residents, and distributed the gifts they had collected with an abundance of good cheer. Wenonah assistant principal Michael Scott observed that the experience was eye-opening for the students, freeing them from their own burdens as they served others. The students finished the day with a visit to the school district’s central office, treating Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon and office personnel to an impromptu but festive carol sing. Club sponsors are assistant principals Vanessa Byrd and Michael Scott and teachers Tasha Brownlee and Kitwana Carter.
Wenonah Students “Upcycle”
Students in Denise Rucker’s Housing class took learning to a practical level with their “Upcycling” projects in December. Ms. Rucker challenged students to find a discarded or unused item and improve or modify it so that it gains functionality and aesthetic beauty. Some of the students, spanning 9th through 12th grades, are pictured with a few of many useful and attractive products that resulted from their efforts.
From left to right: Denise Rucker (teacher), Jaylen Jones (Bar Stool), Takira Taylor (Forgiveness Bowl), Asia Hinds-Sanders (Covered Jewelry Box), Myia Hare (Mirror), Anthony Gibbs (Rod-Iron Chair), JeNai McCall (Mesh Back Chair). Seated down front: Mikhail Smith (Wall Hanger) and Bobbie Baker (Foot Stool).
