Community Spirit Important at Elkmont High School

If a person were to walk down the halls of Elkmont High School, he or she might notice students using varieties of technologies, engaging in distance learning classes where teachers instruct from half a state away, or working on science experiments that would amaze the student from ten years ago.  Although the faculty and staff at Elkmont High School take great pride in the academic performances of our students, we are also very proud of what our students do outside of the classrooms.  Programs such as the National Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Students  and numerous other positive experiences are promoted on a continual basis  by our faculty, staff, and students, and it is through these types of programs that some of our students’ greatest accomplishments are noted.   

One such example of our students’ accomplishments is the activity of giving back to the community through interaction at Halloween with students in grades kindergarten through six.  The Annual “Boo at the Boss” night is held around Halloween every year. Not only do the younger children look forward to this wonderful event every year, so do the student athletes and faculty as well.  The athletes and faculty work different candy stations all dressed in their Halloween attire. This wonderful community activity was suggested by former football Coach Don Jacobs and his wife Jodi as a positive event where young children from the community could interact with athletes.  Not only do the younger students enjoy the act of trick or treating, but this night teaches all involved the importance of giving to others.   In a time where teenagers are often accused of thinking only of themselves, on this night the thoughts of our high school athletes are only of providing enjoyment for Elkmont’s children.  

Another way our students are making their mark on our school and community in positive ways is through our local National Beta Club and its community involvement program.  Our local chapter is very active in the community where they make a difference in many ways. Earlier in the fall of this school year the young men and women of our high school club traveled to the community of Veto and painted an historic church to help preserve the community’s heritage. Next, as the holidays approached, three barrels were placed outside the school office to collect canned goods for the less fortunate. Sponsored by the Beta Club, this activity was made into somewhat of a competition in that the students wrapped the barrels to represent the college football rivalries, such as Alabama, Auburn and other teams. (By the way, the Alabama barrel collected the most and won.) But the real winners were the students who were a part of making those who were in need holidays much brighter.

A third example of a caring and heart-touching event that occurs during the school  is one that is held in the spring of each year.  Our Beta Club, along with students from other Limestone County Schools help out at the Limestone County Special Olympics held locally at Tanner High School.  Beta members are partnered up with special athletes to be their “Buddy” for the day. The Beta students have the honor of escorting the special athletes and making sure the participants are at the events and on time for the events in which they are participating.  It is an experience the special athletes and the Beta students will never forget. In fact once a person has attended this activity, it is one in which he or she wants to become a part of every year.  This event also represents the unity of Limestone County Schools in the best and most productive way, and it is very close to my own heart as my son participates in this wonderful activity every year.   

In conclusion, the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlisle states, “A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.” As you can see, Elkmont as well as all Limestone County Schools are making every effort to instill in our students the importance of giving back to their community and a genuine love for their friends, family and neighbors. It is so important that as educators we teach our students values as well as academics to enrich their lives and help them become more productive citizens.  In the end the greatest learning experiences may not be those inspired by the technologies of the future, but rather by those that are embedded deep within our souls and are as old as human existence.


Kenny Jordan