The Friday Finish – October 25, 2024
Distinguished Alumnus Passes
A 1965 graduate and alumnus of Red Bird School with a distinguished record of service, Senator Johnnie L. Turner, passed away Wednesday after several weeks of hospitalization resulting from a lawnmower accident. Known as “JL” when he was a student at Red Bird Mission School, Johnnie’s record of service to his country and the people of eastern Kentucky is questioned by no one. Johnnie lived in the dormitory at Red Bird as a student and later faithfully gave to support Red Bird Christian School and the Boys Dormitory as his expression of appreciation for the values learned and education he received as a student.
Johnnie was recognized with the 2021 Alumni of the Year Award by the Red Bird School Alumni Association. The fall outbreak of COVID in 2021 prevented the physical centennial gathering of the alumni, but Johnnie submitted a video that was shared during the virtual event. He said,
“I don’t believe I’d be sitting in this chair [as a state senator] if it hadn’t been for Red Bird. Red Bird has given me more than I can give back. I give all the credit to Red Bird Mission for putting me here.”
Gardeners Enjoy the Harvest Together
The 2024 growing year for Red Bird Grow Appalachia families came to a close as they gathered Tuesday evening to share a meal together in The Cardinal Café. Twenty-seven (27) of the 55 partners brought dishes containing some this year’s harvest to the season-ending potluck.
Stomachs and hearts were satisfied as they shared stories of challenges and triumphs. The family atmosphere created with a common purpose of growing fresh food for themselves and the community is a special by-product of Grow Appalachia.
.
Red Bird Takes Home County STEM Honor
Students from public and non-public schools in Clay County brought out their best STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) projects to educate others and vie for recognition at the Clay County Community STEM Fair on Wednesday night. The event was organized by the Thompson Scholars Foundation whose purpose is “to inspire Appalachian youth to achieve educational and leadership excellence.”
Red Bird Christian School’s team composed of Sarah Fee, Shelby Davis, and Laya Estep was coached by Mr. John Lundy, Middle School and High School Science Teacher. The budding scientists created a demonstration on electromagnetics built with copper wire, bolts and a 6-volt battery.
Shelby and Laya agreed that it was “nerve wracking” answering questions from the panel of judges at the fair. Apparently, their knowledge of differing results from varying materials and designs overshadowed their nerves as they brought home Third Place. The team was quick to say they are looking forward to next year’s Clay County Community STEM Fair when they hope to develop a project related to human anatomy.
Health Awareness Promoted
Three different health awareness events were held at Red Bird Christian School on Thursday that involved students, staff and the general public. The “Thursday rotation” from the Berea College Nursing program put on an informational fair for students and others coming for the free health checkups during the morning. Students rotated to table displays where nurses engaged in conversations around topics such as oral health, sleep, exercise, and alcohol use that can affect overall health.
AdventHealth Manchester provided free blood pressure checks, bone density screening, and blood screening for basic cholesterol and blood sugar to anyone in the community. Walgreens Pharmacy from Manchester administered an array of vaccinations including COVID, flu, pneumonia and RSV in the afternoon for staff that had pre-registered.
Drew Returns Inspiring EMS Careers
Drew Howard returned to Red Bird Christian School on Monday, but he was the teacher, not the student. After graduation in 2012, Drew pursued a career with Clay County Emergency Medical Services and was back this week as a part of this month’s EMS and Fire Safety emphasis. Two colleagues joined him to demonstrate their work and the importance of emergency medical services.
Who knows? After this week’s visit, Drew might have another Red Bird alum join him as a paramedic saving lives in a few years.
Comments