January 2011 - The East Mecklenburg High School Foundation

EAST MECKLENBURG TODAY!
JANUARY 2011, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1
EAST MECKLENBURG HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
EAST MECKLENBURG
HIGH SCHOOL
FOUNDATION
The East Mecklenburg High School
Foundation exists to enhance the
educational program at East
Mecklenburg High School by
developing and supporting initiatives,
projects, and programs that promote
professional development, provide
resources, improve the educational
environment and otherwise support
and encourage teachers,
administrators, students and parents.
OUR BOARD
President
Pam Smith
Vice President
Dr. Evan N. Miller, ‘81
It was a night to remember and one that those who attended will
never forget. That wonderful Eagle Spirit is alive and well! You
could see and feel the excitement, from the hugs when seeing old
friends, the remembrances of those fun and special days from high
school starting with the Class of 1951, to the present day students.
It started with a barbecue dinner in the cafeteria and yes, everyone went through the line with a
tray just like the good old days! Principal Rick Parker, the seventh East Principal welcomed
everyone and introduced the other past principals in attendance. Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx
spoke and was given an Honorary Eagle certificate from former Principal Leroy (Pop) Miller
who flew in from Kansas City for the occasion. Jennifer Roberts, Class of 1978, offered
congratulations from the County. Joan O’Brien, Director of the East Mecklenburg Foundation,
read congratulatory messages from North Carolina Governor, Beverly Perdue and from United
States Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan.
Principal and Mrs. Rick Parker
lead over 400 Alumni and
friends into Dick Williams
Stadium
for
our
60th
Homecoming! Following the
Parkers are Charlotte Mayor
Anthony
Foxx;
Jennifer
Roberts,
Chair
of
the
Mecklenburg
County
Commissioners;
former
Principal and Mrs. Mark Nixon;
former Principal and Mrs. Ron
Thompson; former Principal
and Mrs. Frank Rozelle; and in
the stands waiting was former
Principal Leroy (Pop) Miller.
The Alumni were given a
standing ovation by a very
excited student body.
Treasurer
Stephanie Comett,
Secretary
Ruth Harris, ‘85
Kyle Caddell, ‘83
Cary Gardner
Stephanie Cornett
Teresa Arim Fesmire, ‘73
Rochelle Gray
George Johnson
Russell Mansfield, ‘81
Margaret Marshall
Linda Peak
Keith Pehl ‘80
Frank Reed
Kevin Strawn
David Swimmer, ‘74
Mark D. Wiebke
John Woodcock
Velva W. Woollen, ‘57
Laura L. Yaeger, ‘70
Principal
Rick Parker
Assistant Principal
Billie Little
Honorary Director
Robert Silver, ‘73
Honorary Director
Mark Nixon
Director
Joan O’Brien
The East Meck Drum Line and the Eagle Mascot, along with the volunteers from the East
Rugby Team, escorted the group to their seats. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Sam
Biggers, Charlie Crabtree and Verner Jordan, who have been singing together since their days at
East in the class of 1953. At half time, five past Homecoming Queens representing each decade
joined the 2010 Homecoming Court on the field and were presented to the crowd by our
mistress of ceremonies for the evening, Moira Quinn, Class of 1973. East Meck’s very first
Homecoming Queen Lorinna Lowrance was brought onto the field in a Corvette convertible and
was escorted by Mr. Parker. The Alma Mater was sung by the present East Meck Chamber
Choir. East Meck went on to win the football game, which topped off a perfect celebration!
OH! WHAT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!!!!
ASTI NEWS
ASTI & East Meck Auto Tech
By: Andrew Ritter
Automotive Technology Teacher
The mission of the All Star
Teacher Initiative (ASTI) is to
attract, reward, train, and
retain excellent teachers for
every classroom of East
Mecklenburg High School.
Check us out at:
www.eastmeckfoundation.org
The All Star Teacher Initiative has been extremely generous in its help of the Automotive
Technology program at East Mecklenburg High School. From the very helpful supply checks
every year, to the funding of major pieces of equipment, the students at East Meck have been
helped tremendously. ASTI has contributed over $6,500 to this program since 2007
In 2007 the hydraulic brake system trainer was long overdue for a complete make-over. It had
never worked properly since I arrived in 2002, and to make matters worse, it was missing
some of the components needed and wasn’t really put together very well. I began purchasing
all of the parts needed to completely rebuild this trainer, but unfortunately underestimated
how much everything was going to cost. It didn’t take long for me to spend out of my own
pocket more than what I had in the Auto Tech account with the school. Thank goodness,
when I asked about funding this project, ASTI gladly obliged with $427. Not only did the
students that were present at the time benefit from the actual rebuild project, but all of the
students that I’ve had since then use the trainer in order to better understand how an
automotive hydraulic brake system works.
The next time that ASTI came to the rescue was in 2008. Beck
Imports, the Mercedes dealer on Independence Boulevard, had
donated a used hydraulic automotive lift to the program.
However, the lift needed to be installed, looked over for any
problems, and adjusted properly to ensure the safety of the
students and worry free operation. Again, this was going to cost
more than what was in the Auto Tech account, so I approached
ASTI. The Initiative again gladly helped out and paid for the
entire project, for a total of $575. This lift has proven to be
invaluable not only when the students are doing assignments on
vehicles, but also for me during my lessons since I can now raise
multiple cars before class in order to have them ready to quickly
show the students something in particular that they need to know.
In 2009, I decided to write a grant for something that I had been wanting for the shop for quite some time, but knew that
the cost would be very prohibitive. The whole purpose of the Automotive Technology program is to train students about
the careers available that involve working on automobiles, so the atmosphere really needs to resemble that which they will
be exposed to in the real world of work. It is industry standard to have the compressed air supply hoses to be on spring
loaded reels for ease of putting them up when finished using them. The grant that I wrote was for four air reels, and I gave
ASTI a choice between some medium quality reels and some more expensive, but safer reels for a total of $2,018. ASTI
responded by approving the grant request for the safer reels. The students have been enjoying the use of the new reels,
and I have also enjoyed how easy it is for them to put the hoses away when they have completed their work.
In addition to ASTI, I have also taken advantage of other opportunities to help grow the East Mecklenburg Auto Tech
program. Without a doubt, the next biggest contributor has been the Donors Choose program. I have had several projects
fully funding using this outstanding organization. In 2010, I decided to try for a really expensive project, realizing that the
odds were against me for getting it funded, but figuring that I would never know if I didn’t try. I have longed for many of
the electrical trainers that are available in the automotive education industry, but haven’t bothered to ask CMS to purchase
any of them because they are so expensive. I decided to pick out the one that would be the most helpful and write a grant
on Donors Choose. Fortunately, the Arts and Science Council funded half of my project. Several other donors also
pledged to my project, but it was still a long ways from fully funding, and there wasn’t a whole lot of time left before the
project would expire. ASTI again came to the rescue, and completed the funding of the project, for a total of $2,500. We
now have a state-of-the-art automotive lighting system trainer that allows me to teach the students how a modern
See Auto Tech on Page 5
60 Years of Excellence
60 Years of Excellence
ASTI NEWS
Auto Tech—Continued from Page 2
automobile uses a computer
system with a Controller Area
Network (CAN) bus system to
activate the various exterior
lights.
In addition to all of the various
projects that ASTI has funded, I
also receive the very much
needed supply checks every year.
This money has been very
helpful for purchasing supplies
such as the chemicals needed for
working on the vehicles, to
gasoline needed to keep the
school vehicles running. CMS
used to budget supplies for the
program, but has been seriously
cutting back for many years now,
so I have to find the funds
elsewhere, and ASTI has been
extremely important for that.
Overall,
ASTI
has
been
unbelievably valuable to the East
Mecklenburg
Automotive
Technology program. Typically
I have approximately 100
students each year that take
advantage of this program,
whether they want to pursue a
career
in
Automotive
Technology, or if they are just
interested in learning more about
automobiles. I personally feel
that the Auto Tech program at
East Meck is easily the best in all
of CMS, and probably one of the
best period.
The All Star
Teacher Initiative has been
instrumental in helping me get
the program to where it is today,
and I, as well as all of the
students that I have taught
through the years, greatly
appreciate those who have
contributed.
SAVE THE DATE
April 28, 2011
“State of East Luncheon”
If you were there for the 2007 event, you know how electric this ‘Giant Pep-Rally” was
for all in attendance, so save the date for what promises to be another wonderful time. If
you missed the 2007 event, you surely will not want to miss this one! We are once
again hoping for 500 Alumni and friends to join us for lunch. We are looking for table
captains. Please contact Joan O’Brien at joan.obrien@cms.k12.nc.us, if you are
interested.
George Couchell, (Mr. Showmars) will be catering along with Dale Richardson and her
culinary students from East. The East Eagle, the Drum Line and the Choral Group will
also be joining in the fun. Surprise Guests from the class of 1953 will sing the Star
Spangled Banner. Then, there is the Alma Mater...who will we get to sing this time????
Rod Hover…well...that may be up to the audience!!!! Stay tuned!
Travel Study Committee
This committee has been busy this year sending teachers and coaches to the following
conferences:
 The Football coaching Staff attended the Glazier Football clinic in Atlanta, GA. The
two day clinic is used to continue to develop our coaching staff with safe and proper
techniques to ensure the safety and development of our student athletes.
 Mark Guercio, our soccer coach attended the ASCAA (soccer) convention and course
work to obtain NCYSAD license. The six day course is designed for coaches who
work with U13 and higher aged players. The emphasis of the course is to prepare
coaches to further the development of player’s technical application to the demands of
the game.
 Scott Clowes, our Band Director attended the Midwest Band and Orchestra
Convention. The Midwest Clinic exists for educational purpose exclusively.
 Kathryn Heinen, our Choral Director, is attending the National Conference for the
American Choral Director Association. All four days of this conference are full of
workshops as well as networking and brainstorming sessions with other choral
directors which provides insight for innovative teaching techniques and programming
choices.
Teambuilding Committee
This group had a tailgate for the East vs. Myers Park Football game. The faculty
attended the movie “Waiting for Superman”, had pizza and great discussion after
the movie.
This committee hosted the film, “Race to Nowhere” at East. Approximately 250
people from the community attended with great discussing following.
ASTI AND ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Association
Contributions
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Sponsored First Alumni Event at
Homecoming in 2008 with a
barbeque dinner in the East Cafeteria.
Donated $1,000 to sponsor the East
Meck Rugby Festival. Rugby is not
a sanctioned sport for CMS but many
schools have teams.
Funded the Science Olympiad with a
$1,500 grant. These funds were used
to send 22 students and 3 teachers to
Raleigh for the Olympiad. Two
Students won $2,500 scholarships
each to NC State.
Donated accessories for Cardiac
Defibrillators
Gave a $500 donation to the East
Meck Band Program. The program
commissioned James Swearingen to
write a piece to celebrate the lives
and honor the memory of the East
Meck Family that was lost recently.
The work was performed at East on
May 14th and will be published and
distributed nationwide.
A gift of $1,000 to kick off a
fundraising campaign for new Soccer
Uniforms. With all of the budget
cuts this year for school programs the
Soccer Team missed their rotation to
get new uniforms.
Donated supplies to the health room
including disposable thermometers
and wall mounted hand sanitizers
throughout the building in an effort
to reduce transmission of viruses.
Hosted the 60th Anniversary
celebration and paid for uncovered
expenses of $3,700.
Future plans include hiring a part
time Director of the Alumni
Association.
Our goal is to greatly increase
membership.
The Alumni Association has given
East Mecklenburg High School over
$61,000 through gifts to the
foundation to support ASTI, or to
support the activities and our
students.
East Meck Alumna, Sonja Gantt,
Sonja gantt article
Wins Emmy Award
At the Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards
presented by the National Academy of
Television Arts and Science, Sonja Gantt,
Class of 1983, won an Emmy Award for
SERIOUS FEATURE NEWS SERIES.
The award was for her reporting on:
Forgiveness and Regret: The Rae Carruth
Case 10 Years Later. Sonja shar ed this
award with John Gray also of WCNC.
Marching Eagles Band
Congratulations to the band for their performance on Saturday, Oct. 23rd
as they traveled to Hickory Ridge High School to compete in the Hickory
Ridge Band Festival. For their performance the Marching Eagles were
given a superior rating, first place music, 2nd place marching, general
effect and color guard. The and finished 1st place in their class and with
over 22 groups in competition were awarded the Grand Champion Cup for
the high score of the day. The Marching Eagles have finished 1st over in
three out of the four contest they attended this year and 2nd in class only
once.
Congratulations to the Marching Eagles for a fantastic competitive season.
Alumni Donations to the
ALL STAR TEACHER INITIATIVE
School
Year
Amount
Contributed
2008 - 2009
$27,000
2009 - 2010
$16,000
2010 - 2011
$10,000
More to be given
in 2011
Event
Dinner At the White House
Fundraiser
1st Annual Golf Tournament &
Volunteer proceeds from Meineke
Bowl
2nd Annual Golf Tournament &
Volunteer proceeds from NCAA
Football Championship
Alumni Association News
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
East Mecklenburg High School
Alumni Association Golf Tournament
President
Teresa Arim Fesmire ‘73
Vice President
John Miller 76. Vice President
Secretary
Don Stedem ‘81
Treasurer
Russell Mansfield, ‘81
Nick Nixon, ‘72
Mark Windle ‘77
George Couchell ‘58
Brett Harris ‘85
Suzanne Chapman Mecum ‘65
Nancy Abernathy Young ‘59
Alumni Director
Joan O’Brien
Reunion
Information
1961 - 50th Reunion
The Class of 1961 will be celebrating
their 50th Reunion on Friday and
Saturday, August 5th and 6th, 2011. The
event will take place at the Embassy
Suites Resort in Concord, NC. On
Saturday evening the group will be
entertained by “Beach Music Hall of
Fame” DJ, Chris Beachley from 5PM to
8:30PM. One of the most famous bands
from the southeast, “The Catalinas” will
take the stage from 8:30 until 11PM. For
more information, please contact Wayne
Hooks @www.nascarfanwh@aol.com
1962 - 50th Reunion
The Class of 1962 will be having their
50th reunion in 2012. Please contact Jim
Oakley at jim@spectrumTA.com. If you
are interested in helping plan this event.
1981 - 30th Reunion
The East Mecklenburg Class of 1981 is
putting together their 30th Reunion
Event that will take place later this
year. If you graduated in 1981 or know
someone who has, please contact Don
Stedem at 704-995-9813 or email him at
donisfun@hotmail.com, their official
class website is www.classreport.org/
usa/nc/charlotte/eastmeck/1981
It should be noted that at their 25th
reunion the Class of 1981 collected funds
and made a donation to ASTI of over
$1500.00!!!!
On September 20, 2010, over 100 golfers participated in the second annual
East Meck Alumni Golf Tournament. The men once again outnumbered the
girls, but not to be deterred: Pam Smith the President of our Foundation
Board won the longest drive contest! Closest to the pin was John Woodcock,
an East Meck Parent and the Finance Chair of the Foundation. Tournament
winners were Scott Brooks (class of 1976), Daniel Levine (class of 1979), and David
Swimmer (class of 1974).
Once Again, the day ended with great excitement when the helicopter hovered over the
practice green to drop the 100 golf balls for “The Great Ball Drop”. The winner of the
$10,000 split was Libby Whitescarver Privette (class of 1959)! Congratulations to all of
our winners and we look forward to seeing you at the Third Annual Tournament.
We raised over $12,000 with our 2nd annual golf tournament this past September.
Plans are underway for our 3rd annual golf tournament. (No date has been set at this
time.) If you are interested in being a part of this committee or for additional
information, please contact Joan O’Brien, joan.obrien@cms.k12.nc.us or 980-343-6430
ext. 312.
Class of 1960
50th Reunion
Oct 1 and 2, 2010
A group of eager, but slightly apprehensive, classmates and teachers met
on a beautiful October afternoon for a
get-reacquainted tour of East.
The Culinary Arts Department produced an extraordinary array of refreshments, student guides gave us the
latest information about the school, and
the Alumni Association and the EMHS
Foundation told us about their activities
and how we might participate.
Over the two-day reunion, we had a party at William R. Davie Park Conference Center,
an afternoon garden party at the picture-perfect backyard of a gracious classmate, and a
dinner party at Villa Antonio restaurant. We had an excellent turnout and were especially
proud of the classmates who were attending a reunion for the first time.
We selected the EMHS Foundation to be the recipient of our reunion fundraiser and urge
other classes to support them for the good work that they do.
East Mecklenburg High School Alumni Association
All Star Teacher Initiative
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Address____________________________________ City _______________ State _____ Zip Code _______________
Renew or
join today!
Phone ________________________________ E-Mail Address _____________________________
Fill out the above information and one or both of the boxes below
Yes, I would like to support the
ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP
All STAR TEACHER INITIATIVE

$25 for Individual Annual Dues

$35 for Couple Annual Dues
I/We wish to pledge the total sum of $ ___________

$350 Life Individual Membership
payable over _________ years (up to 5)

$500 Life Couple Membership
Please bill me

My Check is enclosed *
 Please charge my
 Visa

MC
Card# ________________________Exp. Date________
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Semi-Annually
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MC
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 My Company matches and I will contact them.
If you wish to make a gift of stock, please call 908-343-6430 ext.312
*Please make checks payable to: East Mecklenburg High School Alumni Association and
send to 6800 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Check us out on the web at: www.eastmeckfoundation.org
*Your contribution is tax-deductible; East Mecklenburg High School Foundation is a taxexempt, non-profit organization described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code
If you would like more information please contact Joan O’Brien at 980-343-6430 ext. 312
East Mecklenburg High School Foundation
6800 Monroe Road
Charlotte, NC 28212
Non-Profit org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Charlotte, NC
Permit No. 183