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MLK challenge encourages Appalachian students to reach out |
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Thursday, 18 January 2007 |
by TREVA CARTER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
For the past eight years, Appalachian State University students and faculty have participated in a daylong community service project to help celebrate the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 Active Image | David Mulvaney | Chief Photographer
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In this year’s MLK Challenge, the projects ranged from helping at the
Hospitality House to building a playground to restoring some of Boone’s
historical sites.
“It was good to see when people are in need, you can go and help,”
Sherald Wilkes, a freshman chemistry major, said. “Working with
complete strangers, putting together our ideas and getting the job done
really worked.”
Each group received $65 to help them in the challenges and all of the challenges had to be done by 5 p.m.
“We were able to help restore one of Boone’s oldest buildings – the
Henry Blair Farm,” Brian B. Goings, a senior theatre arts major, said.
“It felt like I was an archaeologist, discovering something for the
first time.”
One group named the Community Contributors had the challenge of
planning a January birthday bash for the elderly at Brian Estates.
The group persuaded Food Lion to donate $70 worth of food and got a large cake from Lowes Foods for 99 cents.
The motto for the day, “It’s Part of the Challenge,” proved to have an
affect on everyone. Groups were chosen as the participants walked in.
 Active Image | | David Mulvaney | Chief Photographer |
Participants were given a number and then sat at that particular table.
People were already faced with their first challenge: getting to know and work with strangers.
Many participants had taken part in the MLK Challenge before.
Katie R. Norton, a junior elementary education major, had done the challenge three years in a row.
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was very passionate about service,” Norton
said. “His speeches talked about how injustice won’t be solved in one
day. I’m really passionate about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day not just
being a day off but one in which people not only learn about him, but
also the legacy he left.”
Those who were participating for the first time also got caught up in the service-oriented spirit of the day.
Michael S. McSwain, a sophomore elementary education major, became
interested in the challenge after he took part in dance marathon.
David B. Naff, a senior psychology major, realized there was a lot of work that needed to be done around Appalachian.
They both agree the MLK Challenge is one they will try again.
“I believe that while you’re here you should service your community and
leave Appalachian better than you found it,” Travis M. Kelly, a
sophomore computer information systems major, said.
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