BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Two recent high school graduates provided advice for academic success to a group of rising sixth-graders during Crosby Scholars of Iredell County’s Legacy Day Academy on Wednesday.

Thirteen soon-to-be middle school students from Brawley Middle School, The Brawley School, Iredell Charter Academy, Oakwood Middle School, Pine Lake Preparatory, and Woodland Heights learned different skills to be successful, the importance of teamwork, and the joy of giving back.

Junior/Senior Program Manager Jenniffer Jamison, Middle School Coordinator Chester Jones, and Near Peer Senior Advisor Noah Baldwin created a dynamic and interactive day for the new group.

Students played games were they learned to better communicate and be more efficient. Jamison explained the importance of good communication.

Jones explained the program and got the students excited about becoming involved.

“Crosby’s purpose is to provide valuable information on different topics,” he said.

The program helps students learn soft skills, become responsible, perform community service, apply for scholarships, write resumes, and apply to colleges.

Besides learning about the program, the focus for the sixth-graders was to complete community service hours.

They enjoyed making cards and pairing socks for children without shoes— 500 pairs were made for Samaritan’s Feet International.

“That’s $2,000 worth of work,” Jones explained. “We give back to others because it helps them and it feels good. This will put a smile on someone’s face.”

Recent graduates Abby Merryman and Elizabeth Lourcey participated in Crosby Scholars and are going off to UNC- Chapel Hill and the University of Florida this fall. The graduates gave the students tips and answered questions.

“Don’t procrastinate,” Merryman advised. “Start studying early and set yourself up to be successful.”

Lourcey recommended taking good notes and staying organized.

Jamison also advised getting others to help.

“The more people you include on your journey, the richer your experience.”