BY KARISSA MILLER

Dozens of community volunteers gathered at Statesville High School on Friday to celebrate the new school year with a student and staff appreciation celebration.

Staff and students were treated to hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and snow cones. During the event, participants played games, created art and attempted an escape room activity.

“It’s basically a big get-together. Everyone’s enjoying themselves and connecting with one another,” said junior Blake Tery, who enjoyed the gaming station.

Principal Chad Parker said that the students and staff were grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

“It’s always good to see kids enjoying being at school. They don’t always get the recognition that they deserve,” he said.

School board member Abby Trent, who helped spearhead the effort, said she wanted to get the students excited about the new school year.

“I wanted to try and do something similar to what we’ve done at NB Mills Elementary, and bring in the community,” she explained.

The Escape Room activity provided the students with an opportunity to work together as a team to find the solution.

“It’s great seeing the kids so excited. It’s nice to know that they are laughing and smiling, giving them a little break to enjoy the rest of the afternoon before the weekend,” Trent said.

Volunteer Karen Kidd, executive director and founder of Foundation of Hope Ministries, said the nonprofit was excited to take part in the outreach initiative just as they have at NB Mills Elementary School.

Foundations of Hope staff served up snow cones and helped secure community funding for the Escape Room.

“It’s about the community loving on them. We are building relationships with our future leaders,” Kidd said.

The food was donated and cooked by Grill 4 God Ministries. The nonprofit provided more than 1,000 hot dogs to students and staff.

Teachers, staff, community leaders, principals, law enforcement and volunteers all joined in on the fun and wished school staff a successful school year.

Event sponsors included Foundation of Hope Ministries, Grill 4 God Ministries, Statesville Police Department, Pepsi, Angela Wokatsch Matthews and Nakayla Griffin.

Photos