Lighting

Lighting

the torch

at RCHS

By Mary Beth Martin

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

When Rappahannock County High School students returned for their second day of classes this year, they expected something different, and judging from comments they were pleased. The staff and students joined in a day of team building, a theme that will carry on for the rest of the school year and, possibly, for the rest of their lives.

When the students arrived on Sept. 1, they were divided into four teams of mixed ages. Each team was given different colored T-shirts to wear. On the shirts was printed a graphic and the theme of the day: “Light the Tbrch — Respect, Care, Help, Share.” Students participated in four activities during the day.

In the auditorium, a team watched a multi-media presentation entitled “Light the Tbrch” which used contemporary music and images on three large screens. The fast paced montage stressed the importance of wise decision making. True-life stories, some of them tragic, sent the message that poor choices can be costly. “Life is a steady stream of choices” and “We are responsible for our actions” were two of the themes presented. The program challenged the students to light a torch for others in need.

Steve Monfort from the National Zoo Conservation Center in Front Royal spoke to groups in the gym about his work and personal journey. He said he applied to veterinary school three times before he was accepted, and he is now a leading researcher in his field. He used slides of his childhood and adolescence to underscore the idea that hard work and commitment led him to where he is today. He encouraged students not to think that success comes only to the lucky few.

Throughout the day small group discussions about school improvement were led by Mary Anne Biggs

See SCHOOL, Page A3