As Western North Carolina continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, a class at Ray Childers Elementary School is making a significant impact in the community. Under the guidance of Miss Hannah Crawford, students run a monthly coffee shop for staff called the Perky Pirate and engage in a fundraising initiative known as \"boo bags\" each October.

This year, the class expanded their boo bag project beyond their school, creating Halloween-themed treat bags filled with snacks. The students assembled, decorated, and delivered a total of 354 boo bags, raising $919. The funds will be donated to Micahville Elementary School in Burnsville, which lost sensory items during the hurricane. This project not only provides a fun learning experience but also helps students develop essential life skills, including money management, fine motor skills, and effective communication.

During the meeting, the achievements of Miss Crawford's class were celebrated, with special recognition given to the students involved. The event also highlighted the success of the recent spelling bee, where Sam Elliott, an 8th grader from East Burke Middle School, won by spelling \"gelatinous.\" This marks his second consecutive victory in the competition.

Additionally, the meeting recognized outstanding staff members, including Charles Williams, named Principal of the Year for Burke County Public Schools, and the beginning teacher of the year, whose identity will be revealed following a nomination and interview process.

The community's support and the dedication of both students and staff were emphasized, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the region in the face of recent challenges.