Welcome!
Welcome back for the second edition of Foxfire Today with
us. This publication is compiled by the sixth grade students of
the Rabun County Elementary School SWIS (School Within
a School) program, with a special article written by the fifth
grade class, previewing their talents for the next magazine. The
students conduct interviews, transcribe the material, and then
write their articles in first person format, making sure to protect
the dialect of the people being interviewed. Students make
grammatical edits, but may not add words to the stories in
order to maintain the originality of the piece. We are truly
excited to have this opportunity to be a sister publication of
the Foxfire Magazine and share our stories of our Appalachian
community with you.
Of course, the academics associated with this project are
important, but the students learn so much more as a result,
including how each person is such an intricate part of our
community. After all, Foxfire has always been about com-
munity – helping a neighbor build a barn, harvesting and
canning/preserving crops, mending fences, Sunday socials, and
sharing quiet moments rocking on a front porch with the family.
Today, Appalachia is still strong and noted for its communal
relations. It has evolved necessarily, yet remains true to its
foundation and integrity. This year, these kids have seen and
participated in the exchange of true friendship as they joined
together in support of a friend who underwent multiple
surgeries and was in the hospital for months. They witnessed
the devastation of thousands of acres of our wilderness
destroyed by fire, donating supplies and volunteering
wherever possible. They expressed sympathy to others
during the tragic loss of loved ones. How did this affect
them? They pulled together, as most southerners do, and
became their own community. They joined hands, prayed, and
uplifted each other, creating an enduring sense of belonging.
A belonging that will continue throughout their lives and the
lives of their children, as it should be. That’s how we learn –
through experiences, feelings, and simply, by living.
Thankfully, some things never change. Appalachian principles
and values are still alive and well in the mountains of Northeast
Georgia and in the students of Foxfire Today. We encourage you
to sit back and relax while enjoying a little bit of our culture
through these stories. We couldn’t be more proud of our
heritage or the kids who are recording it.
~ Joy Phillips and M’ryanne Peacock, Instructors
It is with heartfelt appreciation that we would like to thank the following individuals and groups
for their support and assistance with the publication of this magazine:
The staff of Foxfire
Members, Foxfire Community Board and National Board of Directors
Mrs. Melissa Williams, Rabun County Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Joi Woods and Mrs. Laverne Beck, Rabun County Assistant Superintendents of School
Members, Rabun County Board of Education
Mrs. Lisa Patterson, Rabun County Elementary School (RCES) Principal
Mr. Mark Beck and Mrs. Colette Lovell, RCES Assistant Principals
Parents/Guardians of the SWIS students
We would also like to extend a special thanks to all the interviewees who gave their time,
cooperation, and patience to our students. Without you, this magazine would not have been possible.
Lastly, a very special thanks goes to CJ Thompson and Ethan Phillips’ Graphics
for the hours of work contributed to the graphic design and layout of this product.
Contact us at:
Rabun County Elementary School • 1115 East Boggs Mountain Road • Tiger, Georgia 30576 • (706) 782-3116
Joy Phillips - [email protected] • M’ryanne Peacock - [email protected]
Copyright 2017, The Foxfire Fund, Inc.
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