By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Compassion and caring rank among the many lessons and life skills taught to Tornado RISE students at Union City High School.
Members of Regina Turner’s CDC class recently put those teachings to good use when they banned together in an effort to raise money for Waverly residents who had their town devasted by historic floods Aug. 21.
The catastrophe — resulting in widespread loss of possessions as well as 20 deaths – prompted an outpouring of support from far and wide.
Among those to offer help were Tornado RISE students, who baked several treats and provided them for donations to staff at UCHS. After other contributions from families and friends, the class sent a $400 check to an established relief fund.
Turner, who is assisted in her daily classroom efforts by educational assistant Pam Barber, spoke proudly of her students and their genuine efforts afterward.
“Immediately after the flood happened, we were watching the news report and one of the students asked: ‘What can we do to help them?’” the longtime UC Schools teacher said. “It was just so touching to hear that.”
Three RISE students did the baking in the kitchen area of the classroom with the remainder of the class helping to complete the project with “getting things together,” Turner added.
“We focus a lot on social skills and life lessons with what we do, but it was so rewarding to see and hear of the students thinking of others and following it up with compassionate actions.”
Members of the class include Derek Couch, Damon Douthit, Cristian McKinney, Jaiysion Robinson, Jerrion Thomas, Ky’Leyah Rice, Enrique Godinez, Garrett Clark, Latisha Brown, Robbie Douthit, Skyler Mayes and Parker Vowell.