Committee Holds “Appalachian Awareness Day”
by Rod O’Neal
The Appalachian Events Committee hosted their annual “Appalachian Awareness
Day” in the Heth Ballroom. The event was put together to spread the word
about the committee and to inform the student body better about the heritage
of “mountain people.” Participants in the event included Nat Reece,
The RU Cloggers, and the RU Gospel Choir. The committee hopes teachers use
the event to include in their lesson plans.
“ Appalachian Awareness Day is our second big event of the year,” said
Treasurer Ashley Crabtree. “It’s for students in addition to their
classes to learn more about Appalachian culture and enhance their education
here.”
In years past, the committee has been able to have artists such famous country/bluegrass
artists as Nickel Creek, Doc Watson and Ralph Stanley perform for the event.
Mixing in local artists and crafts not only helps the artists get their art to
a larger audience but also influences the members of the committee.
“ We’re a different group of people and we get along really well,” said
member Noelani Rossi. “I just like being able to learn more about the
crafts and being able to provide them an outlet and expose their arts.”
Dr. Melinda Wagner is the faculty advisor for the committee and has plans for
many other events on campus throughout the year. Students interested in joining
the Appalachian Events Committee are encouraged to attend one of their meetings
at the Buchanan House on Wednesday nights.
Contacts:Dr. Melinda Wagner: mwagner@radford.edu |
