Union Grove Elementary students encourage Western NC residents

BY KARISSA MILLER

Union Grove Elementary School students are learning how a simple act of kindness can help strangers in a time of need.

As part of an empathy lesson, fourth graders sent encouraging cards and posters to Hurricane Helene victims and relief workers.

“I told them that we wrote to those who will help the flood victims and our citizens. We tied it into talking about citizenship,” explained teacher Carrie Fulbright.

He explained that the character trait of the month is empathy and that students learn how to empathize with others.

Charlie Cheevey explained that empathy is just another word for kindness. Most of his classmates agreed.

Student Mikalyn Whitley added that empathy can help people understand and share the emotions of others; which “can help reassure other people.”

Maddox Bailey said that when put into action, “empathy is saying nice things to people.”

After the lecture, Fulbright grabbed some paper and markers and asked his students to write letters to people in Western North Carolina. He emphasized the importance of using “encouraging words.”

That’s when he noticed some students taking out their Bibles.

“Students were in Good News Club that week, and some learned new Bible verses. Others took care of them on their own. They wanted these verses to bring comfort to those who were suffering, Fulbright explained.

One student wrote: “Thank God for all the answered prayers. I hope you are safe and well. I hope you have a great rest of your life.”

At the bottom, the disciple referred to John 3:16 and Psalm 56:3.

Cards “show that you care. You’re not alone,” Payslie Manners said.

Some of the students stated that they had heard about the impact and devastation Helene had in Western North Carolina.

“My first reaction after Hurricane Helene – ‘Wow,’” Nash Prevette recalled.

“I was surprised at how much damage there was,” added Liam Redmond.

Cooper Ward said he has a family member who lives in Swannanoa. “They found him, but it took a day and a half,” Ward said, adding that he was safe.

beef jerky drive

The letters of encouragement are part of a larger outreach effort for Hurricane Helene victims and relief workers, according to Principal Keeley Ward.

Staff are baking homemade desserts to help a local church that provides meals to aid workers.

In November, the school hosts a beef jerky drive. The money raised will be sent to Ward’s Swannanoa district, which has a connection to Swannanoa Elementary School.

“Children can build resilience and make a lasting impact on our neighbors in Western North Carolina,” the principal said.

Through all these efforts, teachers help students understand the value of compassion and empathy.

“This shows them that education is not just about academics, but also about growing into caring and responsible individuals who support their communities,” he said.

“Our Tiger students took the time to create thoughtful posters and cards for those impacted by WNC. This kindness and creativity will surely give comfort and encouragement to those facing difficult times. “What a beautiful reminder of the positive impact we can all make, and our students at Union Grove are learning invaluable lessons about compassion and community,” she added.

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