SMHS senior receives Presidential Award

The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on March 7. At only 17 years old, Maci Long, of Jackson County has gone above and beyond to serve her community. Her selfless acts of service have resulted in over 10,000 meals being distributed to individuals in need. The Smoky Mountain High School senior was […]

WCU celebrates international communities on campus

Story co-written/produced with Natalie Ballard In the heart of Western Carolina’s campus, a beautiful whirlwind of colors circled the fountain as students and faculty carrying the flags of 42 countries from around the world celebrated Western’s 40th annual International Festival. Hosted by WCU’s Office of International Programs and Services, this year’s International Festival provided students with […]

CyberPals helps give those with disabilities computer skill insights

The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on Feb. 28, 2019 DisAbility Partners, formerly Pathways for the Future, was formed in 1991 as a tax exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization to advocate for issues concerning people with disabilities. DisAbility Partners offers many services and programs to help people with disabilities become more independent. DisAbility […]

World Hijab Day: A day for solidarity

Some people see the hijab, the religious clothing worn by Muslim women, as a symbol of oppression or violence. World Hijab Day seeks to change that. On Feb. 1, the WCU community took part in that education for the first time. Social activist Nazma Khan founded the movement in 2013 with a goal, as stated on […]

Immigration and the Latino Vote

Western Carolina University opened up a panel about immigration and the Latino vote featuring WCU’s own Dr. Benjamin Frances-Fallon, history professor, and a guest from Jacksonville University in Florida, Dr. Jorge Majfud. “I never felt myself as Latino or Hispanic until I came to the United States.  It is the United States that created the […]

Creating Safe Zones at WCU

  Story was co-written by Bonnie MacAlister. The Dogwood room was brimming with voices from those participating in stage 2 of the Safe Zone Training. The topic of the activity was on coming out and different scenarios – a green star is when all is good, and you are accepted for who you are while […]