Etowah High’s Newest Addition Rocks

BY AISLIN STEINER

The “spirit rock” has become a staple at institutions that feed into Etowah High School, such as Bascomb Elementary and E.T Booth Middle School, and many felt that it was about time for the Eagles to receive a rock of their own. Spirit rocks give parents, caregivers, students and staff the opportunity to paint a large rock outside schools to recognize a student’s birthday, show school spirit, thank or recognize a teacher or staff member, mark congratulatory events, etc.

The Etowah girls soccer team first announced this new fundraiser — a boulder-sized rock that could be “rented” to paint — in November. The spirit rock is located between the new gym and administration building on campus. To spread the word, a digital flyer was posted on the team’s Facebook page, Etowah HS Soccer.

The spirit rock can be rented for $40 for 24 hours. The website, http://bit.ly/3LknwpR, offers a list of available dates to reserve the rock for painting. Community members are then able to access the rock from 5 p.m. on the day before their reservation until 5 p.m. on their selected date. Etowah students or parents also may contact an established local artist, such as Danadoodles (on Facebook), to decorate the rock.

“The girls soccer team decided a spirit rock would be a fun way for people and teams to celebrate and promote events like birthdays or big games. We were very lucky to have Cherokee Stone Center donate the rock so that all proceeds are 100% profit for the team,” junior Katie Callaway said.

So far, the spirit rock has featured a send-off for the competitive cheerleaders and dancers attending their respective state competitions, birthday wishes and more.

“Seeing the rock painted for the dance team meant a lot to me and my team for many reasons, one being the fact that the school gave us recognition and support for the hard work we put in this season and showed us that our achievements do not go unnoticed,” sophomore Emily Ivers said.

As students park on the main campus, or cross from Etowah East to main, they are able to view the latest artwork and information on display. As a result of publicizing messages on the rock, students might purchase their prom tickets as soon as the theme is announced, or become more connected with the reminder of a classmate’s birthday or local accomplishments. The basketball stands in the new gym might fill up more than ever, thanks to announcements on the rock. “As a basketball player, I thought painting the rock was a cool and innovative way to spread support for us. It made me feel supported,” senior Ryan Tipper said. Etowah’s spirit rock is an artistic and creative addition to student life and the campus. Visit the website to have an announcement present as soon as tomorrow.