E
xperiential learning is taking place in the woods adjacent to the Tallulah Falls School middle school campus. Students in Travis Mullis’s sixthgrade English class are making tracks toward completing a walking/ hiking trail. Lessons during a recent workday included making sure the painted blazes are easily visible from the path, using natural materials to line the trails and the importance of teamwork. “Teaching at TFS is such a privilege because I’m challenged to not only do my best but do what I like to do the best,” Mullis said. “Building trails in the forest is something I’ve been doing since I was very young, so instructing and then allowing my students to do the same is quite fulfilling.” The project is aimed at crossing each academic curriculum, Travis said. Along with building the trail, students learn to use a compass to coincide with what they’ve learned in Mrs. Rogers’ geography class.
“This is just the beginning,” Mullis said. “Plant identification, using a measuring wheel to determine the length, checking out the water quality of the stream along with its aquatic life.” Throughout the activity, Mullis said he and the students are conversing about what is enjoyable about the variety of tasks and activities. “Through the trail-building process, I’m challenging them to see what they are doing as a contribution to their families, extracurricular groups and the broader ONE CLASS learning c o m m u n i t y, something that is shared to bring joy to others,” he said.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
He added that every student contributes in some way – cutting limbs, raking leaves, moving logs, marking trees. “I’ve pointed them in a proper direction, and they have done the rest,” he said. “And had a lot of fun doing it!”
YOUTH LEADERSHIP HABERSHAM
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elected through a competitive application process last spring, 11 Tallulah Falls School seniors are now enrolled in the 2021 Leadership/Youth Leadership Habersham Class. A series of programs scheduled throughout the academic year will offer team building, community awareness and a chance to network with members of the adult Leadership Habersham group. “These youth will be entering into the workforce, and we want to make sure that they have developed the confidence, communication skills and support system necessary to enter the workforce, all while providing them a deeper connection to the community,” said Habersham Chamber President Mary Beth Horton. “Investing in youth not only ensures that the future
generation is equipped with competencies necessary for strong leadership, but it also contributes greatly to the positive development of the communities.”
Center and the Habersham County Courthouse. In January, the group will focus on local industry, visiting Fieldale Farms, Steel Cell and Scovill.
The program kicked off Sept 15 with ice-breakers and leadership lessons led by the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
The final outing in February will include a trip to the Gold Dome in Atlanta to participate in Habersham County Day at the Capitol.
In November, students focused on public service, hearing from Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell, Habersham E-911 Director Lynn Smith, Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge B. Chan Caudell and Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian.
“As we continue our work to build the future leaders of Habersham County, developing and retaining our homegrown talent will remain an important aspect of that growth,” Horton added,
The group toured the Habersham County Detention Center, the Cornelia Water Treatment Plan, the E-911
Students members include Lucy Alexander, Drew Bates, Emily Church, Charlie Cody, Evette Corwin, Aubrey Higgins, Joshua Jackson, Lilly Johnson, Tyler Popham, Tate Shaw and Ericka Wiese.
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