A group of students from  Lory Pendergrast's AP Biology and  Gail Jones' Environmental Science classes have joined forces to create the Garden/Agriculture Club.  The Club's inception comes from concern by students, teachers, and parents alike about what we feed ourselves.  Ironically, both classes began work on this project simultaneously without the other's knowledge, and the product became what is now know as The Garden/AG Club. 

Environmental Science students began brainstorming when ELC parent, Tiffany Hannon-Amezqua, offered her assistance, guidance, and support of becoming a more "green" campus.  Her ideas ranged from an organic garden to a prosperous fruit orchard.  She has also graciously been instrumental in acquiring a donated garden shed constructed by her friend, Mr. Wayne White.  Mrs. Hannon-Amezqua has been seen digging in the dirt alongside students!

Says junior, Kaitlin Pepper, Co-President and Founder, "I wanted to...grow things to produce, eventually give back to the community, or serve in our cafeteria. Eventually, I hope that the project can develop into a larger project that could be carried on after I graduate.  My hope is that the Garden Club can appeal to a wide variety of the Heritage kids and have something for everyone to take part in."  Kaitlin wanted to start the club when studying Botany as part of her AP Biology class.  The class was outside walking the campus, talking about plants, when she turned to Mrs. Pendergrast and said, "Let's start a garden club". 

"The garden will hold fruits, herbs, and vegetables.  We held a bake sale in hopes of purchasing the materials we will need to produce a successful garden.  I want to thank my dad, Rod Smith, for getting Andy's Nursery to donate all of the plants.  I am really excited to get the garden up and running! Kaitlin and I hope to see this garden grow and continue for many years after we are gone," says sophomore, Hannah Smith, Co-President and Founder.

As with all things Heritage, the project's success is due to everyone becoming involved and interested.  Both Chuck Brown and Travis Amoroso have offered a tremendous amount of help, from plowing the garden to constructing its frame.  Needless to say, without them, the Garden/AG club might still be digging up the plot! 

Both Lory and Gail are thrilled with the work the students have done. It is their common goal to have students take ownership and responsibility for the success of this project.  It is not uncommon these days to see members of the newly founded club digging during 4th Block. 

The bake sale not only generated some start up funds, but interest and excitement as well.  Any and all donations or volunteer help are more than welcome.  Come dig in the dirt with us!

Heritage siblings, Savannah (12th grade) and Gracie (6th grade) Neely, recently competed in the prestigious Miss Georgia-World Pageant in Marietta, Georgia.

Savannah competed in the Teen division consisting of Evening Gown, Swimsuit, Opening Dance, and Interview and was crowned Miss Teen Georgia-World.  Gracie competed in the Junior Miss division consisting of Evening Gown, Opening Dance, Sports Wear, and Interview and was crowned Junior Miss Georgia-World.

In addition to their crown titles, Savannah won Best Swimsuit over all divisions, while Gracie won Best Sports Wear over all divisions.

The pageant was a three-day event.

Both girls will go to Houston, Texas in June to compete for the titles of Miss Teen United States-World and Junior Miss United States-World.

Rosalyn Boyd will be competing in the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce's Coweta's Dancing Stars competition on Tuesday, April 19, at 7:00 pm, at the Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts, to benefit the Community Welcome House, a local safe haven for women and children. The Community Welcome House is a transitional facility that provides room and board, food, medical care, child care, and counseling for local women and children fleeing unsafe households.

Rosalyn taught at Heritage for 22 years and has loved to dance since childhood.  For the past 16 years, she has been involved with the  National League of the Junior Cotillion, a program of etiquette for young people, to whom she teaches ballroom dancing and basic manners.  She says the goal of the program is to instill in them "the need to respect themselves, to be quiet and find out who they are and who they want to be.  We want them to think about it now because it's a pivotal time in their lives."

Heritage is sponsoring Rosalyn in the dance competition, which raises funds for the Welcome House by allowing the public to vote online for their favorite dancer.  Each $1 donation constitutes one vote in the competition.  Every dollar vote for Rosalyn Boyd produces a $1 donation directly to Community Welcome House.  You can purchase as many $1 votes as you wish.  All donations are tax deductible. 

Please join us in supporting Rosalyn's spirited performance by voting for her as she competes for both the People's Choice and Best Dancer titles to support the Community Welcome House.  To vote for Rosalyn Boyd, and to learn more about the Coweta's Dancing Stars competition/benefit, please visit the Dancing Stars website. 

Rosalyn says, "I want to express a heartfelt thank you to Heritage for supporting me and loving me.  Heritage is my other home.  I loved and appreciated the opportunity to teach those children. Now I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this competition to help out those who need it in our county.  I am indeed honored. I'm going to go out and dance my heart out!"

Friday, March 25, 3:00 pm at Furtah  
Saturday, March 26, 10:00 am and 12:00 pm Middle School at Strong Rock
Monday, March 28, 4:00 pm MS 8th at home vs. Landmark
Tuesday, March 29, 4:00 pm at Harvester
Wednesday, March 30, 4:00 pm at Flint River
Thursday, March 31, 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm at home vs. Trinity Christian (double header)

Soccer
Tuesday, March 29, 5:00 Varsity Girls at home vs. LaGrange Academy
Thursday, March 31, 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm Varsity Girls and Boys at home vs. Holy Spirit
 

Tennis
No matches next week
Heritage girls and boys are Team Region Champs!  They will head to team state on April 27 in Augusta.  The Individual Region Tournament will take place April 13 in Kennesaw.
 

Track and Field
Friday, March 25, 4:00 pm Track meet at Heritage
Thursday, March 31 Track meet at Flint River