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Suicide Prevention Month: You Matter, and Help is Here < Back Suicide Prevention Month: You Matter, and Help is Here BY EMILY BELK, CHS Senior September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring attention to the struggles many people face in silence. While that month aims to raise awareness for everyone, the numbers tell a particularly troubling story about men. Even though men make up 40% of the world’s population, 50% of all suicides are committed by men. This statistic reflects a heartbreaking reality: many men feel unable to ask for help when they need it most, and that needs to change. For generations, men have been taught to hide their emotions. They’re told to “man up” and push through, even when they feel overwhelmed or hopeless. Vulnerability has been falsely linked to weakness, leaving many men feeling like they must carry their burdens alone. But this silence can be deadly. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength. Struggling with mental health doesn’t make anyone less of a man; it makes them human. Too often, men feel they can’t talk about their feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness. As a result, many men, especially those who feel isolated or misunderstood, choose to end their own lives. This isn’t because men don’t need help—it’s because they’ve been taught not to ask for it. This must change. We need to create an environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health, where talking about emotional pain is seen as a strength, not a weakness. If you’re reading this and struggling, you are not alone. Even when it feels like no one understands what you’re going through, there are people who care about you—people who want to listen, to help, and to remind you that your life has value. Depression lies to us, making us believe we’re a burden or that the world would be better off without us. But those thoughts are not the truth. You matter, even if you can’t see it right now. Reaching out for help doesn’t need to be a big, dramatic gesture. It can start small, with a simple conversation—a text, a call, or a chat with someone you trust. If you feel unsure where to begin, or if talking to someone close feels too difficult, there are professionals and volunteers available 24/7 who can listen. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open at 1-800-273-8255, or you can text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. For LGBTQ+ individuals, The Trevor Project offers support at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678. Veterans can also access the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1. If calling feels overwhelming, start with a text. Help is available, and taking that first step could be the beginning of healing. Mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of—they are a normal part of life, and the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge that you need support. As we partake in Suicide Prevention Month every year, it’s important to change how we talk about men’s mental health. Let the men in our lives—our brothers, fathers, friends, sons, and partners—know that it’s okay to talk about their struggles. We can’t force someone to open up before they’re ready, but we can be there when they do. By having these conversations, we make it easier for people to reach out before they feel overwhelmed by despair. Sometimes, just asking how someone is really doing can be the lifeline they need. Listening without judgment can make all the difference. If you’re struggling, remember this: you are important. Your life has meaning, and people care about you, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. You don’t have to face these feelings alone. Help is out there, and your life is worth fighting for. Next September, and the many more to come, let’s make sure no one feels like they have to carry their burdens in silence. Together, we can make a difference. 1/0

< Back BY LILY WALLACE, CHS Junior and KAYA SPENCER, CHS Junior In a touching display of love and remembrance, two brothers, Landon and Grady Stone, have taken to the football field this season with their mother’s spirit guiding them. After the untimely passing of their mother, Kathy Stone, due to breast cancer last year, the boys have not only honored her memory but also fulfilled a dream she cherished: seeing them play together. Kathy, a passionate supporter of her sons, was a fixture at every game, her signature cowbell ringing through the stands, a sound that signaled her unwavering encouragement. People in the community even said, “She never missed a game, you could always hear her voice above everyone else.” Since her passing, the brothers have found solace at their mother’s gravesite, visiting frequently to share their triumphs and challenges. With their grandmother Yolly Bledsoe and grandfather Randy Bledsoe by their side, the family continues to gather at the cemetery before each game, bringing along the cherished cowbell that once rang loud in the stands. The brothers have dedicated this season to their mother. Grady Stone says that supporting his brother this season has been amazing and getting to play out on the big field was always his biggest dream. Landon Stone then stated, “It was always her, …, she always pushed me,... always supported me.” Their father, Curtis Stone, also emphasizes the importance of keeping Kathy’s spirit alive through their shared passion for the sport. As the season progresses, the Stone brothers have formed a formidable bond on the field, playing not just for themselves, but for their mother. Friends, family, and community members have rallied around them, often spotting the cowbell ringing from the stands, a reminder of Kathy’s enduring presence. The brothers’ journey is one of resilience and love, a testament to the bonds of family that remain unbroken even in the face of loss. As they lace up their cleats each game day, they do so with the knowledge that their mother is watching over them, her spirit forever a part of their story on the field. In a world often overshadowed by grief, Landon and Grady Stone remind us that love transcends even the most difficult circumstances, allowing cherished memories to echo through time—much like the ringing of a cowbell on game day.

Holidays at the Garden: A newcomer’s experience < Back Holidays at the Garden: A newcomer’s experience BY KYLEE LOWE, CHS JUNIOR Editor’s Note: This article was published before the holiday season on The Roaring Eagle website. Holidays at the Garden normally starts after Thanksgiving and runs through the end of December. BELMONT, NC - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden hosts a wonderful Christmas display and fun activities each year. The garden is 380 acres of beautiful plants and trees that are transformed during the holiday season into a spectacular display of lights. The garden is complete with fountains, s‘mores by the campfire, and food trucks. Open from 5 pm to 10 pm through December 29th. Tickets are available for purchase from their website: https://dsbg.org/visit/holidays-at-the-garden/ On Fridays, children and adults can enjoy a short trackless train ride. During the ride, they can see several wooden Christmas trees, all decorated by different people, schools, and organizations. On the opposite side of the train, they can see the lights of the garden. Walking around the garden everyone can see the display of lights on trees, around fountains, and can even interact with some of the lights. The first display portrayed music and sounds, creating a surreal effect of lights dancing to the music and creating a story. The main light for this display was a huge reindeer. During the ongoing show, the deer would change colors and be the main light of the garden. The interactive lights would change color by the push of a button. Another interactive set of circular lights was placed on the ground where children and adults could step on them and new lights and designs would shine. Several fountains are scattered throughout the Garden. Some are as small as a few feet long, while others are 20 or 30 feet long. Each fountain reflects the lights around the garden, adding to the wonderful display. On one side of the park, there are multiple food trucks. These trucks make sweets to share with family and friends, along with chicken and other savory foods. At the back of the garden, a little shack sells hot chocolate to enjoy on a cold stroll through the park. Also, at the shack, they sell boxes of supplies to make s’mores. This is fun to do with family and friends around one of the many campfires around the park. The main building in the park also provides a bar for adults. Every Saturday and Sunday in December, Santa visits the garden. Children can meet Santa in the beautiful garden before or after wandering around the grounds. Visitors can also walk through small indoor gardens full of thriving tropical plants and trees. According to a newcomer: The botanical garden was a spectacular display of lights that allowed me to have an enjoyable time. I was constantly in awe at the pretty lights. My favorite part was the giant water lilies that were placed on the water. The reflection from the purple and pink lights was amazing. I would definitely recommend visiting the botanical garden to any newcomer! 1/3

Lake Wylie’s Annual Christmas Boat Parade < Back Lake Wylie’s Annual Christmas Boat Parade BY LILY WALLACE, CHS JUNIOR, MANAGING EDITOR PHOTOS FROM PAPA DOC’S SHORE CLUB’S AND FREEDOM BOAT CLUB OF LAKE WYLIE’S FACEBOOK PAGES LAKE WYLIE, SC - The 35th annual Holiday Boat Parade lit up the waters of Lake Wylie on Saturday, Dec. 14, drawing both boaters and spectators together for a magical evening of holiday cheer. Organized by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, the parade kicked off at 6:30 p.m. after participants gathered at Papa Doc’s Shore Club near the Buster Boyd Bridge for the line up. Boats, each decked out in their most festive decorations, sailed along the lake’s shores, transforming the waterway into a sparkling winter wonderland. The sparkling lights, coupled with the sounds of boat horns, added to the atmosphere of holiday joy. Homeowners along the parade route added to the festive scene by decorating their docks, offering a colorful backdrop for the parade. Spectators, some of whom gathered at Papa Doc’s deck or the Buster Boyd Public Boating Landing, enjoyed front-row seats to the spectacle. For many, the parade was a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Families snapped photos, capturing the memories as the boats cruised by. As the event concluded, the sound of boat horns echoed across the lake, signaling the end of another successful parade, but leaving behind a sense of joy and togetherness that will last through the season. The Holiday Boat Parade remains one of Lake Wylie’s most beloved traditions, a festive celebration that continues to unite the community year after year. 1/6

Kindness Corner: Girl Scout Troop 888 spreads joy and service < Back Kindness Corner: Girl Scout Troop 888 spreads joy and service BY EMILY BELK, CHS SENIOR LAKE WYLIE, S.C. — At Girl Scout Troop 888, the motto “make the world a better place” is more than just a slogan—it’s a guiding principle. With 87 members ranging from Kindergarten to 7th grade, Troop 888 is making a big impact in the Lake Wylie and Clover communities. Under the leadership of Lucinda Woodard, a lifetime Girl Scout with nearly 28 years of experience, the troop is dedicated to teaching young girls the importance of service and giving back. Troop 888 places a strong emphasis on community service, organizing a variety of projects throughout the year. From litter clean-ups to school supply drives, the girls consistently show their commitment to improving their community. Twice a year, the troop hosts family-friendly service events: “Spread the Love” in February and “Holiday Helpers” in November. This year’s “Spread the Love” event saw Troop 888 packing over 300 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Roof Above homeless shelter in Charlotte. In addition, the girls made cookie dough balls for foster families, painted kindness rocks for nursing home residents, and crafted Valentine’s cards for community heroes such as teachers and coaches. In November, the troop hosted their “Holiday Helpers” event, where they packed 38 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, decorated holiday cards for seniors, and created more than 100 holiday treats for assisted living residents. Notably, 90% of the items for the shoe boxes were donated by the girls, demonstrating how even small contributions can make a big impact. One of the troop’s most impressive efforts this year was their “Candy for the Troops” initiative. After learning that the USO distributes candy to servicemen and women passing through Charlotte’s airport during the holidays, the girls set out to fill a critical need. With support from local businesses and organizations, Troop 888 collected over 4,100 bags of candy. The initiative brought together more than 1,500 volunteers from local Girl Scout troops and schools, including donations from Crowders’ Creek Elementary, Dr. Ryan Colosi of Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry, and other local families. The candy was delivered to the USO’s storage facility just in time for the holiday season, ready to bring a little sweetness to troops far from home. These projects not only highlight the impact of Troop 888’s hard work, but also teach valuable life lessons about the importance of service, teamwork, and kindness. Through their efforts, the girls are learning that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on the world. Troop 888’s dedication to service is a testament to the power of community and the difference we can make when we work together. Through their ongoing efforts, they are spreading kindness, one project at a time. 1/1 Want to submit your own story? You can! Submit it here!

< Back Dog of the Month: Meet Myrrh! BY EMILY BELK, CHS Senior YORK, SC - Meet Myrrh, the Humane Society of York County’s Dog of the Month! At 5 years old, this sweet German Shepherd mix is ready to find his forever home after spending more than two years at the shelter. Myrrh’s journey began when he was found wandering the streets alone. Despite a thorough search for his owner, no one came forward to claim him. Now, Myrrh is looking for a fresh start with a family that will appreciate his gentle nature and adventurous spirit. Here are a few fun facts about Myrrh: Energetic and Adventurous Myrrh is an active dog who loves outdoor activities like walking and hiking. He’s a great companion for families who enjoy spending time in nature. Whether it’s a morning walk or a challenging mountain trail, Myrrh is always up for the adventure. Dog-Friendly Myrrh does well with other dogs that match his energy level, making him an excellent playmate for an equally active pup. With proper introductions, Myrrh’s friendly nature shines, and he’s sure to bring joy to any multi-dog household. Super Smart Myrrh has proven to be both intelligent and eager to learn at the Zoom Room, where he’s shown off his skills. He enjoys learning new tricks and commands, making him easy to train. A home with mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or agility courses, would be perfect for him. Loves Car Rides Whether it’s a trip to the park or a drive around town, Myrrh loves car rides. His excitement for travel makes him the ideal companion for road trips or weekend getaways. Great with Kids Myrrh’s gentle demeanor makes him a great addition to families with children. His patience and loving personality ensure he’ll bond quickly with kids, becoming both a protector and playmate. Loves to Chill When he’s not on the move, Myrrh enjoys relaxing with his family, soaking up pets, kisses, and cuddles. He strikes the perfect balance between energetic and laid-back, making him a versatile companion for any household. After more than two years at the shelter, Myrrh deserves a second chance at a happy life. He’s ready to settle into a loving home and share all the love he has to give. If you’re interested in meeting Myrrh or learning more, contact the Humane Society of York County. Let’s make 2025 the year Myrrh finds his forever family! 1/1

Clover winter sports: Opening of the season < Back Clover winter sports: Opening of the season BY LILY WALLACE, CHS JUNIOR, MANAGING EDITOR CLOVER, S.C. — As the winter sports season kicks off, Roaring Eagle reporters reached out to coaches for insight into their goals and priorities for the upcoming season. From strengthening team dynamics to refining individual skills, each coach has a unique focus as they prepare their teams for success. Here’s what they had to say about their strategies and expectations for the season ahead. Coach Shakkia Walker’s vision for a successful season As the basketball season gets underway, Coach Walker is focused on shaping a team that prioritizes both individual skill development and strong collaboration on the court. “We want the girls to understand the concept of team basketball—passing the ball, working together, and having fun in the process,” said Coach Walker. “Ultimately, it’s about life lessons. Basketball teaches skills that will take them further than the game itself.” This season’s goal is not only to grow as a unit but also to make a deeper playoff run. “We’ve been eliminated in the first round before,” the coach added, “so advancing past that is always a priority.” The core values driving the team’s mindset this year are centered around the African proverb, ‘Ubuntu’ which means “ I am because we are.” This reflects the coach’s belief in the importance of family and selflessness. The team has adopted the hashtag #SELFLESS, with the acronym standing for “Sacrifice, Effort, Love, Family, Live, Energy, Strong.” It is a reminder that teamwork and character are as important as athletic performance. In practice, the coach balances individual skill- building with teamwork by dividing players into specialized groups based on position. This approach helps players learn versatility while still developing the fundamentals of their roles. Beyond wins and losses, Coach Walker hopes the athletes leave the season with a stronger sense of discipline and accountability. “Basketball teaches life lessons,” the coach concluded. “Off the court, I want them to know their voice matters. On the court, I want them to give their all for 32 minutes.” Coach Jackson focuses on personal growth and teamwork for upcoming sports season As the new season approaches, Coach Jackson is setting clear expectations for his team, emphasizing both individual growth and a commitment to teamwork. For Jackson, the primary goal is simple: “We want to work hard and be the best version of ourselves,” he said. In balancing individual development with team success, Jackson believes the two go hand in hand. “As players take responsibility for their improvement, they inherently contribute to the team’s progress,” he explained. “When you grow individually, it fosters a deeper sense of accountability, which naturally leads to stronger team cohesion.” Jackson also outlined his vision for success this season, stressing that while winning games is a priority, the true measure of success lies in the team’s evolution. “We’re focused on becoming the best version of ourselves, and yes, winning games and making a deep playoff run is important, but it’s the growth and improvement that will define us,” he said. Beyond the scoreboard, Jackson hopes his athletes take away valuable life lessons from their experience. “The effort you put in now pays off later,” he said. “The discipline and commitment required in sports translate to life, teaching lessons of hard work and perseverance that will carry far beyond the field.” As the season unfolds, Jackson’s emphasis on both personal and collective progress will be key in shaping his team’s journey toward success. Coach Fitzgerald focuses on perseverance and Teamwork for upcoming wrestling season As the wrestling season begins, Coach Fitzgerald has set clear goals for his team, aiming for both individual improvement and collective success. “Our goal every day is to get better,” Fitzgerald said. “If we improve daily, we’ll be ready when it matters most in January and February.” While individual achievements are important in wrestling, Fitzgerald emphasizes their integration into the team’s success. “In our sport, individual goals often take a backseat,” he noted. “As long as we’re improving each day, the results will follow, especially when the postseason begins. Our aim is to qualify as many athletes as we can for the state tournament.” A key principle Fitzgerald is stressing this season is perseverance. “Wrestling teaches you how to handle ups and downs, both on the mat and in life,” he said. “How we respond to challenges determines how much we grow.” Alongside perseverance, faith in each other plays a crucial role in the team’s mindset. “We have a strong belief in each other—trusting the coaches, trusting the process, and trusting that we’re improving together,” Fitzgerald added. As for success, Fitzgerald’s focus is on team growth. “Success for us is about being one of the top two teams in our region,” he said. “If we do that, we’ll put ourselves in a good position for the postseason.” Beyond victories, Fitzgerald hopes his athletes will leave the season stronger both on and off the mat, carrying the lessons learned into their futures. “I want them to be better wrestlers and better people when the season ends,” he said.

< Back The Clover Station: True southern home cooking BY KYLEE LOWE, CHS JUNIOR CLOVER, SC -The Clover Station, located at 105 N Main St. in Clover, SC, offers a delightful taste of Southern comfort food. This cozy restaurant serves up daily specials, including iconic dishes like meatloaf, fried chicken, pineapple casserole, fried okra, and tomato pie. A staple with every meal is the Southern cornbread and biscuits, adding that authentic touch to each dish. Clover Station’s menu brings the flavors of home-cooked meals, showcasing the best of Southern cuisine. The town of Clover holds a unique historical significance, once serving as a rest stop for the steam engines of the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad. This history is honored at Clover Station with a mural of the steam engine, a reminder of the town’s past. Since its opening in 2009, Clover Station has continued this legacy, offering a place for travelers to take a break and enjoy a hearty meal, just as the railroad travelers did years ago. The Clover Station was founded by Mrs. Pat Bingham, who raised her three children on Southern dishes, many of which are still served today. Starting the restaurant from scratch, Bingham worked tirelessly to build the station, and her dedication is evident in the meals she serves. Her warm, Southern hospitality is a key part of the experience, as she greets each customer like family. Over the years, the menu has expanded, but the heart and soul of the restaurant remain unchanged, staying true to the traditional Southern meals Bingham once cooked for her own family. For those who have never experienced Southern cuisine, Clover Station offers the perfect introduction. One visitor, for instance, described their experience as the perfect start to exploring Southern food, praising the excellent taste of the fried chicken. With its welcoming atmosphere, home-cooked meals, and deep-rooted history, Clover Station is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where Southern tradition and hospitality shine. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or taking in the history of the area, Clover Station is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of Southern cooking. Newcomers Perspective: For someone like myself who has never been to a truly southern restaurant this was the perfect place to start. The chicken I ordered had excellent taste! 1/2

< Back Clover Will Have Two New Eateries and They are Coming This Spring By Kaya Spencer, CHS Junior A new burger restaurant, The Cattle Car, is under construction on Main Street in Clover. The eatery will serve a variety of items, including smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, turkey burgers, and more. The menu will also feature vegetarian and gluten-free options. The business is the result of a partnership between Ian and Justin, with Ian serving as the owner-operator. He will oversee all aspects of the restaurant's setup, including hiring staff, training, and managing daily operations, such as food, liquor, and beer orders. Justin, who has dreamed of owning a restaurant for years, approached Ian about starting a business in Clover. He saw an opportunity to bring more variety to the area, where he felt dining options were limited. The name The Cattle Car is a nod to Clover’s history. The town was once a stop on a railroad line, and a "cattle car" was used to transport livestock. With burgers as the restaurant's main offering, Ian and Justin felt the name was a fitting tribute to Clover's past. Both owners have learned valuable lessons throughout the process, particularly the importance of patience. Rather than rushing outcomes, they’ve focused on letting things fall into place naturally. KB Cakes Bakery After more than 10 years of selling baked goods, Carlee Lane is about to make her dream come true with the opening of KB Cakes Bakery in Clover. The bakery, located on Main Street, is expected to open in February and will initially be open three to four days a week. Lane, who has always dreamed of owning her own bakery, is excited to bring her passion for baking to the community. The bakery will offer a variety of baked goods, including wedding cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and cake pops. Lane will also take custom orders for birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and other special occasion treats. One of the most exciting aspects of getting the bakery ready, Lane says, is the opportunity to design a space that reflects her personality. “I’m really looking forward to putting all the little touches in place, like pink accents and flowers—just all the girly things I’ve always wanted,” she said. In the long term, Lane envisions KB Cakes Bakery as a family business. While she plans to work at the bakery as long as she can, her ultimate goal is for her daughters to eventually take over the shop. For now, Lane is focused on perfecting her recipes and creating a welcoming environment for customers. She’s looking forward to becoming a fixture in the Clover community, where she can share her love for baking with her neighbors. 1/5

CHS unveils new training facility that rivals universities < Back Title Heading 6 I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. < Back CHS unveils new training facility that rivals universities BY KAYA SPENCER, CHS JUNIOR PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE KNOTT, CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER CLOVER, S.C. - Clover High School celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art weight room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 7, 2025. The new facility, a $5.8 million project, is designed to provide students and athletes with a top tier space to enhance their fitness and training. This modern expansion includes a weight and agility area, which features 29 yards of turf, multiple weight bench stations, and sprint machines. In addition to the main room, the building houses a multi-purpose room, lockers, showers, and an auxiliary room, offering a comprehensive space for students to improve their strength, agility, and overall wellness. The weight room will be accessible during school hours for physical education classes, allowing students to develop their fitness as part of their curriculum. After school, the facility will be open for sports teams and supervised student workouts. Coaches and trainers will be present to guide students on proper techniques, ensuring a safe and productive environment for training. The facility is designed to be used by a wide range of students, from those participating in school sports teams to those looking to improve their personal fitness. In addition to supporting athletes, Clover High School is considering offering afterschool fitness programs and open gym hours for students who wish to train outside of scheduled practices. This flexibility is aimed a encouraging all students, whether athletes or not, to take advantage of the facility and develop healthy fitness habits. The opening of this new weight room illustrates the school’s commitment to student health and athletic excellence. With these upgrades, Clover High School is setting the stage for stronger, more competitive sports teams, while also fostering a more active student body. The school administration hopes that the new facility will not only benefit current students but also attract future athletes, promoting a culture of fitness and well-being within the community. This expansion of Clover High School’s facilities demonstrates the school’s dedication to providing a top-notch education in both academics and physical development. As the weight room opens its doors to students, it promises to be an essential resource for fostering growth, fitness, and team success for years to come. 1/2

Kindness Corner: A Spotlight on Community Compassion < Back Kindness Corner: A Spotlight on Community Compassion BY EMILY BELK, CHS Senior Welcome to the Kindness Corner, where we celebrate acts of kindness that make a real difference in our community. Each month, we’ll highlight heartwarming stories of generosity and showcase ways you can get involved in spreading kindness too. This month, we are thrilled to feature the 2024 Blue Eagle Charity Swim, which was a huge success thanks to the incredible efforts of the Clover Swimming team and the top notch support of our community. Together, the team raised an astounding $5,786, with $3,395 going to the Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC), and $2,391 benefiting K9s For Warriors, an organization that provides service dogs to veterans. The passion and dedication displayed by our swimmers were nothing short of inspiring. Leading the charge, with a special shoutout, were our top three fundraisers: • JD A, who raised an amazing $1,000 • Jenna P, who contributed $505 • Jasper L, who brought in $500 Our swimmers went above and beyond to make an impact, and their efforts reflect the spirit of kindness that fuels the entire team. Whether it’s helping families in need through CAAC or supporting veterans through K9s For Warriors, these funds will make a real difference in people’s lives. The Clover High Swim Team wants to extend their heartfelt thanks to the friends, families, and sponsors who showed up in such a big way to support Clover Swimming and our community. Your generosity and belief in the power of kindness have made all of this possible. But the giving doesn’t stop here! The Swim Team kept the momentum going, and let our community know that they continued pantry donations through their practice on Wednesday, October 2. Do you have a story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it! By visiting our website, roaringeaglenews.com, and clicking on the Kindness Corner page, you can access a form to submit your own story of kindness for a chance to be featured in next month’s article. Whether it’s a small act or a grand gesture, we believe every bit of kindness has the power to inspire others. Let’s keep spreading kindness, one good deed at a time! 1/7 Want to submit your own story? You can! Submit it here!

Clover High School AFJROTC cadets receive prestigious flight academy scholarships < Back Title Heading 6 I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. < Back Clover High School AFJROTC cadets receive prestigious flight academy scholarships BY KAYA SPENCER, CHS JUNIOR CLOVER, S.C. — Nine cadets from the Clover High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) have earned full scholarships to attend an accredited aviation university and participate in a private pilot license (PPL) training program during the summer of 2024. This achievement places Clover High School among the elite institutions nationwide, continuing its streak as a leader in the Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy Scholarship Program. Out of the 171 AFJROTC cadets selected for the program globally, Clover High School claims the largest share, with nine of its students receiving this prestigious opportunity. For the eighth consecutive year, Clover High School has topped the nation in the number of cadets chosen for the Flight Academy program, totaling more than 116 selections since the program’s inception. The Flight Academy Scholarship, valued at $22,500 per cadet, covers essential expenses including transportation, room and board, academic instruction, and flight hours required to earn a private pilot license. These scholarships are part of an Air Force initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing shortage of civilian and military pilots by providing young cadets the opportunity to jumpstart their aviation careers. “These scholarships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our cadets, as well as the commitment of our program to provide them with real-world opportunities in aviation,” said Major Bryan Batson, AFJROTC instructor at Clover High School. “We are incredibly proud to see our cadets succeed on this national stage.” In the event that any of the primary scholarship recipients decline the offer, alternate cadets are also selected to fill these slots, ensuring the program’s continued success. The Flight Academy Scholarship is a key component of the Air Force’s broader efforts to partner with the commercial aviation industry to cultivate a new generation of pilots, while simultaneously addressing the national pilot shortage that has affected both civilian and military sectors. As Clover High School continues to lead the nation in Flight Academy selections, the AFJROTC program at Clover remains a beacon of excellence, providing students with unique opportunities that can launch their careers in aviation and beyond. For more information about Clover High School’s AFJROTC program or the Flight Academy Scholarship, contact Major Bryan Batson at Clover High School or visit the official AFJROTC website. 1/0