Eddie Sharpe, the instructor of the Appalachian Studies class, has been teaching for 25 years, but this is only the second year that he has taught an elective course focusing on Appalachian Studies. This class is only available in the fall semesters. It was last taught in 2014 and is now being offered during the 2016 fall semester. It, unfortunately, could not be offered during 2015 due to limited number of history instructors at John I. Burton. This class developed as a result of student interest and Coach Sharpe's growing concern that students would leave the Appalachian Mountains without truly understanding the rich history of the area and their own heritage. This fall, Appalachian Studies students will be involved in several new and exciting field trips. Coach Sharpe will be taking his students to see a hog killing, to visit a virtual mine, and to pick leaves.
Sharpe emphasized the importance of his classroom studies, pointing out that over the years people have forgotten the history of the area. Coach Sharpe believes that teaching this class and taking students on these trips will help to keep the rich history of the Appalachian region alive. Sharpe pointed out that the individual trips will each have a lesson to teach students. Each of these field trips will also allow students to venture out into the Appalachian region; students will witness a hog killing in Russell County, visit a virtual mine in Harlan Kentucky, and collect leaves in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Coach Sharpe wants to take his class on these trips because he thinks it is important for his students to visually experience the history of the area. He says, "This class will enhance students because they are sitting on some of the most historic land in this country." Two seniors, Colleen G. and Devin B., are excited to be in this class because they will get to learn more than they have ever known about where they live. They also pointed out that they enjoy having Coach Sharpe as a teacher, and are looking forward to another semester in his classroom. Ultimately, this year will be memorable for the whole class because they are the start of something new.
Written by: Tori F. and Kim H.