At Falling Creek Middle School, the drama club is where students to gain confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.  Restarted in 2023 by Conner Evans and Kate Hundley, the club and has been thriving for the past three years. Initially, Hundley asked Evans to help out with the club as an assistant director before becoming sole director of the club. “I was at the rehearsals but wasn’t necessarily in charge until Kate got a new job with the county last year and so we needed someone to...

The sounds of strings bounce off the halls and reverberate inside the orchestra room at Brookland Middle School. Music brings the building to life.   From the violins and violas to the cellos and basses, the students are concentrating closely on their music, finding the tune and the rhythm. To others, it may seem like another class period, but for these students it's a place to show talent and grow confidence. With the guidance and leadership of orchestra teacher, Kirsten Allegood, the...

The sound of synchronized clapping and stomping echoes through the gym at Falling Creek Middle School, but the girls on the team are building more than rhythm; they are building a community.  For Coach Alexis Cole Bell and her partner Destanie Smith, a counselor at Falling Creek, the new step team provides an extracurricular group for young ladies, making them feel seen, supported, and confident. “I’m a PBIS coach, which stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. It provides an...