Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1493303
Page 10 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, February 23-March 1, 2023 East Rutherford High School physical science teacher Annie McEntyre ends her fellowship as a Kenan Fellow in April. She took time recently to talk about being a Kenan Fellow and the experience partnering with American Zinc Products (AZP) now Befesa, located off US 221S near the state line. The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is housed at North Carolina State University. McEntyre will travel to Raleigh to present her projects to other Kenan fellows and stakeholders from across the state as the program comes to an end for the 2022-23 fellows. Before her completion, McEntyre is hosting a Foothills Career Connection Expo at Isothermal Community College on March 23. This is one of her culminating Kenan projects. Working in conjunction with the Rutherford County Schools CTE department, Isothermal Community College, and American Zinc Products/Befesa representatives, the expo will highlight the career options that are available in Rutherford County, McEntyre explained. This event will be held at Isothermal Community College in the Foundation building from 9am to 2pm. Already 30 local industry partners have registered to attend. Among those attending will be representatives American Zinc/Befesa, White Oak Carpet, Trelleborg, Rutherford Regional Hospital, Rutherford Heating and Air, the Tryon International Equestrian Center, West Rock and Brick Haulers Incorporated. "My goal for this event is to highlight local industries and how Isothermal Community College can support our students in obtaining a career in one of these fi elds," McEntyre said. "Being selected as a Kenan Fellow for the 2022-2023 school year has been an amazing experience," she said." Being partnered with American Zinc Products (AZP) now Befesa was an enjoyable experience." McEntyre said she was able to job shadow multiple aspects of the facility, which meant she could bring back a well-rounded experience to her classroom. "My students were able to work fi rst hand with process engineers to learn the unique zinc recycling process through multiple class visits," McEntyre explained. She said her students with the help of the advanced art class created detailed graphics that will be used to make the facility tour more accessible to the community. McEntyre said one biggest advantages was the networking and having the privilege to work with other dedicated students from across the state. "Another advantage is developing a partnership with a local industry. I know I can reach out to AZP/Befesa in the future to make my curriculum more real-world and applicable to my students. This experience has defi nitely impacted my teaching career. I now have a built-in network of educators to whom I can reach out." She has also experienced fi rst hand the benefi ts of Project Based Learning on a large scale working with American Zinc as a Kenan Fellow. In an interview earlier, McEntyre said there are job options for people with a variety of educational backgrounds, whether it's high school, two year or four year college degrees. "One of the employees I met had a GED and yet was able to serve in a supervisory role." "If employees care, have a positive attitude and are willing to learn, AZP will make an investment in them," McEntyre continued. During her time at the facility, McEntyre says she enjoyed seeing all the work that goes on, especially in the lab. "It is impressive, to see up close, the scale of the work that is taking place," she said. "I want to be able to raise the curiosity among my students about career possibilities related to science that are close to home," McEntyre said. "And I want to give them direction on the educational training they will need for specifi c jobs," she said. About AZP: AZP is one of Rutherford County's largest employers. The company uses unique technology to transform a WAELZ Oxide into Special High Grade Zinc, one of the highest commercial grades of zinc, used primarily for galvanizing steel. Galvanized steel is used in numerous industrial applications, such as the fabrication of highway guard rails, car bodies, and household appliances. Zinc is also a well- known dietary supplement and is also used in pharmaceutical applications. East science teacher shares advantages of being a Kenan Fellow Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. Annie McEntyre, physical science teacher and Kenan Fellow. Science students in class at East Rutherford High School. McEntyre at the American Zinc Product plant in Rutherford County. A process engineer leads McEntyre's class in the recycling process of producing zinc. 345 S. Broadway, Forest City 828-245-8067 NO CREDIT, POOR CREDIT ©Community First Media Community First Media LET US DECIDE! LET US DECIDE! WE FINANCE WE FINANCE w w w . w w w . M o o r e s A u t o s I n c M o o r e s A u t o s I n c . c o m . c o m 2400 Oakland Rd, Forest City 828-429-3129 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm NON CLIMATE CONTROL AVAILABLE WELL WELL LIGHTED LIGHTED with with 24/7 24/7 SECURITY SECURITY OFFERING OFFERING BOAT BOAT & CAMPER CAMPER Storage Storage Forest City Dunbar Elementary School unveiled its new logo and mascot for the entire school on Friday. During the event, every student received a new t-shirt featuring the fox mascot. The shirts were funded through community donations. New mascot, new t-shirt Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. ALL ALL CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE & ONLINE & IN PRINT IN PRINT Classifi ed Classifi ed Deadline is Deadline is 3:00pm Tuesday 3:00pm Tuesday Carolina Carolina CLASSIFIEDS .com or call 828.248.1408 157 W Main St, Forest City, NC