Rutherford Weekly

The 2023 Science Academy hosted by Gardner-Webb University and sponsored by Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, introduced students to real-world applications of science, such as crime scene investigation and forensic anthropology. The 12 students also learned about the Department of Natural Sciences, the Human Performance Lab in the Department of Exercise Science and the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Gardner-Webb. Jay Zimmer, assistant professor of Biology at Gardner-Webb, and Jill Francis, high school instructional coach for Rutherford County Schools, led the program. Francis taught science for 25 years and is National Board Certifi ed, a Kenan Fellow and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in teaching. She helped recruit students for the week-long event. Alumna Haley Searcy also helped with the activities. Students were recruited from Chase High, Chase Middle, Lake Lure Classical Academy, Master's Academy, R-S Central, Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH) and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, as well as students from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. Faculty from the Department of Physician Assistant Studies talked about the program and demonstrated how to take blood pressure readings, check pulses and refl exes. During the activities, they showed the students what happens when a person is dunked in water. Mildred Curtindale, an 11th-grader at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, discovered that the heart rate drops. "It's a natural response, because you're trying to survive," Curtindale said. Faith Perry, a ninth-grader at Chase High, said science is her favorite subject and that's why she wanted to attend the Science Academy. She is interested in biology and caring for animals. Katie Vassey, a 12th-grade student at REaCH at Isothermal Community College is interested in medical school and decided to attend the Science Academy to learn more about the fi eld. She liked gathering evidence from the crime scene and analyzing the DNA. Vassey also signed up for the Academy, because she wanted to learn more about going to school at Gardner-Webb. Edith Perez, an 11th-grader at Chase High School, said she is passionate about learning science and wants to be a researcher. "I thought Science Academy would give me a different view into what I wanted to do when I was older," she related. "I've enjoyed doing the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplifi cation labs. When you use PCR to amplify DNA, you can see the different amounts of base pairs within the DNA." In addition to the lab activities, the students heard from a Gardner- Webb admissions counselor about how to select a college, what questions to ask, and how fi nancial aid works. Zimmer stressed the importance of internships and research in college and also encouraged the students to join clubs while they are in school and in college. The group went on fi eld trips to see how the science from the lab is used in real life. At Rutherford Regional Health System, they learned about careers in the hospital. Kaylee Ash, a freshman at Chase High School, said the hospital visit was her favorite part of the academy. "I want to be a pediatrician. I loved the hospital visit," she said. Employees at Cohesion Phenomics in Spindale made a presentation about the organization and the science of DNA. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Forensics Department taught the group how to fi ngerprint with various powders. About The Stonecutter Foundation: The Foundation has sponsored the science academy at GWU since 2014. The Foundation, a nonprofi t established in 1945, has invested in numerous Rutherford County community institutions such as the town library and Isothermal Community College. Since its inception, the foundation has invested millions into the surrounding community. ISSUE NO. 27 • July 6, 2023 ISSUE NO. 27 • July 6, 2023 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 School Supply Request List School Supply & Backpack Drive Help students in need succeed with your donation of school supplies for the new school year. Drop off donations Mon.-Tues. 8am-5pm, Wed. 8am-3:30pm, Thurs. 8am-2:30pm through July 31. WEEKLY RUTHERFORD 157 West Main Street, Forest City S h l y pp Items distributed at County-wide Back 2 School Bash & Kids Health Fair August 5 at POPS Forest City Pens Pencils Crayons Notebooks Construction Paper Ruled paper Glue Tape Erasers Safety scissors Highlighters Pencil sharpeners Pencil cases N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES • SERVICE • PARTS IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. Great Selection Great Selection Our 31 st Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers Article Submitted by Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. Stonecutter Science Academy Stonecutter Science Academy at Gardner-Webb Introduces at Gardner-Webb Introduces Students to Careers in Science Students to Careers in Science SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY, BIG TIME RESULTS Jay Zimmer, GWU Assistant Professor of Biology, helps students as they begin drawing out the crime scene they investigated the day before. Faith Perry (left) and Mildred Curtindale. The students, along with leader Jill Francis, made casts of the footprints as part of learning about crime scene investigation. Edith Perez pours the dye off a DNA sample that the students will analyze. With her is Kaylee Ash. The student is taking the DNA sample out of the PCR machine. Polymerase Chain Reaction. Kaylee Ash, with plans to become a pediatrician, expressed her delight visiting the hospital.

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