Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 21, 2008 issue


Mountain Alliance Rolling Academy Accepting Applications: Deadline February 29

Story by Celeste von Mangan

Last year, ten Watauga High School students from different grades and their adult leaders participated in the Mountain Alliance’s Rolling Academy—literally a classroom on wheels, in the form of a big green bus. Offering a surprise itinerary to the group, the summer adventure found the students backpacking in the Shenandoah Valley, painting a potter’s workshop in Pennsylvania, running in a 5K race for cancer victims on the streets of New York City and operating the Hooper Strait Lighthouse in Maryland. The trip—encompassing nine states and more than 2,000 miles—also took them to the Penland School of Crafts, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the Assateague National Seashore in Maryland. Any student who wants to try for a spot on this year’s trip must apply by Friday, February 29.

“This year’s expedition will depart on July 7,” said Todd Nolt, director of the Rolling Academy, “and return on July 18. This year’s expedition will be to a different part of the country than last year’s, but will focus on the Rolling Academy guiding principles.”

The guiding principles encompass six areas: community, environmental awareness, service, craftmanship, leadership and communication. Those who participate are expected to live in respectful harmony with others; appreciate, value and protect the natural world; to grow in compassion, understanding and value for others; to develop self-discipline and a standard of excellence; to grow in confidence and courage; and to increase daily learning capability by being present, reflecting and developing the artist within.

The Rolling Academy is Nolt’s brainchild, and the 2007 expedition marked a successful maiden run. In this second year, Nolt said, students can expect another life-changing experience, “as we challenge tomorrow’s leaders today through discovery, personal growth, perspective and opportunity.”

High school students in grades 9 through 11 are encouraged to apply to the Rolling Academy, a process that entails filling out an application form, writing an essay, being interviewed and undergoing intensive screening. Scholarships are provided for the lucky ten applicants chosen to ride the Rolling Academy. Scholarships are available because Mountain Alliance works in conjunction with local citizens and businesses to raise funds for the academy.

For an application, stop by the main office at Watauga High School or download the application by clicking to www.rollingacademy.org. For more information call 828-263-0383.