Folks concerned about “what’s wrong with our schools?” should have joined us on the morning of September 17, 2024, at Karns High School when Ru Syuan “Marcia” Cheng presented her BSA Eagle project.
Marcia led a team of scouts to build two “Little Libraries” – one for the Karns High campus and one for the next door Byington-Solway Vocational Center. As school librarian Heather Newman said, students (or adults) can take books to read or even keep while replacing them with others. “The entire community can use (the Little Library). It is open during times when the regular school library is closed.”
Learn more about the Little Library program here.
Marcia Cheng with donor Sam Mishu
Sam Mishu was recognized as a financial contributor. Mishu is a commercial contractor who has built Walgreens stores regionally. He said an associate told him about the project and he invited Marcia to solicit a donation. “I couldn’t say no, and then I became very excited,” he said before the program.
Principal Dr. Laicee Hatfield welcomed students and guests to the ceremony. Guests included attorney and former judge John Rosson and Rachel Witt, a member of Marcia’s Eagle project committee.
Marcia made comemorative bookmarks for every student and teacher at Karns High. She served doughnuts and drinks following the ceremony.
A junior at Career Magnet Academy, Marcia came to the United States at age 8. She chose Karns High for the project because “It’s my mom’s school!”
Sure enough, her proud mother is Grace Watlington, who teaches English language learners at Karns High.
If you’re cleaning out a bookshelf, consider a donation to the Little Libraries at Karns and Byington. Donors may contact Watlington or Newman at 865-539-8670
And if you’re wondering what’s happening in Knox County Schools, skip over the 11 dunderheads who made threats of mayhem last week. Look at the balance of almost 60,000 scholars who are taking care of business. And remember Ru Syuan “Marcia” Cheng – an immigrant who is already giving back to her community while stretching academically at a high school (CMA) where she can take college courses.
Sandra Clark is founder of Knox TN Today.
