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By Gracie Hauser

Enterprise Intern

A large rock is now perched outside of the nest at the Early College.

A recent addition to the Davie County Early College High School campus, the spirit rock will serve as a canvas for announcements, expressions of school pride, and student celebrations.

Earlier this year, Nathaniel Stephens, DCECHS support specialist, started the six-month process of choosing a rock for the school, with the help of staff at Vulcan Materials.

“I wanted something our school could make our own; a symbol that lets others know that there is another high school here,” Stephens said. “Many people across the county don’t even know we are here or they have misconceptions about who we actually are.”

This eye-catching monolith puts one of Davie County’s smallest schools on the map.

“We are a high school with students who happen to be able to get their associate degree at the same time,” Stephens said. “We really are a gem in the county and I think we now will have an opportunity to spread the word more.”

As the school begins a new chapter under the leadership of Principal Samuel Brown, a commitment to making traditions is taking shape.

A rock dedication was held on Friday, Aug. 16 after a schoolwide cookout that sparked enthusiasm for the upcoming school year. Students gathered around the rock to sign their names following a speech from Principal Sam Brown. He stated that the rock signing was “to symbolize letting go of last year and stepping into a new one full of potential.”

According to Mr. Brown, the Early College is “one of the best kept secrets in Davie County.”

Stephens highlighted the community and relationships that make the school unique, saying, “We have a fantastic student body and staff. I love working here and look forward to seeing our school continue to thrive and grow.”

All students, starting with the seniors, signed the rock.

“This was to represent a new beginning for all,” Brown said. “We did this to symbolize letting go of last year and stepping into a new one full of potential. All past failures and challenges are behind us and we are ready to continue our journey toether, united as one.

“Early College students choose the path less traveled. We are not the status quo, not the norm. We live and work like no one else so we can live and succeed like no one else. In a world full of apathy and victim mentality we choose to be driven and be victorious,” Brown said.