Heritage Middle School Destination Imagination Team Leads Sustainable Service Learning Project
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Heritage Middle School Destination Imagination Team Leads Sustainable Service Learning Project
Valdese, NC – The Destination Imagination (DI) team at Heritage Middle School, under the guidance of 7th-grade teacher Michael McQuaid, is making waves with a groundbreaking service learning project that merges STEM education and community service. Responding to the lasting impacts of Hurricane Helene, the team is focusing their efforts on aiding displaced and abandoned animals while promoting sustainable solutions for pet welfare.
Partnering with Misfit Mountain, a dedicated animal rescue organization in Haywood County, NC, the students are collecting food for animals affected by the storm, including pigs, chickens, cats, and dogs. The team’s efforts extend beyond donations, as they actively work to encourage community members to adopt these animals, providing them with loving, permanent homes.
“This project is about more than just collecting donations,” said McQuaid. “It’s about teaching students how to identify real-world problems, develop sustainable solutions, and make a tangible difference in their community. The integration of STEM and service gives students practical experience in leadership, critical thinking, and empathy.”
Donations of animal food and supplies are being accepted during school hours at Heritage Middle School, located at 1951 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC. The public is encouraged to participate in this meaningful initiative to support animals in need while fostering student-driven change.
The partnership with Misfit Mountain highlights the importance of collaboration between schools and community organizations. Misfit Mountain’s mission aligns with the team’s goals, offering displaced animals a second chance through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts. “This collaboration demonstrates how communities can come together to address challenges like animal displacement in the aftermath of natural disasters,” McQuaid added.
This initiative is one of several undertaken by Heritage Middle School’s Destination Imagination teams. As part of the global DI program, the teams aim to engage students in innovative problem-solving that blends creativity, STEM, and service. Learn More about DI at https://www.
Misfit Mountain experienced over 50,000 in damages from Hurricane Helene and are still rebuilding while also taking in dozens of animals displaced by the flood, including the animals of fallen firefighter Tony Garrison who died during a mudslide while rescuing others. You can donate food items or monetary donations on their website at www.misfitmountainnc.org. The public is encouraged to participate in this meaningful initiative to support animals in need while fostering student-driven change.”For more information or to contribute, visit the Misfit Mountain website at www.misfitmountainnc.org or contact Heritage Middle School. Join us in making a lasting impact—one animal at a time.
Contact:
Heritage Middle School
1951 Enon Rd.
Valdese, NC 28690
(828-874-0731)