BCS Advantage Magazine Summer 2016 | Page 12

Enka’s Next Generation of Leaders By Kassandra Carter, 11th Grade Digital Media Student Enka High School (EHS) is nestled in the Hominy Valley. Rich in traditions, EHS provides superior leadership opportunities for all students in the Candler community. Two of our exciting programs include Enka Wrestling and Enka FFA (Future Farmers of America). These programs unite our students and engage the local community. The Enka Wrestling program has seen unprecedented growth. Starting in elementary school with Hominy Valley Wrestling, coaches and high school students teach local families the traditions of Enka High School’s wrestling program. The older students are given an opportunity to engage kids and mold them into the young adult athletes that coach Mark Harris and his crew turn into State Champions. “I have been wrestling since I was six,” says wrestler Tanner Revis. “It’s taught me discipline and has introduced me to great people.” We applaud both the Enka Middle and High school wrestlers and congratulate them on their first- ever state championships this spring! Another incredible program at Enka is the FFA. It is the largest student organization on campus. The group hosts many activities throughout the year.  Agriculture Education Day, AKA “Ag Day,” “Allows our members to help educate the area about the importance of natural resources and agriculture, especially throughout our community,” said Teacher of the Year Kevin Franklin. Ag Day is once a year and allows all school aged children from the Enka-Candler community to travel to EHS for a day to learn all about the environment in which they live. Additionally, our FAA members earned statewide honors. Travis Pittillo won the State FFA Tractor Driving Contest with the best score in history! Evan Fender has dedicated a lot of his time to FFA. He says, “Ag Day has influenced me to become involved in the agriculture classes offered at Enka High School. It has also taught me how important agriculture is and how it affects our community.” 10