Elks and Tigers team up for big read

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA, by way of Lodge #710 in West Blocton recently awarded a generous grant to West Blocton High School.  The funds were used to purchase a copy of the book “Rocket Boys” for every student, faculty member, and administrator in the school. 

This launched a school-wide read of the beloved memoir by Homer Hickam, Jr.  Many may be familiar with the movie “October Sky” which was based on the book.  The story is about Hickam growing up in a small coal-mining town, with dreams of joining the space program.

The project was a joint effort between West Blocton High School and the Elks, based on a general conversation with members of the Lodge and WBHS principal Dr. Doug Milligan.  “Once he (Milligan) became aware of that this grant was out there he jumped at the opportunity,” said twelve year Elk, Mike Carroll.  The funds were made possible through an Impact grant, given out to a select number of communities each year through the National organization.  According to Carroll, these grants are the biggest the Elks award each year.  They are given with the goal of making a positive and far-reaching impact in the community.  These grants can be awarded up to $10,000.  The cost of this project for West Blocton High School was just over $5,000. 

“The book is very inspiring.  I like that it is written as a memoir,” said freshman Jordan Vincent.

West Blocton High School English teacher; Carol Martin helped select this particular book based on the similarities between the setting and West Blocton.

Just as the historical North Bibb city, Hickam’s hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia is a coal-mining town. “There are so many similarities between where these students live and where this author grew up.  He was a kid surrounded by the small town life, but he had big dreams.  I think a story like this will help inspire West Blocton students,” said Martin. 

“I like the book because it is set in a town like West Blocton.  It is written about High School kids, the small town life, and even the football team.  There is even a “Frog Level” just like we have in West Blocton,” explained freshman, Jesse Price.

West Blocton Principal Dr. Milligan plans on continuing the school-wide read with a different book next year, if such funds are made available.  Teachers and administrators find it exciting that students and faculty alike enjoyed reading and discussing the book as the year came to an end. 

The Elks Lodge #710 is known well for supporting the local school system.  Last year the local lodge granted scholarships to 8 WBHS seniors and 6 to Bibb County High School seniors.  One hundred and forty plus members strong, the motto of Lodge #710 is “We’re small enough to know, and large enough to serve.”