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Cherryville High School Education Foundation Celebrates 15 Year Milestone

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By: Ashley Reep - Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Cherryville High School, located in the small city of Cherryville, North Carolina, is celebrating a major milestone. Amid studying, test-taking, and preparing students for final exams, educators are also taking time to recognize the Cherryville High School Education Foundation for 15 years of support.

What Is CHSEF?

The Cherryville High School Education Foundation, better known as CHSEF, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010. The organization was founded by a group of CHS alumni who wanted to give back to the school that provided their education.

(Click the above arrows to view the photo gallery)

The foundation has raised over $700,000 in the last 15 years. The funds have helped broaden the education horizon that most schools have yet to offer.

How Are The Funds Allocated?

WNN team member Mason Beam had the opportunity to speak with Nan Davis, who serves as Executive Director on the CHSEF board. She explains that every subject gets funding through a variety of grant requests,

"The grants that have been awarded have touched everywhere in the school." - Nan Davis

CHSEF Funding Allocation Pie Chart
CHSEF Funding Allocation Pie Chart
In addition, all teachers receive $150 in supplemental funding each year through an Amazon Wishlist for classroom necessities like paper, pencils, tissues, etc., so they do not have to pay out of pocket.

Projects Funded By Subject

Let's discuss a few of the projects, by subject, that CHSEF has provided for the students at Cherryville High School:

(Click the above arrows to view the photo gallery)

Band - Cole Crawford, the Band Director, said that as an educator, it's difficult to provide "the basics" for his students, and in the band room, it's even more essential because instruments are the most expensive items they need. The foundation has provided more instruments, such as a xylophone and a marching tuba.

(Click the above arrows to view the photo gallery)

Art - When stepping into the art room, you immediately feel inspired by the different types of creativity experimented with across various mediums. Students are painting on canvases, crafting sculptures, and even sewing their own bookbags. The foundation has provided the sewing machine and Inokraft paint sprayer. Art teacher Lacey Dellinger says it keeps students involved in a different way, maintaining engagement from the start to the end of class.

(Click the above arrows to view the photo gallery)

Science - The newest edition, established May 4, 2025, is a Science Lab that features an Anatomage Table and a 3D Printer. The Antomage Table brings science to life as an interactive display where students can learn the transfer of molecules, dominant and recessive traits, and human anatomy. Sophia Williams (Junior) noted a significant difference in her learning experience at CHS after the Atmomage Table was introduced. In biology, before the science lab was built, she had difficulty visualizing concepts. Now, as an active chemistry student, Williams can see atoms and chemicals interact in ways that cannot be shown on a standard worksheet. Layn Treadway, the biology and chemistry teacher, says it has transformed how students conceptualize learning. 

There are even some projects that benefit multiple classrooms at once! Here are the recent projects of note:

Outdoor Classroom - This project serves all subjects offered at CHS. Established in October of 2023, the Howard Homesley Outdoor Learning Center has allowed students to get out of the classroom on a nice day and experience a different type of educational lesson.

Cherryville High School | CHSEF | March 10, 2026
Cherryville High School | CHSEF | March 10, 2026
Ashley Reep (WNN)

College Tours - When it's time for seniors to start thinking about the next big chapter in their lives, the foundation can collaborate with CHS's principal to submit a grant request. Students have had the opportunity to visit universities such as Appalachian State, Campbell, and Gaston College. The grants cover the costs of transportation and on-campus luncheons to experience a "day in the life of a university student". Charlie Morgan (Junior) and Alvin Ibarra (Senior) both said their favorite tour was of Gardner-Webb, a private university located in Boiling Springs, NC.

15 Years Down, 15 Years To Go

At the end of the grant cycle, all the teachers are encouraged to submit a grant for review. Principal Mitchell Allen stated that there is a reason the CHSEF has flourished in its first 15 years, and he hopes it only continues to expand in its next 15 years by setting students up for success. 

Click The Video Below To Watch Interviews with the Staff and Students of CHS

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