Anchor Club

Anchor Club Promotes Safety and Raises Funds
Posted on 11/01/2021
This is the image for the news article titled Anchor Club Promotes Safety and Raises FundsScooby Doo, Supergirl, Minnie Mouse, Snow White, cowgirls, and even an Angel and a Devil offered important safety messages to Martin Primary and Elementary students before the schools let out for Halloween.

Evidence of Anchor Club’s ongoing commitment to health and safety came in the form of Martin teen women donning costumes and reminding classes of the importance of not trick-or-treating alone, making sure to have a flashlight, and other important tips for enjoying the holiday.

“My fellow Anchor members and I all had a great time at the primary and elementary schools, and I speak for all of the girls when saying that we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” said Natalie Williams, current president of the organization that annually includes 30 girls meeting monthly.
“The grins that lit up the children’s faces when seeing one of the members dressed as something they loved was truly unforgettable,” the Westview senior added.

Advisors Brittany Barner and Keeley Nanney are pleased the young women are following in the tradition of the club’s parent organization, the Pilot Club, in seeking to influence positive change in the community. Barner points to the leadership training, scholarship and résumé building opportunities the girls receive as Anchor Club members as they also build long lasting friendships.

To become a part of the service organization, girls must be juniors or seniors and recommended by their peers and/or teachers. Grades are also a factor.

She said each year the group chooses a charity to support. This year, fundraising efforts such as the bake sale during Westview football and the chances to Kiss the Pig sold during homecoming week are adding to the hundreds of dollars they will eventually turn over to Special Olympics.

Since a particular emphasis of the Pilot Club is brain safety, as seen in the club’s recent donation that helped provide a secure play area in Virginia Weldon Park, the Anchor Club usually assists with proper helmet wear at the Soybean Festival bicycle rodeo. However, this year the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Next up, the young women will assist at the Pilot Club’s Holiday Auction scheduled for November 8 at Martin Methodist Church.

“As President of the Anchor Club, I have acquired many skills that will help me in pursuit of my goals,” notes Williams. “Anchor has helped me break out of my shell and lead a group of young women. Through this leadership experience, I have gained communication, public speaking, and innovative skills. I motivate members and show initiative.”

She also expresses gratitude for the “amazing opportunity of learning from two successful, strong women” adding that Barner and Nanney provided much support as she leads “a group of future successful women.”

“I cannot wait to see how this club not only benefits me but also my fellow members in the future,” she concluded.


Anchor Club members in costumes
Anchor Club members dressed to impress – Martin Primary and Elementary students that is – as they presented Halloween safety tips. Seen here are (clockwise beginning with upper left) Anna Alley and Emma Barner; (at MPS) Betsy Mantooth, Katelin Rutledge, Ellie Dodson, Abbey Buchanan, and Maddie Morrison; (at MES, left to right, front row) President Natalie Williams, Treasurer Channing Covington, Ena Abad, Kylie Diehl, Carabrooke Hatler, Secretary Mary Anna Chester, President-elect Jillian Brigance, and Addison Cary, (left to right, back row): Gloria Hogan, Taylor Davis, Lauren Merrit, Piper Johnson, and Braedyn Hazelwood; (at MES with student Nolen Freeman) Ena Abad, Jillian Brigance, Mary Anna Chester, Kylie Diehl, Taylor Davis, and Lauren Merrit. Members not pictured: Tate Bell, Sophia Shaw, Abigail Colarullo, Makena Greer, and Kinzey Nanney.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.