This year in CREW Seniors are tackling the question “How do I

become an active local to global citizen?” This first case study

addressed the question by examining social issues around the world
and in the United States. As a CREW, students began
identifying social issues that could be localized to South Carolina and
Lexington. Through a series of protocols and discussions, CREWs settled
on a specific topic and issue. Over the course of the semester, the
CREWs experienced the problem, identified and
created solutions for the problem, and orchestrated an event to make
an IMPACT on that issue.

This IMPACT Conference is the culminating event for these

senior CREWs and will act as an avenue for discourse on a
variety of social issues.

We know that you will learn from these students, but we also hope that
you will engage in discussion with the speakers once they have
completed their presentations. Time has been allowed for a
question and answer opportunity at the end of each
presentation session.
 IMPACT Conference
Upcoming Important Dates
8:15 a.m. — 9:15 a.m.
Performing Arts Center
Graduation Supply Delivery Day—Thursday, March 28, 2019
Welcome Talysa Wilson
10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. in the Rotunda
Albert Zhu
Keynote Speaker Introduction Phil Savitz
Senior CREW Games—Friday, April 12, 2019
8:15 a.m. —3:40 p.m. in The Swamp
9:30 a.m. — 10:00 a.m. ~ Session 1
Topic CREW Teacher Location Prom—Saturday, April 6, 2019
8:00 p.m.—12:00 a.m. at the University of South Carolina
What Are You Actually Abusing?
Bryan Piro Lecture Hall
Alumni Center

A New Perspective on Poverty Devin Shumate A209 AP Testing—May 6-24, 2019

Names Not Just Faces: Addressing Homelessness
Jenna Howell A210 Student Awards Night—Tuesday, May 21, 2019
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center
Aging Out of Foster Care David Avila A309
Every day There’s Four, Don’t Let There Be More Last Day for Senior Classes—Tuesday, May 29, 2019
Sara McGregor G207
Senior Exams—Wednesday, May 29, 2019
10:15 a.m.—10:45 a.m. ~ Session 2 Thursday, May 30, 2019
Not Your Prescription? That’s an Addiction
Sarah Buckliew Lecture Hall Mandatory Graduation Practice—Thursday, June 6, 2019
Government Regulation of Prescription Pharmaceuticals 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. in the Main Gym
Ben Lee A209
Restorative Justice and the Future of Discipline in Public Schools GRADUATION!!!! - Friday, June 7, 2019
Britt Collins A210 12:00 p.m. at The Colonial Life Arena.
Shine a Light on Positive Mental Health Graduates must be there by 11:00 a.m.
Kate Parr A309
Protecting Yourself and Others: Alcohol and Drug Awareness Remember to turn in all scholarship offers to Counseling and Advise-
Robin Hill G207 ment even if you aren’t accepting the offer.
Also turn in all college acceptance letters.

10:45 a.m. — 11:05 a.m. ~ Morning Break

 2:25 p.m. — 2:55 p.m. ~ Session 6
11:10 a.m. — 11:40 a.m. ~ Session 3
Adopt, Don’t Shop A209
In 2018, 32% of shelter animals were euthanized. Adoption of your family
Youth Suicide Prevention Jessica White Lecture Hall
pet can not only reduce the probability of euthanasia but it can also help
combat the perils of animals bred and raised in puppy mills. Most dog The Much Needed Mental Health Talk
breeds that you may want to purchase from a breeder can be found in a Andrea Moore A209
shelter. Come find out how you can adopt or help those who run these
non-profit shelters to care for our community’s animals. Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking in the Midlands
Mike Burgess A210
Veterans and the Power of Man’s Best Friend A210
The values of honor, courage, commitment, duty, respect, loyalty, Raising Awareness for Relay for Life
integrity and selfless service describe the veterans who have served our Tommy Mishoe A309
country. Today we will discuss how we can use these same values to help
The War Back Home Tara White G207
those who have served us. Specifically, how service pets can assist homeless
and disabled veterans.
Life Skills 101 A309 11:55 a.m. — 12:25 p.m. ~ Session 4
This presentation will explore the topics that have raised questions with
students regarding what happens after graduation when they leave the How Can I come Out Of College With Less Debt?
safety net of their parents. Skills like budgeting, basic auto maintenance and Mark Bonnette Lecture Hall
credit building were the focus of this CREW’s impact events. We will address
Does Music Enhance Academic Performance?
the need to teach these skills and more in high school and discuss just how
Ken Turner A209
that can happen.
It Only Takes a Second: The Big Impact of Distracted Driving G207 Impact of EL James Bartholowmew A210
In the US alone, more than 1,000 people are injured by distracted driving The Road to Collegiate Success
every day. Distracted driving is not only texting; it also includes eating Claire Compton A309
behind the wheel, adjusting the radio and even talking to a passenger. Our
presentation will feature information from two guest speakers, an interview The Student Bill of Rights and Neglected South Carolina Schools
about a strict, new distracted driving bill, and data from a distracted driving Walt Overbay G207
simulation. With enough awareness, we can make that number 1,000 go
down to 0. Please attend!
12:25 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. ~ Lunch
3:10 — 3:40 p.m. ~ PAC
(Students must stay on campus)
Debrief
 1:40 p.m. — 2:10 p.m. ~ Session 5
Natural Disasters: Are We Prepared? Angie Diaz
What’s in Your Drinking Water? Microplastics
Karen Ray
Skip the Straw, Save the Turtles
Julie Vandiver
Breakthrough the River Pollution
Beth Klaes
Preserving Parks: The Hidden Benefits
Katie Coleman
2:25 p.m. — 2:55 p.m. ~ Session 6
Adopt, Don’t Shop Kristy Eason
Veterans and the Power of Man’s Best Friend
Carol Lynn Nute
Life Skills 101 Heather Wilcox
It Only Takes a Second: The Big Impact of Distracted Driving
Debbie Debenport
3:10 p.m. — 3:40 p.m.
Debrief/Closing Ceremony Performing Arts Center
Dr. Luke Clamp
1:40 p.m. — 2:10 p.m. ~ Session 5
Natural Disasters: Are We Prepared? Lecture Hall
Lecture Hall We have faced a variety of natural disasters in our state. Some of these
natural disasters have caused lives lost and property destruction; but are we
really prepared for the worst? This presentation will advocate on the
A209 methods of preparedness we have in South Carolina while educating the
audience about resources available to our residents in South Carolina and
Lexington County. After our presentation, you can ask yourself if you feel
A210 protected and prepared for the next flood, hurricane or earthquake.
What’s in Your Drinking Water? Microplastics A209
A309 Microplastics are in our drinking water and food supply. We will discuss the
impact of microplastics in the environment and explain the effects of
G207 ingesting microplastics. One way to reduce the amount of microplastics in
the environment is to use products that are free of microbeads. Ban the
beads!
Skip the Straw, Save the Turtles A210
Did you know that according to the South Carolina Aquarium, Americans
A209 throw away 500 million straws per day? Put end to end, this is enough to
wrap around the earth 2.5 times every single day. Join us to learn about the
A210 detrimental effects of plastic on your South Carolina beaches and marine
life, such as turtles. This includes local rivers and creeks, as all water runs to
A309 the ocean.
Breaking through the River Pollution A309
G207 Considering its historical significance to farming, the construction of the
Dam, fishing and other opportunities for recreation, the Saluda River has
long been a significant part of Lexington County. However, due to the recent
pollution, the river has been compromised to where we can no longer enjoy.
Preserving Parks: The Hidden Benefits G207
We’ve all visited parks as kids, but many of us have stopped going. Why is
this? This presentation hopes to divulge the benefits of parks that we may
not realize. From environmentalism to recreation, this presentation has it
all.
 11:55 a.m. —12:25 p.m. ~ Session 4
“How Can I Come Out of College With Less Debt?” Lecture Hall
Our CREW decided to bring awareness to the issue of increasing debt accrued
by college students and present ways to come out of college with less debt.
Does Music Enhance Academic Performance? A209
Arts have been proven in the past to positively impact students through
music, drawing, singing, etc. Our CREW has decided to focus on this because
of the positive influence music has had on our lives and how it can also do the
same for all students by helping to cope with stress and other issues. It can
help boost test scores because it offers an outlet for people to express
themselves in a positive way. We will also be discussing the controversy
behind this topic regarding how the arts may be distracting to students, but
rebutting this through facts and how it can increase school performance.
Impact of EL A210
How to adapt to EL at RBHS, for 9th graders and incoming students.
The Road to Collegiate Success A309
This presentation will discuss come ways to ease the tension and stress many
students feel during the transition from high school to college. It touches on
the importance of student mental health as well as necessary habits and
practices needed to make the transition to college more seamless and
effective. We will discuss ways to increase student success levels in the first
year of college as well as ways to combat stress and mental strain.
The Student Bill of Rights and Neglected South Carolina Schools G207
Our impact research has led to a stronger knowledge of politicization of how
to address neglected schools, the hopeless cycle of an unqualified workforce,
lack of interested industry, underfunding, poor educational opportunities, the
Student Bill of Rights, what efforts may make a difference, and what efforts
have no impact. We hope to make an impact by giving students a voice in
legislation involving education. By educating students on situations facing
many schools that are less fortunate than RBHS and giving them an avenue to
voice their concerns and ideas, we hope to make an impact on the future of
those schools and the education of all students in our state.
9:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m. ~ Session 1
What Are You Actually Abusing? Lecture Hall
Over 40% of children born today are born from mothers who have abused
some form of drugs during their pregnancy. This presentation hopes to
educate you on the dangers of different types of drug abuse and present an
argument on why we believe this should be considered and prosecuted as child
abuse. We will discuss the shocking statistics and share stories from
experts who have had first hand interactions with children who were born
from drug abuse.
A New Perspective on Poverty A209
When thinking about poverty, your mind probably goes to the slums of big
cities. The issue with this thought process is that it blinds local citizens to a
huge issue that is right in front of our faces. Our CREW took on the conflict of
poverty in Lexington County reaching out to our community and partnering
with Mission Lexington to make a difference.
Names Not Just Faces: Addressing Local Homelessness A210
You probably would not guess that 3 out of 16 in CREW have experienced
homelessness or that there are approximately 150 homeless students in our
school district alone. Through our impact experience, we have learned that
while homelessness is a known social issue, many lack true familiarity or an
understanding of how to help. Join us to hear personal testimony and gain
perspective on homelessness in our community. Most importantly, hear how
we’ve partnered with local organizations to make a positive Impact and how
YOU can also help.
Aging Out of Foster Care A309
Avila’s CREW has been focusing on the needs of children “aging out” of foster
care. Our CREW has extensively researched generalized and specific studies,
conducted field work with persons involved with the foster care system and
established connections with Epworth Children’s Home. We intend to provide
a source of support via a charter we have written, which we hope will be
implemented in various post-secondary institutions. They have an excess of
stress, instability, poverty and trauma. They have a lack of opportunity,
support, resources and knowledge. We seek to change this.
Everyday There’s Four, Don’t Let There Be More G207
Keep the children in mind. Everyday 4 to 5 children die from child abuse. The
national symbol for child abuse is a blue pinwheel. Join our CREW to learn
about how we made an impact at River Bluff, what our senator, Katrina Shealy
is doing to protect the children, and how you can help.
 10:15 a.m. — 10:45 a.m. ~ Session Two
Not Your Prescription? That’s an Addiction! Lecture Hall
Did you know River Bluff is called “the Pharmacy?” Come hear a
personal testimony regarding prescription drug abuse from a River Bluff
student. Listen to his story and learn about the epidemic crisis of prescription
drug abuse that is effecting our youth every day.
Government Regulation of Prescription Pharmaceuticals A209
We chose the topic of government regulation of drugs and pharmaceuticals
and how that affects the public’s accessibility. From our research, we
concluded that there is an extreme shortage of family medical practitioners
throughout the United States who are able to help with the accessibility and
diagnosis of patients. As a CREW, we want to inform River Bluff of this
disparity and raise money to put towards students entering the healthcare
field. We believe this will best help aid problems with drug regulation in our
community and throughout South Carolina.
Restorative Justice and the Future of Discipline in Public Schools A210
This presentation will offer a look at the concept of restorative justice. In
today’s public school system, the traditional mode of discipline is not
effective. Restorative justice offers a new approach that will ultimately
benefit schools, students and the surrounding community. Please attend this
presentation to see how River Bluff has already started to implement this
idea and how it can be further implemented in the future.
Shine a Light on Positive Mental Health A309
Sometimes a person just needs someone to listen to what they have going on
in their mind. This presentation aims to raise awareness of student mental
health and illness and explores the different types of coping mechanisms and
ways to help others when they’re not feeling their best. We discovered that a
large percentage of our student body suffers from mental issues and our
CREW decided that it was time to spread positive opinions on mental health.
We have used this platform to encourage change in our community by
shedding light on the issues of mental health and attempted to help our
student body to feel safer, more comfortable and able to talk about how they
are feeling everyday.
Protecting Yourself and Others: Alcohol and Drug Awareness G207
In this presentation, you will learn about some of the dangers of alcohol and
drugs that you may not have known before. You will also learn about how to
properly help a person who is experiencing an over dose from alcohol or
drugs. We will also introduce you to The Courage Center, a place here in
Lexington where you or someone you know can get help with addiction.
11:10 a.m. — 11:40 a.m. ~ Session Three
Youth Suicide Prevention Lecture Hall
The number of adolescents attempting and committing suicide the past
several years is staggering and unacceptable. We wanted to know: is a phone
number on the back of a student ID enough? What else could we be doing to
decrease suicide attempts and increase mental health for young people?
What else is our school doing? What are other schools doing? Join us for a
glimpse into our investigation of what initiatives we could and should adopt
in order to facilitate a positive, healthy student body.
The Much Needed Mental Health Talk A209
Almost everyone experiences some mental strain. Are South Carolina school
districts providing the necessary tools to aid treatment for those affected by
mental illnesses? Join our session as we delve into the logistics of providing
the much needed support for everyone.
Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking in the Midlands A210
This presentation will touch on the rapidly increasing crisis of human
trafficking in the Midlands. Topics covered will include awareness,
prevention, and the responsibility ordinary citizens have to end this
inhumane practice.
Raising Awareness for Relay for Life A309
Have you ever wondered where all of the funds really go when you donate to
Relay for Life? Did you know that Relay for Life isn’t JUST a relay? Through
interviewing and making personal connections with members of the Relay for
Life community, we were able to get an inside look Throughout our journey
we were able to enlighten our peers at River Bluff through a series of
community involvement activities.
The War Back Home G207
As a society, when people refer to veterans we often think of the issues that
are results from their heroic acts, like PTSD. Our CREW decided to go a bit
deeper. We chose veteran suicide when we learned that every day twenty
two veterans commit suicide. Both topics are of equal importance, although
one suicide is often not spoken about and that is the exact problem. When
our CREW discovered a classmate who shared her personal story about
veteran suicide, we were inspired to make an impact.