Stories of Impact

Red Bird Mission was honored for its century of service in the mountains by receiving the very first Faber Award, given by the Berea Appalachian Fund. Appalachian Fund Director David King presented a plaque to Tracy Nolan, Director of Red Bird Community Outreach and Community Health, and Karla Roberts, Red Bird Grants Manager and Board Secretary, Wednesday during the 2026 Leadership Gathering in Berea, Kentucky.

We remember along with millions the tragedy that struck our nation on September 11, 2001. We remember the utter shock and disbelief that multiple planes were hijacked with the purpose to kill innocent people to make a violent, political statement. Our schools were shut down. Loved ones were stranded in cities far away because airlines were grounded. Fear abounded throughout our country. Enter love for one another and unity for a common, higher purpose.

When you’ve grown up in these mountains, you don’t just leave Red Bird behind. It follows you—in the way you raise your kids, the way you talk about home, the way you feel when you come back and somebody still knows your name. That’s the story of Red Bird Christian School alumna and dorm parent, Kayla Couch.

All 14 of Mrs. Chasley’s K-1 students were fully focused Tuesday morning to hear the fascinating story of Rudy, a red pig. Arlinda Lewis, a Red Bird Christian School substitute teacher and former K-1 aide, organized the visit by well-known author Catherine Ritch Guess, to read her widely-published children’s book, Rudy the Red Pig.

Patty Vance, Red Bird Mission School Alumna and Red Bird Christian School Elementary Teacher, goes beyond the expected to give our students opportunities leading to excellence in careers and life after graduation. One of her passions is involving our students in the 4-H Communications Competition because she knows successful people need to be effective communicators. Following is her Facebook post reporting the outcomes at this year’s 4-H Communications State Championships.

From June 15-18, the folks at Rural Up hosted their STEM Explorer Camp, and let me tell you, it has been something truly special for our community.

After discussing for years the dilemma requiring every student pay tuition between $100 and $610 to offset the annual education cost of approximately $7,000 per student at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS), the Red Bird Mission Board of Directors took action yesterday to eliminate the tuition requirement beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Last Friday, the Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) Appalachian Studies and Ag Science classes made a trip to the Sheep Shearing Days at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee.

Not everyone in the Class of 2026 at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) was able to make the week-long Senior Class Trip to Gulf Shores in October, but a day-trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area in Tennessee last Friday included them. The class travelled as a group to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, and Wonderworks, an indoor experiential attraction that was also educational.

As I completed one stop, I saw the person for the next stop coming down the hill to meet me. He was happy to get a meal, but also didn't want me to continue up his driveway that was still covered in ice.

Chief Red Bird’s Legacy of the Mountains Tournament was bigger than scores or trophies- it was proof that our little school deep in the heart of the mountains could dream something bold and turn it into reality. Over two days, 105 archers stepped onto that line and shot for score in Elementary, Middle School, and High School divisions.

Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.

Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.

Out here we don’t always have the finest feast, the nicest clothes, or the fattest wallets. What we have is people. The kind you can call when you’re broke down on the side of the road.

Candace Litton, Women and Children Ministries Coordinator, says, “With the recent shutdown and the holidays drawing near, many families are feeling the weight of the season more than ever. Because of this generosity, they were able to feel seen, supported, and deeply cared for. Their gratitude was overwhelming, and it reminded us just how much these acts of kindness truly matter.”

Candace Litton, Women and Children Ministries Coordinator, says, “With the recent shutdown and the holidays drawing near, many families are feeling the weight of the season more than ever. Because of this generosity, they were able to feel seen, supported, and deeply cared for. Their gratitude was overwhelming, and it reminded us just how much these acts of kindness truly matter.”

Today, my Appalachian Studies class had the privilege of visiting Portal 31 in Harlan County, a historic coal mine that now stands as a museum preserving the story of Kentucky’s coal heritage.

Concern over hunger continues and the pace of response at Red Bird Mission Community Outreach is picking up. On Saturday, the good folks from Murfreesboro, Tennessee showed up to unload 3,500 pounds sweet potatoes coming through the Society of Saint Andrew.

Low income elderly residents living in isolated areas without transportation receiving home-delivered meals from Red Bird Mission Elderly Ministries can relax for a few weeks. Compassionate individuals and churches learning about the potential shutdown of vital meals have stepped up to make donations...

Jon North lauded Mr. Sizemore’s influence in his life on Saturday during his keynote address. Countless others have given unsolicited testimony of the positive impact Daugh made on their lives as a student, athlete, or dormitory resident.