
What do the Beastie Boys, Journey, U2, 20 Neuse Charter School families and five staff members have in common?
They all know how to rock out!
Granted the latter of the group rocks out in a slightly different way than these named popular bands
On Saturday, August 22, more than 60 volunteers came together in the back field of the school for the first ‘Rock Out’ of the school year.
Now many might think this name lends itself to a creative fundraiser or new global concert phenomenon, but in actuality it was a community service project organized to help the school with its future, temporary soccer field.
NCS Coach Gail Browning, one of the organizers of the event, explained that the middle and high school soccer teams practiced in the open field in front of the new high school building. This summer, some of that practice space was needed in the development of the paved parking lot requiring the teams to look for a larger, more conducive space for practice. Currently teams are practicing at the community park across from the school with games being playing at Talton Park.
Dave Neville, an NCS board member, helped head up the back field project and hopes the venture will be ready for the high school boys varsity team to practice on in the coming month.
The ‘Rock Out’ event was held to help clear the playing field of rocks, big and small. From 9am-noon, families, staffers, administrators, board members and students came together to rake, dig and haul rocks from the field.
But even though it was hot, tiring work, it wasn’t without its fun.
Neville, who suggested the name, also suggested blasting rock music to keep with the theme of the event and to keep folks motivated. He pumped classic and contemporary tunes from his truck and many could be seen singing along as they worked.
While the work is helping the temporary soccer field (the permanent field is located on the neighborhood side of the school’s property), it will also benefit the entire NCS student body as the broader area can be used for physical education classes, field day and Greek Olympics events.
Browning hopes to add aluminum bleachers, portable treated lumber team benches, a lining system for painting the field on game days, goals and a net system. The field may be ready for games one day, but a lot of work still needs to be done. In addition, all of this comes with a hefty price tag with bleachers costing $3500 and goals running almost as much.
For now, the goal is just to clear the field so players are safe while practicing.
Another ‘Rock Out’ is being planned for Sept. 12, 2015 from 9am-noon and volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels, rakes, gloves, spades and post hole diggers if available, but bodies with willing hands are the most valuable need.
“I’m so proud to see the desire for helping the school,” said Browning. “It was great support from all levels for a common goal. It is a great feeling here at NCS.”