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were called Chiefs,” Bradford said, as he recalled the experience.
When the tribe classes were first created, they each had their own Indian tribe name, as well as an identify flag. The purpose of tribes was to have students with the same teacher and the same peers during each year in their Edgewood journey. The significance behind the tribes actually goes a lot deeper than what most people might think
“TRIBES stands for Teachers Really Involved Benefit Every Student”, Bradford said. TRIBES were the main unit of Edgewood, and were recognized individually in early issues of the yearbook.
In the fall of 1998, the first issue of The Edge was released, making this year its 20th anniversary. The middle school students during the 1998- 1999 school year were the first
Edgewood journalists. The journalism department began to flourish because of the many students that were involved and the outside funding the program was receiving. Students purchased cameras, computers, and other equipment to expand their resources as Edgewood journalists.
“We wanted to take pictures of kids that were ordinary, but also extraordinary,” Bradford said.
The publications students didn’t stop with creating the first magazine. An issue of The Dreamcatcher, an annual literary publication filled with short stories, poems, and art pieces from the students, also made its debut.
In 2002, Edgewood made history by becoming the first school in Brevard County to
“We wanted to take pictures of kids that were ordinary, but also extraordinary”
have a yearbook in full color. This achievement distinguished Edgewood as a premier school in Brevard, and it established the journalism team as true pioneers.
“It really freaked everyone else out,” Bradford said, “and soon, all Brevard schools were copying what Edgewood did.”
The yearbook was divided up by tribe classes, and featured pictures of every aspect of our school. Every academic club, athletic team, and classroom was included in the yearbook to display the prominence of Edgewood.
As a former teacher at Edgewood, Bradford highlighted the importance of a teacher’s role in a student’s life
“We (as teachers) actually believe this is our profession rather than just a job,” Bradford said.
Edgewood has come a long way since its beginning. Bradford reflected on the state of the school
today, emphasizing how exceptional Edgewood students are because “Edgewood teaches you to argue...and to smartly question what you hear and see.” Ultimately, Edgewood’s educational caliber ranks with the best schools not only in Brevard, but in the country. Our school is now a place where academics empower students and learning inspires each of us to excel.
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