During Black Gold Festival Week, first-grade students at Roy G. Eversole Elementary experienced coal-mining history in an unforgettable way—their classroom was transformed into an underground mine!

Equipped with LED headlamps, students explored the transformed classroom and learned about the important role coal mining has played in the history of Hazard and Eastern Kentucky. Geologist Stephen Prosser shared his expertise and helped students better understand coal, geology, and our region’s mining heritage.

Students also became miners themselves as they carefully “mined” chocolate chips from cookies during a fun, hands-on activity.

This classroom transformation was a wonderful example of vibrant learning and directly connected to the Hazard Independent Portrait of a Learner—the Dynamic DAWG. As Community Contributors, students displayed pride in their local heritage while learning more about the people, work, and natural resources that helped shape the community they call home.

We appreciate our amazing teachers for creating this meaningful experience and Mr. Prosser for sharing his time and knowledge with our students. What a memorable way to celebrate Black Gold Festival Week and bring Hazard’s history to life at RGE!