Education

Choices For Life participants, local law enforcement and emergency management personnel, Mountain City and Johnson County Officials take center stage while celebrating Choices, a drug prevention program. The ceremony was held Monday, November 18 at Heritage Hall. Submitted photos

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

Fifth-grade students in Johnson County took center stage and enjoyed the spotlight this month while celebrating the completion of CHOICES, a drug prevention program, in which students voluntarily participate in an essay contest with one winner from each elementary school.
The ceremony was held on Monday, November 18, at Heritage Hall, announcing all the winners who have received bicycles, while all participants received a completion certificate and a t-shirt donated by Angie Stout.
Essay winners included Ethan Robinson (Mountain City Elementary), Eva Matthews (Roan Creek Elementary), Cheyann Gary (Laurel Elementary), Ellie Averill (Shady Elementary) and Gavin Curd (Doe elementary).
Also on hand during the event were local officials Johnson County Sheriff Eddie Tester, Mayor Mike Taylor, along with Melissa Hollaway and Lisa Crowder.
“We would like to thank our sponsors who supplied the bicycles,” said Amanda McGlamery with Coordinated School Health, Johnson County Schools.
According to school officials, CHOICES is a pair of education classes that covers drugs, tobacco, and alcohol awareness and peer pressure as it relates to our youth.
To teach these classes, Coordinated School Health partnered with Johnson County Emergency Management Operations Officer Mike Sumner and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputy Mark Gladden.

JCHS culinary arts students Andrew Taylor, Stacy Greer, and Petie Pavusek are ready to compete in the Junior Chef competition in Nashville.

By Beth Cox
Freelance Writer
Johnson County High School’s Culinary Arts Department was recently acknowledged as being one of the top eight culinary arts programs in the state of Tennessee.
The distinguished honor qualifies Chef Craig Cox and his culinary arts team to compete in the second annual Junior Chef competition in Nashville.
Cox was thrilled to hear that his program had been honorably recognized.
“I’m excited to compete in the culinary competition in January,” Cox said. “It’s a big accomplishment for us.” He added, “I’m truly happy that we made it, and hopefully, our team can win the whole competition.”
Cox will be taking three culinary arts students who have exemplified both talent and dedication in the chosen field.
Seniors Petie Pavusek and Andrew Taylor were selected for their culinary creativity and food preparation.
Junior Stacy Greer has enjoyed his culinary classes and would like to pursue food and restaurant management after high school. All three students can not wait to compete.
Pavusek said that he is honored to be a part of the elite three. “I give my thanks to Coach Cox for preparing me for the journey we will go on in January, along with my teammates, Stacy and Andrew.” Greer shared his excitement and gratitude to Cox, “Thanks to Coach Cox for this opportunity. I can’t wait to compete in Nashville.” Taylor followed up by reiterating the sentiments of Pavusek and Greer but added, “It will be a fun competition, especially when we win.”
The junior chef competition is a multi-faceted program that encompasses both cooking and articulation. The culinary arts team is required to use local ingredients to create a recipe that adheres to the School Nutrition Program standards and guidelines. The culinary teams must also be able to explain the importance of local purchasing, agriculture industry, and school nutrition for Tennessee. The state competition gives the culinary arts students a better level of understanding and exposure of employment opportunities and potential career paths for future endeavors in culinary arts.
The Junior Chef Program provides an opportunity for culinary arts students to have a better understanding of the importance of the farm to school program, which includes local foods and a strong agricultural presence in the community.
The January Competition is sponsored by The Tennessee Department of Education Office of School Nutrition. The students on the top three winning teams will be eligible for scholarships to Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky. The competition is scheduled for January 9-11, 2020.

Emily Harrison’s criminal justice class at JCHS with Officers Gladden and Murphy. Harrison had the officers demonstrate best practices for traffic stops with her students on November 8 at JCHS. Photos by Beth Cox

By Beth Cox
Freelance Writer

JCHS’s Criminal Justice teacher, Emily Harrison, gave her upper-level criminal justice students a small glimpse of life as a police officer earlier this month.
Harrison asked local school resource officers and deputies Mark Gladden and Michael Murphy to shed light on the scope of their jobs utilizing a hands-on workshop in class.
Harrison was excited that she and her students were able to understand a different perspective on criminal justice.
“My background is not law enforcement, but more on the legal side of things since I went to law school, so I’m learning right there with the students when it comes to police procedures,” Harrison said.
Gladden and Murphy’s years of experience helped students know all the details of police work.
The students enjoyed listening to the officers, but when Gladden told them they were going to observe an actual traffic stop and possible arrest, the class reached a new level of enthusiasm. Never fear, the officers did not take high school students and troll Johnson County for potential traffic violators; better yet, they used students to be both police officers and lawbreakers.
Officer Gladden and Murphy did a great job allowing the criminal justice students to participate in “hands-on” activities.
The SRO’s discussed how to approach a vehicle, what to look for at a stop, and showed the best practices for arresting someone. In the end, the students were able to take turns being on both sides of the law.
Harrison’s students not only had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the life of a police officer but to have a more positive experience with the SROs. Harrison hoped the non-threatening environment helped build relationships with the students and the officers,” Unfortunately, a lot of students only interact with officers when something tragic has happened, so this class exercise was a great
way to learn but also build that bridge of communication.”
Harrison will be taking her upper-level criminal justice classes to the annual forensic competition this Friday at TCAT in Elizabethton. The students will be competing in several law enforcement competitions, so having Gladden and Murphy’s police insight will help Johnson County be stronger competitors.
The SRO’s serve three primary purposes; educator, mentor, and law enforcement, officer. Naturally, the SRO’s first responsibility is security and safety, but additionally, to establish a working relationship with school and students, assist students in conflict resolutions, and to be a positive role model.

Clay Williams is a second-grader in Mrs. Freeman’s class at Laurel Elementary School and is a leader in the classroom. Clay received this week’s recognition for showing great improvements with his school work this year. His favorite subject in school is math and physical education. When he grows up, Clay wants to be a police officer because he loves to help others. In his spare time, he enjoys to play outside and games on his tablet. He is the son of Buddy and Christie Williams. Congratulations Clay.

Johnson County Middle School student Savannah Crosswhite has been named the Good Neighbor
for November, 2019.
Sponsored by the Johnson County Chapter of
Delta Kappa Gamma
International, the Good Neighbor Award recognizes students in
the Middle School who demonstrate neighborliness through exemplary kindness and respect, as well as an awareness of when
others need help and a
willingness to offer whatever assistance is necessary.
Savannah’s teachers describe her as a young woman who always tries to do the right thing, who is honest, trustworthy and always a team player.
She jumps in to help whenever she sees someone in need, and is a friend to all. She truly exemplifies all the characteristics of a Good Neighbor.
Teresa Stansberry, Principal of JCMS, joined Sheila Cruse representing DKG,
in presenting letters of congratulations to Savannah.

Submitted

Laurel Elementary School was pleased to host the second annual ‘Breakfast with a Veteran’ program as a way of saying “thank you” to our local veterans. The event began at 7:30 a.m. on
Friday, November 8, 2019, with breakfast for all students, staff, and 41 special guests.
At 8 a.m., the program began with the presentation of the colors by the Johnson County Honor Guard. As students gently waved flags
in the background, Megan McEwen presented the
National Anthem, and then Rayley Matheson led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the opening of the program, the students enjoyed a presentation on the history of the flag and flag etiquette given by Richard Dionne, Johnson County Honor Guard.
Afterward, students and guests listened as Junior Maze presented “The Ragged Old Flag” for the group.
Students then gave cards they had made and a sweet note of appreciation to all of the veterans.
After presenting the gifts, students lined up to form a Path of Honor and applauded the veterans as they walked down the path shaking
hands, high fiving, and talking with the students. Students were then excited to have their picture made with various veterans from their family and the Laurel community.
It was an honor and privilege for the students at Laurel Elementary School to learn more about the sacrifice and service of our local veterans, as well as the history and treatment of our great country’s flag.

Johnson County High School seniors, Taylor Cox, Taylor Parsons, Bella Gibson, Adam Manuel and Sydney Souder enjoy learning about the career possibilities after high school Thursday at JCHS during Career Day. Photos by Beth Cox

By Beth Cox
Freelance Writer
JCHS students were able to get a glimpse of possible future endeavors and careers last Thursday, as many local vendors gathered on the Atwood Court to showcase their businesses and organizations for Career Day.
Career Day is a collaboration by both the JCHS Counseling Department and GEAR UP Johnson County. The event gives students a foundation for employment opportunities within the region.
According to school counselor and one of the coordinators for Career Day, Priscilla Davis, “the students are exposed to a variety of opportunities, some of which they have never considered before, to begin preparing for life after high school.”
Davis feels that by giving the students a chance to observe and prepare for the future with events such as Career Day, they can create a plan of success after receiving their diplomas.
Adam Manuel felt a sense of direction after experiencing Career Day, and said, “I got to talk to many people in a variety of occupations today. I was able to speak with them and figure out an idea of what I want and what I don’t want to do with my life.”
More than 30 vendors from East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina were available Thursday to not only talk with the students, but many had interactive activities set up to give a clear understanding of the business or organizations.
Brad Reece, with Johnson County Bank, enjoyed visiting with the students and listening to their thoughts about their careers and their future.
“I was impressed with how many of the students already had a sense of direction toward the career path they intended to take,” Reece said. “It was evident they had placed serious thought into what they desired to do. It shows the positive effect the teachers have on many students.”
The success of Career Day is an excellent partnership between School Counselors, GEAR UP, and high school teachers.
“The teachers decided how long their classes would be able to participate in the event with many giving the students 30-40 minutes,” Davis said.
After the career fair, Tina Reece, Health Science teacher for JCHS stated the Career Fair generated many questions from students upon returning to the classroom.
“We not only discussed salaries, but also benefits like insurance and retirement, but we also compared that of working with some of the vendors as being self-employed, it was good interaction and thought-provoking for the students about their future.”

Dylan Simcox, right, working on it at home. He’s always looking for ways to make his ride better.  Submitted photo.

By Tim Chambers
SPORTS EDITOR

Johnson County has been blessed to have several good athletes over the past two seasons in football, basketball, and baseball, but now they can add drag racing to the mix. Dylan Simcox, a senior at Johnson County High School, is finding success in the sport after giving up basketball to pursue his dream.
Simcox wore the tab as being an excellent shooter from beyond the three-point arc, but he’s also learning how to score at the racing level.
The honor student ran his first race at age 15 at the historic Wilkesboro Dragway in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He touched on how he got started and what his goals were for the future.
“I have always loved going to the track and watching my papaw race,” said Simcox. He’s been doing it for 40-45 years, and he’s had a lot of success. I am what you could say a “Papaw’s Boy” and he’s the one who bought me my first race car. He’s definitely the one who got me started in this.”
Sonny Gambill, Simcox’s grandfather, has been involved in racing for over four decades. He has raced the same car, a 69 Nova, for more than three decades. So, it was only fitting that he would be able to purchase Dylan’s first race car.
“I actually race a truck,” said Simcox. “My grandfather and I were looking for something that I could get started in, and we found a 1986 Chevy S10 truck. It was the perfect thing for me to get started with. There was a guy in Kingsport that built it, but nothing in it is original, and it is not stocked. I spend a lot of my time working on it.”
Simcox said that he and his papaw plan to add some changes to the vehicle over the winter. He always enjoys the tinkering part that comes along with drag racing.
“We’ve already changed the outside, and we’re planning on changing the rear end this winter. I hope to work on the motor some more before racing season begins in the spring. We’re always looking for ways to make our rides better.”
Simcox does what is called foot-brake drag racing and loves that fact of going fast. His best effort was recently in the Bristol Super Chevy Show.
“I got down into the finals of that one, so it’s probably been my best showing so far. I been in three finals but haven’t won one yet. Every since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to race, and now I’m getting to live out my dream. It’s so much fun when you’re out there going fast on the track legally. But there is so much more to drag racing than going fast.”
His most memorable moment came when he cut his first perfect light. That means that Simcox left the start line when the green lights came on at all zeros. That’s known as the perfect score in drag racing competition.
Simcox touched on some of his favorite drag strips, including the Farmington Dragway at Mocksville, North Carolina, and the Piedmont Dragway in Julian, North Carolina, in addition to North Wilkesboro. But none beat the track that is closest to him.
“My favorite track is Bristol,” said Simcox. “You can’t beat the atmosphere there, so it’s a great place to spend your weekend racing.”
Simcox was quick to compliment his best friend Michael Oxentine, who excels on the basketball court and football field as a senior Longhorns’ athlete. He’s also a pretty good racer too.
“Michael has an S10 too, and he’s been racing a long time. He got involved in junior racing, and he’s very good at it. We’ve only raced against each other one time, and he beat me, but I’ll get him next time. Michael and I are always together at the track, and we’ve shared some special moments. His mother, Amy Thompson, has been very special to me as well. She’s always at the track and has taught me a lot. We’ve all been friends for a long time, and it will continue to be that way.”
Simcox touched on his plans for the future after he graduates from high school, and it does involve staying in the sport.
“I would love to attend a good automotive school and study to be a crew chief or something like that. I’ve always been a hands-on person, and a lot of that is because of my papaw. He’s been there every step of the way and definitely has made me want to pursue my dream even more.”
Simcox is the son of Dr. Mischelle Gambill Simcox and Dirk Simcox. He has a younger brother Connor who is a standout three-sport athlete at Johnson County Middle School.
I asked Simcox if he had any regrets about giving up basketball to devote his time to racing. He was quick to reply.
“I liked basketball, and
all but this is something
that I would love to do for
the rest of my life. I’m not going to look back and regret not playing because I’ve enjoyed every minute that I’ve spent both on and off the track. Choosing racing first has been the best thing for me.”

Abby Dickens, (4th grade), Emma Roark, (5th grade) and Layla Crotts, (6th grade) awarded in the 4-H program. Photo Submitted

Staff Report
During the month of October, the Johnson County Farm Bureau Women, recognized one 4th, 5th and 6th-grade student as 4-H’er of the Month from Roan Creek Elementary.
The students who receive this award have shown hard work and participation in the 4-H program within their class.
The students recognized for this award were: Abby Dickens, 4th grader in Mr. Timbs’ Homeroom, Emma Roark, 5th grader in Mrs. Dugger’s Homeroom and Layla Crotts, 6th grader in Mrs. Schmees’ Homeroom. The students were awarded $10 and a certificate.
The Farm Bureau Women would like to congratulate these students for their great work in the 4-H program.