Dylan Blevins has been chosen student of the week by his peers. Dylan is in Mrs.Savery’s fifth grade class at Laurel Elementary. His favorite book is Harry Potter and his favorite television show is Star Wars. He likes to read and play on his tablet. When he grows up, Dylan would like to become a scientist. Congratulations Dylan.
Photo submitted
All A’s
Emily Blankenship
Dylan Blevins
Jasper Eckert
Penelope Luna
Ellie Owens
Zachary Owens
Sofia Perez
Emma Savery
Kaylee Stanley
Ava Taylor
Lily West
Micah West
River Younce
A’s & B’s
Johnny Blankenship
Jenna Eckert
Aleah Hampton
Kaleb Hicks
Kendon Keith
Marley Matheson
Rayley Matheson
Ryleigh Miller
Zoey Muncy
Rebekah Perez
Rileigh Reece
Lily Savery
Nevaeh Swift
Owen Taylor
Press release
More than 53,000 tnAchieves Class of 2019 TN Promise students filed the 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2019, breaking the previous year’s record. In fact, this number is the largest in tnAchieves’ history to date. The FAFSA, a federal application, is the primary financial aid application that any student enrolling in post-secondary must complete in order to determine some state and federal scholarship and grant qualifications.
“The FAFSA application process can often times be the most challenging application families will face prior to post-secondary enrollment,” says tnAchieves Senior Director of Communications, Amanda Bolden, “Students who file the FAFSA have access to more financial aid and have more post-secondary opportunities. tnAchieves is excited for every student and family that has filed the 2019-2020 FAFSA because this helps the student to be one step closer to enrolling in college.”
According to Data Insight Partners, Tennessee is leading the country in FAFSA completion rate for the 2019-2020 academic year, with over 74% of current high school seniors completing a FAFSA as of March 8, 2019. Tennessee has been the leader in FAFSA completion three of the last four years, tying with Louisiana for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Collectively, 93% of the tnAchieves TN Promise college cohort filed the FAFSA to continue receiving aid for the 2019-2020 academic year.
tnAchieves is the partnering organization to TN Promise in 84 of Tennessee’s 95 counties and is responsible for all non-financial components of the program.
By Tamas Mondovics
Anthony D. Barker, Joshua D. Finney, Brenna L. Jones, Naomi A. King, Casey D. Lowery of Johnson County are among the 42 practical nursing students at TCAT Elizabethton scheduled to participate in the nursing pinning ceremony to be held in the Monarch Auditorium of Bristol Regional Medical Center at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 22.
Students will also represent, Carter, Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Several students also represented Ashe County NC and Washington County VA.
The practical nursing program at TCAT Elizabethton prepares students for the State Board of Nursing examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
According to TCAT officials in the 12 months ending August 31, 2018, the licensure pass rate for TCAT nursing graduates was 98 percent, and the current season is just as successful.
TCAT is encouraging students to take full advantage of the programs available including the practical nursing classes that are offered at the TCAT Elizabethton Main Campus, 426 Highway 921 North in Elizabethton, beginning in May and September each year.
The program is also offered at its ETSU at Kingsport Campus at Allandale, 1501 University Blvd., Kingsport, beginning in January.
A few things to keep in mind for those desiring to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at TCAT Elizabethton include having a high school diploma or equivalent.
To be admitted to the program, students must pay a $40 test fee for the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. There are eight areas in the academic portion of the exam–math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, biology, physics, anatomy/physiology, and chemistry.
Students can select the preferred date of the test, which is given in the Administration Building at the Main Campus, 426 Highway 91 North, across from the Elizabethton Municipal Airport.
New student registration is May 1, for the 2019 Summer Trimester for students previously admitted to TCAT Elizabethton. Students must complete an online application to attend TCAT Elizabethton by visiting www.tcatelizabethton.edu. Select Apply Now.
Financial assistance is also available. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov, to determine financial need.
The TCAT Elizabethton code, #005281, must be included on the FAFSA form.
For more information, telephone 423-543-0070 or visit www.tcatelizabethton.edu.
Staff report
Nonprofit Fund Offering $5,000 Grants To Innovative Young People
There are a lot of young people with new ideas, enthusiasm and passion, but without the financial means to change their dreams into reality. The Hunter Watson Memorial Fund is now offering grants to help support these young innovators and their projects.
Founded in memory of Hunter Brooks Watson, a college sophomore who died as a passenger in a distracted driving accident, the Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 to provide young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25 with the financial means to take their ideas and dreams to the next step.
The deadline for the next grant cycle is June 15, 2019 and the Fund is encouraging young people to submit their applications as soon as possible. There is no cost or obligation to apply. Applications are evaluated by a committee looking for innovative ideas in a variety of areas, including music, the performing arts, computer technology and entrepreneurship.
In recent grant cycles the Memorial Fund has helped finance new Internet and cell phone applications, music and performance projects, audio and video recording, and expansion of online businesses, all projects developed by passionate young people.
Grant applicants need not be in school and the grants are not scholarships nor intended to cover tuition costs.
The grants are direct financial support for a young innovator’s project and come with the help of a mentor to help the grant winner move his or her project forward.
Further information, and the grant application itself, is available online at
hunterwatson.org/grants. The application deadline for the current grant cycle is June 15, 2019.
For more information visit www.hunterwatson.org.
Mrs. Savery’s fifth and sixth grade at Laurel
Elementary has chosen Payton Grizzle as student of the week. Payton likes to work outside with his grandparents and play around the house with his dog and friends. When he grows up, he wants to be a mechanic. Congrats Payton!
Doe Elementary School students smile big for the camera after a chance to be in the spotlight as leaders of the week. The school has implemented its “Leader in Me”! initiative that selects students as leaders from each homeroom and recognizing them throughout the week. Front row (left to right): Kayelynn Terrill, Victoria Matherly, Pandy Vanover, Mason Wilson, Gavin Lunceford. Back row (left to right): Peyton Perry, Brynna
Phillippi, Landon Searls, Keiana Wastell, Emilano Ramirez. Photo submitted
The Johnson County Senior Center present Mrs. Faye Baker’s Pre-K class at Mountain City Elementary School with a finished quilt they sewed together. As part of a project to learn the letters Q, S and R, the
students took turn at the sewing machine to create each piece, which was than connected by members of the Senior Center quilters. Submitted photo.
Sarah Widener is the daughter of Mickey and Mary Widener. She is 5 years and in Mrs. Vincent’s Pre-K class. Her favorite part of school is playing outside with her friends. Her favorite subject is writing because she can draw pictures. Sarah wants to be a parent when she grows up so she can take care of babies. She says she is a Laurel Leader because she works really hard and is very nice to everyone.
Submitted
Johnson County Middle School student Sean Trivette has been named the Good Neighbor for February 2019.
Sponsored by the local 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. It honors a generosity of spirit and the ability to put others’ needs before themselves.
Sean’s teachers describe him as a young man who instinctively knows when someone needs a friend. Whether it is helping a friend of many years or welcoming a new student into our school, Sean is there to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at JCMS.
Dr. Bob Heath, Principal of JCMS, joined Sheila Cruse, representing Gamma Mu, in presenting letters of congratulations to Sean.
All 26 HOSA students and HOSA advisors voice appreciation to the East Tennessee Foundation and
“generous donations” from local sponsors, parents and families, which allow the students to attend the
annual HOSA leadership conference. Photo submitted
By Jill Penley
Twenty-six Johnson County High School students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, recently attended the HOSA State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga. HOSA, which stands for Health Occupation Students of America, is an international student organization
recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education and the Health Science Education, and its two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.
Johnson County HOSA chapter President and JCHS senior, Gavin Reece has competed and attended this competition all four years.
“Being able to participate in HOSA competitive events has helped me gain confidence with leadership skills,” said Reece, “and has given me an opportunity to collaborate with students from other schools in Tennessee.” Vice President, and JCHS senior, Hannah Osborne has competed and attended the conference three years.
She says her favorite thing about the competition is being able to meet new people that are interested in the same career field as she is and gaining leadership skills that will help in her future career.
Both have placed in the top five at state competition while at Johnson County High School.
According to HOSA advisors Tina Reece RN, BSN, M.Ed and Sonya Hammons RN, MSN, PMHN, before advancing to the state level of competition, students must have first attended and placed at the regional Tennessee HOSA competition held at Carson Newman University.
Two teams (both took second place) advanced to HOSA International Competition held June 19-22 in Orlando, Florida:
Medical Law and Ethics- Lindsey Wills, Second Place Medal State of Tennessee And Public Service Announcement (PSA): Gavin Reece, Blake Atwood, Troy Arnold, Taylor Parsons, Nathan Lane, Zack Parsons, Margaret Morrow, And Kaylee Wittenberg all earning second place medals in the state of Tennessee.
“We been encouraging student involvement at the HOSA State Leadership Conference for the past eight years,” said advisor Reece. “They have attracted many students to HOSA and assisted the club in growing tremendously over the past few years.
Our attendance in competition for Johnson County HOSA at the state level is at record levels.” Advisors also voice appreciation to the East Tennessee Foundation and “generous donations” from local sponsors, parents, and families, which allow the students to attend the annual HOSA leadership conference.
HOSA provides a unique program of leadership
development, motivation, and recognition for students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health profession, and its mission is especially critical when considering the acute shortage of qualified workers for the health care industry.
The rapidly changing health care system needs dedicated workers who, in addition to their technical skills, are people-oriented and capable of playing a leadership or
follower role as a member of a health care team.
Kaylee Stanley is the daughter of Casey Stanley and Sasha Main. She is six years old and in Mrs. Vincent’s kindergarten class, at Laurel Elementary. Her favorite subject in school is writing because it is fun. She loves to play outside with her friends. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up so she can help animals. Kaylee says she is a Laurel Leader because she helps other students and works hard every day. Congratulations Kaylee!
Kaylee Stanley is the daughter of Casey Stanley and Sasha Main. She is six years old and in Mrs. Vincent’s kindergarten class, at Laurel Elementary. Her favorite subject in school is writing because it is fun. She loves to play outside with her friends. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up so she can help animals. Kaylee says she is a Laurel Leader because she helps other students and works hard every day. Congratulations Kaylee!
Henderson
By Tamas Mondovics
Eleven students from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton will compete in the upcoming SkillsUSA state tourney scheduled for March 31-April 3 in Chattanooga.
Participants include Preston Henderson, of Johnson County who will compete in the Automotive Service Technology category.
There are more than 100 competitive events for high school and college students to demonstrate workplace skills at SkillsUSA state competition.
Gold medalists will be eligible to advance to the national SkillsUSA competition in Louisville, Ky., June 20-24.
More than 4,600 winners of SkillsUSA state competition events compete in 80 occupational and leadership skills areas in national competition. SkillsUSA programs help establish industry
standards for job training in health, trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Students from TCAT Elizabethton participating, by county of residence and competitive event, are:
Carter County: Jerry Kramer, Welding; Dustin Curtis and Jobe Eggers, Millwright Skills; Adam Lyons, Computer Information Technology Service; Ashley Vance,
Administrative Office Technology Customer Service; Abigail Fowler, Cosmetology, and David Floyd, Computer Information
Technology Telecommunications
Cabling.
Unicoi County: Hunter Rice, Millwright Skills;
Washington County: Aaron Garland, Diesel Equipment Technology, and Max Burgner, Welding;
For additional information, visit www.tnpsskillsusa.org or www.tcatelizabethton.edu.
JC High School Graduation, Tomahawk File Photo
Jake Anderson with his winning car smiles as the Overmountain Pinewood Derby District Champion, held earlier this month at the Bass Pro Shops in Bristol at The Pinnacle. Bringing home the 1st place trophy and also winning the first ever pack trophy, Jake will attend the 2020 district race to present the next winning pack the rotating trophy. Photo Submitted
Jake Anderson with his winning car smiles as the Overmountain Pinewood Derby District Champion, held earlier this month at the Bass Pro Shops in Bristol at The Pinnacle. Bringing home the 1st place trophy and also winning the first ever pack trophy, Jake will attend the 2020 district race to present the next winning pack the rotating trophy. Photo Submitted
Doe Elementary School students enjoy some time in the spotlight as leaders of the week. The school’s “Leader in Me”! initiative selects students as leaders from each homeroom and recognizing them throughout the week. Back row (left to right): Ariston Alexander, Charley Thomas, Abby Garland, Corbin Presnell, Nicole Leigh, Mason Dunn, Matthew Holman. Front row (left to right): Claire Curran, Jacob Courtner, Colton Rich, Kadden Webb, Sophia Tidwell, Emanuel Salgado-Mendoza. Not pictured: Mikayla Griffith, Jonathan Miller, Jayden Proffitt. Photo submitted.
Doe Elementary School students enjoy some time in the spotlight as leaders of the week. The school’s “Leader in Me”! initiative selects students as leaders from each homeroom and recognizing them throughout the week. Back row (left to right): Ariston Alexander, Charley Thomas, Abby Garland, Corbin Presnell, Nicole Leigh, Mason Dunn, Matthew Holman. Front row (left to right): Claire Curran, Jacob Courtner, Colton Rich, Kadden Webb, Sophia Tidwell, Emanuel Salgado-Mendoza. Not pictured: Mikayla Griffith, Jonathan Miller, Jayden Proffitt.
Bart Roark, is reading to his children Allie and Wiles, Abuela by Arthur Dorros in participation of Johnson County Imagination Library’s Hometown Labels program, sponsored last month by Maymead Stock Farm, in Mountain City. The program is presently serving 722 pre-K children in Johnson County. Please contact the library at 727-6544 for information on how to sign up for pre-K and to receive a free book each month until age five. Photo Submitted
Bart Roark, is reading to his children Allie and Wiles, Abuela by Arthur Dorros in participation of Johnson County Imagination Library’s Hometown Labels program, sponsored last month by Maymead Stock Farm, in Mountain City. The program is presently serving 722 pre-K children in Johnson County. Please contact the library at 727-6544 for information on how to sign up for pre-K and to receive a free book each month until age five.
Rileigh Reece is a first grader in Mrs. Knight’s class at Laurel Elementary. She lives at home with her grandparents Roger and Kathy Reece. She loves the color pink and to play with her dolls. Her favorite subject is math. When Rileigh grows up she wants to be a teacher. Photo submitted
JC High School Senior and Junior School Board Representatives Renie Morrow and Sydney Souder attending this year’s Student Congress on Policies in Education event in Murfreesboro, TN. Photo Submitted
Staff report
Students from Johnson County joined approximately 349 of their high school peers in Murfreesboro on
Tueasday, March 5, to express their views on public education in Tennessee at the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE). The event took place on the Middle Tennessee State University campus.
Attending from Johnson County High School were: Senior School Board Representative Renie Morrow and Junior School Board
Representative Sydney Souder.
“We are very proud of our Student School Board Representatives who attend the SCOPE conference every year to represent Johnson County,” said Mischelle Simcox. “They do a wonderful job.”
Now in its 37th year, SCOPE is designed to give students a voice where public education issues are concerned and to involve young people in finding solutions to the topics that are discussed.
Attendees participated in mock school board sessions, where they assumed the roles of school board members, school officials, parents, students and concerned citizens. School board members, superintendents, and educational leaders led the sessions.
Students then chose speakers to represent each of their 16 small groups who went on to take part in full-scale debates on current education issues.
This year’s four debate topics and results from the poll were:
1. High school graduation requirements shall include several pathways/options (college and career, industry credentials, etc.) that allow students to graduate with a regular high school diploma. (Agree: 59%, Disagree: 41%)
2. Students shall have the option of substituting club sports for physical education requirements. (Agree: 80%, Disagree: 20%)
3. Fighting on school grounds or during school activities shall be a zero-tolerance offense. (Agree: 24%, Disagree: 76%)
4. For purposes of honors recognition at graduation, the board shall use the Latin System (i.e. summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) instead of selecting a valedictorian and salutatorian. (Agree: 51%, Disagree: 49%)
SCOPE delegates elected 2020 SCOPE officers and they are:
· President: Charlotte Lange, Rossview High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County
·1st Vice President: Rishi Pillai, Nolensville High School, Williamson County
·2nd Vice President: Ty Youngblood, Greeneville High School, Greeneville
Micah West is a second grader at Laurel
Elementary School, who enjoys learning about
significant individuals in American History like Dr.Seuss and George Washington. Micah lives at home with his parents Nathan and Amy West and his sister, Lily. He enjoys playing in the woods, jumping on his trampoline, and cooking and wants to be a chef.
Congratulations Micah. Photo submitted
Micah West is a second grader at Laurel
Elementary School, who enjoys learning about
significant individuals in American History like Dr.Seuss and George Washington. Micah lives at home with his parents Nathan and Amy West and his sister, Lily. He enjoys playing in the woods, jumping on his trampoline, and cooking and wants to be a chef.
Congratulations Micah. Photo submitted