Tennessee was successful in its quest to secure federal funding from the ”Race to the Top” package, part of Pres. Obama’s economic stimulus law.   

“The impact of recent grassroots, community-driven voices loudly calling to improve education in our state can now be quantified with results that Tennessee can take to the bank,” said BEI Executive Director Bonny Millard. 

The announcement was made today. BEI thanks those who helped make this goal a reality. BEI praise for “Race to the Top” funds.

Students from Heritage and William Blount high schools wait to hear who has won in the competition.

About 30 students from the two schools were put through the paces of demonstrating different skill sets and then had to take a written test. After a pizza lunch, prizes were awarded to students receiving the highest scores. Airgas provided the prizes and made sure that every student received at least a door prize.

Prizes lined up on the table

 Tennessee Sen. Doug Overbey and Blount County Commissioner Steve Samples stopped by to congratulate the students. Heritage High School won the overall competition. 

State Sen. Doug Overbey talks to the students before the winners are announced.

DCS owner Chris Combs said that different businesses sent volunteers to help judge the welding competition.

 “It’s a neat collaboration of small and large businesses,” Combs said. “It provides an opportunity to see what a welding career would look like and encourages them to consider a welding career.”

State Sen. Doug Overbey listens as DCS Electronics owner Chris Combs talks about the days events.

Blount County schools held their 20^th Career Day at Heritage High School March 5, 2010. Representatives from more than 50 career paths attended and set up booths.

Students talk to someone in the hair styling business.

A representative from DENSO talks to students.

Eighth graders from Heritage, Union Grove, Carpenters and Eagleton middle schools and Maryville Christian School participated in the event.

Career Day gave students an opportunity to interact with professionals from all walks of life in private industry as well as from government, military and nonprofit fields. Students were required to fill out a form on several careers by asking the representative questions such as level of education needed, types of additional training required and expected entry level salaries. The students were also able to ask their own questions, which hopefully gave them some idea about the career to evaluate it for their own interest.

In addition, Heritage High School seniors also set up booths to encourage students in construction and agriculture.

Heritage High School seniors watch as an eighth grader hammers a nail.

Heritage High School senior Johnna Davis shows off Maggie the calf.

William Blount High School Ninth Grade Academy Assistant Principal Cassandra Dowd waits to greet students.

It was a great opportunity for BEI to encourage students to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

Blount Education Initiative Director Bonny Millard has the opportunity to talk to students about BEI and about the importance of staying in high school.

The school system is always looking to expand their offerings so if your company would be interested in participating next year, call Jane Morton, supervisor of grades 6-12, at 984.1212.