Roane Chamber Honors 123 Graduating Tennessee Scholars
Friday May 20, 2011
Kingston, TN - The Roane County Chamber, in partnership with the Roane County Schools, recognized 123 graduating seniors as Tennessee Scholars at a breakfast ceremony on May 11 - nearly 50% more than last year.
"This increase is a clear sign that the Tennessee Scholars program is having a very positive influence on the county's student's academic goals and accomplishments," said Allen Lutz, Education and Workforce Development Specialist for The Roane Alliance.
The Tennessee Scholars program is a Roane County Chamber of Commerce led partnership between local businesses and the Roane County Schools. The purpose of Tennessee Scholars is to increase the number of students graduating from high school with a rigorous, defined academic course of study that prepares them for higher education, the workforce, or the military. In addition to a rigorous course of study, the program requires students to have an overall "C" average, 95% attendance, pass end-of-course tests, have no out-of-school suspensions, and 20 hours of community service during each of the four years of high school.
Each graduating senior who is a Tennessee Scholar receives a medallion to wear at their graduation ceremony and their diploma carries a gold Tennessee Scholar Seal. Employers can then know these students have worked hard and maintained the standards of a Tennessee Scholar. These students are also eligible for certain scholarships and other financial assistance because they are Tennessee Scholars.
The costs of the Tennessee Scholars program are covered by donations from the community. This year's donors include: All Star Promotions; Troy Beets; James Brummett Insurance Agency; First Bank of Tennessee; Griffin Insurance; Innovation Valley Inc.; Kiwanis Club of Roane County; Roane County Chamber of Commerce; Roane County Schools; Roane State Community College; Roane County News; Roane County United Way; Johnny Teglas; Tennessee Technology Center in Harriman, and Worldwide Interactive Network.
The Chamber is a partner in The Roane Alliance - Roane County's economic development organization. The partners who operate under the Alliance umbrella along with the Chamber include the Industrial Development Board and Visitors Bureau.
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