Oak Ridge Board honors students and hears school program updates

The Oak Ridge Board of Education opened its meeting by recognizing three students from district schools and hearing brief updates from principals and school leaders.

Christopher Scott, principal at SCA, introduced senior Ella Hunt of Oak Ridge High School, noting that "as a junior ... she made straight As" and that "this year, she has all As and Bs," and said Hunt plans to enroll in TCAT's welding program next year. Scott also introduced Lillian Etheridge of Jefferson Middle School and third-grader Laurier Straley of Linden Elementary, praising both for marked academic and social progress.

Miss Craven highlighted Glenwood Elementary's recent events, including a veterans' program and a Winter Stream Night that drew record attendance. She thanked community partners by name, including ORNL, ORISE, the City of Oak Ridge, and university and nonprofit partners that supported Glenwood's activities. Miss Crank reported that Willowbrook staff received sponsorships from the Sonic Foundation to attend the Ron Clark Academy and congratulated student robotics teams at Willowbrook and Woodland for regional honors.

Quotes and short recognitions punctuated the reports: Jennifer Milligan, curriculum principal at the high school, explained curricular expansions tied to student interest in advanced placement opportunities. Board members applauded staff and students throughout the presentations.

The meeting then moved on to routine business and votes.