Board honors longtime educators and celebrates student athletic and arts achievements

The Blount County School Board opened its meeting by recognizing educators with 30 years of service and student teams and individual achievements across the district.

Director Ridge and staff called forward recipients of the 30-year service recognition and invited them to receive gifts and photos. Several school teams and student performers were honored: the Eagleton College and Career Academy girls soccer team and coach Caleb Platero, William Blunt Middle School and William Blunt High School cross country teams (with coaching remarks from Wayne Walker, Tim Smith and Josh Broyles), individual state-level performers including Blakely Merritt (state top-10 finisher) and students selected for regional and All-State music ensembles, and CTE program milestones including a CTE ribbon-cutting and a March 5 CTE showcase.

Student representatives gave brief reports: Audrey Wilson summarized ECCA activities and fundraising for a family affected by a house fire; Stella Campbell highlighted Samuel Everett's athletics and Lane Coop’s college commitment; Parker Siz noted fine arts recognitions, ACT results and a CTE showcase. The board and the Blount County Education Association thanked staff and urged support for full public education funding at the state level.

Why it matters: The recognitions underscore long-term staff retention and active student programs in athletics, arts and career-technical education that shape student outcomes and community engagement.

Next steps: The board will host the announced CTE ribbon cutting and showcase and accepted these recognitions as part of the meeting's agenda.