Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators

Flying to Success: Powell’s Aviation Odyssey

Students at Powell High School are not just reaching for the skies; they’re soaring through the clouds thanks to the school’s cutting-edge Aviation pathway.

Operating within the Academy of Commerce and Transportation, this unique program is a standout as the only high school aviation course of study in Knox County and a rare gem statewide, offering students a hands-on journey into the world of aerospace education.

At the helm of this ambitious venture is Tennessee Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Andy Salas, whose expertise in tactical military rotary flight brings a dynamic perspective to the classroom. 

When he’s not leading the charge in education, you can find him maneuvering Blackhawk helicopters, serving as both pilot and instructor.

“After school, I’ll go straight to the airfield, fly at night, and hopefully get home by midnight,” Salas said. “I do that at least once a week, and sometimes up to three times a week, for my proficiency.”

Just days into his new role at Powell, Salas orchestrated a thrilling event: a Medevac Blackhawk helicopter swooped in, touching down on school grounds. Students explored the aircraft and gained insights from the flight crew. This kind of experiential learning sets the stage for what’s to come in the program.

But it’s not just about the thrill of helicopters and the roar of engines. The Aviation pathway begins with a solid foundation in Introduction to Aerospace, where students delve into aviation history, aircraft structures, and principles of aerodynamics. From there, they ascend through Aerospace I and II before reaching Unmanned Aerial Systems, a course designed to take them to the world of drone piloting, culminating in an FAA Remote Pilot Certification.

For students like Lucas Keefe, the journey is more than academic–it’s a personal legacy. 

“My great-grandfather was an aviator and my grandfather was an aircraft mechanic, so I’m naturally interested in planes,” Keefe said. “One of my goals is to fly them one day, and these classes will help me carry on the tradition.”

Before students select a pathway in the 865 Academies, they undergo the YouScience aptitude test, which guides them toward careers aligned with their passions. Students in the class soared above the rest in the aviation section.

As Salas continues to lead the course, he looks toward an exciting future.

“Seeing the end product of these kids graduating from this program in a few years is going to be the most thrilling part for me,” he said.

The sky’s the limit for the students of Powell High School.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment

Building Leadership and Discipline: The Debut of Gibbs Middle School’s JROTC Program

Each day begins with the Cadet’s Creed: a sworn oath promising honor, patriotism, and courage. 

Normally a recitation that can be heard from Gibbs High School, it’s now being echoed across the street at Gibbs Middle School, where the district’s first and only middle school Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program can be found.

Spearheaded by a dedicated staff and met with enthusiasm by students, this initiative aims not only to instill discipline and leadership skills but also to lay the groundwork for a seamless transition into high school.

Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Lundy began the half-mile trek to GMS in the fall to teach the class about decision-making, self-discipline, and team building skills to positively impact students’ academic and personal development.

“It’s going to help some kids in class, especially those who are preparing to transition to high school,” Lundy said. “Everybody’s just nervous going into high school, but being in JROTC helps with that move and to motivate young people to be better citizens.”

“I’m so proud that we are able to provide this additional opportunity to our students,” Reed said. “They’re earning a high school credit in eighth grade, which is an incredible leg-up. When they go across the street, they will join the high school program and they just build from there in a nice, seamless transition.”

Assistant Principal Scott Reed underscores the program’s significance in offering additional opportunities for student advancement. 

Moreover, participation in JROTC cultivates a sense of responsibility and pride in students. Cadet Braxton Graves shared his experience of carrying the flag during basketball games, highlighting the newfound opportunities for involvement and leadership. 

“Being able to carry the flag is a huge responsibility. I was a little nervous at first, but I’ve gained so much confidence through this and I’m more comfortable handling the flag,” Graves said. “It’s a really cool, unique experience that not a lot of people get to do.”

The debut of Gibbs Middle School’s JROTC program signifies a significant milestone in the school and district’s commitment to providing career exploration experiences at an early age. 

By instilling discipline, fostering leadership, and offering early academic credits, the program sets students on a path toward academic excellence and personal growth. As the program continues to flourish, it promises to shape the next generation of leaders and achievers in our community.

Reed adds, “This is opening doors for our students and exposing them early to opportunities they might not have known about before.”

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Engineering Compassion: 865 Academies Students Repair Adaptive Toys for Special Learners

A dinosaur roar is a common sound in Connie Mithcell’s classroom at Fort Sanders Educational Development Center, where she works with two extraordinary students, Dino and Aiden, who both require total care, are non-verbal, and have low vision. 

Despite being medically fragile, Dino and Aiden share the same love for play as their peers — especially drums, sound toys, and roaring toy dinosaurs — their favorite. 

To make this possible, Aiden and Dino’s toys are adapted to suit their abilities — typically equipped with large buttons, arms, or switches that allow them to activate the sounds, motion, and other multi-sensory experiences.

“Adaptive toys and musical instruments provide unique learners a better chance to experience the joys other children in traditional classrooms do,” Mitchell said. “Even if they can’t hold or grasp a drumstick, they can play the drums like other students with the push of a button.”

According to Special Education Supervisor Shelli Eberle, adaptive toys play a vital role in facilitating communication and learning for students like Dino and Aiden.

“Using highly-engaging, brightly-colored, noisy switch toys, allows us to offer a full sensory experience, regardless of a student’s skill or ability,” she said. “It’s a crucial element of their education.”

But, like any well-loved play thing, these adaptable toys sometimes break and have to be thrown in trash or put away until they can be fixed.

L&N STEM Academy math teacher Brooke Carter knew fixing broken toys was something her Physics, Mechanics, and Engineering School sophomores could do. It was a creative and challenging task perfectly suited for a class service project. 

“Some kids learned new skills through this project, and others were able to practice things they had already learned in class,” Carter said. 

During the evaluation process, students worked together to identify malfunctions and devise repair solutions. 

“It was pretty obvious what was wrong with some of the toys,” said student Kenzie Self. “But for some, we had to test out their circuits and other functions. We even had to remove some of the fur on one toy so a broken arm could be soldered back on.”

“Normally when we make something, it gets taken apart to be used for something else,” reflected student William Bieber. “Repairing these toys felt like recycling – giving them a new life.”

“The whole giving-back aspect was really cool because it puts a bigger sense of meaning into it,” said L&N STEM student Vivienne Ratner. “It’s nice to do something for someone else and have fun doing it.”

This kind of hands-on learning is exactly what The 865 Academies are designed to provide. Thanks to a little creative problem-solving, Dino and Aiden’s dinosaurs weren’t the only things roaring back to life. When all was said and done, the students successfully repaired 10 toys to return to Fort Sanders EDC.

Both schools plan to continue their partnership, and expand it to help more schools across the district.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment

Unlocking Manufacturing Opportunities: A Day with MSC

Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the United States, driving innovation, and providing lucrative career opportunities – but like so many other industries, it is projected to face significant personnel shortages in the next several years.

To respond to the growing issue, MSC Industrial Supply partnered with other organizations in East Tennessee – The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory – to host the first Manufacturing Day of its kind in our area. 

865 Academies students from Karns High School in the Automotive; Coding; Computer Science; Fire Science; Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems (MEPS); Structural Systems; and Welding pathways attended the event at the MSC Machining Research Laboratory to have a first-hand look at the cutting-edge technologies under development and experience hands-on metalworking demonstrations.

“Manufacturing typically loses out to things like computer programming, 3D printing, or robotics, and people don’t realize that all of those are manufacturing technologies,” said Senior Innovation R&D Engineer Michael Gomez. “This is a really unique way for us to show kids what manufacturing looks like and then hopefully get some of them excited and interested in it, especially if they’re interested in going to college or a community college.”

During one demonstration, a machining expert took a chunk of medal and showed the steps it takes to turn it into a hinge for an airplane door. 

“You might not understand the word ‘manufacturing,’ but you’re probably interested in jets and planes and these types of things. We showed how these things are made,” Gomez said. 

It’s partnerships like these that make the 865 Academies initiative so unique for the students in Knox County. We are preparing the next generation of manufacturers, researchers, and innovators through career-themed pathways for students to earn industry certifications and participate in internships by leveraging the world-class organizations right here in our backyard.

MSC provides valuable experiences through internships for students interested in manufacturing that offers a look into research and development in a laboratory environment.

Be on the lookout for more from MSC. Gomez said they will continue to support the 865 Academies through hosting Manufacturing Day events and providing lab internships, but he also hopes they will expand their outreach to more schools and include even more partners to build excitement for the field.

Interested in learning more about how your organization can be an 865 Academies partner? Visit knoxschools.org/academies for details.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Student Spotlight: Gryphon Guide and STEM Innovation Leader

Brianna Andrews was shooting for clouds when she decided to pursue aerospace engineering as a young girl. 

A senior at L&N STEM Academy, her high school experience has prepared her to take the next step. Andrews is ready for college, but not everyone is. 

That’s why the 865 Academies initiative was implemented at high schools throughout Knox County to help prepare students for enrolling in a college or trade school, enlisting in service to their country, or finding employment in a high-skill, high-wage career. 

L&N offers its students programs in the School of Advanced Inquiry; School of Computational Science and Cybersecurity; School of Design Thinking; and School of Physics, Mechanics, and Engineering. 

With advanced academic pathways like these now available, Andrews admitted she was a little envious of not being able to take part. Each high school has launched the academy initiative with a Freshman Academy to ease the transition from middle to high school. Those students will be the first to experience the academies and pathways model, but to get involved where she can, Andrews has participated in the Gryphon Guides, the student ambassador program for L&N. 

“Being a Gryphon Guide allowed me to find my voice and become a leader because I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of things that I wouldn’t imagine myself doing,” Andrews said. “It’s been a great experience to get to be a part of something so special.”

Ambassadors serve as school representatives, giving tours to visitors and being the spokespeople for media spots. More than just repping their school, these programs also teach the soft skills necessary to nail job interviews, successfully lead teams, and converse with notable community members.

She said it’s easy to talk about L&N. It’s where her brother went, and it’s a place that she is proud to attend. 

L&N STEM Academy was recently recognized as a Gold AP Honor Roll school, along with several other KCS schools. 

“I really love talking about the things that we have going on here, and it’s such an impactful experience to be able to meet people in the community and talk about the things that I love about STEM – to help other students see the beauty in the school from the architecture to the people and the different things that we offer,” she said. 

(Side note: Andrews’ favorite place on campus is the Idea Factory, a collaborative workspace for the newest ideas in STEM.)

Though she isn’t a part of the Academies, Andrews has taken part in a few unique internships – an important component of the 865 Academies model in addition to career talks, job shadowing, and work-based learning.

Andrews’ internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will grow her experience and increase her confidence as she prepares for an elite aerospace engineering program at a school like the University of Tennessee, Purdue University, or New York University. 

With the help of her teachers, the support from her parents, and rigorous coursework from her school, Andrews is certain she will be prepared for all that comes her way.

Interested in learning more about how your organization can be an 865 Academies partner? Visit knoxschools.org/academies for details.

Josh Flory 865 Academies, Career Empowerment

UT Medical Center Cultivates Future Healthcare Leaders

Photo courtesy of the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

As East Tennessee’s population grows, the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) is seeing increased demand for health care services. At the same time, UTMC leaders say they’re facing a declining interest among young people in health care careers.

Taken together, those trends are a significant factor in the organization’s support of the 865 Academies initiative, a community-driven effort to transform the high school experience in Knox County.

Knox County Schools launched the Academies initiative in the Fall of 2022, and every district high school will implement the program by 2024. Among other things, the initiative creates career-themed academies for students in grades 10-12, allowing them to participate in work-based learning, explore options for college, and create strong connections between classroom knowledge and workplace success.

At UTMC, officials say the initiative offers strong synergy with their own mission of providing health care in an academic context. Dr. Keith Gray, UTMC president, said most people think of jobs as physicians or nurses when they think about the health-care field – careers which require early planning to achieve the necessary credentials.

But the industry also includes a wide range of other opportunities, including clinical positions that don’t require a bachelor’s degree and non-clinical jobs in areas such as accounting or HR.

“It’s not like a sports team,” said Gray. “If you play baseball but you can’t throw, hit, or catch, you can’t play baseball. But you can be a health care provider or a care-delivery specialist no matter what your skills are. No matter what your interests are, you can be a part of the health care industry.”

As an industry partner for the Academies, UTMC recently hosted externships for teachers from Hardin Valley Academy and Karns High School, and visits by more schools are planned. Those experiences are designed to help educators understand career options for their students, and to see how classroom content is applied in the workplace.

In addition, UTMC used those meetings to gather feedback about how they can create engaging experiences for students in the future.

Kathy Boyd, senior vice president at UTMC, said that hosting teachers also had a positive impact on employees at the medical center.

“There were several of them who said ‘This reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing,’” Boyd said. “We wanted the teachers to walk away with something, but it really helped our team members as well.”

UTMC is also focused on building a workforce that reflects the diversity of East Tennessee, and sees the Academies initiative as a way to help students from underrepresented groups gain exposure to the industry.

Dr. Craig Pickett, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for UTMC, said this effort is important not only from a corporate citizenship perspective, but also from a business standpoint.

“Studies show that when you have a diverse workforce it promotes innovation, creation, and discovery,” he said. “I think we can all attest to the fact that when you have diverse voices in the room, it brings diverse thoughts, opinions, and perspectives, and helps us grow as an organization.”

And ultimately, UTMC sees the Academies initiative as a chance to build the pipeline of students who pursue a mission that is both highly challenging and highly rewarding.

Gray said health care is best understood as a calling, rather than a career: “It’s the best job in the world. There’s no greater return on investment – none. I spent 17 years in school after high school, and I’d do it all over again.”

Interested in learning more about how your organization can be an 865 Academies partner? Visit knoxschools.org/academies for details.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment

Sound the Alarm! Fulton Receives Fire Truck from KFD and City of Knoxville

Fire in the hole!

Fulton High School students pursuing Fire Management in the school’s Academy of Public Service were surprised on Wednesday afternoon as a 1997 Emergency One Hurricane Pumper rolled into the parking lot.

The truck was a donation from the Knoxville Fire Department and the City of Knoxville surplus. 

“This truck has served the city for decades, and it’s going to keep doing that – in a different but equally important way: educating the next generation of first responders,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon.

Students on the Fire Management pathway in the 865 Academies take courses in fire prevention and fire science aligned with the National Fire Academy Fire and Emergency Services model. They learn about the regulations, health and safety protocols, communications, and operations that impact emergency responders and will graduate well-prepared to enroll at a training facility, which is the first step for a career in firefighting, fire inspection, arson investigation, or emergency services.

Even before the academy model launched at Fulton, the school had a long history of producing top-notch leaders for the KFD – when the department launched an Explorer Post in 1974 to help students kick-start their firefighting careers, half the inaugural class was from Fulton. 

And, three of the last seven KFD chiefs were Fulton grads!

KFD Deputy Chief Gary Compton said the department has seen a decrease in the number of applications received over the years, so they realize the need to “get the attention of the local kids.” 

“The dedication of this fire truck today reflects our continued commitment to the school and to helping develop future firefighters,” said KFD Fire Chief Stan Sharp. “We hope we can see this program expand to more high schools in the future.”

Organizations interested in partnering with this or other 865 Academies can learn more here.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators, Student Success

Cookie Company Teaches Real-World Skills To Gibbs Students

Jaditcia Galyon interviewing for the baker position with College and Career Counselor Caitlin Long, Gibbs Middle School Principal Candace Greer, and Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk.

Gibbs Middle School students are preparing for real life by drafting resumes, filling out applications, and practicing interviews for a school-based cookie company.

These skills are being taught through the college and career counselor Caitlin Long who launched College and Career Cookies at GMS as a way to fundraise for field trips to postsecondary institutions for career exploration.

“The kids get a lot more hands-on experience in the job-embedded piece that makes it a little easier for them when they go out in the real world and have to interview, so it’s not their first time,” Long said.

There are 10 positions students can apply for, with a CEO at the top and a head of baking and head of sales just below. The baking department includes a baker, packager, dough collector, and custodial crew. Sales is comprised of marketing, a data analyst, and a sales associate.

Jaditcia Galyon applied for the baker position and is looking forward to working with a team and gaining workplace skills.

“This is the beginning of a whole story to me,” she said. “We learned a lot when it comes to the future. You really have to have motivation, focus, and look at the bright side of everything.”

Josh Flory 865 Academies

Carter Academy Coach Has A Business Background

When Kacy Helton left the banking industry to become a business teacher at Fulton High School, the Falcons were already committed to career-oriented small learning communities.

So when Helton got an opportunity to help launch the 865 Academies at Carter High School, she jumped at the chance.

“Academies give so many opportunities for kids to do some really cool things,” Helton said. “I can literally go to Fulton kids that I’ve taught over the past four years and say ‘What are you doing now, what are the skills that you learned in high school that impacted you?’, and they can tell me.”

Last year, Helton returned to Carter, her alma mater, as a marketing teacher, and she now serves as the school’s Academy coach. Carter launched its Freshman Academy this year and will announce its career-oriented Academies and pathways in the coming months.

Academy coaches play a key role in the implementation of the initiative. They lead student ambassadors, coordinate campus and workplace visits, and serve as the school’s liaison to business and community partners.

For Helton, bridging the gap between classroom instruction and workplace success was a natural fit, given her journey as a self-described “non-educator educator.”

After graduating from Carter, she attended Walters State, Pellissippi State, and the University of Tennessee, eventually leaving school to get her real estate license in 2007. The financial crisis of 2008 nudged her out of real estate and into a position as a teller at Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, where she went on to become a corporate trainer.

In that role, she also worked with schools and students, including a project to help Carter set up a school store. She also resumed her college coursework, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Talent Development, before shifting gears to become a teacher and earning a master’s in education. 

Helton said she’s a firm believer in allowing students to get career and college experiences at an early age and said the Carter community has been excited and supportive about the Academies initiative. As the Hornets launch that journey, Helton has been busy with the transition from planning to implementation – shaping academy proposals, building student ambassador teams, advocating for CTE teachers, and more.

But in the midst of project management, her inspiration comes from opening doors for students: “I’m excited about giving these kids opportunities, that is my go-to … And I see so many potential experiences and opportunities coming out of Academies. My daughter is a freshman this year and I’m really excited that she’s at the beginning of this process.”

Want to support the work of the 865 Academies as a business or community partner? Visit knoxschools.org/academies to learn more!

 

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

Middle School Student Wins Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

Dominick Pelaia was only nine years old when he began programming robots at the Apple Summer Camp. From there, his interest in coding only grew.

Now an official app developer, Pelaia learned the Swift programming language with his dad. His creative spirit led him to create his first game, Chicken Rumble. 

“I wanted to make something fun that me and my friends would like to play,” Pelaia said. “I used a chicken theme because when I was younger, the first thing I built out of LEGOs was a chicken sitting on top of a house.”

The chicken theme would continue throughout his successive games, including the one that led to his success in the Swift Student Challenge.

When the then-eight grader’s inaugural app was accepted to the Apple App Store, he became a member of the Apple Developer Program. Just a few months later, they would invite him to participate in the Swift Student Challenge–a worldwide competition for student developers.

“The fact that my app was able to win because I know there were so many college students that participated … just really amazed me and showed how much hard work could help me do my thing,” he said. “I didn’t have that long to make the app. It was right in the middle of school testing, so I had to find a way to balance studying with actually making it.”

Pelaia and Egg Drop was one of 375 winners worldwide.

Now entering his freshman year of high school at L&N STEM Academy, he’s looking forward to continuing his education in computer science. 

His advice for anyone also interested in coding: build a good foundation in math, take advantage of free resources, and never give up.

“Persistence is very important, no matter what goal you’re trying to achieve,” he said. “That was really instrumental when I was developing my first apps. There were a lot of bugs I had to deal with. I would just take a step back, think about it, then come back to it.”