Karns High School has been witnessing a transformative shift in its educational landscape through the innovative 865 Academies system, and at the heart of this change is student JoAnna Brooks.
Brooks, a sophomore at Karns High, is making waves as an 865 Academies Ambassador, representing the Academy of Health Science and Human Services.
Choosing this Academy wasn’t a random decision for Brooks; it stemmed from her genuine interest in science, particularly in the intricacies of health and neurology. Her passion for understanding the human brain and its functions drives her academic pursuits.
“There’s so much that goes on in the brain,” Brooks said. “Right now in my health science classes, we’re learning about different systems and how the brain functions with those systems, and I think it’s all really cool.”
Through her Academy courses, Brooks has had unique opportunities to explore various healthcare facilities, including visits to South College and UTMC.
Beyond her academic endeavors, JoAnna actively participates in extracurricular activities, including the school band and the Scholars Bowl, showcasing her diverse interests and talents. Her involvement in the Scholars Bowl reflects her penchant for intellectual challenges and problem-solving.
As an 865 Academies Ambassador, Brooks takes pride in representing her Academy and guiding prospective students through the school’s offerings. She finds fulfillment in mentoring freshmen and providing them insights into successfully navigating high school.
“It’s helped me so much to speak up and be confident in what I’m talking about,” Brooks said. “I love giving tours to the 8th-graders and helping with the pathway fairs to show the freshmen what all they can do here.”
Her parents, including her mother Mary Brooks, the Academy Coach at Karns High, provide unwavering support and encouragement, fostering an environment where her daughter feels empowered to explore her interests and aspirations freely.
“She’s a go-getter,” Mary Brooks said. “And the Academies are helping her a lot. She has changed so much from middle school to high school; I’m so proud of her.”
JoAnna’s story epitomizes the essence of the 865 Academies — a platform for students to discover their passions, pursue their aspirations, and prepare for future success.
Through her dedication, resilience, and leadership as an 865 Academies Ambassador, JoAnna Brooks embodies the spirit of striving for success and excellence.
As JoAnna continues her academic journey, her impact as a student leader and aspiring neuroscientist will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy within the Karns High School community and beyond.
With her unwavering determination and boundless potential, JoAnna Brooks is poised to make a significant mark in healthcare and academia.
At Farragut Middle School, there’s a new, cutting-edge Print Shop program that’s changing the way students engage with their education.
Thanks to the vision of FMS administration and Brian Fogarty, a former math and science teacher turned creative leader, the school is embracing the challenge of bringing real-world experiences to these 6th- through 8th-graders.
“They’re designing, producing, marketing, and budgeting,” Fogarty said. “The students are doing everything themselves in the shop.”
The program is hands-on from day one. Students dive into every aspect of the process, from brainstorming designs to operating equipment like silkscreen presses and heat presses.
Fogarty is passionate about giving students real-world experiences, saying, “It’s all about giving them an opportunity. They’re going to mess up, but that’s part of learning.”
Students in 6th grade begin with a career awareness course where they are introduced to different areas in the industry, and they start career exploration in 7th grade before choosing their “department” for 8th grade.
“For a lot of them, this class has really helped to give them an outlet to show their creativity and be successful,” Fogarty reflects. “They’re shining stars here.”
The Print Shop isn’t just about making posters and T-shirts; it’s about teaching valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Students learn to work with customers, manage finances, and market their products. Fogarty envisions a future where students take these skills and run with them, whether starting their own Etsy stores or pursuing careers in design.
As the program continues to evolve, Fogarty is excited about the possibilities. From expanding partnerships with high schools to exploring new technologies like 3D printing, the Print Shop is just getting started.
“We’re giving them a little taste of everything,” Fogarty says with a smile. “Who knows where they’ll take it?”
In a world where creativity and innovation are more valuable than ever, Farragut Middle School’s Print Shop is leading the way. Thanks to dedicated educators like Brian Fogarty, the next generation of designers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers is already hard at work, shaping the future, one print at a time.
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.
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.”
Today, as we observe School Security Officer Appreciation Day, we pay homage to the brave men and women who stand as the first line of defense in our schools.
Among them are four remarkable individuals from different corners of our district, each with their own unique journey, challenges, and heartfelt dedication to the safety and well-being of our students.
Officer Jay Gibson, Amherst Elementary School
After working in security for years, Jay Gibson made the switch to school security to be on the same schedule as his son when he began school.
A 13-year career allowed him to experience settings from Ridgedale School to Hardin Valley Middle – where his now-senior son attended at the time – to his current posting at Amherst Elementary.
“At Ridgedale, most of the kids’ paths were kind of chosen for them through their environments outside of school,” Gibson said. “I knew that if I could influence one percent of those kids, it would make all the difference.”
He remembers a special moment when he was directing traffic at HVMS during after-school pick-up when he heard a voice call, “Officer Jay! Officer Jay!” A student from Ridgedale recognized him and was excited to share his success in class and extracurriculars.
“He’d gotten farther than I thought he would, and even though his progress wasn’t directly because of me, it was a sense of team accomplishment, and he wanted to tell me about it,” he said.
Gibson hopes more people show interest in the field and see the positive impact school security officers have on their community.
Officer Kimberly Mays, Gresham Middle School
Similarly to Officer Gibson, Kimberly Mays pursued other passions before joining the KCS School Security Division 10 years ago.
After experiencing a high school and elementary school setting, Mays knew she found the place where she could do the most good for her community at Gresham Middle School.
Mays speaks passionately about the unique qualities and unending kindness of the students at Gresham, and Principal Melissa Glover described her as whole-heartedly unselfish and loving to all people in the building.
“She is so involved, and the kids love her,” Glover said. “When kids are upset, she is the go-to person for a lot of them. I’ve never seen someone who is so involved in their school.”
Her dedication to the safety and well-being of students earned her an Officer of the Year recognition, and she even earned the Life Saver Award when she sprung into action to offer life-saving aid to a staff member last year.
She notes there are stressful moments that come with the job.
Mays said that in the last few years, more of her attention has been devoted to hostile parents.
“It is important for people to know how the escalation of parents has changed the scope of our jobs,” she said. “I want that to be the smallest part of my job and for the majority to be championing kids and promoting positivity and encouragement.”
But, she says every day is a fresh start, and remains positive and focused on her goal of creating great experiences for all students.
Officer Lee “Izzy” McDermott, West View Elementary School
At 18 years old, Lee “Izzy” McDermott knew he wanted to work in law enforcement. After security jobs at a few different companies, a friend recommended checking out an SSO position.
Now in his second year with Knox County Schools, he’s serving in the school he once attended as a young boy.
“I know a lot of the parents here because I attended school with them,” McDermott said. “The principal, Amy Brace, was my gym teacher when I was at Sarah Moore Greene, and there are a few teachers that were here when I was in school.”
He says returning to his childhood school gives his job a bigger meaning.
“It’s a very surreal feeling,” he said. “I’ve lived in this community my whole life, and this fills me with a deeper sense of purpose serving in this school.”
His experience building relationships with the students at West View has been a highlight of his career. He plays basketball with them during recess and sets the example for good sportsmanship. He encourages them throughout the day and celebrates their successes with them.
McDermott said when his students win in the classroom, “it’s almost like a proud dad moment.”
Officer Lisa Smith, Karns Elementary School
Lisa Smith, like so many others, came to this position from years of working in security. Now in her eighth year at Karns Elementary, she said no two days are ever the same.
“You never know what to expect when you come in each morning,” she said. “I could have a slow day or be busy for eight hours. It’s an awesome experience as a school security officer, and it’s a big responsibility.”
Principal Jamey Romig knows Smith handles all situations at Karns with the utmost care and devotion.
“On the rare occasion that something does happen at school or in the community, she takes charge of our security,” Romig said. “When a tough decision needs to be made, I trust her 100% to take care of our school.”
Smith said being in uniform and gaining the trust of students has impacted a number of individuals.
“I’ve had families say to me, ‘My child was afraid of officers before she came here, and she’s not afraid anymore.’” She continued, “It makes you feel good because you’ve positively influenced a child’s perception of people like you who care for their safety.”
As we reflect on the dedication and sacrifice of our school security officers, let us take a moment to express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to keeping our schools safe and nurturing environments for learning and growth. Their selfless service is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and community spirit.
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 communicationandlearning 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.
As the end of the year neared and anticipation grew to hear back about a life-changing scholarship, Austin-East senior Angeline Irankunda almost pulled her application so she didn’t feel disappointed if she wasn’t chosen.
But one day in early December, the email hit her inbox that she had earned a full-ride to Emory University through the QuestBridge Match Scholarship.
QuestBridge connects the brightest students from low-income backgrounds with elite colleges and universities across the nation. Only about 10% of applicants ultimately are matched with a school, and recipients are awarded with over $200,000 over a four-year period.
“This scholarship is set up to allow students to have access without barriers. It’s going to give her so much financial independence,” said Instructional Coach Lindsay Davis. “It’s so amazing to watch her realize how this is going to free her up to just be a student for the first time in her life.”
Austin-East counselor Katrina Thaxton introduced Irankunda to QuestBridge when she was a junior for the College Prep Scholars program. Through the program, students receive additional admissions resources and are five times more likely to earn the scholarship.
“I want her to speak to some of our high-achieving juniors and let them know about the opportunity that is there,” Thaxton said. “I’m hoping that we have multiple scholars, and they could move forward to be matched.”
At Emory, Irankunda is looking forward to studying psychology or elementary education. She feels drawn to working with children because of her own childhood experiences.
“I’ve always loved kids, and I feel like teaching would be my way of pouring into other kids,” she said. “In elementary and middle school, I got in a lot of trouble and nobody ever took time to figure out why I was acting like that. So I feel like if I were to become an educator, that would be my contribution – to be that good person for kids.”
As an immigrant from Tanzania, Irankunda has changed the outlook of her future by remaining focused on her goals since she first entered Austin-East High School.
“I think when she got to high school, she realized this was her last step before adulthood, and everything she does from the moment she stepped foot in this building was going to impact what comes next,” Davis said. “So she decided she wanted to be in the top of her class. She decided she wanted to take all the AP and honors classes. To watch her from day one recognize this is all leading to what she wants and not wanting to blow this chance has been so amazing.”
Four years of building maturity and working on her personal and educational goals have changed her life, and she’s not over yet.
“One of the things I wanted to do when I came to Austin-East was leave my legacy and show everyone that you can break the norms,” Irankunda said. “You can make history like I’m making history.”
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 industrycertifications 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.
As highly decorated First Class Army sergeant Sammy Lee Davis reached the podium for a visit with the Powell High School junior class, he opened the floor to questions, rather than reciting the eight-page speech he had prepared.
Powell High School teacher Rusty Smith helped to bring the Medal of Honor recipient to the school in hopes that his students could apply Davis’ story to their lives.
As an Army private, his unit fell under heavy fire from the Viet Cong. During the attack, he suffered several gunshot wounds and broke his back. Despite the severity of his injuries, Davis crossed a river in waist-high water to retrieve and save the lives of three fellow soldiers.
“That’s one of the reasons why my country awarded me a Medal of Honor,” he said. “I could have not stood up and done the job I needed to do for my brothers, but I knew in my heart they would do it for me.”
Students asked about his life, military service, recovery from physical injuries, and the medals he earned.
Davis answered with stories from his service during the Vietnam War and about the heroic acts that ultimately earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military medal of valor.
It was this display of courage that inspired some of the film Forrest Gump, in which video of his Medal of Honor ceremony was used with actor Tom Hanks’ head superimposed over Davis’ – ultimately earning him the “Real Forrest Gump” the nickname.
During the hour of Q&A with the living legend, Davis told a story about trying snake meat for the first time after running out of food in the jungle; shared the first song he learned on the harmonica – “Oh Shanondoah,” which is still one of his favorites; and detailed a meeting with former Vietnamese soldiers that took place only a few years ago.
“We sat there for almost an hour, not looking at each other, not talking to the Vietnamese troops,” he recalled. “But after a while, I just wanted them to know that I didn’t hate them. I was just a soldier doing my job. And that’s when they said, ‘I feel the same way.’”
Davis told an inquiring student that despite the horrors he saw, the injuries he sustained, and the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he still battles to this day, he would do it all again if he needed to.
“Heroes are everyday Americans like us. He doesn’t want all the attention and credit, and to me, that humility goes a long way,” Smith said. “I hope that they could see that some of the qualities and characteristics he has can apply to their own lives.”The biggest lesson for students and community alike? “You don’t lose until you quit trying.”
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.
