VOL. 10 NO. 17
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BUZZ Ray honored for safe driving Knox County Schools held its first monthly Bus Safety Awards April 20 at Ted Russell Ford. Five KCS bus drivers were recognized for their excellence David Ray in driving. Awards sponsor Ted Russell Ford presented each recipient with $100, and KCS gave each driver a certificate of appreciation. WIVK is also a sponsor. This month’s award recipients include David Ray who drives for Cedar Bluff Elementary School and Hardin Valley Academy. Ray has been driving a bus for KCS for two years but has also driven for schools in Texas. Next month’s awards have been tentatively scheduled for May 18 at Ted Russell Ford.
Concert to feature Natalee Elkins Holston Middle School choral director Natalee Beeler Elkins will present a benefit concert for Jaymie Lamb, who is being treated for thyroid cancer. The concert will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Drive.
Ashe visits St. Helena, returns Victor Ashe writes: “Two months ago in February, I visited an island that had been on my bucket list for years. It is St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America. “St. Helena is best known as the final site for the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte after his defeat at Waterloo in 1815.�
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Harwell has a plan “Last week we ranted about House Speaker Beth Harwell’s apparent lack of courage in not moving to expel Jeremy Durham from the House and not bringing Insure TN for a vote. “In fairness, let’s look at the flip side.�
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Betty Bean interviews two residents of Mechanicsville. Cover of North/East edition.
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DeAlejandro to speak at Pellissippi graduation By Sara Barrett Krissy DeAlejandro, executive director of tnAchieves, will speak to graduates of Pellissippi State Community College at this year’s spring commencement ceremony May 6. “Although I talk in front of people a lot, admittedly, I’m nervous,� says DeAlejandro. “I often tell students I am very much like them, and I understand how intimidating the process of getting an education can be. But it can change your life.� DeAlejandro grew up in rural Warren County, southeast of Nashville. Her mother didn’t graduate from high school, and neither of her parents graduated from college. “I always knew I was going to college, maybe because I’ve always been very competitive. “As a first generation, low-income, rural college student, I will share a few lessons from my experience,� DeAlejandro said of her commencement topics. “I want students from similar backgrounds to understand that what might seem like an adversity is really an opportunity. I truly believe that higher education changes life trajectories. It certainly changed my life.� After graduating from Sewanee, DeAlejandro worked as an adjunct professor at PSCC teaching political science and college success before helping launch knoxAchieves, a precursor to tnAchieves, in 2008. DeAlejandro oversees the Tennessee Promise last-dollar scholarship in 54 counties. “tnAchieves has been sending students to Pellissippi State since 2009, so I’m excited that many of our students will be in the audience graduating this year. “I’ve had a long and very supportive relationship with Pellissippi State throughout the tnAchieves journey,� DeAlejandro said. “I look forward to sharing
Randy Boyd, state commissioner of Economic and Community Development, stands outside the White House with tnAchieves executive director Krissy DeAlejandro. Photo submitted
my experiences working with students the last eight years – I do believe many of these students will go on to do great things.� Each tnAchieves scholarship recipient must complete eight hours of community service prior to each semester, and DeAlejandro says what started as a minor point when creating the program has now become a shining jewel in its crown. “Much of our work is rooted in community service,� she says. “If a student is interested in nursing, we encourage them to find
Krissy DeAlejandro, left, talks to tnAchieves Ambassador Program students about developing leadership skills as they plan community service events. Photos submitted
community service in that field. It helps them find a niche and a career.� Since its inception, tnAchieves recipients have completed more than 540,000 hours of community service.
Pellissippi State president L. Anthony Wise Jr. says DeAlejandro “has been a great partner to Pellissippi State in rolling out the knoxAchieves, tnAchieves and Tennessee Promise access programs.
Spring Carnival time in Powell By Jodi By Jodi Littleton Little leto to on Th This his yyear’s ear’s Knox N ea North orth or t L Lions ions Club Spring Carnival starts this week, Wednesday, April 27, and runs through Sunday, May 1, at the former Ingles parking lot at 7144 Clinton Highway just south of Emory Road. The carnival, owned by Forever Young Amusements, has been in Powell at least twice before and is a favorite fundraiser for the Lions Club. Money raised supports Lions projects including programs for the blind and seeing-impaired. Admission is free, and a $20 wrist band enables an adult or child to ride all the rides for an entire day. Discount coupons worth $5 are available from sponsoring merchants at no charge: Computer Depot (all locations), Your Extra Storage (all locations), First Century Bank on Emory Road, Cutting Crew of Halls, Enix Jewelers of Halls, Scotty’s Restaurant of Powell, and Humphammers of Powell. Discount coupons also will be distributed to area elementary and middle schools as student awards for academic achievement. Hours of operation are: Wednesday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday * 1 +
The Sky Wheel is one big attraction! Are you brave enough? It’s an 80-feet-tall double Ferris wheel, suitable for kids over 48-inches tall. Photo courtesy of Forever Young Amusements
5-11p.m., Saturday 1-11 p.m., and Sunday 1-10 p.m. Organizers say the rides and games are clean and bright with
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professional and uniformed em- carnival fundraisers for over 100 ployees. Food and beverage con- Lions clubs in 15 states. Info: goldmedalshows.com and cessions are available on site. Forever Young Amusements has done foreveryoungamusements.com
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