|
News Headlines
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
|
Bethel Announces Nursing Program |
Members of the Bethel College Department of Nursing, l-r:
John Nelson, Jenny Johnsonius, and Melissa Swinea with
President Bob Prosser.
McKENZIE - Bethel College is now accepting applications to
their new, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The Tennessee Board of Nursing on May 10 granted initial
approval of the BSN, registered nursing program. Dr. John
Nelson, chairman of Bethel's Department of Natural Sciences,
said final approval would be forthcoming after the first
graduating class takes their boards in 2007 and explained
nursing classes comprise the last two years of the
baccalaureate program.
He noted seed money for the program came from the Baptist
Foundation and said some classes will be taught at the
Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon while clinical rotations are
expected to take place in a variety of facilities.
The program will integrate principles from the humanities,
natural sciences, social sciences, nursing theory, and
nursing science to prepare the nurse generalist. At the same
time, Bethel College will provide an education that is
sensitive to the changing issues and problems confronting
today's societies. Bethel College believes nursing education
should provide free discussion and exchange of ideas in
order to enhance and nurture the student within the nursing
discipline.
"Bethel College exists to educate students for service. One
of the critical needs in our area is the need for quality,
baccalaureate-educated nurses. Bethel's Christian
orientation helps assure not just professionalism, but also
caring. We look for Bethel's nursing program to rapidly
become the premier nursing program in the state," commented
Bob Prosser, president of Bethel College.
The Department of Nursing will offer the following classes
during the fall semester of 2005: Health Assessment, Values,
Issues and Roles of Nursing, Essential Skills, Critical
Thinking, and Pharmacology.
To learn more about the new BSN program at Bethel College
please contact: Office of Admissions, (731) 352-4032; Dr.
John Nelson, chairman, Dept. of Natural Sciences, (731)
352-4073; Dr. Jenny Johnsonius, director, Department of
Nursing (731) 352-6449; or Melissa Swinea, APRN, BC, nursing
practice coordinator (731) 352-4000.
|
|
Sixty-nine Graduate from McKenzie High School |
By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com |
MHS Salutatorian Carol Perritt, left, and Veledictorian
Rachael Clark.
McKENZIE - McKenzie High School graduated one of its
smallest classes, numbering 69, on Friday, May 13, 2005, in
the school's gymnasium. Of the 69 seniors, 33 plan to enroll
in a four-year college or university; six plan to attend a
two-year college; 18 plan to enroll in a
vocational/technical school; one plans to enlist in the
military; two have completed the first phase of National
Guard enlistment; and 10 will join the work force.
Seated on the main floor, the male graduates wore the
traditional gray gowns and mortarboards while the ladies
wore the corresponding red colors. This was the 81st
graduating class from the McKenzie Special School District
and the 96th from the McKenzie community.
Bethany Ellis performed the National Anthem followed by the
welcome address by Renee Crawley.
"Our graduating class feels honored to share with you our
arrival to a new phase in life as well as our departure from
a time that has been filled with memories, love, and
precious moments," said Crawley. " We feel blessed for the
attributes that each of you have shared with us over the
years. Although life will undoubtedly steer each one of us
into our own paths, we will never forget the lessons that
our family and friends have taught us over the
years...Cherish your memories and your friendships as you
soar to great heights."
Salutatorian Carol Perritt offered a reflection of school
days at McKenzie.
"A day 13 years in the making - it is a surreal moment
standing before this crowd today," opened Perritt. "This
senior class, like others before us, has long awaited this
defining moment in our lives; a time from which we turn from
our comfortable past and brave a new world. No longer are we
the children of elementary school or the teenagers of high
school. We embrace our new identities as men and women of
the world, but not without sadness. This time for us rings
in an era in our lives that is both strange and exciting,
turning from our parents' protective care and learning the
world for ourselves. From this day we are plunged into a
world in which we will succeed, yet we will always keep
McKenzie in our hearts."
The salutatorian reflected on the days at school, teachers,
and how September 11, 2001, changed things. "A reflection on
our lives at MHS would not be complete, however, without
mentioning the day that changed not only our lives, but our
world. September 11, 2001, found us to be young freshmen. We
saw our senior friends proudly stand to defend our country
and we were in awe. As we now see the friends we know so
well take this same honorable course, we salute you with
gratitude and the utmost respect. We are proud to say that
MHS produces men and women with character and bravery such
as yours.
"McKenzie High School has greatly prepared us for our future
as men and women. Yet, potential does not always translate
into success. The choices we make which produce turns and
twists in the paths of our lives cannot be determined by
anyone except ourselves. We hold our future in our hands..."
James Carter receives his diploma from School Board Chairman
Ruth Carroll as Superintendent James Ward and Principal
Terry Howell look on.
Valedictorian Rachael Clark said, "It seems like only
yesterday that we walked into elementary school holding our
moms' hands not knowing what to expect." She reflected on
the class' progression through the years at elementary,
middle school, and high school.
"One of the most memorable moments in high school was when
we watched the Twin Towers burn on CNN," said Clark. "We had
no idea how this would affect our personal lives. We never
knew we would wave goodbye to our soldiers only three years
later.
"Our class has shared much laughter and many tears
throughout our 13 years together. After tonight, we will go
in different directions. Our lives will be changed forever.
Some of us will go to college and some of us will go to
work. I am especially proud of our classmates who were brave
enough to join the military to defend our freedom. Though we
go our separate ways, we all have one common goal, success.
"An anonymous author wrote, 'The road to success is not
straight. There is a curve called 'failure', a loop called
'confusion', speed bumps called 'friends', red lights called
'enemies', caution lights called 'family. You will have
flats called 'jobs'. But, if you have a spare called
'determination', an engine called 'perseverance', insurance
called 'faith' and a driver called 'Jesus', you will make it
to a placed called 'success'.
"I firmly believe that we will have many obstacles to
overcome, but if we work hard toward our goal, we will
succeed. Through our feet may be weathered and torn from
these obstacles, our step will be stronger."
In closing, the valedictorian said, "I want to leave you
tonight with a thought from Albert Schweitzer. He stated,
'Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key
to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be
successful.' This to me is the most important thing in life.
Happiness is something I hope each and every graduate can
obtain. Strive to do your best and happiness will follow."
MHS graduates take a peek
inside their diploma covers.
MHS Principal Terry Howell said, "Education is what remains
when what has been learned has been forgotten," noting the
nuances of the classes may be forgotten.
"You have now completed your high school education. I hope
that you have learned the academic lessons that your
teachers have presented. But as important, I hope that what
is left after what has been learned has been forgotten is
the pure gold of character. It is a treasure that will not
tarnish, will not fade, will never be undervalued. God bless
each of you as you begin your new journey," concluded
Howell.
This year's class song was "Breakaway" with a chorus line of
"I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly; I'll do
what it takes 'til I touch the sky; I'll make a wish, take a
chance, make a change, and breakaway out of the darkness and
into the sun; but I won't forget all the ones that I loved;
I'll take a risk, take a chance, make a change, and
breakaway."
School Board Chairman Ruth Carroll and Superintendent Jim
Ward presented the diplomas as each senior crossed the stage
as LaDona Herrin announced his or her name.
Once seniors returned to their seats, Howell invited each of
them to move their tassels to signify graduation.
Seniors marched out to the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance."
Project Graduation, a drug- and alcohol-free party, was
provided by the senior parents and community at Jackson
Bowling following graduation.
The McKenzie High School Class of 2005 seated inside the
gymnasium.
MHS graduates include: Felicia Lynnette Adams, Latasha Evone
Allen, James Clinton Anderson, Anthony Joshua Bell, Julie
Catherine Bennett, Jason Paul Bloodworth, Benjamin Jeffery
Boyd, Letitia Marie Brown, Marty Austin Brown, Brandi Leigh
Burke, Justin Seth Bush, Brittany Danielle Carpenter, James
Bernard Carter, Jessica Anne Caveiro, Rachael Ann Clark,
Cody Lain Cook, Ashley Nicole Cooper, Latisha Reneé Crawley,
Tina Marie Deaton, Corey Lee Douglas, Kayla Dejana Dudley,
Greg Andrew Eaton, Paul Stephen Edwards, Bethany Renae
Ellis, Brigitte Nadine Eubank, Kelly Danielle Fowler,
Kimberly Faye Gaskins, Mark Tyler Ghyers, Justin Jermaine
Gilbert, Aaron Lee Greenberg, Virginia Anne Hames, Shunna
Ann Hamilton, Gary Lee Harris, Jonathan Michael Harris,
Elise Neal Hayes, Megan Louise Hutchison, Jorrdon Michael
Kalwa, Randy Francis Lacey, Brittany Nicole Lessenberry,
Robyn Danielle Lewis, Joshua Nathan Lowe, Crystal Renee
Mann, Deanna Nicole Melton, David Allen Milligan, Jessica
Elaine Mitchum, Alan Joseph Ninness, Charles Antez Nored II,
Blanche Nicole Parham, Carol Renee Perritt, William Edward
Poff, Erica Ashley Pugh, Jessica Lee Reed, John Karl Rhodes,
Harold Lee Russell,II, Brittnie Lynne Shell, Mary Lynn
Sherrod, Michael Cody Smith, Lucy Kathleen Snead, Desmond
Semone Taylor, Matthew Ryan Taylor, Heidi Thomas, Jillian
Michelle Thomas, Jordan McGee Trull, Daniel Benjamyn Turner,
Joanne Jesse Turner, Britany Lee Wallace, Sara Elizabeth
Watson, Andrew James Wilson, and Whittney Dannielle Wilson.
|
|
TBI Picks Up Investigation |
|
McKENZIE - An investigation into missing receipts was
completed by an independent investigator for the accounting
firm Dunn, Creswell, Sparks, Smith, and Horne and turned over
to the TBI about a week and a half ago, said McKenzie Mayor
Walter Winchester Thursday, May 12, during a regular meeting
of the McKenzie City Council. Payment to the accounting firm
of $2,750 was approved during the same meeting, said amount
being described as payment for the independent investigator.
Winchester said results were pending completion of the TBI's
investigation.
In other business, the council granted permission to solicit
bids for asphalt relative to the 2005-06 paving program.
Vice-mayor Gene Hale questioned whether a new committee needed
to be appointed and it was noted that the present committee
would remain in place through June 30. The council on April 8,
2004, appointed a committee composed of council members Hale,
Street Department liaison Jerry Arthur, and James Knolton,
along with Street Superintendent Joe Curtis. Knolton lost his
seat to Jill Holland in the last election cycle.
Winchester announced a public hearing and first reading on the
2005-06 budget would take place at 7:00 p.m. May 26, during
the council's regular session. A second reading would take
place for final approval.
"I appreciate the work done on the budget so far," said
Winchester. "(City Clerk) Charlie (Beal) has been working very
hard on the general budget."
In response to questioning by Councilmember Darra Adkins, he
noted rest areas with canopied benches were being installed
along College Drive by members of the Rotary Club who had also
planted trees along the thoroughfare.
"It's Rotary's 100th anniversary and they wanted to make a
visible contribution to the city," he said.
Concerning work on Walnut Avenue, Arthur said, "I've had some
real good comments on it." The first layer of asphalt had been
laid and curbs and driveway entrances were being completed
prior to the final covering of asphalt.
Holland said the first city flag was flying at McKenzie Health
Care Center, having been raised the week before as the nursing
care facility celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Adkins noted the Fire and Rescue Department had logged 102
calls to date. |
|
The Dixie Enters First Performance Contract, Seeks Director |
|
HUNTINGDON - "A Sanders Family Christmas" will bring
bluegrass and seasonal frivolity to Carroll County December 10
this year at none other than "The Dixie", the performing arts
center currently under construction at 197 Court Square in
Huntingdon.
"It's going to be a sellout," said Huntingdon Town Council
member Tim Tucker. The council Tuesday, May 10, approved the
$6,600 cost of the one-day performance. Up to 50 percent of
those costs are expected to be reimbursed by the Tennessee
Arts Council.
"This is historic in that this is the first contract (entered
into on behalf of the institution,)" said Kelley, although it
will likely not be the first performance held on the center's
stage. He said application for the Arts Council grant would be
made prior to the performance.
Councilmember Melissa Powell inquired about additional days
the Cumberland County Playhouse, producers of "A Sanders
Family Christmas", might be able to present the play in
Huntingdon, with Tucker suggesting a matinee. Kelley said he
would check into the matter.
He noted the recently established Arts and Advisory Council
met May 2, electing Howell Todd chairman and Cindy West
recording secretary and discussing the hiring of a director
for the center. Kelley said requirements for the position were
a bachelor's degree in business administration with strong
experience in the arts field desired. He advised that, once
the director is on board, the Town Council would need to adopt
a policy regarding the booking of performances in order to
limit the council's involvement in approving the contracts.
The mayor announced the proclamation of May 15 as Peace
Officer's Memorial Day and the week of May 15-21 as National
Police Week in keeping with national observances of the annual
events. He noted local law enforcement officers would convene
at noon May 19 for their annual commemorative lunch banquet
and ceremony. Public Safety Officer Joe Parker may be
contacted to obtain tickets for the banquet.
The proclamation stated members of the Huntingdon Police
Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights
and freedoms within the town and that it is important for
citizens to know and understand the duties, responsibilities,
hazards, and sacrifices of the agency and that law enforcement
officials recognize their duty to serve the people by
safeguarding life and property, protecting them against
violence and disorder, and protecting the innocent against
deception and the weak against oppression.
The proclamation called on citizens to honor past and present
law enforcement officers during National Police Week for their
dedicated service to the community and to observe Peace
Officers Memorial Day in honor of officers who, through their
courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice or become
disabled in the performance of duty.
In other business, bids were reviewed for the downtown
streetscape project for masonry work and brick pavers. The
items had been re-advertised after no bids were received for
paving and only one for masonry in the previous cycle. Tenn-Tex
of Lexington continued to be the sole bidder for the
installation of wire-cut brick pavers and ADA detectable
warning brick pavers. Their bid was approved at $5.50 per
square foot for wire-cut brick pavers and $5.00 per square
foot for ADA detectable warning pavers. Kelley estimated the
job at $40,000.
Mid-way Materials was low bidder for supplier of the pavers,
at $2.90 per square foot ($642.50 per thousand) for wire-cut
pavers and $11.95 per square foot ($2,640 per thousand) for
ADA detectable warning pavers. Watson Lumber of Huntingdon bid
$3.33 for wire-cut pavers, per thousand, and $14.18 for ADA
detectable warning pavers.
The council approved a $200 donation to facilitate the
participation of 19 Huntingdon High School students in the
National Technology Student Association Conference to be held
in Chicago June 27-July 2. Cost per student for the trip is
$450. Teresa Baker, HHS TSA advisor, had asked the town as
well as businesses to sponsor or partially sponsor one
student.
Baker noted, in a written request for sponsorship, that at the
state level three groups of Huntingdon students received first
place: Cory Brawner and Dexter Rich for Architectural
Modeling; Lee Thomason for Career Comparison; and Brett
Lovett, Rob Simpson, and Kaitlynn Crossno for Film Technology.
Chris Ray and Brittany Kee placed second for Agricultural and
Biotechnology. Third place winners were: Brett Lovett and John
Wheatley in Technology Problem Solving; Holly Lott, Seth
Segraves, and Adam Spain in Creed Speak; and Brett Lovett,
John Wheatley, Kenny Stapka, Brett Blakeman, and Kaitlynn
Crossno in Technology Challenge.
In a final matter, council members approved the recommendation
of the Huntingdon Planning Commission to rezone property on
Buena Vista Road from R-1 to R-2. Kelley explained R-2 allows
multifamily dwellings on appeal whereas R-1 does not. He noted
an existing R-2 zone could be extended to include the area in
which rezoning was requested. The approval sets the stage for
two readings and a public hearing on the matter.
Powell announced the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce annual
Prayer Breakfast was set for Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and the
annual golf tournament for May 26 and encouraged participation
in both events. |
|
|
Banner Photos |
|
Click the Photo Reprints button to buy reprints of almost any
photo in The McKenzie Banner print edition.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTS
Photos are mailed directly to you. Don't see what
you're looking for? Give us a call at 731-352-3323.
70-year fade life
35 mm quality |
|
