Novmeber 17, 2023
The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) District Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) event at the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum celebrated student achievement and community support. The event, made possible through the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grant, provided a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technology and demonstrate their skills.
Latonya Taylor-Rowe, the event's organizer, worked alongside the Community School Coordinators/Digital Learning Instructional Coaches and STLP Coaches to facilitate a day filled with learning and innovation. Coaches offered encouragement as students navigated challenges such as the Sphero obstacle course, the Website Design Challenge, Help Desk, and STLP Projects.
Superintendent Cochran thanked everyone and recognized all of the students and schools. The school principals and chaperones cheered on and supported the students, while Mike Whitaker, Nathaniel Whitaker, and Andrew Castle contributed to the technological resources crucial for the event's success.
Special acknowledgment is due to the judges of the event: Katy Marshall, Sara Markland, Sara Griffith, Tammy Haney, Shauna Patton, and Michelle Borders, who, along with the SB 9 Facilitators, had the important role of assessing the projects and providing valuable feedback.
Through the support of Brenda Dyer, Jarred Gibson, and the Verizon Mentors, Verizon provided essential technology demonstrations with Microbits and Rover Robots, offering students a glimpse into the future of tech.
Contributions from Gracefully Made Donuts and U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum, managed by Jarimiah Parson, added to the day's enjoyment, while gift card donations from Walmart, Christ Community Baptist Church, New Generation Church, and other community members showed the depth of local support for STLP.
The Johnson Central High Media Crew, guided by Mr. Clay Smith, and transportation provided by bus drivers organized by Darren Gamble and John Fairchild were integral to the day's success.
This STLP event is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to invest in its youth. The district expresses its sincere gratitude to all those involved for their part in enriching student lives through student leadership, technology, and education.
