Local boards of education heard updates on education legislation and Common Core State Standards, earned honors for their professional development activities, recognized a dedicated school volunteer and an outstanding
student at the Tennessee School Boards Association’s (TSBA) Upper Cumberland Fall District Meeting, held Sept. 6
at Cannon County High School in the Cannon County School District. The Upper Cumberland District meeting was
one of nine similar sessions held annually in each of TSBA’s development districts. The evening’s program included
an update on this year’s session of the Tennessee General Assembly, a discussion of the Common Core State
Standards by the Tennessee State Department of Education’s Common Core Leadership Council, and a review of the
superintendent evaluation. Board members also participated in a legislative survey with their electronic devices via an
online/SMS texting program. The meeting included recognition of school board members who have achieved honors
over the past year, a local school volunteer who is a finalist for a grant to their school of choice and a local student
who is a finalist for a college scholarship given by TSBA.
AREA STUDENT HONORED
Each year TSBA honors one student from each of its nine districts who has achieved distinction in the areas of
academics, community leadership, and engagement as part of its Student Recognition Award program. One of those
nine students will win the statewide Student Recognition Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in
November, which will include a $2,000 scholarship. The 2012 Upper Cumberland District winner is Erin Cantrell-
Pryor of DeKalb County Schools. Currently a senior at DeKalb County High School, Erin has been active
academically as well as possessing a high degree of volunteerism within her community. Erin is working to attend
college and plans to major in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. Erin has participated
in science fairs since elementary school, winning numerous awards. She continued her interest in science by winning
first place in the DeKalb County High School Science Fair and an honorable mention at the Tennessee Tech Regional
Science Fair. She was selected to serve as President of the Freshman Class and served on the Student Council and the
4-H congress.
Assisting school boards in effectively governing school districts
AREA SCHOOL VOLUNTEER HONORED
Each year TSBA honors one school volunteer from each of its nine districts who have distinguished themselves by
demonstrating exceptional commitment to volunteerism in a local school district. The district winner has exhibited
exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in their service to a school. One of those nine volunteers
will win the statewide School Volunteer Recognition Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in
November, which will include a $1,000 grant to the school of their choice. The 2012 Upper Cumberland School
Volunteer Recognition Award winner is Patty Hooie of Crossville, TN. Patty displays many characteristics that enable
her to be an effective volunteer. She has a positive outlook, embraces an attitude of servant hood and loves children.
She makes sacrifices and unselfishly helps others experience success. Through enthusiastic communication, Mrs.
Hooie models the mission of Homestead Elementary School: “To be good citizens and to become lifelong learners.”
She is a team player and is willing to help the students who are at greatest risk for failure. Principal Robin Perry from
Homestead Elementary School said, “She has consistently demonstrated integrity and devotion to children. Her
compassion, creativity and energy make her an example for people everywhere.”
AREA BOARD MEMBERS EARN HONORS
Several Upper Cumberland District school board members earned TSBA Boardsmanship Awards in 2012. The
awards are presented to individual board members who have achieved one of five levels of boardsmanship standards
over the past year. The program is designed to recognize school board members for participation in board activities
beyond the local level through a commitment to training, willingness to participate in workshops and a volunteer
spirit. The Boardsmanship Award honors not only the quantity, but also the quality of participation. Levels I-IV are
given at Fall District Meetings, while Level V Boardsmanship is awarded at the association’s annual convention in
November. Upper Cumberland District board members who were honored for their achievements this year were:
LEVEL I
Randy Gannon, Cannon County
Jim Blalock, Cumberland County
Charles Tollett, Cumberland County
Kathy Pritchett, Fentress County
Sharon Vance, Tullahoma
Billy Wilmore, Macon County
Mike Adamson, Warren County
Edd M. Cantrell, White County
Bill Robinson, Wilson County
LEVEL II
Brett Henley, Coffee County
Jim Blalock, Cumberland County
Richard Janeway, Cumberland County
Philip Michael Hall, Fentress County
Steve Walton, Macon County
John Wheeley, Macon County
Scott Holmes, Warren County
Jeff Lee, Warren County
LEVEL III
Jim Blalock, Cumberland County
David Bowman, Cumberland County
Jimmy Crabtree, Trousdale County
Scott Holmes, Warren County
Bill Zechman, Warren County
Richard Mcbride, White County
Gary Sparkman, White County
Vikki Adkins, Wilson County
Don Weathers, Wilson County
LEVEL IV
Jim Blalock, Cumberland County
Eric Brown, Putnam County
Regina Waller, Trousdale County
Robert Young, Warren County
Donna Jones, White County
NSBA Distinguished Service Award
Dan Schlafer,Cumberland County
Vickie Shelton, Tullahoma
