Central Office Update

Jefferson County High School’s 2nd-period service-learning students, along with their friends, recently organized a festive holiday event called the Frosty Festival on December 9th. The event’s primary aim was to create lasting Christmas memories for children and their families, while also providing vital resources from various social service agencies to those in need. Alexa Key, the student leader behind the project, drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences—memories that, for her, lasted far longer than any presents. She was determined to ensure that this event was free of charge, allowing everyone to participate.

The festival featured a wide range of holiday activities for children, including cookie decorating, ornament crafting, face painting, and photo opportunities with Santa. A number of student organizations and classes came together to bring the event to life: Culinary, Senior Seminar, Teaching as a Profession, HOSA, LEO Club, Spanish Club, National English Honor Society, and Cosmetology. Volunteers from TVA Credit Union distributed stockings and served hot cocoa. In total, 380 children attended the event, and 14 social service organizations participated to share valuable community resources and information.

Teachers who contributed to the success of the event included:

• Heather Martin
• Lisa Hall
• Amanda Hansel
• Lily Kunsman
• Allyson Jarnigan
• Kelsey Hutson

Behind-the-scenes preparation was managed by:

• Laura Shrader
• Julie Bolling
• Brandy Arnold

Additional support came from several groups, including:

• TVA Credit Union, who made a generous $500 donation for stockings and ornaments
• Jefferson County Board of Education (5 staff members)
• Coordinated School Health (Melissa Whitaker, also with the BOE)
• Jefferson County Health Department
• Safe Harbour
• Family Resource Center (Karen Blomdahl, who also helped brainstorm the event’s concept)
• Rescue 180
• WestCare
• Legal Aid of TN
• American Job Center
• 988 Lifeline
• Habitat for Humanity
• Allied Health
• Helen Ross McNabb
• Isaiah 117 House

The Frosty Festival brought holiday cheer to the community while also helping families in need, making it a memorable and impactful event for all involved.

In a dazzling display of talent and teamwork, Jefferson County High School (JCHS) brought Disney's The Little Mermaid to life in a high-energy production that left audiences in awe. Under the direction of theater arts teacher Joshua Davis and choral director Lindsey Lively, the musical featured a cast of 45 students, supported by a dedicated crew. This ambitious venture marked the culmination of hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a bold decision to perform the full, unabridged version of the beloved Disney classic.

The Little Mermaid production was particularly challenging for the JCHS theater program in multiple ways, but Davis and Lively were determined to push the limits of what their students could achieve. “Most high schools opt for the ‘Junior’ version of shows, which are simplified in both music and length. We decided to take on the full version of The Little Mermaid, and it was undoubtedly the most ambitious production I’ve attempted in my career—both at JCHS and beyond,” said Davis. The decision to tackle the full score and more complex technical elements of the show was a gamble, but one that paid off thanks to the remarkable talent of the student cast and crew.

One of the standout features of the production was its technical complexity. From intricate costumes to innovative stage effects, The Little Mermaid at JCHS offered something fresh and exciting for theatergoers. In an interview with WBIR, JCHS alum Katie Inman highlighted some of the unique elements of the production, such as the use of hoverboards to bring Ursula's villainous eels to life and Ariel’s innovative “swimming” movements on Heelys. In addition, dancers were cleverly incorporated as "water" throughout the show, helping to create the illusion of underwater scenes with grace and fluidity.

The artistic collaboration did not stop at the stage. The JCHS Art Club played an instrumental role in crafting many of the set pieces and props, while students from Stephen Strange’s structural systems class lent their talents to the construction of these elements. The synergy between departments and the support from the community were key to the success of the show.

Davis and Lively’s dedication to fostering student talent was evident in every aspect of the production, from auditions to final rehearsals. The students not only demonstrated a high level of commitment but also showed an impressive range of abilities, from singing difficult musical numbers to mastering intricate choreography. “We had a lot of very talented and experienced students this year,” Davis explained. “Their ability to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges head-on was truly inspiring.”

The show’s success also hinged on the support and involvement of the local community. Parents, businesses, and volunteers played a crucial role in making the production possible, providing resources and encouragement along the way. “We are so proud of how the show turned out, and we want to thank the parents, local businesses, and community for their generosity and support during the process,” said Davis.

As the curtain fell on the final performance of The Little Mermaid, it was clear that this production marked a new high point for JCHS theater. With its innovative design, talented cast, and exceptional technical execution, the show left a lasting impression on everyone involved. For Davis, Lively, and the students of JCHS, this production is not just a triumph of hard work—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the shared love of the performing arts.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the JCHS theater program is on an exciting trajectory. With a track record of pushing boundaries and challenging their students to excel, Davis and Lively are poised to continue shaping the future of musical theater at Jefferson County High School for years to come.

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Jefferson County, thanks to the efforts of countless individuals and organizations who come together each year to make Christmas a little brighter for families in need. The Christmas in Jefferson County program recently celebrated its 28th year of service, and the Jefferson County Family Resource Center has been an integral part of this heartwarming tradition since its inception.

This community-driven event brings together churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and citizens who all contribute to creating a magical holiday season for children in our county. From gathering food for families to collecting toys for children ages birth to 12, the program’s reach and impact continue to grow each year.

A New Collaboration with Project Linus

This year, we were excited to partner with Project Linus, a nationwide initiative where volunteers knit and sew handmade blankets for children in need. Thanks to their generosity, every child receiving toys through the Christmas program also received a comforting handmade blanket. The partnership added an extra layer of warmth and care to the gifts being provided.

While the program focuses on children up to age 12, the Family Resource Center works closely with another local initiative that serves older children to ensure that all kids in Jefferson County are included in the holiday cheer.

An Ongoing Commitment to Giving

The planning for Christmas in Jefferson County begins months in advance, often starting in October. By mid-December, everything is ready for families to pick up food boxes and toys, making the hard work of the volunteers and donors truly come to life. This year, the event was a tremendous success. Over 298 families received food boxes, and 277 children were able to select toys for the holiday season.

The Role of Schools in Making It Happen

Our local schools play a pivotal role in making Christmas in Jefferson County a reality. Schools throughout the district collect much-needed food donations to ensure that families have everything they need to enjoy a holiday meal. This year, Jefferson County students and staff stepped up with an incredible show of generosity, collecting a variety of food items.

Here’s a breakdown of what was donated and its total value:

• 853 boxes of Crackers = $682.08
• 176 boxes of Oatmeal = $436.48
• 1130 boxes of Mac & Cheese = $1130
• 543 boxes of Mashed Potatoes = $1390.08
• 1112 boxes of Boxed Jello = $1645.76
• 829 boxes of Spaghetti Noodles = $812.42
• 851 boxes of Blueberry Muffin Mix = $852.11

Total Food Value Donated by Schools: $6,948.93

A Heartfelt Thank You

On December 13th, families gathered at the National Guard Armory in Jefferson City to pick up their food boxes and toys. The event was a true celebration of the giving spirit of Jefferson County, and it would not have been possible without the generous food and monetary donations from schools, local businesses, and community members.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of the many volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure the program runs smoothly. From sorting donations to distributing food and toys, their efforts are invaluable.

On behalf of the Jefferson County Family Resource Center, we want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s Christmas in Jefferson County. Together, we made the holiday season brighter for families in our community, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.

Thank you for helping us make Christmas a little brighter for all of Jefferson County!

Thank you to the Standard Banner for sharing the photographs included in this article.

Dandridge Elementary School's chorus led by Tracy Wilson performed at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the courthouse steps in Dandridge.

Dandridge Elementary recently celebrated the wonders of winter with a themed book walk centered around "Snowflake Bentley." Throughout the event, students enjoyed listening to teachers read from the book at various stations around the school. They engaged in a range of activities, including crafting snowflakes from putty, geoboards, and paper. Additionally, they had the opportunity to view genuine snowflake photographs captured by a local photographer. The celebration continued with a lively dance party and light show in the gymnasium, while the cafeteria offered face painting, cookie decorating, and delicious snow cream.

Mia Lewis, a former Plainsmen and current JCHS Service-Learning Student, constructed and painted two buddy benches for each of the playgrounds at Rush Strong School as part of her capstone project this fall.

Beta Club members from Jefferson Middle School attended the state Junior Beta Club Convention in Nashville November 24-26. The convention offers competitions in several categories, including engineering, robotics, scrapbook, speech, quiz bowl, songfest, and visual and performing arts . JMS students competed and came away with top honors in several areas. Over 7,000 students across the state attended, making it quite an honor to receive a top placement. The following individuals and groups placed in the competitions listed below:

2nd Place in Creative Writing: Kaylin Hartsock

2nd Place in Technology

4th Place in Quiz Bowl

Premier Performer Singer: Adrianna Knight

Jefferson County's Scottish Rite Club provided shoes for approximately 500 students again this year. Thank you for caring about our students!

Teachers at Talbott Elementary create a list of students and families that could benefit from some extra help at Christmas time. Once families give consent and an inventory of needs/wants, a numbering system is created. Local churches and business fill many of the lists with clothes, shoes, coats, books, hygiene products and toys. Then, the teachers and staff shop for the rest! The project brings the staff together as they collaborate to make Christmas special.

Students in Biotics, Mechanical, and Computer Science classes created products to sell. The Maury Business Club organized the boutique. Students and staff shopped during related arts classes. Products included ornaments, jewelry, and treats.

While creating products in mass quantity, CTE students learned how to use soldering irons, wood burners, needle nose pliers and electric skillets. Students used the program Tinker Cad to design ornaments and cookie cutters. Jewelry was created using the Glowforge machine. Approximately $1,000 was made through the boutique sales.

White Pine School hosted "The Polar Express" Book Walk on December 3. Families read enlarged pages of "The Polar Express" and stopped along the way and enjoyed crafts, hot chocolate, made snow and reindeer food, enjoyed cookies, participated in a holiday fiesta, and visited with Santa. All students got to take a copy of The Polar Express book home.

Jefferson Elementary School rang in the holiday season with a musical performance by the 4th grade students. This year's annual Christmas program, directed by music teacher Mrs. Garcevic, featured songs and scenes from our favorite movies, including The Polar Express, Finding Nemo, and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Everyone enjoyed a festive photo booth, a free bag of popcorn, and a special appearance by our Lil' Elk mascot, "JESS" !

On a chilly evening this December, Jefferson County High School's band treated parents and the local community to an enchanting winter concert that showcased the talent and hard work of its student musicians. The event, held in the school's auditorium, was a heartwarming occasion filled with festive music, impressive performances, and a palpable sense of pride from both performers and audience.

The students have worked so hard over the past few months, and the performance is a wonderful way for them to share their talents with those who support them. It’s truly a special moment for the students and for everyone in the audience. Special thanks to band director Nicholas Tirpak and assistant director Emiley Wilson. Tirpak shared, “I am so incredibly proud of the students of the JCHS Band for a wonderful concert. The band is made up of incredible young adults who work hard and love what they do. They were up to the challenge of a very difficult concert under a short period of time. I want to thank them, and all our supporters for a great semester as well as being so welcoming and supportive of me during my first semester at JCHS. I am so excited to see where the band goes in 2025 and beyond!" Wilson added, “We really challenged the band this semester. Many of them played the hardest concert of their band career on the 19th and they did a fantastic job. I’m very proud of them!”

The winter concert served as a reminder of the power of music to unite, inspire, and spread holiday cheer to all who attended.

In mid-December, the RSS Drama Club delivered a festive and heartwarming performance of Elf Jr., a musical adaptation of the beloved holiday film. The production was the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from a talented group of young actors, with practices beginning in September.

The cast of Elf Jr. consisted of 36 students from grades 5 through 8, all of whom worked tirelessly to bring the magic of Christmas to life on stage. The production was directed by Hannah Cogdill and Sarah Loveall, who guided the cast through rehearsals, helping to refine the performance and ensuring every moment sparkled with holiday spirit.

The students had the opportunity to showcase their hard work through multiple performances. The first three shows were held during school hours, with two performances for the RSS student body and one for the students of New Market Elementary School. These daytime performances allowed the young actors to share their talents with their fellow classmates, spreading the festive cheer to younger students. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Rogers and Mr. Simpson for organizing the trip for New Market Elementary students.

In addition to the school performances, the Drama Club hosted two public shows for the wider community—one on Friday evening and another on Sunday afternoon. These public performances gave family members, friends, and the community an opportunity to enjoy the students' hard work and celebrate the holiday season together.

Click on this link to access the December 2024 Patriot Preview.

Monday, January 6: No School for Students. Administrative Workday for Staff.

Monday, January 20: No School for Student or Staff; Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday