Choreographing success
FRIDAY NIGHT football is composed of many layers. It’s a quilt of school colors, students, players, coaches, band members, and more. But cheerleaders are the thread binding it all and creating...
Carrying the Torch Back
VROOM, VROOM. He raced forward without thinking of his surroundings, not into oncoming traffic but into the view of the Tennessee/LSU game. A quick swat on his young behind sent him driving away...
Game Day Party Recipes
THE ELECTRIFYING atmosphere under Friday night lights is majorly fueled by loyal fans scattered across stadium seats. Young children with painted faces, parents with cushioned seats, and...
Enjoy a night of music under the stars
SUMMERTIME IS the perfect time for many things. Barbecuing, swimming, fireworks, ice cream, just to name a few. It’s also the perfect time for outdoor music. Grabbing a couple of chairs or a blanket...
So much more than teaching
DEFINING THE meaning of teacher requires more than Merriam-Webster; it takes a deeper look and a second glance. More than a job with a summer-long vacation, teachers are motivated by their love for...
Prepping for Back to School
IT MIGHT be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of the year, rivaling that of Christmas. It requires preparation, planning, logistics, time, and money. I’m almost sure there are military...
Like a rock tossed into the water
SURROUNDED BY a sea of classmates, a student filled with potential may feel invisible or wish he could disappear. Another student’s highest aim might be to coast through school until graduation. One...
Welcome to the farm
JUST OFF the winding asphalt of Lynchburg Road in the Broadview community, sits the picturesque scene of the quaint and friendly farm, Morris Acres, where the sounds of children laughing and sheep...
Embrace the Flora and Fauna
INVITING NATURE lovers of all ages and types is the quaint and friendly Meadow Trail at the South Cumberland State Park. Conveniently located at the park’s welcome and information center, just off...
From Student to Principal
CONFETTI, APPLAUSE, and the cheers of hundreds of students were heard when Megan Geer was named principal for Decherd Elementary. The unveiling of her new position took place the morning before the...
Turning the wheel of progress
KELLI RILEY is a busy person. Whether it is bringing new industry to Franklin County as the director for the Industrial Development Board, coordinating with the high schools to facilitate a smooth...
But, God
WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my...
Signing on to a bright future
FRANKLIN COUNTY High School (FCHS) is sending a group of student athletes off to what they hope will be both a successful collegiate and athletic experience. Eight students of the high school were...
The good stuff takes time.
MARTHA CAROL Luttrell, more commonly referred to as MC Luttrell, has played a foundational role in organizing a community outreach event in Franklin County over the last several years. Her tireless...
Remembering those who served
MY GRANDFATHER was a World War II veteran. He served as a staff sergeant for the United States military. He woke each morning and raised the American Flag, displaying it proudly from a front yard...
Teaching teamwork through relationships
IT’S NEVER too early to open young minds to their futures. It’s essential to encourage students to dream big, but big dreams don’t always take you away from home. Our community is rich with...
Equipping students to flourish after graduation
NOW, MORE than ever, students have endless opportunities to dream, have new experiences, change their minds, and yet still achieve all they have set in their hearts. These opportunities and...
A heart and smile that’s bigger than words
ACAREER IN the classroom was not what DeEdra Vanzant first imagined. She enjoyed helping, not leading. But a word from a friend majoring in education helped refocus her future path. “He told me they...
Classroom Approved
THE WORDS “back to school” can stir up many different emotions. Some young parents hear “school” and are instantly filled with dread and anxiety. Leaving their wide eyed babes for the first time can...
A mountain alive with music
The sounds of Sondheim, Strauss, Adams, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more could be heard among the trees, wildlife, and Gothic architecture of the University of the South for the 65th Annual Sewanee Summer...
Classrooms made of steel
THE CLASSROOM is like railroad tracks. Hard workers spent years, decades—centuries even—laying the groundwork for the trains to run smoothly from coast to coast. They’re strong. And they last for...
Licenses and Learning
POWERBOATS, HOUSEBOATS, jet skis, jon boats, and even sailboats all make appearances at the annual Spirit of America Youth Boating Camp on Tims Ford Lake. As the interest in water recreation...
A Double Portion
THANKS TO the U.S. Air Force, David Click has visited places around the world that he might never have seen otherwise. His 20-year military career was filled with travel, work, camaraderie, and...
For God and Country
FRANKLIN COUNTY residents have a long history of service to their country. It’s a history still being uncovered and honored through the Franklin County Veterans Flag Memorial, an American Legion...
Festival Season has Begun
THE ANNUAL High on the Hog Festival welcomed the summer festival season. For the past 35 years the festival has been welcoming locals and visitors alike with seven days worth of events that all do...
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