Scholars program benefits local high school students
By Josh Mancuso
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“The program allows non-straight-A students to benefit and graduate with honors,” said Dave Quick, Council Vice-Chair for the Business Education Program at the
Chamber of Commerce. “The students have the opportunity to show commitment and dedication.”
The curriculum emphasizes “on level” and above courses in math, science, social studies, language arts (English and
foreign language), and computer literacy. The program features a personal
finance class, and also stresses the importance of attendance, dependability,
and especially community service.
“Community service is a big part of the program,” said Elisa Britt of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. “Currently, students must complete 40 hours of community service, but beginning
with 2013 graduates, they will need to complete 80 hours.
”
In addition to meeting all State Board of Education graduation requirements,
Tennessee Scholars must complete the following course requirements and
additional expectations:
• Four years of math (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and a higher math). Bridge math
will not count toward TN Scholars requirements.
• Biology, Chemistry, and one other lab science (Physics is strongly preferred).
• Two Career Technical credits.
• Three and a half credits in Social Studies.
• Two Foreign Language credits.
• One Fine Arts credit.
• One and a half Physical Education credits.
• Dual credit and online courses are acceptable.
• 40 hours of community service (80 hours beginning with 2013 graduates).
• Overall “C” average.
• 95% attendance each year (36 total days missed in 4 years).
• No out-of-school suspensions.
According to statistical data, students who enter the Tennessee Scholars course
of study have a high percentage of meeting the criteria for a Hope Scholarship,
which requires at least a
“B” average or a 21 on the ACT. The data also showed that students who take the
academic path of least rigor have a harder time keeping scholarships awarded to
them upon graduation. The average ACT score of a Tennessee Scholar is 22.8.
This program could potentially add to Tennessee’s less-than-glorious reputation in the national education scene. U.S. News & World Report ranked Tennessee 36th among the 50 states for America’s best high schools.
Chamber of Commerce president Gary Mabrey noted, “The bar must be raised to compete nationally and throughout the world.”
“Anything that encourages students to take harder classes will help us,” added Shirley Stoner, guidance counselor at Science Hill High School. “The more rigorous curriculum will increase the standards. The students are
positive about the program and they want to be a Tennessee Scholar. Their
transcripts will look better for colleges.
”
Jordan Richardson is a senior at Science Hill who has completed the academic
curriculum and community service hours to graduate as a Tennessee Scholar.
“When I was a sophomore and junior I got the hard stuff pulled together,” said Richardson. “Taking those harder classes, like the advanced sciences, makes you more
well-rounded, and when the ACT comes, you are ready for it.
”
Richardson holds a 3.69 GPA and will be attending ETSU after graduation. He
played football for the Toppers, is president of the Topper Nation pep club, is
a captain for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a member of the Spanish
Club and Beta Club.
“I thought it would be awesome to be a Tennessee Scholar when I graduated,” said Richardson. “It’s not a difficult thing to achieve; you just have to make sure you’re on the right path. It’s definitely something to work for.”
Pictured Above: Science Hill senior Jordan Richardson has met all the requirements to graduate as a Tennessee Scholar, and will attend ETSU next fall. (Staff photo by Josh Mancuso)
