Blount County Schools recently recognized five alumni with awards for their accomplishments and service, and asked each to share advice for with today’s students.
The Distinguished Alumni Award went to Regina Jennings, a 1981 graduate of Heritage High School. She is a senior vice president and financial advisor with Pinnacle Financial Partners.
This award is the highest honor, according to BCS, and given to someone who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, accomplishments in his or her chosen field and ongoing support of Blount County Schools.
Part of her advice to students came from her father, to look around, see what needs to be done and do it, instead of waiting for others.
The Achie-vement in Education Award went to Courtney L. White-head, BCS supervisor of human resources and a 1997 graduate of William Blount High School. The award goes to someone who has been a teacher or school leader for at least a decade and demonstrates a strong work ethic and leadership ability.
She encouraged students to develop relationships and skills for their future.
The Community Service Award, for a community service leader with a volunteer spirit, went to Shawna McConnell. She’s a member of the HHS Class of 1988 and co-founder of A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee Inc.
She advised students to follow their hearts. “I have always told my children that it’s our responsibility to leave this place better than we found it,” she said in the BCS announcement. “Look around, see the gaps, and find places where you can make a difference.”
The Military/Public Service Award went to Lt. Col. Dustin Merritt, valedictorian for the HHS Class of 2004, a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and member of the 493 Fighter Squadron.
The award recognizes service to the nation and/or community and outstanding contributions to the person’s profession or service branch.
He encouraged students to set goals and develop processes to achieve the goals. “Focus on the process, and see where that takes you,” he said. “The goals may change as different opportunities arise, but the process has set you up to be prepared for the unexpected opportunities.”
The Young Alumni Award recognizes someone age 35 or younger who is an accomplished leader and demonstrates initiative. Honoree Logan Cable is a member of the HHS Class of 2012 and a project superintendent at Cherokee Millwright.
He advised students, “In the industrial construction industry, being adaptable and open-minded can take you far. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.”
“Our 2024 alumni winners exemplify building relationships with peers, controlling focus on the things that truly matter, and sowing seeds of opportunity in the community,” Director David Murrell said in the announcement, repeating the Building, Controlling and Sowing language the district has been using to describe BCS.
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