WCCTEC SRO and AHS Nurse Complete 42nd Marine Corps Marathon

Paula & Billy Proudly show off their Eagle, Globe, and
Anchor Finisher's Medal!

On Sunday, October 22, 2017, thirty-thousand runners took part in the 42^nd Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). Among the thirty-thousand were two of Washington County’s own: WCCTEC School Resource Officer and Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy, Billy Nichols and his wife, Abingdon High School’s School Nurse, Paula Nichols.

Billy and Paula trained for the Marine Corps Marathon for about ten weeks. They would run between three to five days each week, varying distances daily and increasing distances each week. On Saturdays, they would run between ten and seventeen miles. Paula had competed in a full marathon in March, but Billy just completed his first half Marathon in September. The MCM selects most of the runners through a lottery system. Paula entered the lottery and was lucky enough to be chosen. Wanting to run with Paula and that their son is in the military sparked Billy’s interest in competing.

Both Billy and Paula describe this experience as AMAZING! From the crowds that lined the race course to cheer on the runners, to the beauty of running all over D.C.: from the Pentagon to Georgetown, to the monuments, and across the Potomac twice. “The Blue Mile is amazing, lined with photos of fallen soldiers and at the end were people holding flags as far as the eye could, ” says Paula. “We found ourselves running and trying to take time to get pictures of the sites,” Billy adds.

The Marine Corps Marathon was started to showcase physical fitness and generate community goodwill in order to promote high standards and discipline of the Marine Corps. The 26.2 mile course runs through Alexandria and Washington D.C. Entrants must be fourteen years of age and be able to maintain a fourteen minute mile. Upon completion of the race, finishers receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Finisher’s medal from a member of the Marine Corps. 

Billy says, “Being able to complete this race and hold Paula’s hand to cross the finish line, made this race one that will never be forgotten.” Paula advises, “If I can do this, anyone can. Even if you start with walking, you can increase your endurance, run time, and how much you can tolerate. I did not run in high school. I only started running in the last five years!”

Congratulations to Paula and Billy! We are so proud of you both and thrilled for your accomplishment. You both are an inspiration to us all.

Washington County CTE Center Newsletter 2017-18 Issue 1

WCCTEC Recognizes 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations Mr. Green! WCCTEC 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year

The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center is so proud to recognize Mr. Stan Green as our 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year!

Mr. Green serves the CTE Center as a Special Education Teacher. He has been with us for five of his nine years with Washington County Schools. Mr. Green says that he enjoys the freedom of working outside the box in his daily work with our students. He says that in teaching a student with a disability, creativity must be an intriguing part of the journey. It’s not easy, but Mr. Green says he enjoys being able to look at a student’s IEP, analyze and digest the accommodations, and then work with the student to try to make the disability and curriculum expectations mesh for success. Mr. Green is a very personable and approachable teacher. He loves working with teenagers and it shows. Students and peers alike feel comfortable in working with him, seeking his advice, and always enjoy his positive attitude.

Mr. Green decided to become a Special Education Teacher because of his sister, Diana, who was always a bright spot in his life. He was very interested in how Diana’s education had to be more individualized to meet her needs. So, it was just natural, that when he arrived at Tennessee Technological University, the Special Education Teaching Department seemed to be a great fit for him.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Green serves as a pastor at Pleasant View United Methodist Church and is currently working with the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry in Knoxville, TN. He and his wife, Regina, have eight sons, whom they have adopted. Mr. Green says that he has a wonderful family and that he is the richest man he knows!

Congratulations Mr. Green! The CTE Center is very lucky to have you!

Culinary II Student Earns Scholarship to Johnson & Whales University

Culinary II Student Earns Scholarship to Johnson & Whales University

 by: Mike Stewart 

Karisma holding her scholarship letter from Johnson & Wales

Karisma M. was selected as the recipient of a scholarship to attend Johnson & Wales University in Florida.  Karisma's academic record and personal accomplishments earned her this distinguished award.  She will be living on campus and officially becomes a JWU Wildcat in May!  

Karisma is a Culinary II student, and has ambitions of becoming an executive chef and owner of her own restaurant.  She knew by the age of seven she wanted to pursue a career as a chef, and spends many hours in the kitchen preparing food for friends and family.  

Karisma is the youngest of eight, and expresses herself through the food creations she produces.  She wishes to share her love of food with others.

We are extremely proud of Karisma and wish her the best!

WCCTEC Christmas with Grace Program

WCCTEC Christmas with Grace Program
by: Mike Stewart 

    Students and Santa visit with Grace residents

On December 15, 2016 the students and staff from the Washington County Career and Technical Education Center welcomed the residents of Grace Healthcare by presenting their annual "Christmas with Grace" Program. Students conducted a variety of fund raisers in order to buy each of the one-hundred-eight Grace residents a gift and provide them with a Christmas luncheon. Students and staff at the WCCTEC have a fierce belief in the moral dimension of this program. The faculty and staff of the Career and Technical Education Center are proud to have students who have an attitude of gratitude and an ethical concern for other people.  A truly wonderful day was had by all!

 

                                                       One of  Santa's helpers delivers presents to a grace resident