PHOTO ABOVE:  Sen. Ken Yager didn’t enroll in school on Wednesday.  He just paid a visit to Elk Valley Elementary School.

ELK VALLEY, TN (WLAF) – David and Goliath.  Rocky.  Hoosiers.  Add Elk Valley Elementary School to that list of improbables.  There are 11 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Schools in Tennessee.  Tiny EVES is the smallest school and likely the oldest (1953) school among the 11.    In fact, there have only been 33 STEM schools in Tennessee since the inception of the program.  More photos HERE.

VERY TOP PHOTO:  Senator Yager visited the staff at EVES to say “thank you.”

(Left to right)  EVES Principal Nancy Lay and Senator Ken Yager listen to EVES Teacher Steve Greek.

On Wednesday morning, Sen. Ken Yager drove from Nashville for an early afternoon visit to thank and congratulate the administration and teachers.  Yager said, “I wasn’t going to reschedule this. I was determined to be here today.”  After his stay, he drove straight back to Nashville.

Ken Yager (right) tells Adam Hunley (left) this is the same computer he saw at the University School of Medicine at Memphis.  Hunley confirmed it.  Grant dollars paid for the computer, according to EVES Principal Nancy Lay.

“I wanted to personally thank each of you teachers.  This is so very significant,” said Yager.  He went on to say, “I want each of you to know how proud I am of you.  You brought great distinction to the Campbell County School System and my district.  Aside from the honor and recognition of your effort and work, you have tossed a rock into the pond that will touch generations to come.”  The senator said, “Once I met EVES Principal Nancy Lay, I picked up that she is very enthusiastic, a unifier and a motivator.”

Campbell County Director of Schools Jennifer Fields told Lay and the teachers, “You had the talent here all along.  You just refocused it.”  (Left to right) Crystal Creekmore, Fields and Lorena Chambers (CORRECTION:  Ashley McNealy).

Yager asked the group what might be something they need to help them continue on their successful path?  The response was quick; lap tops for our students.  He asked how much they cost and was told three or four hundred dollars each.  To the group’s surprise, the senator immediately pledged $1,000 toward new lap tops.

Yager said, “In the south, you either feed people or you give them a gift.  He gave each teacher a what he calls a tri-star button.

Principal Nancy Lay (left)  checks her watch saying the senator had to leave in 16-minutes.  Yager said, “You can tell she’s a principal managing that time.”

Campbell County School Board Chairman Crystal Creekmore said 103 students registered Wednesday at Elk Valley Elementary School.  She added that more students are expected today and total enrollment should run between 125 and 130. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/08/2019-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRYSTAL CREEKMORE)

One Reply to “Elk Valley Elementary School is the “Hoosiers” of STEM”

  1. It really is amazing at the great things that are going on in our school system. Exciting times

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