Litter Control Grant benefits area welding students

According to Litter Control Grant Coordinator Keisha Howard, she “had the honor to present” seniors Jacob Picklesimer (above-Campbell High) and Noah Campbell (below-Jellico High), each with a $750 scholarship. Both made a creative work of art by welding and using recycled materials.

By Charlotte Underwood

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Two Campbell County Seniors received a scholarship for $750 each last week funded through the Campbell County Litter Grant.

According to Litter Control Grant Coordinator Keisha Howard, she “had the honor to present” seniors Jacob Picklesimer and Noah Campbell, each with a $750 scholarship. Both young men made a creative work of art by welding and using recycled materials.

Jacob Picklesimer is a Campbell County High School senior and created a flower (above), while Noah Campbell is a senior at Jellico High School and created a bird house (below).

The funds for the scholarships are provided by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). 

“Through the TDOT Litter Grant, we encourage students to recycle used material to make something useful and unique,” Howard said.

“I have had the opportunity to offer these awards through education dollars provided by the TDOT Litter Grant that I coordinate. These students are so talented and we’re glad to be able to offer these scholarships,” Howard said.

Each year she sends the scholarship information and applications out to the local welding instructors at the high schools, who pass them on to their students. 

“Both of these young men’s applications were heartfelt and true,” Howard said.

The awards are given directly to the students to use for books, supplies, and food etc.

“I had a student ask me if they could use the award money to purchase items to maintenance their vehicle. Absolutely you can. They were so relieved and thankful to know that they had a few dollars to repair their vehicle with which otherwise they wouldn’t have had the money for transportation to even get to school. School is hard and expensive enough for a child to worry about the thoughts of getting to school let alone money for lunch. I am so proud of these students for their hard work and dedication. I am eager to see what their future holds,” Howard said.

She also complimented local welding instructors for helping students succeed and continue their welding education.

“Both high school welding instructors Chris Ralson, CCHS, and Chad Seibers, JHS, show patience and continue to help students grow to be successful.”

This grant is an annual program that helps provide funding for students following a career path in welding. According to Howard, providing these grants locally is a joint effort.

“We all worked closely with TCAT Career Counselor Camilla Gambrel, CTE Career Coaches Lisa Bolton-Jellico and Josh Parker-Campbell. We want to encourage students to apply for this grant each year if they are applicable. The more opportunities we can provide our students to gain relevant experience and credential, the better they will be,” Howard said.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/20/2024-6AM-PAID AD)

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