Students pay tribute to Bertha Hatmaker and Lacey Housley

‘Such a sweet and beautiful gesture by the CTE students for Bertha and Lacey’- Clarence Lowe

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- The memory of Bertha Hatmaker and Lacey Housley lives on thanks to the student body, faculty and staff of Jacksboro Middle School, spearheaded by one class. On Friday, Mrs. Brooke Goins’, Bertha’s daughter, Career Technical Education (CTE) Class at JMS presented members of the Campbell County Cancer Association with a donation. The money was raised from the sales of their project, a creation of students in Goins class.

Goins classroom has 31 different modules that help students learn about various career paths. One of the most popular modules is culinary arts, and students have created drinks of different flavors. Students are responsible for creating, pricing, and deciding on different drink choices. When it was discussed how to give back to our community, students quickly decided on selling floats, just ice cream with soda, but students love it, according to Goins.

“I am very open to students, and most of them know that I lost my mom to cancer last June, the same month we lost Lacey. Students quickly jumped to giving to cancer patients, so we discussed the Campbell County Cancer Association (CCCA),” said Goins.

Students called the association office and asked varying questions about what they do there and how they help. “This money will be used to provide gas vouchers, Ensure, and some medications to cancer patients in Campbell County,” said Sharon Ridenour, Chairman of the CCCA.

“Our Marketing and Design module quickly came up with a name for the drink name, Hope Floats, and started designing flyers to advertise their product. Our culinary team came up with the two flavors for the event and quickly made their grocery lists. Our video production team filmed its first episode of Eagle Eye Productions to advertise the drink,” said Goins.

On April 14 and 16, students sold their Hope Floats at break to their fellow students and sold out. On Friday, Lowe and Ridenour with the CCCA stopped by JMS to meet the students and receive the $582 donation they so creatively generated.

“It was a student planned and led project. They are to be commended for an outstanding job. Many thanks on behalf of the Campbell County Cancer Association and patients served to the students and Mrs. Goins. Way to go Eagles!!,” said Lowe, CCCA Treasurer.

“I could not be more proud of all of them for stepping up and taking part in giving back to our community. We are very blessed with the best at Jacksboro Middle School, our leadership is unmatched and we are thankful for the support they gave us during this project!,” said Goins. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-4/21/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)