.jpg)
Wlaf1450Time was spent with students and staff at the Campbell County Christian Academy
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Donnie Poston, Director at Campbell County Christian Academy, welcomed everyone to a special visit by the Governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee and first lady Maria. Poston stirred laughter from the crowd as he shared the story of the governor’s visit to the fictional town of Mayberry back in the days of the Andy Griffith Show.
The governor began his remarks sharing his thoughts about the Academy. “We’ve known about this school, and it’s a very special place. We heard about the unique children here, and we decided to come see it. And I’m sure glad we did. I hope the students know that this is a very special school. I know the adults here do,” said Governor Lee.
HERE is the photo gallery from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson.
“When I look at all the adults in here, the people that have supported, have founded, reopened, are educating and are pouring their lives out for these kids, thank you.”
“As Maria and I traveled the state in that big RV first campaigning eight years ago, we talked that we should never forget that the people behind the mailboxes (homes, farms, trailers) are who we work for and the things that matter to them is what we oughta be focused on,” said the two-term governor.
“When raising out children, I knew best what our kids ought to be learning and how they ought to learn. We home schooled, public schooled and private schooled at different seasons. I believe parents know best for their children. Empowering parents is a subject, and after an emotional pause, that was born in my heart a long time ago, before ever becoming governor,” said Lee.
“It’s part of what we worked on to strengthen our education system in general. The general assembly and our offices have historically funded our public school systems across the state with record funding and focus. But we also worked very hard on something I think is very important, and that was to empower parents to have greater options and flexibilities and education freedom scholarships,” said the governor.
“I know this school, Campbell County Christian Academy, has taken advantage of that (scholarship) program. And what I know is that there are kids in this school that might not have been in this school otherwise.”
The governor and first lady have visited 85 counties across Tennessee the last few months and will continue for the next few weeks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The first couple will complete their trek of the final 10 counties before July 4th.
“Thank you very much for turning out and giving Marie and I an opportunity to celebrate America at her finest in Campbell County and 250 years of American greatness. Thank you,” said Governor Bill Lee. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/13/2026-6AM)