Hamilton County Schools Student Ambassadors Benjamin Rodriguez Cruz (left), Malik Bailey, Bao Hoang, Sindi Gonzalez Larios, Heaven Adkins, Jasmine Moore, Kimora Reid and Jaylin Jordan. Photo by Olivia Allen/Hamilton County Schools.
Local high school students came to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus on Wednesday, May 22, to share research on topics such as vaping, disruptive incidents and rule violations that take place at their schools.
Facilitated by UTC’s GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program, Hamilton County Schools (HCS) Student Ambassador members presented to local principals and district leaders in the University Center Chickamauga Room.
Throughout the spring semester, the Student Ambassadors met with a collection of HCS teachers and central office staff to study and analyze district data, policies and outcomes.
Dr. Hunter Huckabay, UTC program director for GEAR UP, said this event will hopefully influence positive changes in HCS high schools.
“The goal is to talk to the leaders in the Hamilton County School system—such as principals and central office staff—about their findings and recommendations and hopefully trigger some movement and examination by the district leaders,” Huckabay said.
Hosting these events, he said, will show potential UTC students that they are welcome on campus.
“The Division of Access and Engagement, which GEAR UP is a part of, has been very supportive of us,” Huckabay said. “The division is very interested in students and having access to UTC.”
The event also creates an opportunity for community engagement with HCS faculty and staff.
“A key factor is the welcoming of the teachers and the central office employees and strengthening that partnership,” he said.
Student presenters included:
- Benjamin Rodriguez Cruz, STEM School Chattanooga, introduction
- Malik Bailey, Tyner Academy, vaping
- Bao Hoang, East Ridge High School, disruptive incidents
- Sindi Gonzalez Larios, The Howard School, inciting a disturbance
- Heaven Adkins, Hixson High School, rule violation
- Jasmine Moore, Sequoyah High School, Q&A
- Kimora Reid, East Ridge High School, Q&A
- Jaylin Jordan, The Howard School, Q&A
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Photo gallery by Olivia Allen/Hamilton County Schools
