{"id":77310,"date":"2026-05-27T14:33:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T18:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/?p=77310"},"modified":"2026-06-02T13:02:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T17:02:28","slug":"middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle School to Mocs scholars connects Hamilton County Students to future at UTC"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_77320\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" ><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"660\" data-attachment-id=\"77320\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/kimele-carter-and-bgcgcha-student-brianna-mitchell\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?fit=1280%2C960&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,960\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"Kimele Carter and BGCGCHA student Brianna Mitchell\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?fit=880%2C660&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-77320 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=880%2C660&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Two women smile for a photo at a banquet table during a Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Chattanooga event surrounded by other attendees.\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=580%2C435&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Kimele-Carter-and-BGCGCHA-student-Brianna-Mitchell.jpeg?resize=610%2C458&amp;ssl=1 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kimele Carter and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Chattanooga student Brianna Mitchell (photo courtesy of Joni Martin)<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 2026 edition of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga\u2019s Middle School to Mocs Scholars initiative took place May 15 through May 19, with staff and faculty attending eighth-grade Hamilton County Schools promotion ceremonies to celebrate students and share the University\u2019s message.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The program, a joint initiative between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, is meant to help students picture college as part of their future. As part of that effort, every eighth-grade student received a certificate welcoming them to UTC, pending high school graduation and fulfillment of admission requirements for the fall 2030 semester.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The program, sponsored by the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, began in 2023.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">About two dozen University representatives joined Middle School to Mocs Scholars events, connecting with the eighth-graders being promoted to high school. Here are some of their reflections.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Janice Cosey, UTC Bursar<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Last night (Monday, May 18), we celebrated the Class of 2026 at Howard Connect Academy Legacy Night. We recognized a truly special group of students, families, teachers, and mentors who have helped shape the final graduating class of Howard Connect Academy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Middle School to Mocs Scholars journey has never been defined simply by buildings or programs, but by the relationships, encouragement, and community that made every student feel seen, supported, and capable of success. A legacy is not measured by how long something lasts, but by the impact it leaves on the people who carry it forward.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Class of 2026 represents that impact in the strongest way\u2014through resilience, connection, leadership, and the lasting bonds formed along the way. As we gathered in the Howard High School Auditorium, we celebrated not an ending, but a legacy that will continue through every student whose life has been changed by Howard Connect Academy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a presenter for the past four years and it has been an honor to represent the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_77319\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" ><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"662\" data-attachment-id=\"77319\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/janice-cosey-at-howard-connect-academy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?fit=1280%2C963&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,963\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"Janice Cosey at Howard Connect Academy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?fit=880%2C662&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-77319 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=880%2C662&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A student speaks at a podium on a school auditorium stage during a Howard Connect Academy event while staff and guests sit behind them. Two projection screens display live captioning.\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=1024%2C770&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=768%2C578&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=800%2C602&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=580%2C436&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Janice-Cosey-at-Howard-Connect-Academy-.png?resize=610%2C459&amp;ssl=1 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Janice Cosey speaks at Howard Connect Academy.<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Deborah Barr, administrative specialist, Department of Mathematics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you for allowing (my son) Michael and me the opportunity to speak to his middle school alumni on Monday, May 18. It was truly a special experience for both of us.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Michael served as Presenter 1, and I was so proud to watch him engage both the students and parents with confidence and maturity. Several of his former teachers shared how impressed they were with the young man he has become. In fact, five teachers asked if they could attend his graduation in December, which meant so much to me.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">We shared with the panel that we will be attending next year.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank\u00a0you again to the Division of Access and Engagement for creating opportunities like this that not only inspire students but also strengthen the bond between mother and son. It was a memory we will always cherish.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>UTC&#8217;s Division of Access and Engagement joined the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Greater Chattanooga&#8217;s Stake &#8216;N Burger event at Erlanger Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was definitely a night to remember as the Club Kids were honored throughout this very special event.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_77318\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" ><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"660\" data-attachment-id=\"77318\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/dr-michael-williams-and-terrence-banks\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?fit=1280%2C960&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,960\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"Dr Michael Williams and Terrence Banks\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?fit=880%2C660&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-77318 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=880%2C660&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Two men smile for a photo while seated at a banquet table during a Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Chattanooga event. Event signage and attendees are visible in the background.\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=580%2C435&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-Terrence-Banks.jpeg?resize=610%2C458&amp;ssl=1 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Michael Williams and Terrence Banks<\/p><\/div>\n<h4 style=\"font-weight: 400\">Learn more<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utc.edu\/enrollment-management-and-student-affairs\/admissions\/visit\">Visit UTC<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utc.edu\/apply\">How to apply<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-weight: 400\">Photo gallery courtesy of Joni Martin<\/h4>\n<div class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular tiled-gallery-unresized\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:9,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/blog.utc.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\\\/&quot;,&quot;likes_blog_id&quot;:202990556}' itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageGallery\" > <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 279px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"279\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 210px; height: 279px;\" data-original-width=\"210\" data-original-height=\"279\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/stephanie-blaine\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"206\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"275\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"77322\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"960,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"Stephanie Blaine\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?fit=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?w=206&#038;h=275&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?resize=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?resize=580%2C773&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Stephanie-Blaine.jpeg?resize=610%2C813&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"206\" height=\"275\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"206\" data-original-height=\"275\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"Stephanie Blaine\" alt=\"Two women wearing blue UTC stoles smile for a photo in front of a blue curtain and graduation-themed decorations, including black, gold and white balloons reading \u201cCongrats Grad Well Done!\u201d\" style=\"width: 206px; height: 275px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 159px; height: 279px;\" data-original-width=\"159\" data-original-height=\"279\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/marcus-williams-and-rosite-delgado-east-lake-academy\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"155\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"275\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"77321\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"720,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"Marcus Williams and Rosite Delgado &amp;#8211; East Lake Academy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?fit=576%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?w=155&#038;h=275&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?resize=576%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 576w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?resize=580%2C1031&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Marcus-Williams-and-Rosite-Delgado-East-Lake-Academy.jpeg?resize=610%2C1084&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"155\" height=\"275\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"155\" data-original-height=\"275\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"Marcus Williams and Rosite Delgado - East Lake Academy\" alt=\"Two presenters stand at a podium in a school gymnasium during an East Lake Academy event, with one speaking into a microphone and a balloon arch displayed behind them.\" style=\"width: 155px; height: 275px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 301px; height: 279px;\" data-original-width=\"301\" data-original-height=\"279\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/dr-michael-williams-and-bgcgcha-student\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"297\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"275\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"77317\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png\" data-orig-size=\"612,566\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"Dr Michael Williams and BGCGCHA student\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?fit=612%2C566&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?w=297&#038;h=275&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?w=612&amp;ssl=1 612w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?resize=580%2C536&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Dr-Michael-Williams-and-BGCGCHA-student.png?resize=610%2C564&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"297\" height=\"275\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"297\" data-original-height=\"275\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"Dr Michael Williams and BGCGCHA student\" alt=\"A man wearing a black shirt with a colorful patterned design speaks with a student during a Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Chattanooga event inside a banquet space.\" style=\"width: 297px; height: 275px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 210px; height: 279px;\" data-original-width=\"210\" data-original-height=\"279\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/middle-school-to-mocs-scholars-connects-hamilton-county-students-to-future-at-utc\/deborah-barr-and-son-michael-at-brown-middle-school\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"206\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"275\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"77316\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"960,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"Deborah Barr and son Michael at Brown Middle School\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?w=206&#038;h=275&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?resize=580%2C773&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/05\/Deborah-Barr-and-son-Michael-at-Brown-Middle-School.jpg?resize=610%2C813&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"206\" height=\"275\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"206\" data-original-height=\"275\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"Deborah Barr and son Michael at Brown Middle School\" alt=\"A woman stands at a podium smiling and clapping while a young man wearing a UTC stole applauds beside her during a school ceremony. 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