STCA

Fall Report

The 2007-2008 year for STCA was great.  We had many opportunities to meet together and fellowship with one another and learn from one another.  Our meetings were held in various locations to accommodate as many members as possible.  The September 10, 2007 meeting was held at the Tennessee Technology Center in Shelbyville.  Our speaker that night was Raymond Pryor.  He did an excellent presentation on Internet safety and Cyber-bullying.  Our delicious meal that night was sponsored by The Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) and Ivan Jones did a brief overview on some of the programs available at TTC, such as the ASCEND program, the new Patient Care program and articulation credit.  The October 22, 2007 meeting was held in Tullahoma at Crockett’s.  The meal was sponsored by EdFinancial and Lana Craig from EdFinancial updated those present about the services offered through EdAmerica such as testing and financial aid for students.  Our speaker for the meeting was Christina Knepper from Centerstone.  Mrs. Knepper informed us about the services that Centerstone offers in the school systems as Prevention Specialists that include Meth Awareness and, child abuse and other childhood issues.  Our February 25, 2008 meeting was held at the Don Sundquist Center in Fayetteville.  The meal was sponsored by Frank Holmes and Educational Services Specialist with ASVAB.  Mr. Holmes was also the guest speaker for our meeting.  He explained the Career Exploration Program which was designed to help students learn more about the world of work.  It helps students identify and explore occupations and develop an effective strategy to realize their goals.  He also gave all in attendance sports bottles, canvas bags and umbrellas.  Our last meeting for the 2007-2008 year was held at TTC in McMinnville. The TTC also sponsored the meal.

To notify members and prospective members of the meetings for the 2007-2008 year a newsletter was sent (via email or mail) to those who were members and to all of the schools in our STCA counties.  Also this information was posted on the TCA listserv.  Door prizes were also awarded at the close of each meeting.

We have begun a great 2008-2009 year with STCA.  Our new president, Kay Elam has scheduled great speakers and sponsors for or meetings.  Her focus is on attendance and encouraging new members to join.  She has terrific door prizes for each meeting and even has a set in place a chance to win a big door prize at the last meeting for 2009. 

Our first meeting for September 22, 2008 was held at Crockett’s in Tullahoma.  STCA sponsored a portion of the meal for all in attendance.  The guest speaker was Sharon Johnson with Contact Lifeline.  Mrs. Johnson gave a wealth of information about her organization and the services that they provide for the community.  Counselors can use Contact Lifeline and its affiliates for referral services for families in need.   Our next meeting was held at Harris Middle School in Shelbyville.  Our meal was provided by Andy Linton an Army recruiter who did a brief overview of the services available for students that enlist.  We also heard an excellent presentation on gangs from Corey Ewing the SRO for Central High School.  He gave information about behaviors, graffiti and other signs that indicate gang involvement.  

We have two more exciting meetings to look forward to.  We will meet in February and April.

Respectfully submitted by,

Tracy Watson