This past week was key with important events.  Our Campaign Kick-Off at Ruby Tuesday last Tuesday was a success.  I appreciate educators from the 7th district schools coming out in support.  Thursday was a neighborhood Meet and Greet at the home of Bob and Sue Tobey.  

Some community events that Tommy and I attended this week included the PHS girls game against Maryville on Friday night; the Halls versus Bearden boys game on Saturday; and the Powell Junior Pro Awards Ceremony on Sunday at PHS.  In addition I canvassed Trotter's Gait Subdivision.

This week has even more in store! Tuesday night Tommy and I will be attending the Teacher of the Year Awards at the Crown Plaza.  I am honored to represent Brickey-McCloud this year.  However, PHS and HHS play for the regional semi finals the same night which I would normally never want to miss.  I am so proud of both teams for advancing!

Thursday we host a Meet and Greet for all of District 7 at Beaver Brook Country Club from 6-8.  We hope you will attend.  There will be a raffle for an autographed Butch Jones football.  Don't forget to sign up for our golf tournament March 14! 
Have a good week!

Every week is a busy week when seeking public office but this week was especially busy. I attended the school board meeting on Wednesday evening.  Following that, I had the honor of attending the funeral of former 7th district school board member Diane Dozier, who served from 1998-2006.  Diane helped improve the facilities at Halls Elementary and Powell Middle School. She was very instrumental in providing the current Brickey-McCloud building. Everyday I am fortunate to observe first hand the benefits this brought to the Brickey community.

Friday, Tommy and I attended the Halls Crossroads Women's League Chili Chow Down.  It was a great opportunity to bring the Halls community together during these winter months. While there, I saw Fred Russell, the  former administrator at Powell Elementary, and his wife. Mr. Russell hired me in 1990 to teach first grade. I taught under his leadership for 13 years. After the dinner Tommy and I attended the Powell High School basketball game.  It was great to be there to celebrate Coach Ogan's last home game.  Both of our sons, Jordan and Joseph, played for Coach O.  We appreciate the impact he had on both their lives.

Tuesday evening, the turn out was great for Dr. McIntyre's 3rd State of the System speech at Hardin Valley Academy.  It is really encouraging to see the level of interest the community has in our schools.

District 7 schools are some of the best schools in Knox County. The staffs, parents, and students work really hard and have really high standards. Recently, Us Cellular had a nationwide contest called "Calling All Communities." I believe it is phenomenal that two schools out of twenty winners across the US are from right here in District 7. Both Brickey-McCloud and Powell Elementary received the $25,000 award.  I am proud to have taught at Powell Elementary and to currently teach at Brickey-McCloud. One of the things that makes District 7 so great is that it is a district that strongly supports our schools. I look forward to being a bigger part of that as your next school board representative.  
(To see a brief 2 1/2 minute video of US Cellular announcing the winners click here.)

I spent this weekend going door to door visiting with the voters of District 7. I explained how the school board race impacts the entire community--not just the families of current students.  We want developers and builders to invest in our district.  We want people that are relocating to Knoxville to want to live in Halls and Powell because of our excellent schools.

This week I will be attending the school board meeting on Wednesday night.

On Friday night, I will be attending the Halls Crossroads Women's League Chili Supper Fundraiser followed by the Powell High School basketball game. Come out and see me!