Recent News
4/24/2013
ANNOUNCING
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Niswonger Foundation
School Success Symposium
Numerous breakout sessions designed for all K-12 educators who want to learn from regional colleagues about best practices in our area.
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Todd Whitaker, author of
What Great Teachers Do Differently
What Great Principals Do Differently
Dealing With Difficult Parents
Niswonger Performing Arts Center and
Greeneville High School
Get more information and register before
May 28, 2013 at
www.nflconline.com, Upcoming Events, School Success Symposium
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4/11/2013
NISWONGER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE NETCO SECONDARY COLLABORATIVE DAY
The NETCO Secondary Collaborative Day is scheduled for June 13th. We are excited to again meet with our colleagues in education and have a good day of sharing ideas. For more information and registration details please follow this link
https://www.nflconline.com/secondary2013.php
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3/13/2013
MUSIC MEETS SCIENCE!
Niswonger Foundation Supports Tenth Regional School Concert
More than 2000 students from Northeast Tennessee elementary schools were delighted by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's performance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on March 12. Sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation, this year's program marked the tenth anniversary of these concerts. While the major goal of the effort is to provide the opportunity for children to see an orchestral performance, this concert is specially designed as a teaching/learning experience. The Niswonger Foundation supports the belief that developing an appreciation for the arts is an important aspect of becoming an educated person.
The 2013 program combined science and music in an entertaining and educational format. Ken Mays, Deputy Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, thrilled the attendees with the "smoke and colors" of science experimentation, accompanied by the sounds of the symphony orchestra. The scientific concepts of how and where sound travels, the pitch, intonation, variations of sound were taught based on an examination of the steps in the scientific method. These concepts relate directly to the standards of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP).
The special guest performers for this concert were the Greeneville High School Advanced Choir. Accompanied by the orchestra, the voices of the choir members were used to demonstrate the scientific principles being taught. The Greeneville High School choir was let by Kathryn May. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra was under the direction of Maestro James Fellenbaum.
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3/12/2013
SAVE THE DATE
Be sure to mark your calendars for two important educational presentations.
NISWONGER FOUNDATION
SCHOOL SUCCESS SYMPOSIUM
JUNE 12, 2013
AT NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
NETCO
SECONDARY COLLABORATIVE
JUNE 13, 2013
Complete information regarding these two events will be posted at a later date.
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1/29/2013
SCHOLAR ALEX SMYTH SETS EXAMPLE AS VOLUNTEER
Alex is pictured with the Café founder, Brian Orchard, at a very successful recent fundraiser.
Niswonger Scholar Alex Smyth has been busy volunteering with the “One World, Everybody Eats” movement in our community. As a sophomore at East Tennessee State University, Alex became involved in the One Acre Café that will be opening in downtown Johnson City in the fall of 2013. The Café offers a “pay what you can” model, with suggested donations for those who can pay, pay it forward, and volunteer in exchange for a meal options. The Café chef will focus on healthy meals with items purchased from, or donated by, local farmers. The mission of One Acre Café is: “To nourish the body, replenish the spirit, and grow the community so that all might be fed.”
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1/16/2013
NISWONGER FOUNDATION SELECTS FIVE NEW SCHOLARS
Dustin Katie Matthew Raini Sam
The NISWONGER FOUNDATION, founded by Greeneville, Tennessee businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger, has selected five high school seniors to join the Niswonger Scholars program. Currently, there are 18 Niswonger Scholars, with the newly selected students for 2013 bringing the total to 23. The Foundation also has 44 alumni of the program.
The Niswonger Foundation’s guiding philosophy of “Learn, Earn and Return” is firmly embedded in the Niswonger Scholars program. The program takes the brightest young leaders in Northeast Tennessee, provides them the opportunity to attend the college or university that will best prepare them for their chosen career, and supplements that education with four years of leadership development activities. The plan is to see Niswonger Scholars come back to the region with not only strong earning potential, but an entrepreneurial spirit and overwhelming desire to return their talents and energy to this region. The goal is that at the end of their experience as Niswonger Scholars, they will embody the values most important to the mission of the Foundation: exceptional leadership ability, exemplary personal character, and a strong commitment to building community.
The five new Northeast Tennessee Scholars are Sam Brashears, Sullivan North High School; Matthew Grimm, Daniel Boone High School; Dustin Howser, Tennessee High School; Raini Rowenhorst, David Crockett High School; and Katie Shields, Pigeon Forge High School.
Samuel “Sam” Lucas Brashears, a student at Sullivan North High School, has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and is ranked first in his class. He has served as Vice President and President of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), placing 2nd in the HOSA Bowl Regional Competition and 5th at the 2012 State Convention. He is Senior Class Vice President. Sam has received the Sullivan North Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years, and has been recognized as “Top 5 Member” of the Tennessee Association of Student Councils’ “4-Star Student Council.” He has participated in varsity cross-country, track and basketball. He is the founding member of the Sullivan North Robotics Team. His plans are to attend Wake Forest University, major in Biology, and attend medical school. Sam is the son of Candra Brashears of Kingsport and Samuel Brashears of Whitesburg, Kentucky.
Matthew Johann Grimm is a student at Daniel Boone High School. He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Strongly focused on community service, Matthew has assisted Read Across America, Shoe Boxes for Soldiers, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, God’s Kitchen, and numerous projects through his church. He is a member of the Academic Team, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. He uses his musical talents in a worship team and runs sound systems for several community organizations. He is a Sunday School teacher and a student leader in his church’s youth ministry. His goal is to attend the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing or a science related field, and attend medical school. He is the son of Calvin and Elaine Grimm of Gray.
Dustin Cole Howser attends Tennessee High School. He is ranked first in his class and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He is Editor in Chief for the THS Yearbook, graduate of the Bristol Youth Leadership program, and is Student Technology Assistant for the Bristol Tennessee City School System. He is the Discus Awards Winner for Arts, and a National Society of High School Scholars member. Dustin has many musical interests to his credit including, session leader for nationally signed Phoenix Records recording artist, Brad Puckett, lead guitarist for local rock and blues group, Cadence, and guitarist with the Tennessee High Symphonic Jazz Band, and is a songwriter. He will be attending Vanderbilt University, majoring in mechanical engineering. He is the son of Tim and Darlene Howser of Bristol, Tennessee.
Raini Mae Rowenhorst is a student at David Crockett High School. She has served as Vice President and Reporter for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), receiving FFA honors including the Star Greenhand Award, Most Outstanding Member, and Best Leader. She was selected to participate in the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE). She has received awards as Outstanding English Student and Outstanding Mathematics Student. She serves as activities director for the DCHS Civinettes and is Secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Raini’s plans are to attend the University of Tennessee - Knoxville and major in psychology. She is the daughter of Corby and Diane Rowenhorst of Jonesborough.
Kaitlyn “Katie” Joy Shields attends Pigeon Forge High School, is ranked first in her class, and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. She is President of the Leo Club, National Honor Society Treasurer, Beta Club Vice President and FFA Reporter. She attended Governor’s School for Prospective Teachers at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. She lettered in basketball, softball and cross country. She serves as a volunteer with various organizations including, as a tutor for the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, and with her local soup kitchen. Katie plans to attend the University of Tennessee - Knoxville and pursue a degree in agricultural education. She is the daughter of Brigitte Shields of Pigeon Forge and William Shields of Sevierville.
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1/4/2013
NISWONGER SCHOLARS MEET FOR WINTER LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The Niswonger Foundation conducted its annual Winter Leadership Training for their Niswonger Scholars on December 21-22, 2012. The theme for this year’s training was “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There.” The first session was held on Friday the 21st in the fellowship hall at Cumberland Presbyterian Church. After the day’s session, the Scholars were invited to a holiday pajama party hosted by Foundation staff members, Dr. Nancy Dishner, Linda Irwin and Barbara Bates. The Scholars had a casual dinner and then played festive games, ending with a visit from Santa (Scott Niswonger). The second session was on Saturday the 22nd at General Morgan Inn. Among those making presentations at the second session were Scott M. Niswonger, founder and benefactor of the Niswonger Foundation, alumni Scholars – Jessica Verran-Lingard, Matt Bible, Patrick Brown, Ian Sams, Trey Reliford and Katie Baker.
The current Niswonger Scholars are (FRESHMEN): Gage Armstrong, Afton, University of Tennessee; Trey Dodson, Jefferson City, Vanderbilt University; Ivory Shelton, Erwin, Wake Forest University; Matthew Sheppard, Kingsport, Clemson University; Richard Vradenburgh, Mohawk, Tennessee Technological University; (SOPHOMORES) Jordan Frye, Piney Flats, University of Tennessee; Lillie Seal, Sneedville, Lincoln Memorial University; Alex Smyth, Mosheim, East Tennessee State University; Christopher Steadman, Blountville, University of Tennessee; Francisco Ochoa-Vargas, Johnson City, Vanderbilt University; (JUNIORS) Alex Croghan, Limestone, Lipscomb University; Yaying Wang, Greeneville, Emory University; Scott White, Johnson City, University of Tennessee; (SENIORS) Will Brummett, Jefferson City, Elon University; James Durham, Greeneville, University of Notre Dame; Johneshia Good, Johnson City, Milligan College; Elizabeth Jones, Johnson City, Clemson University; Jason Light, Blountville, University of Tennessee; Kayla Williams, Russellville, University of Tennessee.
Niswonger Scholars participate in two formal leadership training experiences each year. Scholars are chosen primarily for their leadership potential, commitment to personal excellence and to service in their home communities. Their scholarship provides the opportunity to attend the college or university of choice. In exchange, the Scholars commit to returning to serve in their home communities.
Established in 2001, the Niswonger Foundation was founded by Scott M. Niswonger, Greeneville businessman and philanthropist. The mission of the Foundation is: “To create opportunities for individual and community growth through education and other sustainable projects.” Information regarding the work of the Niswonger Foundation may be found at www.niswongerfoundation.org.
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11/5/2012
ANNOUNCING SCHOOL SUCCESS SYMPOSIUM AND NETCO COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONAL DAY DATES FOR 2013
Follow this link for more information.
SAVE THE DATES 2013.pdf
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9/19/2012
Expect More/Achieve More Coalition
The Niswonger Foundation is proud to be a charter member of the Expect More/Achieve More coalition.
This group, the Expect More/Achieve More coalition, seeks to build statewide and local awareness of Tennessee's ongoing effort to raise expectations in the classroom through the Common Core State Standards.
Visit the Expect More/Achieve More website at www.expectmoretn.org
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8/20/2012
ONLINE AND DISTANCE LEARNING
The Niswonger Foundation is leading the transition to Internet-based learning.
The Niswonger Foundation has partnered with 29 area high schools to offer more educational opportunities through online and distance learning education.
This summer about five percent of all students in the 29 high schools in the 1st Congressional District were enrolled in online classes.
The courses that the Niswonger Foundation creates are through the area high school programs. They find an educator that is leading the way in their classroom and work with that individual to bring their classroom experience to the Web platform. This can include video clips, text reading, recorded lectures and other means of learning.
Tennessee has not passed any legislation dictating online education. However, the Niswonger Foundation is leading the way through its online and distance learning education. The infusion of federal funds in 2010 jump started the program. The federal money was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to fund a new consortium of 15 Northeast Tennessee school systems. The Northeast Tennessee College and Career Ready Consortium serves the 29 area high schools and is under the Niswonger Foundation.
This “Investing in Innovation” i3 grant allowed the Foundation to add personnel, training and technology infrastructure.
The Foundation spent the previous years, under the direction of Linda Irwin, a vice president with the Foundation, really educating the schools about the opportunities offered through distance learning and online education as well as outfitting the school with the correct technology and bandwidth.
Every high school has at least one Distance Learning Lab, which includes cameras, multiple TV screens, two-way audio and document readers to create a virtual classroom experience. The schools also have eight laptops designated for distance learning to meet the need of the individual student.
Distance learning classes are taught in real time and allow students in remote classrooms to ask questions and interact with a teacher in the home classroom. Each classroom has a proctor to facilitate the learning experience.
Every online class allows the students to work through at their own pace but under the guidance of a facilitator who is available for questions, to offer the needed prodding if a student gets behind as well as any technological support.
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