Prior to the induction, the group engaged in team building exercises and listened to words of wisdom on life, college and career from their elders that included Walter Winchester, Mayor of McKenzie, Tennessee, Judy Vestal of the Workforce Investment Area Office and Jenny Pearson of the Carroll County Juvenile Court.
Ms. Williams, Director of the TEAMS Institute, an afterschool program that offers educational and life-skill building activities for student scholars, provided an overview of the club and applauded the hard work of the group to design an organization “for youth and by youth”. She state, “The group decided to design a club open to all youth who are interested in college preparation, career training, community service, business leadership, real estate development and social networking.”
Mayor Winchester discussed career opportunities with the government in general while putting special emphasis on working for McKenzie or Carroll County. Ms. Vestal shared job training and career readiness services available through her agency. Ms. Pearson summed up the intent of all the speakers when she stated, “We are available as a listening ear and a resource of information to enable you to create a successful life as well as to help you solve personal and family concerns.”
The duly elected officers were presented to the elders and their peers. The officers included Co-Presidents Katie Lopez and Noreli Mirna Mendez, Vice President Breonna Oglesby, Secretary/Treasurer Breonna Buckley, and Recorder Jessica Quinn. After each officer lit a candle they were reminded that light represents the collective wisdom and true fellowship of the organization and the commitment to welcome with warmth all interested participants. Mayor Winchester then led the group in reciting the oath of office.
Open to children in grades one through twelve, student scholars who attend the TEAMS Institute participate in classes concerning Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Medicine and Science (TEAMS).
Children attending the Institute have learned valuable life skills that help them in all aspects of their lives. They gain the confidence they need to excel socially and academically. The children who attend the Institute are performing better in the classroom and are learning how to give back to their community.
Funding for the Institute is provided by the State of Tennessee’s 21st Century Learning Center, a group that awards grants to organizations that provide academic enrichment activities designed to help students meet state and local standards. The TEAMS Institute was recently awarded a three-year grant from the 21st Century Learning Center to continue providing life-changing opportunities for the youth of Carroll County.
