By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
On Monday, November 2, Emerald Academy was awarded $20,000 for its 3rd-grade reading achievement (59.6% ELA proficient).
Dr. Tanna Nicely, Carson-Newman University Director of Leadership and former principal of South Knoxville Elementary, kicked off the event. In the room were the 4th graders who took the reading proficiency test last year, along with their teachers, school staff and various community members.
Nicely told the students, “You have a lot to be proud of today; reading will unlock doors. Excellence is not an accident.” She told the students her school had won the same award and presented the $20,000 check alongside Emerald Charter Schools President Steve Diggs, school director Carlissa Weeks and David Coffey, philanthropist, businessman and former Tennessee legislator.
Coffey, a strong advocate for literacy, said he had reviewed the data and the impact this success will have on students in the years to come. Coffey told The Knoxville Focus that he set this award in a trust specifically for this purpose and has awarded it for three years, and next year he “plans to do something bigger.” He spoke on how he and his late wife, Patricia, formed this seed of a dream while he was in the legislature over 30 years ago.
Director Weeks explained to the students how they had the highest results on the ELA exams. She also announced that the kids would go on a special field trip next week to a bookstore to pick out any book they wanted and enjoy Chick-fil-A lunches at the park. The students cheered with excitement.
President Diggs told the students, “Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish this year as well. This is a great school, with great results. Someone outside this organization recognized your hard work. Mr. Coffey said, ‘We see you, and we see what you’re doing.’” Diggs thanked Mr. Coffey for the surprise recognition and for his generosity.
The students left the room excited about their new award, hugging and thanking their 2nd and 3rd grade teachers, who had been instrumental in helping them to achieve this success. The genuine joy and pride were evident on the students’ faces.
The celebration was more than just a test score or a financial award; it was also a meaningful recognition of the growth, perseverance and teamwork that flourished throughout the school year.
