Social media was buzzing with questions last Wednesday when Morgan Wallen, country music singer and songwriter, made an unannounced visit to Gibbs High School.
“Does anyone know what’s going on at the high school right now?” asked one follower.
“I heard it was an illegally sanctioned rave with mullets and molly everywhere,” joked another.
“It’s the cannon!” guessed one.
In reality, the 2011 Gibbs grad Morgan Wallen’s surprise performance was not only his gift to the school community but he followed it with a $35,000 donation to the school’s band and choral department.
Wallen spoke specifically to the senior class at the end of the school day, encouraging them to attend the free concert as his gift back to his school family.
UT visits the Dale
Nico Lamaleava and Kirby Connell were just two of the almost twenty VOLunteers who came to spend time with the physical education classes at Lonsdale Elementary and PE teacher Julie Lowe.
She said it was fun to watch football players playing ultimate frisbee with a rubber chicken. She is thankful for the partnership with UT and the bond the athletes are consistently building with the students that she calls “so special and powerful.”
Dogwood Arts donates art kits for kids
The Dogwood Arts Council donated Art Kits to students at Belle Morris Elementary!
Over the next few weeks, over 7,000 fifth-graders across the district will receive a bag from the Art Kits for Kids program.
The kits include an assortment of supplies that can include crayons, colored pencils, markers, modeling clay, coloring pages, construction paper, scissors, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue, pens, notepads, and more.
Special friend shines as Rafiki
Maddie Weigel rocked Rafiki in the presentation of Disney’s Lion King Jr. by Gibbs Middle School Chorus and Musical Theater last week!
Susan Espiritu is the ultimate optimist who wants to share amusing, uplifting, optimistic and entertaining stories from your neighbors and youth! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com