The West High School Foundation wants to make sure each of the school’s students has a path to success.
Last Friday, West principal Ashley Jessie was joined by students and foundation supporters as she cut the ribbon on the West Walk of Pride. Donors purchased the bricks for the new path at the Sutherland Avenue entrance to the school, and their names are inscribed on them. Donations benefited the foundation, specifically the foundation’s One-to-One program, which provides Chromebooks for every student.
Indya Kincannon, president of the West High School Foundation, says that West is the only school in the county to have raised enough funds privately to provide each student with a Chromebook. Knox County Schools provides a staff person to support the technology.
“We are lucky to have so many generous people and organizations that support the students of West High School,” Kincannon says. “The West Walk of Pride is a tangible manifestation of this tremendous support.”
A donation drive began at the beginning of the school year and wrapped up around Christmas. Jonathan Wimmer headed up the donations, and the landscape and construction company Earthadelic, owned by West alum Dale Madden, created the walkway.
A number of bricks were intentionally left blank so that parents, alums and community members can continue to contribute. Kincannon says that future brick sales will maintain the Chromebooks and will also be used for other school needs. Bricks start at $250 for a 4-by-8-inch brick and go up to $5,000 for a 12-by-12-inch brick. Custom logos can also be added for a fee.
Kincannon says, “On behalf of the West High School Foundation, thank you to everyone who has bought a brick. And feel free to order more!”
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