DCHS Senior On Track to Earn A College Degree Before Her High School Diploma

April 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Almost every year at least one senior at DCHS completes the credits necessary to earn an associate’s degree from Motlow State Community College just as he or she is finishing up high school studies in preparation for graduation.

Such is the case this year for Keri Winchester, member of the DCHS Class of 2021 who has been working for the last two years toward an Associates of Science degree from Motlow State Community College. Normally Winchester would be walking the line in a Motlow commencement ceremony but this year’s event will be virtual on May 9, five days before her high school graduation on May 14.

In fact, Winchester herself has been a remote learning student this year as she told WJLE Monday.

“Since a lot of my college classes count for high school classes I just chose to stay remote this year. I have been able to see my friends outside of school but its been a little weird not being able to be in school sitting there with them,” said Winchester.

Through Motlow College’s dual enrollment program, high school students like Winchester can earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. Students can take classes on a Motlow College campus, online, or even at a partner high school like DCHS.

After she earns her Associates degree, Winchester will further her education at Tennessee Tech where she plans to obtain a degree in nursing.

During her high school years, Winchester has participated in such organizations as HOSA, BETA, FBLA, and Science Clubs along with the Climate Crew. She has also been a member of the DCHS ACT 21+ club.

Winchester is the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Winchester.

April 20, 2021
By:

Long-time member Walteen Parker has again been elected to serve a 7th term as Chairman of the DeKalb County Election Commission

Parker, who has served on the commission for nearly 30 years, was unanimously re-elected during Monday night’s reorganizational meeting.

Kim Luton, who was just appointed to the commission earlier this year, was unanimously elected the secretary.

Parker thanked the commission for her appointment and reminded the five-member board of its’ duties while referencing the “Mission Statement” on the election commission website,
“Our duties are specific and focused on protecting and preserving the fidelity of the election process and procedures,” she said.

The commission also unanimously reappointed Dennis Stanley as Administrator.

Parker pointed out that during his 12-year tenure Stanley has attended and led many professional development/training seminars and workshops and has periodically served on the Legislative Committee for several years. In 2011 Stanley conducted a presentation at the annual training session for administrators that remains on the state’s Administrator’s Training Site.

“He has successfully, efficiently, and professionally maintained the DeKalb County Election Office,” Parker said. “He is well respected by our state officials and election offices throughout the state. Needless to say, he is also admired and respected by our citizens and our election offices of DeKalb County.”

County election members are appointed every two years by the Tennessee Election Commission. Following each appointment, commissions reorganize by electing a chairman and secretary. The chairman represents the majority party and the secretary represents the minority party. Local election commissions are composed of three Republicans and two Democrats.

In addition to Parker and Luton, the DeKalb County Election Commission is made up of Barbara Vanatta, Jim Dean, and Yvette Tubbs Carver.

April 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Beautiful ladies from across Tennessee including one from DeKalb County competed in the annual Ms. Tennessee Senior America pageant held Saturday , April 17 at the historic Palace Theatre in Crossville.

Susan Hinton of Smithville, the first ever contestant from DeKalb County in the pageant, captured the “People’s Choice Award “ and received a crown, flowers, and sash along with $100. She represented the DeKalb County Fair, Grandpa Fair of the South, in the contest.

Hinton was among sixteen contestants vying for the crown. The 2021 Ms. Tennessee Senior America is Regina Elliott of Knoxville. Elliott succeeds the retiring Ms Tennessee Senior America Susan England of Sparta.

The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.

Contestants must be at least 60 years of age and a Tennessee resident. Prior entrance in other pageants is not required.

Judging is based on interview, philosophy of life, talent presentation and evening gown appearance.

“My philosophy of life platform was about literacy education and that you are never too old to learn because it is not where you start but where you finish that counts,” said Hinton, a longtime educator.

Hinton’s talent presentation was a classical piano performance.

The Ms Tennessee Senior America pageant serves as the preliminary to the Ms Senior America Pageant.